Page 2766 - Politics
Governor Malik's remark stirs hornet's nest in NC
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik's remark about the future mayor of Srinagar municipal corporation on Tuesday stirred up the hornet's nest in the regional National Conference (NC).
Gujarat local bodies bypolls: BJP wins 24 seats, Congress 19
The ruling BJP in Gujarat has won 24 seats in the bypolls held for 46 seats across various municipalities and panchayats while the Congress pocketed 19 seats, as per the results declared Tuesday. The byelections, held across various municipalities and district as well as taluka panchayats on October 7, were necessitated after these seats fell vacant due to various reasons like death or resignations of incumbent representatives. The byelections were conducted for 11 seats in eight municipalities, for two seats in Mehsana and Kheda district panchayats and 33 seats in as many taluka panchayats. Of the total 11 seats, the BJP won five seats, the Congress three while the rest three went to Independent candidates, as per a release issued by the State Election Commission (SEC). The 11 seats are spread across Unjha, Himmatnagar, Viramgam, Vyara, Dabhoi, Modasa, Bharuch and Jambusar municipalities. Both the Mehsana and Kheda district panchayat seats were won by Congress ...
What steps have been taken to improve conditions of hospitals, HC asks UP govt
The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday directed chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh to file a report by October 30 stating steps taken to improve conditions of government hospitals and medical facilities in the state as per its earlier direction. The bench comprising Chief Justice DB Bhosale and Justice Yashwant Varma passed the order on a Public Interest Litigation filed by Sneh Lata Singh and several others alleging pathetic condition in government hospitals in the state. Earlier, another bench of the High Court had passed several directions to improve conditions of government hospitals. The court had directed the authorities to fill up vacancies of medical, para medical and other attending staff in government hospitals in the state. The court had also directed for audit of state medical colleges through Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). It had directed the Director General, Vigilance, UP to constitute special teams to find out medical officers of state government, who are ..
Malaysian PM campaigns for successor and former foe Anwar
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is campaigning for his designated successor and former foe Anwar Ibrahim, urging voters to support his return to active politics. Mahathir's appearance at a late night political rally Monday marked the first time in two decades that the two shared the same stage, after setting aside a bitter political feud to form an alliance that won a stunning victory in national elections in May. Mahathir, 93, was elected a second time to the premiership, becoming the world's oldest elected leader in Malaysia's first transition of power between parties since independence from Britain in 1957. Anwar couldn't participate in the polls due to a 2015 conviction for sodomy that he says was politically motivated, but he was freed and pardoned by King Muhammad V days after the general election. Anwar was once a high-flying member of the former ruling coalition but was convicted of sodomy and corruption after a power struggle in 1998 with Mahathir, who was prime ...
Sukhbir needs to 'introspect' in party's interest: Dhindsa
Senior Akali leader and Rajya Sabha member Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said Tuesday it was necessary for SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal to "introspect" in the larger interest of the party. Dhindsa had resigned last month as the SAD secretary general and from the party's core committee, citing health reasons. "Time has come for introspection for party president Sukhbir Singh Badal as it is utmost necessary in the larger interest of party," he told media here. He paid obeisance at Golden Temple here. It was his first visit to Amritsar, ever sincehe resigned from all party posts, and after skipping the party's rally in Patiala on Sunday. He said Sukhbir should shun "hegemony" and sit with his own partymen to hold talks with them "heart-to-heart". He said the party also needs to take some vital decision as far as Sikh religious affairs are concerned. On the incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib in the past, he said the party did what it could, but nobody was aware of the future
Govt 'unhappy' with CBI Director meeting Arun Shourie, Prashant Bhushan
The government is understood to be unhappy with CBI Director Alok Verma meeting former Union minister Arun Shourie and lawyer Prashant Bhushan who demanded a probe into the alleged corruption in the Rafale aircraft deal, with a senior government functionary saying it is "rare" for the agency chief to meet politicians. Last week, Shourie and Bhushan had met the CBI Director, submitted documents and demanded a probe into alleged corruption in the Rafale aircraft deal and offset contract. "This was perhaps for the first time that politicians have met the CBI Director in his office. Such a meeting is rare," the functionary said, indicating that the government has not taken the meeting kindly. Buttressing his point, the functionary claimed, in normal circumstances, when a politician seeks appointment with the CBI chief, he or she is advised to submit complaints or any other documents at the reception of the agency headquarters. The functionary, without elaborating, also said some ...
China hints at discussion on US sanctions on countries buying Russian weapons at SCO
China on Tuesday hinted that the leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) may discuss the issue of sanctions threat by the US on countries buying Russian weapons, when they meet in Tajikistan on Thursday. The Donald Trump administration has late last month imposed sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) on China for purchasing S-400 missile defence system and SU-35 fighters from Russia. The US administration is required, under CAATSA, to impose sanctions on any country that has "significant transactions" with Iran, North Korea or Russia. The Act primarily deals with sanctions on Russian interests such as its oil and gas industry, defence and security sector, and financial institutions, in the backdrop of its military intervention in Ukraine and its alleged meddling in the 2016 US Presidential elections. Nothwithstanding the US pressure of sanctions, India on Friday last signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy the S-400 ...
BJP demands Thakor's expulsion from Cong for targeting migrants in Gujarat
The BJP Tuesday accused the Congress of instigating violence against migrants in Gujarat and demanded its president Rahul Gandhi expel his party's leader Alpesh Thakor for his "venomous" speeches to incite locals in attacking outsiders. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that out of the over 300 persons arrested by the Gujarat Police for allegedly targeting migrants more than 30 were Congress workers. He alleged that the opposition party is conspiring to "burn" the country for political gains ahead of elections. Thakor is acting at the behest of Gandhi in fomenting violence against people from states like Bihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader alleged. When asked why the Congress MLA was not being arrested if he was behind the incidents of violence, Patra said legal opinion is being taken and it may happen. This should not be seen as political vendetta, the BJP spokesperson said. "If Rahul Gandhi is really concerned about Bihar, Gujarat... Then we demand that he, the ...
Cong demands probe into sexual harassment allegations against M J Akbar; Govt mum
The Congress Tuesday demanded a probe into allegations of sexual harassment against Union minister M J Akbar even as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj evaded questions whether the government will take any action against him. As the #MeToo campaign gathered momentum in India, some women journalists have come out and accused Akbar, a former editor and now the Minister of State for External Affairs, of sexually harassing them during his stint as journalist. There was no reaction available from Akbar on these allegations against him. When asked about these charges against her ministerial colleague and whether there will be an internal inquiry against him, Swaraj evaded the question from reporters on the sidelines of an event here. Reacting on the issue, the Congress demanded that the matter should be investigated. "It is an extremely serious matter and the minister concerned needs to speak up. Silence cannot be a way out. This matter should be investigated. We would like to hear ...
Four Hizbul overground workers held with Rs 10 lakh in J-K: Police
Four overground workers (OGWs) of Hizbul Mujahideen were arrested Tuesday from Awantipora area of Pulwama district with Rs 10 lakh cash which was meant for carrying out terror activities, police said. "Police received a reliable information that an active terrorist of banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, Adil Ahmad Bhat, has handed over a huge amount to an OGW Rouf-ul-Islam Wani for distribution among other terrorists and OGWs for carrying out terror activities in the area," a police spokesman said. He said a case was registered in this regard and Wani was detained for questioning. During the course of investigation, Wani disclosed that he had received huge cash from Adil Ahmad Bhat for distribution among the other terrorists and OGWs of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit for raising the necessary support structure and also for luring youth towards joining terror ranks. "The said accused disclosed that the cash amount was handed over to Mohd Maqbool Wani, Shakeel Ahmad Wani and Musaib Aziz ..
Shehbaz arrested on Imran's instructions, says Nawaz
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in an 'emergency meeting' of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) central executive committee (CEC) on Monday alleged that the party president Shehbaz Sharif was arrested on the instruction of incumbent Prime Minister Imran Khan.Nawaz Sharif also launched a protest against the Imran Khan-led coalition government against the 'political victimisation' of the opposition, reported the Dawn.Dawn quoted a member of the central executive committee as saying, "After taking input from CEC members, Nawaz Sharif directed the party's parliamentary group to establish contact with opposition parties in coming days to have them onboard for a joint struggle to deal with Imran Khan's aggressive action plan to target opposition members."Terming Shehbaz's arrest a 'political revenge', PML-N members have demanded his immediate release.PML-N members will be holding a protest on Wednesday outside National Assembly and Punjab Assembly to raise the ...
Turkey to search Saudi consulate for missing journalist
Turkey said on Tuesday that it will conduct a search of the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul in line with an ongoing probe on the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Ajit Pawar slams Maha CM over his 'another term' remarks
Senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar Tuesday criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his statement that he would continue to lead the state in the next term as well after the 2019 assembly polls. Addressing a rally in Latur district in the Marathwada region Sunday, Fadnavis had said that people should not worry about the continuous flow of funds for development, as he will be helming the next term as well. Pawar, a former deputy chief minister of the state, criticised the CM while linking his comments with the water scarcity prevailing in the Marathwada region. "People in Marathwada are facing drought and the chief minister, instead of taking action, is talking about another term. He is daydreaming," said Pawar who is the nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar. He was addressing a gathering under the "Samvidhan Bachao, Desh Bachao" campaign of his party. Senior NCP leaders attended the event. Attacking the BJP government over a string of issues, ranging from the ...
JKPCC hits out at J-K Guv over remarks on SMC elections
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Tuesday hit out at Governor Satya Pal Malik for hinting that a "foreign-educated person" will be the mayor of Srinagar. The reference was to Malik's interview to NDTV on Monday in which he had hinted that a foreign-educated person was going to become the mayor of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC). JKPCC vice-president Ghulam Nabi Monga, while expressing surprise over the Governor's remarks Monday, said "the ongoing elections have lost the credibility as BJP-RSS has already decided as to who would be the mayor". Monga also hit out at the Governor for "failing to uphold the constitutional authority" of the Raj Bhavan, saying the Governor being the constitutional head of the state should "not play in the hands of BJP-RSS". "It was surprising to see that such irresponsible statement has come from none other than the Governor of the state," he said. Seeking clarity from Malik over the remarks, Monga said the statement is going
NC slams Guv's remarks on Srinagar mayoral elections
The National Conference Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik's recent remark favouring a particular individual for the post of mayor of Srinagar is shocking and puts a big question mark on the impartiality of the his office. The party was referring to Malik's interview to NDTV in which he had hinted that a foreign-educated person was going to become the mayor of Srinagar. "The ongoing election process is a smokescreen to hide the machinations of the governor's office to throttle the democratic institutions in the state," the National Conference alleged in a statement issued here. The party said it's not against any person becoming the mayor, but the way the governor has expressed his intentions by hinting towards a particular individual before-hand for the mayor's post casts a shadow on the whole election process already mired in controversies. "The councilors elected from various wards exercise their democratic right and elect a mayor after following the whole ...
Illegal settlers in India took away jobs of youths: Amit Shah
BJP president Amit Shah Tuesday said "illegal infiltrators" took away jobs of youths in the country and alleged that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and other opposition parties had opposed the NRC when 40 lakh such settlers were identified under the exercise. Addressing a convention of BJP workers at Polo Ground here, Shah said the BJP governments would "drive each and every infiltrator out of the country" after winning elections in 2018 and 2019. Taking a dig at Gandhi, Shah said he should "stop daydreaming" about the Congress coming to power after elections. Referring to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam, he said the BJP government would drive each of the 40 lakh "illegal infiltrators" out of the country as the party stands for national security and rights of Indians. "When the NRC identified 40 lakh illegal migrants in Assam, Rahul baba and parties like the SP (Samajwadi Party), BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) and Trinmool Congress (TMC) raised a hue and cry and opposed the .
We will not trouble Congress in LS by-polls in Karnataka; JDS
Playing safe, JDS Tuesday said it would not 'trouble' its ruling coalition partner Congress in the November 3 by-polls to three Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka. JDS secretary general Danish Ali hinted that JD(S) would concentrate more on the Mandya seat, which falls in the old Mysuru region where the party is strong in the Vokalliga belt. "We will not trouble our ally Congress and will concentrate only on the seat we held," Ali told PTI here. Within the first family of the JD(S), there are at least two claimants to contest from Mandya. While some JD(S) leadershave demanded that Chief Minister Kumaraswamy's wife Anita Kumaraswamy be fielded, there is another section opting for party supremo Deve Gowda's grandson and PWD minister H D Revanna's son Prajwal. A section of leaders Tuesday announced the name of Anita Kumaraswamy at a party meeting in Ramanagar, leading to a heated exchange of words between party workers at the venue. The leaders even announced that Anita Kumaraswamy .
Centre working for welfare of farmers: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday unveiled a statue of peasant leader Sir Chhotu Ram here, using the occasion to highlight the NDA government's initiatives in the agriculture sector. The 64-feet-tall statue is installed in Sampla the native village of Chhotu Ram and also the bastion of former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The prime minister said he was surprised that the influence of Chhotu Ram was kept confined to the region. This deprived several generations from learning from his life, he said. Chhotu Ram had played an instrumental role in empowering farmers in the pre-Independence era and getting pro-farmers laws enacted. He had also fought for farmers' rights during the British Rule. Highlighting his government's initiatives for the welfare of farmers and traders, Modi said," The doors of banks have been opened for farmers and small entrepreneurs so that they do not have to depend on money lenders." The prime minister said his government has been constantly ...
Cong needs to explain tie-up with TDP, says TRS leader
The ruling TRS in Telangana Tuesday said the Congress needs to explain its alliance with TDP for the December 7 assembly elections as the TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu allegedly adopted an "anti-Telangana" stance. TRS leader and irrigation minister in the caretaker government T Harish Rao released an open letter to state congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy, wherein he asked Reddy to consider his "12 questions" and requested him to "include them in your Common Minimum Programme and remove the confusion among people." Speaking to reporters, he alleged that Naidu as Andhra Pradesh chief minister took the side of his state and argued against Telangana on disputes between the two states over irrigation projects, division of employees, power and others. In his letter, a copy of which was made available to the media, he asked if Congress has secured any assurance from Naidu that he would not be against Telangana henceforth. The Congress, TDP, CPI and the Telangana Jana ..
Opp MNF lodges complaint against Mizoram industries min,
Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) Tuesday filed a complaint with the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) against Mizoram Commerce and Industries Minister H Rohluna and a former department parliamentary secretary alleging that they had misappropriated at least 102.69 lakh, party sources said. The complaint was filed before the November 28 state assembly polls in Mizoram, which is the only Congress ruled state in the north east. MNF leader of Lunglei district, H Laltanpuia filed the case against Rohluna and former parliamentary secretary in the commerce and industrices department, Joseph Lalhimpuia with the superintendent of police, ACB, they said. Lalhimpuia is also a Congress MLA. Laltanpuia alleged that the minister and his former parliamentary secretary had misappropriated at least Rs 102.69 lakh of the funds provided under the National Handloom Development Program (NHDP) and North Eastern Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) in 2015-16, the sources said. The complaint