Page 2804 - Politics
Bhushan, Shourie demand CBI probe into Rafale deal
Lawyer Prashant Bhushan and former Union minister Arun Shourie met CBI Director Alok Verma on Thursday, demanding a probe into alleged corruption in the Rafale aircraft deal and offset contract. Along with a "detailed" complaint under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Bhushan and Shourie also submitted documents buttressing their arguments for the need of probe. They asked the agency director to take permission of the government to initiate the probe in accordance with the law. "CBI Director said he will look into it very carefully. We will take appropriate action," Bhushan told reporters after coming out of the CBI headquarters. Dassault Aviation, the makers of Rafale, had chosen Reliance Defence as its partner to fulfil offset obligations of the deal. The government has been maintaining it did not have any role in selection of the offset partner by Dassault. India had inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September last year for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets ..
A Maldives opposition leader returns from exile
A Maldives opposition leader has returned home after being exiled in Germany for months to escape a prison sentence on charges of plotting to overthrow the government. Qasim Ibrahim was welcomed at the airport on Thursday by President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Ibrahim was among dozens of political opponents who were jailed by outgoing strongman Yameen Abdul Gayoom following trials criticized for lack of due process. He went into exile in Germany after undergoing heart surgery in Singapore. He is the first exiled opposition leader to return home after Yameen's election defeat last month. Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected president, is set to return next month. Ibrahim was arrested last year and sentenced to more than three years in prison.
Maha fuel price cut not substantial, an eyewash: Opposition
The Maharashtra government's decision Thursday to reduce the price of petrol by Rs 2.50 per litre is an "eyewash", as the rate cut would not provide much relief to people, the Opposition Congress and NCP have said. As per the government, the reduction will give consumers in the state a relief to the tune of Rs 5 a litre. State unit Congress president Ashok Chavan said the price cut should have been substantial enough if the government really wanted to provide relief to people. The Maharashtra government announced the decision, soon after the Centre announced cut in the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 2.50 per litre. Claiming that the state government's measure is a "cosmetic" one, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said the price cut is just an eyewash. "Current prices (of petrol) are around Rs 92 per litre. So the price cut does not make any difference. There should be a substantial reduction," Chavan told PTI when asked for his reaction. Petrol and diesel should be .
Mattis: Russia violation of missile treaty 'untenable'
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Thursday said Russia's deployment of nuclear-capable missiles in violation of an arms treaty is "untenable" and unless Moscow changes, the US will have to match that military capability. Speaking to reporters at the close of a NATO defense ministers meeting, Mattis said the US is reviewing its diplomatic and military options because of Russia's continued violation of the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty. "Russia must return to compliance with the INF Treaty or the US will need to match its capabilities to protect US and NATO interests," Mattis said in prepared remarks. "Make no mistake: The current situation, with Russia in blatant violation of this treaty, is untenable." His comments underscored assertions made Tuesday by Kay Bailey Hutchinson, the US ambassador to NATO. She warned that unless Russia complies with the treaty, the U.S. will be looking at ways to "take out" the system. America, she said, doesn't want to violate the treaty ...
Fuel prices should be slashed by Rs 10 at least: Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday demanded that the Centre should slash fuel prices by Rs 10 per litre at least and also withdraw the cess on petroleum products. Banerjee was reacting to the Centre's announcement of a Rs 2.50-per-litre cut in petrol and diesel prices by reducing the excise duty by Rs 1.50 a litre and asking oil companies to absorb another Re 1. "The central government should slash fuel prices by Rs 10 at least. This government at the Centre is not bothered about the well-being of the masses... They are only interested about their party (BJP)," Banerjee, whose government had last month slashed petrol and diesel prices by Re 1 per litre, said while addressing a programme in Siliguri. The Centre should also withdraw the cess on petroleum products. The increase in fuel prices have a spiralling effect on the prices of essential commodities, the chief minister added.
Army rally to redress grievances of widows, ex-servicemen
The Army will hold a rally on October 7 to redress grievances of widows, ex-servicemen and 'veer naris' and highlight various government schemes for them. The rally will be organised at Akhnoor Military Station, a defence spokesman said on Thursday. The meet will help resolve their pension anomalies and grievances, extend welfare benefits, and apprise them of various welfare schemes launched by the Armed Forces and the Jammu and Kashmir government. Enrolment for Aadhaar and application for birth and death registrations can be done at the event.
Encroachment of land by Army a serious issue: Assam Speaker
Assam Assembly Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami Thursday said encroachment of land by the Indian Army was a "serious issue" and the government must deal with it strictly. Responding to the issue raised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Atul Bora, Goswami also expressed anger over the Army not handing over the abandoned land to the government. "Encroachment of land by the Army is a very serious issue. If the Army is taking land, then we must be strict about it," the speaker said during the Question Hour . "Our valuable land is being given to the Army. Whenever we want to take back the abandoned land, they deny it. We have respect for the Army, but the encroachment should be stopped," the speaker said. Goswami, who represents the Jorhat seat, said that he has stopped the authorities from giving land in his constituency to the Army because of "these issues". "The Government of India is serious about encroachment. So, we must also take it seriously. If there is no timely action, then it ...
Hero MotoCorp, Power Grid ink pacts with Gurugram for CSR projects
Two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp and state-run power utility Power Grid Corporation of India have signed pacts with the Gurugram district administration to implement projects as part of their corporate social responsibility, a government official said on Thursday.
Oil price cut shows Modi government's sensitivity to people's welfare: Shah
BJP president Amit Shah said Thursday that the reduction in petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2.50 a litre shows the Narendra Modi-led government's sensitivity towards people's welfare. Soon after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced the cut, Shah tweeted his response in which he also welcomed the decision. At a press conference, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Sambit Patra expressed the hope that people will get a total relief of Rs 5 at the earliest as the Centre has asked states to effect an equal amount of tax cut in the oil prices. He also took a swipe at the previous Congress-led government at the Centre, saying it had "pawned" national resources by issuing oil bonds while the Modi government showed its sensitivity by reducing the prices. The government has also expressed confidence it will fulfil its fiscal deficit targets, Patra noted. The government Thursday announced a Rs 2.50 per litre cut in petrol and diesel prices after it reduced excise duty by Rs 1.50 a litre
Maha govt reduces petrol price by Rs 2.50 per litre
The Maharashtra government Thursday announced reduction in the price of petrol by Rs 2.50 per litre, which will give consumers in the state relief to the tune of Rs 5 a litre. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis soon after the central government announced cut in the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 2.50 per litre. "Maharashtra government also decided to give additional relief of Rs 2.50 per litre on petrol to give a total benefit of Rs 5 per litre in the state of Maharashtra," Fadnavis tweeted. Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Fadnavis said the reduction in fuel prices will give a huge relief to citizens. Earlier, Jaitley announced in Delhi a cut in petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2.50 per litre, factoring in excise duty reduction of Rs 1.50 per litre. He asked state governments to follow suit by cutting a sales tax or VAT by a similar amount. The reduction followed petrol and diesel prices touching .
UK minister leads Midlands region trade delegation to India
Britain's Communities Secretary James Brokenshire embarked on a three-day visit to India on Thursday to promote business and technology ties of the country with the Midlands region of England. The UK Cabinet minister, who is also the British government's Midlands Engine Champion, is set to bring together senior British and Indian officials and businesses to re-affirm a post-Brexit commitment to the Midlands-Maharashtra Technology Partnership. The Midlands and Maharashtra are thriving tech hubs in their own right, and by bringing these two great regions together we are strengthening our technological and economic ties to the benefit of our people and businesses, Brokenshire said in a statement. Whether it's manufacturing the latest car model or sharing ground-breaking research, there is a lot to be gained and I'm determined we make the most of the opportunities, particularly as we prepare to leave the European Union, he said. The Midlands-Maharashtra Technology Partnership has been ...
An alternative front to fight BJP will emerge automatically even without PM face:TDP chief Naidu
Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said Thursday an opposition alternative to the BJP-led NDA will emerge "automatically" even without its prime ministerial face being declared for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Naidu, a former BJP ally who quit the NDA early this year over the Centre's refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh, also offered to play a "pivotal" role to bring all the opposition parties together to forge an united front. "An alternative (front) will emerge automatically. People are angry with the Modi government and they will choose an alternative," Naidu, 68, told PTI in an exclusive interview. Naidu also felt non-selection of a prime ministerial candidate by an opposition front ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls will not hurt its prospects. " I do not visualise any problem if the PM candidate of the opposition front is not decided before the polls." "As a responsible citizen, I will work out (an alternative). Definitely I will play .
Sharad Pawar has opposed Rahul's stand on Rafale: Ambedkar
Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar Thursday appealed to Rahul Gandhi to reconsider the Congress's alliance with the NCP for future polls, against the backdrop of party chief Sharad Pawar's "defence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale deal. Ambedkar, who heads the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBP), said Pawar, with his statement, has "opposed" the Congress president who has launched a pointed attack on the prime minister over the purchase of the fighter jets from France. Pawar had caused a flutter with his statement that the people had no doubts about the intentions of the prime minister in the Rafale deal. However, after his statement drew flak, Pawar made a U-turn, saying he never meant to support anybody in the deal, which he termed as "looting of the country". "The allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi (in Rafale issue) were opposed by NCP president Sharad Pawar. Pawar has negated Rahul Gandhi's stand on the issue. Now, it is up to the Congress whether it wants to
Reduction in fuel prices not substantial enough: Maha Cong
The reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre in petrol and diesel prices announced by the Maharashtra government Thursday would not give much relief to people, state Congress chief Ashok Chavan has said. "Current prices (of petrol) are around Rs 92 per litre. So the price cut does not make any difference. There should be a substantial reduction," Chavan told PTI when asked for his reaction. Petrol and diesel should be brought under the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax, Chavan said. Earlier in the day, the Centre announced a Rs 2.50 a litre cut in petrol and diesel prices. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also asked state governments to follow suit by cutting sales tax or VAT on fuel. The BJP-led government in Maharashtra announced reduction in prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 2.50 per litre. "Maharashtra government also decided to give additional relief of Rs 2.50 per litre on petrol to give a total benefit of Rs 5 per litre in the state," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated.
Cyber attacks: NATO warns Russia to halt 'reckless' behaviour
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday warned Russia to halt its "reckless" behaviour, after the Netherlands revealed it had foiled a Kremlin cyber attack on the global chemical weapons watchdog. "Russia must stop its reckless pattern of behaviour, including the use of force against its neighbours, attempted interference in election processes, and widespread disinformation campaigns," he said. Stoltenberg added that NATO fully supports moves to name and shame Russia over electronic warfare, speaking shortly after Britain and Australia blamed Russian military intelligence for recent attacks.
Congress presses for CAG audit of Rafale deal, meets auditor
The Congress Thursday urged the CAG to carry out a forensic audit of the "Rs 60,150 crore" Rafale fighter jet deal and bring all "facts" on record to enable Parliament to fix accountability for the alleged scam in the contract. A delegation of Congress leaders met the Comptroller and Auditor General of India Rajiv Mehrishi -- this was a second time within a month they met the central auditor over the Rafale deal -- and presented a memorandum to him along with fresh documents. The party had met the CAG on September 19 and thereafter the CVC on September 24 for a probe into the deal. Subsequent to the submissions made before the CAG earlier in the Rafale 'scam', the Congress alleged that documents and revelations made at the highest level in India and France have "exposed a deep rooted sinister conspiracy and a clear cut case of loss to public exchequer". "The Rafale Scam has now emerged as India's Biggest 'Defence Scam'. Skeletons are tumbling out of the closet everyday with repeated ..
Disappointed with BJP, PM Modi-lookalike hopes to join Congress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's lookalike, Abhinandan Pathak, who has been his ardent follower, has now decided to campaign against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).The Saharanpur native has campaigned for Modi and his party BJP on many occasions, including a door-to-door campaign during the Gorakhpur by-elections in March 2018."I am taken aback by seeing how the BJP is working in contrast to what Modi actually thinks and says. People have been asking me 'Acche din kb ayenge?'," he told ANI.Pathak narrated the woes of being a look-a-like of the prime minister and stated that he has to bear the brunt of the people's wrath. "I am being cursed and beaten. It's because of all these reasons that I have decided to campaign against the BJP and for the Congress, in the upcoming 2019 elections," he said.He further said that he has already met Uttar Pradesh Congress President (UPCC) Raj Babbar. According to Pathak, Babbar has assured him of arranging a meeting with United Progressive Alliance ...
BJD demonstration to protest LPG price hike
The women wing of the ruling Biju Janata Dal Thursday staged demonstration in front of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) office here protesting the rise in the price of cooking gas. The activists of Biju Mahila Janata Dal led by their president and senior MLA Pramila Mallick, shouted slogans and accused the Central government of hiking the price of cooking gas at least for 22 times since the BJP led NDA government came to the power in 2014. The activists shouted slogans against the NDA government holding placards. Mallick claimed that the Ujjwala Yojana was a total failure in the state as people who have got connections under the scheme are not able to refill their LPG cylinders. The BJD women wing also alleged that the beneficiaries of Ujjwala yojana were selected by the BJP leaders. They also alleged that free gas connections have been given to ghost beneficiaries. As the beneficiaries of the Ujjawala yojana have failed to refill their cylider due to high ...
Opening of Kartarpur corridor will remain pending if there are no talks: Pak
The opening of the Kartarpur border crossing for Sikh pilgrims will remain pending if there are no talks between India and Pakistan, the Foreign Office said Thursday, asserting that dialogue is the only way forward to resolve issues and disputes between the two countries. Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal told reporters that Pakistan "could only try" to co-exist peacefully with its neighbour. Responding to a question about opening of the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims, Faisal said nothing can happen if there are no talks between the two countries. He, however, reiterated Pakistan's stance to hold talks with India to resolve all outstanding issues, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Kartarpur is situated in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province, close to Indo-Pak border. It was established by the first Sikh Guru in 1522. The first Gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, was built here, where Guru Nanak Dev is said to have died. Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is ...
Congress launches campaign in Telangana
Telangana Congress Thursday launched the partys campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state after performing pooja at the famous Jogulamba temple at Alampur, about 220 kms from here. "The language used by KCR (as the caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is popularly known) in hitting out at the opposition leaders is not proper," the party's campaign committee chairman Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, told reporters after launching the campaign. The temple, one of the 'Shakti Peetams' in the country, is located at Alampur in Jogulamba Gadwal district. The Congress is engaged in talks with the TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti to forge an electoral alliance. The Telangana Assembly was dissolved on September six, more than eight months ahead of schedule, on the recommendation of the government, paving the way for early elections. The Election Commission is yet to announce the poll schedule. Dubbing the proposed Congress-TDP pre-poll alliance as ...