Page 329 - Politics
Stalin, Telangana CM arrive for Jagan Reddy's swearing-in
DMK chief MK Stalin and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Thursday arrived here to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister-designate YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.Governor E S L Narasimhan will administer the oath of office and secrecy at 12.23 pm.The YSRCP chief will take oath in front of approximately 30,000 people at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium here.Reddy, is the son of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. He was earlier a Member of Parliament from Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency.The YSRCP got an absolute majority in 175-member strong Assembly, ousting N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from power in the state.The party won 151 seats out of 175, whereas opposition TDP's strength was drastically reduced from 102 in the 2014 Assembly elections to a mere 23.YSRCP polled 49.9 per cent votes, while TDP got a 39.2 per cent vote share. One seat went to the Jana Sena Party led by actor-turn politician Pawan ...
Turkey frees ex-NASA scientist jailed over terror charges
A former NASA scientist sentenced in Turkey to over seven years in prison on terrorism charges was suddenly freed without an explanation, hours after a phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Pakistan asked to investigate North Waziristan deaths
Pakistan authorities should impartially investigate the deaths of at least three people during violence between Pashtun activists and the Army in North Waziristan on May 26, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday.
Russia warns of military conforntation amid US' 'blackmailing'
Questioning the US' hawkish stance against Iran, Russia on Thursday warned of military confrontation risks amid Tehran's plans to withdraw from Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)."This (US-Iran tensions) may pave the way for a collapse of the JCPOA and the emergence of a chaotic situation, in which risks of a military confrontation would further increase," Sputnik quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov as saying.Ryabkov remarks come a day after he visited Iran to hold talks with Iran's Foreign minister Mohamed Ali al-Hakim."We can see the severe pressure on the part of the United States toward Iran and [we can see] the attempts to blackmail this country ... At the same time, there is no positive agenda and the United States is not suggesting any alternative options. It only declares, including on the high level, that it is open for dialogue. But it is not a basis for real talks," Ryabkov said.In order to build pressure on Iran to drop its nuclear programs, the US ...
No Iftar parties in UP this season, election results to blame
As the holy month of Ramzan draws to an end, so does a tradition that began almost 44 years ago. This is for the time in four decades that no political party has hosted the traditional Iftar party in Uttar Pradesh.
Priests bless Jagan Reddy ahead of oath ceremony in Vijayawada
Local priests met Chief Minister- designate YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to bless him ahead of his swearing-in ceremony on Thursday afternoon in Vijayawada.Governor E S L Narasimhan will administer the oath of office and secrecy at 12.23 pm.Reddy, is the son of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. He was earlier a Member of Parliament from Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency.The YSRCP got an absolute majority in 175-member strong Assembly, ousting N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from power in the state.The party won 151 seats out of 175, whereas opposition TDP's strength was drastically reduced from 102 in the 2014 Assembly elections to a mere 23.YSRCP polled 49.9 per cent votes, while TDP got a 39.2 per cent vote share. One seat went to the Jana Sena Party led by actor-turn politician Pawan Kalyan.YSRCP also bagged 22 Lok Sabha seats out of 25 in the state, while TDP could get only three seats.
Modi meets Shah ahead of government formation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a final round of consultations with BJP president Amit Shah and is learnt to have given shape to his council of ministers ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of his new government in the evening. The list of union ministers is likely to be sent to the Rashtrapati Bhavan soon, sources said. Capping a landslide election victory, Modi will take oath along with a new council of ministers for a second term at 7 pm. Modi and Shah have held several rounds of discussions in the last two days ahead of government formation. Sources said Modi government 2.0 is likely to have representation from most allies and showcase the party's newfound strength in different regions. BJP allies like Shiv Sena, JD(U), AIADMK, LJP, Akali Dal and Apna Dal are set to be represented in the government. Each NDA ally is likely to get one cabinet berth, sources said. The Shiv Sena has confirmed its leader Arvind Sawant, who defeated Congress heavyweight Milind Deora from ...
Modi, Shah meet ahead of new cabinet's swearing-in
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah met at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the PM, in New Delhi on Thursday ahead of the new cabinet's swearing-in later today.The possibility of Amit Shah entering the Cabinet in an important political portfolio like Finance or Home as a reward is considered high, given the series of successes through his organisational abilities for the BJP in the elections in the last five years topped by the massive mandate the party got in the Lok Sabha elections.There will be another vacancy in the important Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) if Sushma Swaraj, who held the External Affairs portfolio, does not make it to the Cabinet as she did not contest elections citing health grounds.Modi and Shah are also believed to have held a discussion to give a final touch to the new Cabinet.Narendra Modi, along with his council of ministers, will take oath as the 15th the Prime Minister of India at 7 pm in the forecourt of the ...
'Unko aana bhi nahi chahiye': Manoj Tiwari's dig at Mamata on swearing-in u-turn
BJP lawmaker Manoj Tiwari on Thursday quipped at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's for her decision to not attend Narendra Modi's swearing-in."Unko aana bhi nahi chahiye (she shouldn't even be coming)," said the actor-turned-politician on being asked about the TMC chief's decision to skip the ceremony.Tiwari backed his statement with a theory, asserting that Banerjee wouldn't be able to face the attendees given the "violence" and "bloodshed" in her state."She shouldn't even be coming. Mamata Banerjee has disgraced democracy. The way she perpetrated violence in a democracy... and after killing 54 BJP workers, with what face will she attend the celebration? She won't be able to see eye-to-eye with those present. She is ashamed and cannot face the people," the newly-elected MP from North East Delhi Lok Sabha seat said.Going back on her initial decision, Banerjee yesterday declined to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony objecting to the families of BJP workers, allegedly killed in political
Rahul not ready to withdraw his resignation: Congress leader Tarun Gogoi
Former Assam Chief Minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi on Thursday said that party president Rahul Gandhi is sticking to his decision to resign from the post."We want Rahul to continue as Congress president. But he is insisting that he will not continue as party president anymore. All members of the working committee are unanimously saying that we will not accept Rahul's resignation. We asked him to withdraw his resignation but he did not do it," Gogoi told ANI."In a democracy, a strong opposition is needed. Who will become a strong opposition? There is only one party Congress and Rahul has the capability to lead the party with his pan-India image," he said.The Congress leader said that Rahul has stated that he will help the next party president."Rahul said he will continue till next president is chosen...He said he will fight the ideological battle with BJP and (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi. He said that he will help the next Congress president," according to Gogoi.On May 25, ..
Karnataka: Breakfast meeting called by Dy CM with cabinet ministers, Cong' leaders
Amidst brewing discontent among the legislators of the coalition parties, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday called a breakfast meeting with the Cabinet Ministers and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) leaders.Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge K C Venugopal, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah, KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao, Home minister MB Patil, Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar, and cabinet ministers were also present in the meeting at Parameshwara's residence.On Wednesday, a CLP meeting was concluded.Rao had said the CLP meeting focused on the progress of the state and added that the allocation of portfolios will not be the primary concern.The JDS-Congress coalition, which is in power in the state, went through a rough patch during the campaigning of the recently held elections with leaders of both the parties accusing each other. Congress has 79 MLAs while Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) has 37 MLAs in the coalition ...
Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant to be part of Modi's Cabinet
Newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) from Mumbai South, Arvind Sawant, will take oath as minister in Narendra Modi's Cabinet, said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday.The swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-elect Modi will be held today at 7 pm in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan."From Shiv Sena one leader will take oath as a minister. It has been decided that one Lok Sabha MP from each NDA ally will become a minister. Uddhav ji has given Arvind Sawant's name, he will take oath as a minister," he told ANI.When asked to comment on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's decision to not attend the ceremony, Raut said, "No matter if Mamata Banerjee has differences but she as Chief Minister should join the swearing-in ceremony. Prime Minister helps the state in difficult times, she should not forget it. You (WB) are not a country but a state. Prime Minister holds more power as stipulated in the Constitution."Sawant retained his parliamentary seat by defeating ...
Jockeying for Home, Defence Secretaries job begins (IANS Special)
With Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba set to become the 32nd Cabinet Secretary of India, jockeying for the vital job has begun.
Mueller denies probe cleared Trump, hands baton to Congress
Robert Mueller said Wednesday his two-year Russia investigation had not exonerated Donald Trump, but that he had lacked the power to charge a sitting president -- passing the baton to Congress where a growing chorus is clamouring for impeachment. Making his first public statement on the high-stakes probe into Moscow's interference in the 2016 election, the special counsel said longstanding Justice Department guidelines prevented him from charging Trump, despite at least 10 possible acts of criminal obstruction by the president. But not indicting Trump was not equivalent to clearing him, Mueller said, suggesting Congress has both the constitutional powers and the responsibility to pursue the case. "If we had had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said so," he said. Mueller's oblique allegation of serious wrongdoing sparked a new firestorm in Washington, with Trump again claiming vindication and a rising number of Democrats demanding to open ...
Shah meets Modi ahead of swearing in
BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday reached the official residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi hours ahead of the formation of the new government and swearing-in ceremony.
US State Department's top political-military official to visit India
US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Clarke Cooper is visiting New Delhi next week to discuss India's role as a major defence partner, according to the State Department.
Manipur: 12 Cong MLAs tender resignation from MPCC posts
In continuing trouble for Congress after its severe drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections, 12 MLAs of the Manipur Legislative Assembly have tendered resignation from their posts in the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on moral ground.All 12 legislators - N Loken, Kh Joykishan, Md Abdul Nasir, DD Thaisii, Chaltonlien Amo, Govindas Konthoujam, K Ranjit, Alfred Kangnam Arthur, DK Korungthang, RK Imo Singh, K Meghachandra, and Fazur Rahim - were holding key posts in the MPCC.The MLAs, however, said that they will not leave the party but will start working again at the grassroots level.The president of MPCC, G Gaikhangam, told ANI that the sudden decision by the sitting MLAs to tender their resignation was a strategy to strengthen and rejuvenate the party in Manipur."Some friends have tendered resignation but I have not yet seen the papers...Rahul ji has offered his resignation to give direction to strengthening the party. So, at Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) levels we have to ...
Saudi Arabia asks nations to respond to Iran with 'firmness'
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister says Muslim nations must confront recent attacks blamed on Iran with "all means of force and firmness." Ibrahim al-Assaf made the comments early Thursday at a meeting of foreign ministers of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jiddah ahead of a series of summits in the kingdom. Al-Assaf said the alleged sabotage of boats off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and a drone attack on a Saudi oil pipeline by Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels required the region to "make more efforts to counter the terrorist acts of extremist and terrorist groups." Iran has denied being involved in the attacks, which come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and the US. Al-Assaf added: "We should confront it with all means of force and firmness.
Surat: Jeweller makes gold, silver mementos for PM Modi
A jeweller in Rajkot has made three unique mementos from precious metals for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sweeping recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.Harish Saholiya, the jeweller told ANI that they have made three mementos from pure gold and silver on three different themes. "Our first frame shows India as 'sone ki chidiya.' It is Modi ji's dream of making India again sone ki chidiya. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari we have made the country with gold and in the middle of the map have placed the image of Prime Minister Modi saluting. The slogan Bharat Mata ki Jai is also inscribed on the frame.""My second frame has all the images of world leaders whom the Prime Minister have met. I chose this theme as the world got attracted to India after PM Modi came to power. My third frame is based on Swach Bharat Abhiyan and the soldiers who lost their lives in the terror attack," he added.Saholiya further told ANI that before the elections were declared they were confident that Prime ...
Zoramthanga not to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga will not attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Thursday, an official at the Chief Minister's Office said. Zoramthanga, who is also the president of the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), will not be present at the oath- taking ceremony due to "tight official engagements", Lalhmansanga, personal secretary to the chief minister, said. "State Information and Public Relations Minister Lalruatkima, newly elected MP C Lalrosanga and former two-time Lok Sabha member Vanlalzawma would attend the ceremony on behalf of the chief minister," Lalhmansanga said. The MNF is a constituent of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and the NDA. The Mizoram chief minister had also skipped the oath- taking ceremony of Arunachal Pradesh Chief minister Pema Khandu and his council of ministers on Wednesday due to official engagements, he said.