Page 475 - Politics

They can keep dreaming: Kharge on BJP's alleged bid to form govt in Karnataka

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday rejected speculation of BJP forming a government in Karnataka.The senior Congress leader also snubbed claims made by BJP state chief Yeddyurappa, that over 20 MLAs will leave Congress after Lok Sabha poll results."They always keep dreaming. They were given a chance to form the government (in Karnataka). They were given a chance to prove majority on the floor which they could not do," Kharge told ANI here.Yeddyurappa last week claimed that more than 20 "unhappy" Congress legislators will desert the grand old party after the declaration of general election results.Earlier, Congress leader KC Venugopal had also claimed that many BJP MLAs will join his party after May 23.Amid the widening rift between the Congress-JDS alliance and ongoing mudslinging between coalition leaders, Kharge said that there was no danger to the Karnataka government and asserted the unity of the ruling alliance.Kharge said, "First no one wants to go to polls ...

CPI(M) demands repolling in Bengal's Diamond Harbour, alleges 'large-scale irregularities'

The CPI(M) has written to the Election Commission (EC) alleging "large-scale irregularities" in the May 19 polling held in the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency of West Bengal. In his letter, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury alleged that the scale of irregularities were such that the EC should invoke Article 324 of the Constitution. Article 324 deals with vesting of superintendence, direction and control of elections in an Election Commission. "The ECI must ensure 'free-and-fair' elections by ordering re-polling in the entire constituency," Yechury said, while listing out the alleged irregularities underlined by the CPI(M) candidate from Diamond Harbour in the just-concluded Lok Sabha polls, Fuad Halim. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also petitioned the poll panel demanding re-polling in the entire Diamond Harbour parliamentary constituency. "It is clear that the state unit of the BJP has entered into an understanding with the TMC .

EVMs are absolutely fool proof: Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer

Amid a slew of allegations by the opposition about the reliability of EVMs, Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh has said that the machines are "absolutely fool-proof" and fulfils all "transparency and administrative protocols". Singh said the EVM is "robust by design" and there is no way the machine can be tampered with. "There is no way that the machine can be tampered with, manipulated or hacked into because it does not have connectivity with the outside world. "It does not have internet, wi-fi or bluetooth connectivity. This means you cannot access the mind of the machine. It has a one time programmable chip," Singh told PTI. The Aam Aadmi Party Monday asked the Election Commission to provide additional security at a counting centre in South Delhi, alleging that political opponents plan to manipulate EVMs ahead of the announcement of poll results on May 23. The letter by AAP's South Delhi candidate and spokesperson Raghav Chadha said that "he has strong reasons to believe .

Deora fears EVM tampering in Mumbai, writes to poll body

Two days before the scheduled counting of votes for the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections, Mumbai Congress president Milind Deora has written a letter to Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer expressing possibility of "tampering of EVMs" stored in various centres in the city. Deora, who is contesting from Mumbai South seat, alleged that he had received "very shocking" feedback about such possibility. He alleged that some people as well as vehicles were found moving around these centres in a suspicious manner. All six constituencies in Mumbai had gone to polls on April 29. "Our Congress workers who are constantly looking after these centres from outside have informed us about suspicious movements of few persons and /or vehicles around these centres," Deora stated. Such instances create serious doubts and fear about the safety and security of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Deora requested the Chief Electoral Officer to increase vigilance and security at these ..

Homage paid to Rajiv Gandhi

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy Tuesday paid homage to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi here on his 28th death anniversary. Ministers, MLAs, freedom fighters, delegates of different wings of the ruling Congress and officials also offered their tributes to the late leader. Staff of the Bharatiar Palakalaikoodam, a multi cultural institution run by the Puducherry government, presented patriotic songs dearest to Rajiv Gandhi on the occasion. Earlier, functionaries of different wings of the Congress paid floral tributes at a portrait of Gandhi at the party office here.

Hindu Rao resident doctors call off indefinite strike over pending salaries

Hindu Rao Hospital Resident Doctor's Association on Tuesday called off their indefinite strike over pending salaries after North Delhi Municipal Corporation agreed to their demands.The employees launched a protest on Monday claiming that they have not received salary from past three months.Earlier today, they submitted a charter of demands to MS/HRH during their strike. Later they received a reply, which states that the salary up to the month of March 2019 has already been released and credited in the account of residents.The authorities further stated that the demand of arrears will be taken up with the competent authority for release as soon as possible."The 16 point charter of demands will be discussed and amicably resolved in consultation with members of RDA and Commissioner and Addl. Commissioner (Health). The punitive action will not be taken against the Residents, however issue of salary during strike period will be forwarded to the competent authority for favorable ...

MP floor test demand: Kharge accuses BJP of creating unnecessary problems; Kamal Nath says he is ready

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday asserted that Congress has majority in Madhya Pradesh Assembly and accused the Opposition BJP of "unnecessarily" creating problems since it feared its scams will be exposed if Kamal Nath government stays in power."The Congress has the majority (in the Assembly) and they unnecessarily want to oust the government. They think if this government stays in power for a long time, BJP's scams will come out in open. They are opting for such pressure tactics to prevent the scams from being exposed," Kharge told ANI here.The Congress leader's remarks come in the wake of the demand by the BJP writing to Governor Anandiben Patel urging her to convene the Assembly session to discuss pressing issues like drinking water, law and order situation, and non-payment of farmers' dues.Kharge said, "He (Kamal Nath) has proved the majority (in Assembly) four times so far. If they still insist to prove majority once again, the chief minister has rightly said

WH blocks ex-counsel from testifying to Congress

The White House has blocked former counsel Donald McGahn from testifying to Congress, the latest act of defiance in the ongoing war between House Democrats and President Donald Trump.

EC could have taken decisions quickly: Ex-CEC Krishnamurthy

Former chief election commissioner T S Krishnamurthy Tuesday said the poll body has done 'a good job' in conducting the Lok Sabha elections but could have taken decisions on certain complaints in time. He also came out in support of the demand of Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa that his dissent be recorded in orders on model code of conduct (MCC) violation cases. "Election Commission did a good job (in conduct of elections), reasonably well...", he told PTI. The former CEC said he was not surprised by political parties' attack on the Election Commission, saying when it takes a decision on complaints of MCC violations, it has to be "one way or the other". But Krishnamurthy, who oversaw the 2004 General Elections, said the EC should have taken some decisions (on MCC violations) in time, and also while passing orders, it should have given reasons. He did not go into specifics. "There is also criticism by one of the Election Commissioners about dissent having been not ...

They can keep dreaming: Khadge on BJP's alleged bid to form govt in Karnataka

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday rejected speculation of BJP forming a government in Karnataka.The senior Congress leaders also snubbed claims made by BJP state chief Yeddyurappa, that over 20 MLAs will leave Congress after Lok Sabha poll results."They always keep dreaming. They were given a chance to form the government (in Karnataka). They were given a chance to prove majority on the floor which they could not do," Kharge told ANI here.Yeddyurappa last week claimed that more than 20 "unhappy" Congress legislators will desert the grand old party after the declaration of general election results.Earlier, Congress leader KC Venugopal had also claimed that many BJP MLAs will join his party after May 23.Amid the widening rift between the Congress-JDS alliance and ongoing mudslinging between coalition leaders, Kharge said that there was no danger to the Karnataka government and asserted the unity of the ruling alliance.Kharge said, "First no one wants to go to polls ...

J-K Guv congratulates 2 police officers for scaling Mount Everest

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Tuesday congratulated two police officers who were part of an 11-member team that scaled the Mount Everest. Constables Nazir Ahmed and Falail Singh were part of the All India Police Sports Control Board team that scaled the world's highest mountain peak. Governor's Advisor K Vijay Kumar, Chief Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam and DGP Dilbag Singh also congratulated the officers. "We are proud of them," the Jammu and Kashmir Police posted on its official Twitter handle along with the photographs of Ahmed and Singh.

Cong urges EC for action on complaints of EVM movement from strongrooms

The Congress on Tuesday said the Election Commission (EC) should take immediate and effective steps to address the complaints of movement of electronic voting machines (EVMs) from strongrooms from various parts of the country. Party spokesperson Rajeev Shukla also said it was the EC's responsibility to ensure that polls were held in a fair and unbiased manner. "Complaints about movement of EVMs are coming from various parts of the country. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab -- there have been complaints of taking out of EVMs from strongrooms from various places. People's suspicion and anger are increasing," he said. The reason that was being given was that these were the reserve machines, but even then, the EVMs should be shown to the candidates' representatives, Shukla added. "The EC should ensure that elections are conducted in an unbiased manner. It should take immediate and effective measures. Opposition leaders will approach the EC and raise the issue," he said. Answering a ...

Opposition leaders meet over EVM concerns

Two days ahead of the Lok Sabha election results, leaders of around 20 opposition parties met here on Tuesday amid their concerns over the electronic voting machines (EVM) and use of VVPATs.

Maharashtra: Congress urges EC to ensure security of EVMs, vigilance at counting centres

Mumbai Congress president Milind Deora on Tuesday urged the Election Commission to take the required steps for ensuring safety and security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the larger interest of democracy."You are kindly requested to take the required steps for ensuring safety and security of EVM Machines in the larger interest of democracy," Deora said in a letter to the EC, showing concerns regarding the possibility of EVM tempering at various centers in Mumbai."After the Election being held on April 29, as the President of Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, I have received very shocking feedback about the possibility of tampering with EVM machines, which are being stored at various counting centers presently. Our Congress workers those who are constantly looking after these centers from outside have informed us about suspicious movements of few persons or few vehicles around these centers," he said.Urging the EC to increase vigilance and security at the counting centres, ..

UP can be heading for mini-poll soon

Uttar Pradesh could well be heading towards a mini election in the coming months if the results go the BJP way. A total of 13 legislators are seeking an entry into the Lok Sabha this time and if these candidates win, bye-elections are sure to be held in their constituencies.

All exit polls wrong, far from truth: Sharad Yadav

Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) chief Sharad Yadav on Tuesday said all exit polls are wrong and far from the truth and that the reality will be out on Thursday.

Don't believe exit polls: J&K Congress President

Jammu and Kashmir Congress President G.A. Mir on Tuesday asserted that the exit polls should not to be believed and that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) would have the majority in the Lok Sabha polls.

Kamal Nath mocks exit polls as 'entertainment' polls

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Tuesday mocked the exit polls that predicted a majority for the National Democratic NDA in the Lok Sabha elections calling them "entertainment polls".

Nitish dubs reports on unescorted EVMs in Bihar as 'bogus'

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday dubbed the allegations made by Opposition pertaining to the unsecured movement of EVMs in Bihar as "bogus" and added that such statements made by the Opposition show that they are nervous ahead of the Lok Sabha poll result."All the allegation pertaining to the EVMs are bogus. I believe that after the introductions of the EVMs, the elections in India have become transparent. How can somebody disturb an EVM? This is a technology and one should note that every time questions were raised on the machine, the Election Commission has given a clarification. From the beginning I was in favor of installing EVMs," he said while speaking to reporters in Patna."EVMs were used during the elections before the NDA came to power at the Centre. The political quarters who know that they are losing make allegations about the tampering of the EVMs. This shows that they are afraid, they are nervous and are struggling ... EVMs are also used in the parliamentary ..

Panneerselvam hails exit polls favouring NDA

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday hailed the exit polls favouring a second term for the BJP-led NDA at the Centre, saying it indicated a "good verdict" to be given by the voters. Responding to Chief Minister K Palaniswami's remarks that the exit polls were "imposing of opinions", his deputy said such views were based on the respective individuals' "frame or mind", but did not elaborate. Palaniswami had on Monday dismissed the exit polls suggesting a bad show by the AIADMK in the just-concluded Lok Sabha election in Tamil Nadu as "imposing of opinions" and exuded confidence that they would be proved wrong. Panneerselvam, the AIADMK coordinator, also expressed confidence that the ruling coalition would secure a grand victory in Tamil Nadu, despite the exit polls projecting otherwise. He was speaking to reporters here before leaving for Delhi to attend a dinner for NDA leaders to be hosted by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Tuesday evening, where