Page 618 - Politics
Got indication from China they want to work on trade deal: WH
The US has received an indication from China that Beijing wants to have a trade deal with the US, the White House said Wednesday, days after President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on USD 200 billion worth of Chinese imports from 10 to 25 per cent. The 11th round of talks between China and the US are being held amid uncertainties about future rounds of parleys as Trump administration officials accused Beijing of back tracking from issues agreed in the previous rounds of talks. "We've got an indication that they want to make a deal. Our teams are in continued to go. They're going to sit down tomorrow, and we'll see what happens," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters. She was responding to questions on the status of US-China trade negotiations, which appeared to have collapsed this week after President Trump announced on Sunday that he would raise to 25 per cent from 10 per cent the tariffs on the import of Chinese products worth USD 200 billion. China, ..
Priyanka wows people in east Delhi roadshow
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi won a lot of hearts as she took out a roadshow in Delhi North East constituency on Wednesday for Congress candidate and former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
EC plans to use sat phones, drones in parts of Bengal
The Election Commission plans to use satellite phones and drones to ensure security in the Junglemahal area, a Maoist stronghold, which is slated to hold the Lok Sabha polls on May 12, sources said on Monday.
PM holds rally in Delhi, says AAP brought 'nakampanthi' model of governance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the AAP in his first rally in the national capital, accusing the Arvind Kejriwal-led government of supporting the "tukde-tukde gang" and bringing in "nakampanthi" (non-performance) model of governance. In a hard-hitting speech, Modi also targeted the Congress alleging that the Gandhi family used Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Viraat as its "personal taxi" when Rajiv Gandhi was the prime minister. At his first poll rally in Delhi ahead of the May 12 elections for all its seven seats, he also accused the Congress of promoting dynasty politics. Modi touched upon a gamut of issues ranging from pollution control, including cleaning of river Yamuna, his government's policy to firmly deal with terrorism and measures to keep prices of essential commodities under control besides sops for middle class, claiming they have led to an ease of living for people. In sync with the BJP's high-pitched nationalism narrative, Modi,
BJP should be called Bharatiya Jumla Party: Sisodia on Modi's speech
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Delhi on Wednesday as "jumlebaazi" (rhetoric), saying the real name of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should be 'Bharatiya Jumla Party'. The Aam Aadmi Party said Modi could not even tell five development works that had been implemented by his seven Delhi MPs. "Modi ji you forgot the mention of the fifth political tradition of jumlapanti. Fifteen lakh, full statehood, promise to stop terrorism and stopping black money all turned out to be 'jumlas'. The real name of the BJP should be Bharatiya Jumla Party," Sisodia tweeted. The AAP pointed out that as per the current constitutional set-up, the prime minster and the central government have a very special role in the administrative scheme of Delhi, saying they are directly responsible for land (Delhi Development Authority), police, services and public order in Delhi. "That's the very reason that PM cannot run away from Delhi but just delivering
In Delhi, PM Modi tears into AAP with 'Nakaampanthi' jibe, slams Cong for dynasty politics
With only three days left for the national capital to vote, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday tore into political rivals, Congress and AAP, saying that one believes in the ideology of 'Naampanthi' while the other in that of Nakaampanthi'."Country has witnessed four political cultures. First is 'Naampanthi' which a have vision only for their family and dynasty. The second is 'Vaampanthi' who only copy foreign ideas. The third is 'Daam and Daman Panthi', for whom the republic stands for rules of goon. The fourth is Vikaspanthi for whom Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is supreme. Delhi is the country's only state which has seen the fifth model of the political culture which is 'Naakaam panthi'. Ones who say no to all work related to the development of the state and fail in all their endeavours. This model has breached the trust of people of the country", he said.Blaming AAP for the 'failure of Anna Aandolan', Modi further added, "They have committed the sin of failing a big movement ...
Congress workers send Shivraj almonds, eye drops, 'chyawanprash'
Congress workers on Wednesday accused former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan of lying about the policies of the Kamalnath-led Congress government in the state.As a mark of protest, the workers also sent a package of eye drops, almonds and 'chyawanprash' to Chouhan in order to cure him of "memory loss, defective eyesight, and impaired hearing"."Shivraj Singh Chouhan is spreading lies about the Congress government's policies in the state. It appears that he is suffering from memory loss, impaired hearing, and defective eyesight," said Congress leader Narendra Saluja.Chouhan is not ready to accept the reality of the pro-people policies of the Congress government, Saluja added."We met him and gave him the list of 21 lakh farmers whose loans have been waived but still he is saying that no loans have been waived. Similarly, he took out a procession carrying a lantern on his shoulders in an area which was already lit with electricity."Polling was held in Madhya Pradesh for 13 of its 29 .
As Priyanka holds roadshows in Delhi, many see image of Indira Gandhi in her
As Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held impressive back-to-back roadshows in Delhi on Wednesday, many residents said her face and mannerisms reminded them of her grandmother Indira Gandhi. Neighbours Urmila and Munni in South Delhi's Madangir area, stood on a road divider and waved at Priyanka Gandhi as her caravan passed through busy streets. "She's a spitting image of Indira Gandhi. She looks just the same, same hairstyle, she reminds us of our Indiraji," said an excited Urmila. They both said they had seen former prime minister Indira Gandhi during rallies and felt Priyanka Gandhi's playing a larger role in the party has "revitalised" the party. "I had seen Indira Gandhi at a rally in Aligarh...Today, when BJP politicians attack Nehruji or other members of the Nehru-Gandhi family, our affection for the family only multiplies," Munni said. The roadshow in South Delhi on Wednesday evening, held in support of her party's South Delhi candidate Vijender Singh, began around 7 pm ...
Rajiv Gandhi used INS Viraat for vacations: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday accused then Prime Minster late Rajiv Gandhi of using aircraft carrier INS Viraat and its personnel for vacations with his foreigner in-laws.
World needs to unite against terrorism: Israeli envoy
Cooperation between India and Israel are growing at a rapid pace and a change in government will not impact the bilateral ties, Israeli envoy Ron Malka said Wednesday. He said the strategic relations between the two countries are based on common values and vision and the cooperation between the two countries will grow further in coming years. The Israeli envoy was asked during a media interaction whether there will be any impact on bilateral ties if the NDA alliance fails to retain power in the Lok Sabha polls. "I do not see any reason why it should change. It is a relationship between two nations. The relationship is growing and growing, no matter who is in power," he said. Malka was talking to the media on the occasion of 71th Independence Day of Israel. He said both countries are working to further strengthen relationship in diverse areas. Asked why a planned visit to India by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February did not materialise, the envoy said he could not ...
J-K Cong urges EC to take action against BJP for violating model code of conduct
The JKPCC has approached the EC seeking action against the BJP, Zanskar Buddhist and Zanskar Gonpa Associations for allegedly threatening people in Ladakh constituency of social boycott if they did not vote in favour of the saffron party. The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) spokesperson sought stern action against these organisations and the BJP. "The matter should be taken seriously by the EC and the CEO of J&K. The INC candidate forwarded the complaints to the CEO but so far no action has been taken," he said. In a statement issued here, he said the local polling officers let the BJP to capture number of booths in Zanskar by not allowing polling agents of other parties to enter booths. The Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency went to polls on Monday. The Congress has also asked the Election Commission (EC) to initiate action against BJP leaders over attempting to bribe Leh-based reporters. On Saturday, the Press Club Leh had accused the BJP of trying to bribe its ..
Economy in disastrous phase of slowdown: Congress
The Congress on Wednesday said Indian economy has entered a "disastrous" phase of economic slowdown under Narendra Modi-led BJP regime and the next government that forms after the Lok Sabha polls will have "huge" task of reviving it.
Cong has joined hands with those baying for PM's blood: Irani
Union minister Smriti Irani Wednesday blasted Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, saying his party has "joined hands" with a political outfit whose candidate was baying for Prime Minister Narendra Modis blood. Taking a jibe at Gandhi, the BJP leader said he was day-dreaming to become the next prime minister. "I am saddened that the Congress politics has stooped so low. His ally says give Rs 50 crore to kill Modi. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi with whom you had forged an alliance, its candidate has said if he gets money he will kill Modi. "The Congress has joined hands with such people," Irani said at an election rally here. "Is this the so called love which Rahul was showing for Modi? she asked. Irani was apparently referring to a video in which Tej Bahadur Yadav, the sacked BSF soldier whose nomination as the SP candidate from Varanasi was rejected by the EC, is purportedly talking about assassinating Modi. Taking potshots at Gandhi, she said, "He is a gentleman who winked in ...
Mamata to play major role in forming non-BJP govt at Centre:
Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee will play an important role in forming the next non-BJP government at the Centre, Andra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said on Wednesday. Naidu, also the TDP president, alleged that BJP is playing the communal card to polarise votes in West Bengal as it failed to fight the state chief minister politically. Naidu came to West Bengal on a two-day visit to address public rallies in support of the TMC. He is also scheduled to hold a meeting with Banerjee at Kharagpur on Thursday. The Telugu Desam Party chief came to the state straight from New Delhi where he met Congress president Rahul Gandhi and discussed plans to hold a meeting of opposition parties on May 21, two days ahead of Lok Sabha results, to chalk out a post-poll alliance. Two other prominent opposition leaders, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao and his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan also met at Thiruvanantapuram on Tuesday. "Mamata-ji is a ...
Priyanka invokes Delhi roots, challenges PM to fight elections on false promises
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Wednesday invoked her Delhi roots during a roadshow here, and threw an open challenge at Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight the last two phases of the Lok Sabha election on the issue of the "false promises" he made to people. Priyanka Gandhi, 47, said she was born in Delhi and knows the city like the back of her hand. Holding her first roadshow in the city in support of Sheila Dikshit, the Congress candidate from Northeast Delhi constituency, she said the people of the city were tired of Modi's "purposeless talk". "Being a Delhi girl, I challenge you to fight the last two phases on the issues of demonetisation, GST, women security and the false promises you made to the people of the country," she said, as the crowd clapped, cheered and whistled. Modi had challenged the Congress to fight the last two phases in the name of Rajiv Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi's father and former prime minister who he has described as "bhrashtachari no. 1". Priyanka ...
Punjab govt to compensate farmers if Centre doesn't withdraw MSP value cut
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Wednesday said the state government will compensate farmers if the Centre does not concede their demand to withdraw the value cut in the procurement price of rain-damaged wheat. The value cut implies that the farmers will get less than minimum support price (MSP) for the wheat crop damaged by unseasonal rain. Singh said he will ensure that the farmers are not penalised for no fault of theirs. "The state will subsidise any value cut imposed on the MSP," he said. Earlier, he addressed a rally here in support of Preneet Kaur, his wife and the Congress candidate from the Patiala Lok Sabha constituency. The chief minister accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of meting out step-motherly treatment to Punjab's farmers to "undermine" the state government. Despite repeated requests over the issue of value cut, Singh said the Centre had "failed" to respond so far and lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "ignoring" the plight of ...
Indo-Israel relations will remain unaffected regardless of who is in power, says Ron Malka
Relations between India and Israel will continue to grow and flourish regardless of which party comes to power following the 2019 general elections, said Israeli Ambassador to India Dr Ron Malka.Speaking to ANI, Malka said: "The relations between India and Israel are not between individuals but two countries. It does not matter who is in power. The chemistry between individuals or parties help, but it doesn't matter who is in power. Regardless of which party comes to power, the relations between the two countries will grow and flourish."On being asked how Israel will cooperate with India in countering terrorism in the wake of Masood Azhar being listed by the United Nations as a global terrorist, Malka replied, "It is not only the issue of India and Israel fighting terrorism, I think the world should be united in the fight against terrorism. India and Israel are great friends, and as friends, we will support each other."Israel had extended its support to India following the Pulwama ...
Singapore passes 'fake news' law despite fierce criticism
Singapore's parliament Wednesday passed laws to combat "fake news" that will allow authorities to order the removal of content despite fierce criticism from tech giants, the media and rights groups. They give government ministers powers to order social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false and in extreme cases get them taken down. If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to Singaore dollars 1 million (USD 735,000). Individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years. Authorities in the tightly-controlled country - long criticised for restricting civil liberties - insist the measures are necessary to stop the circulation of falsehoods which could sow divisions in society and erode trust in institutions. But the laws have sparked outrage from rights groups - who fear they could stifle online discussion - tech companies with major bases in the financial
Gandhi family used INS Virat as personal taxi during vacation: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Gandhi family claiming that INS Virat was used as a "personal taxi" by them for 10 days while they were vacationing at an island.Accusing the Gandhi family of compromising with national security, Modi claimed that Indian Navy personnel were stationed at the island in service of late Rajiv Gandhi and his family.Modi was referring to the Lakshadweep vacation took by Former prime minister and his family in 1987."Even Navy personnel were put on service of Rajiv Gandhi and his family while they were vacationing at an island. INS Virat was also stationed at the island for 10 days during that time. At the time when INS Virat was positioned for protection of maritime boundaries, it was sent to take Rajiv Gandhi and his family to an island for their holiday. Even his in-laws were onboard INS Virat. Is it not a compromise of national security?" he said at the Ramlila Maidan rally."Has anyone heard that anyone goes on a ...
Bring back Modi govt to wipe out Naxalism, terrorism: Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that "if Modi government is brought back to power, terrorism and Naxalism will be completed wiped out of our land".Addressing an election rally in Shivpuri, Adityanath said, "The situation of internal and external security was dangerous. 270 districts were affected by Naxalism and terrorism. One-third of India was a victim of anarchy due to Congress' bad governance and wrong policies and their soft approach towards terrorism."Praising the work done by the Narendra Modi government, he said, "We are getting good results due to the actions taken by our government in the last five years. Today terrorism and Naxalism has restricted to 5 to 7 districts only. Bring back Modi government to get them completely wiped out of our land."The Chief Minister accused the Congress of looting the resources meant for the public."They are not providing electricity to people. How would they loot the resources if they give electricity to ...