Page 621 - Politics
It's a fight between 3Gs of Congress and BJP, says Shah
BJP president Amit Shah Wednesday claimed that this Lok Sabha election is a fight between '3 Gs' of the Congress represented by the Gandhi family and those of the saffron party exemplified by gaon, goumata and the Ganga. Claiming that there is a wave in favour of the prime minister across the country, Shah also sought to compare between a 'workaholic' Narendra Modi and a 'vacation loving' Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. He also alleged that the opposition parties are not interested in the security of the country for the sake of votebank politics. Both the Congress and the BJP have three Gs, he said. "For the Congress, 3G stands for Sonia (Gandhi), Rahul (Gandhi) and Priyanka (Gandhi). The BJP's 3G are gaon (villages), goumata (cow) and the Ganga," Shah said and asked the people to choose the correct 3G. He said he has visited for poll campaigns almost all the states where people have different tastes and culture, but "what is common everywhere is the chant in favour of ...
Quota agitation casts its shadow on Lok Sabha battle for Jat-dominated Sonipat
As poll campaign enters the final leg in the Jat-dominated Sonipat parliamentary seat in Haryana, the 2016 violent quota agitation has triggered a fresh war of words between the ruling BJP and the Congress. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar fired the first salvo, drawing sharp retort from his predecessor and Congress candidate from the constituency Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Addressing an election meeting in this district in support of the BJP nominee, Khattar alleged that the Congress leader's supporters were involved in the "burning of Haryana" during the February 2016 agitation. "People know it very well who was behind (it)...They will never forget those faces and punish them at the time of voting," he said. Countering the charge, Hooda said "during their time, Haryana burnt thrice but they won't accept their failure", referring to the Jat quota agitation and violent protests following arrests of self-styled godmen Rampal and Ram Rahim Singh in separate cases. He also said that the ...
Brazil's Prez eases gun control
At a time when countries like New Zealand are tightening gun laws, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree easing restrictions on gun control on Tuesday (local time).Gun buyers in the South American nation can now buy between 1,000 and 5,000 rounds of ammunition every year depending on their license, while the validity of the permit will be extended to 10 years, according to Xinhua.Furthermore, the decree also involves rules of gun use, purchasing, imports and ownership. The full text of the decree is yet to be published.With the latest decree, the Brazilian President fulfils one of his campaign promises to ease owning firearms for citizens.In a bid to end the monopoly of the local gun company 'Taurus', the latest decree also allows those with gun possession permits to import weapons and ammunition.Bolsonaro outlined that the decree is a guarantee of the individual rights of those citizens who wish to own a gun. He had previously removed the need for gun seekers to formally .
BJP refutes bribery charge by Leh journalists
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday denied the allegations levelled by journalists of Leh Press Club that the party had tried to bribe them.
Iran announces partial withdrawal from 2015 nuclear deal
Iran on Wednesday announced partial withdrawal from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal signed with the world powers, a year after the United States unilaterally pulled out of the agreement.The partial withdrawal would mean that Iran would stop exporting enriched uranium stocks as stipulated by the 2015 agreement.Tehran warned that the remaining signatories - the UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia -- had 60 days before it would resume high-level enrichment of uranium.The decision came amid heightened tension between Iran and the US in recent weeks after Washington announced that no fresh sanction waivers will be issued for Iranian oil imports to eight countries, including India.In a speech broadcast on national television, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused "hardliners" in the US of working to undermine the deal, reported CNN."The Islamic Republic of Iran declares that at the current stage, it does not any more see itself committed to respecting the limitations on keeping ...
BJP will come to power with majority: Malini
Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentarian Hema Malini on Wednesday said the Opposition were bent upon stopping Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Congress and other Opposition parties are unitedly trying to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but he is working wholeheartedly to check corruption," Malini said at an election meeting in Kaptanganj, Uttar Pradesh. "Under the able leadership of the prime minister, the country is moving ahead to become global leader," the actor-turned-politician said. "The caste system is giving away and the country is achieving new heights in development." Malini said Modi "feels" the pain of the poor and backwards, adding that the prime minister is dedicated to the implementation of development work and welfare schemes. The Mathura MP from Mathura claimed that the BJP would achieve historical win in the Lok Sabha election with a majority.
BJP to set up panel to probe 'Leh bribery' charge, questions claims of scribes
The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit will set up a committee to probe the allegation that some party leaders tried to bribe journalists to influence parliamentary polls, party's state unit chief Ravinder Raina said Wednesday, even as a legislator named in the matter claimed the envelopes given to scribes had invitations and not money. Raina also said he will file a defamation case against the Press Club Leh for naming him in the bribery complaint, which he termed as "politically motivated" "There will be a probe into it. We will set up a committee to probe the allegation of scribes of Leh," he said. Raina said that he is moving an application in Jammu and Kashmir High Court seeking narco-test of the scribes and BJP leaders including him. "If anybody from the party is found involved, he will be dealt severely," the state BJP president said. Raina said that the committee will submit its report after visiting Leh, where it will talk to journalists and others and review the CCTV footage. On ..
Vice-President Naidu on Vietnam visit from Thursday
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu will undertake a three-day official trip to Vietnam from Thursday, the External Affairs Ministry said. He will hold meetings with Vice-President of Vietnam Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Chairperson of National Assembly of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, the MEA said in an official statement. Naidu will deliver the keynote address at the 16th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration at Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam Province. He will also meet the Indian community and Vietnamese beneficiaries of the Jaipur Foot Artificial Limb Fitment Camp organized in Vietnam under the 'India for Humanity' initiative launched to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the statement said. It said India-Vietnam relations have been built on a firm foundation of close cultural, historical and civilisational links and are marked by mutual trust and understanding as well as strong cooperation in regional and international fora. During the .
We have brought peace in Jungalmahal : Mamata
West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said that her government has been able to usher in peace in tribal Jungalmahal area. The people of Jungalmahal, the forested tribal area of the state, were afraid of both CPI(M) and the naxals during the Left Front rule, she said. But the scenario has changed in the area, which comrpise Jhargram, West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts, Banerjee said at an election rally at Kotshila in Purulia district. "We have been able to establish peace in Purulia and Junglemahal area and many developmental works have been undertaken - mainly water-related projects," she said. Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said he has done nothing in the last five years. "Do not vote for BJP. They will do nothing and only dish out lies and make people fight against each other", the fiesty TMC leader said. Banerjee, who had spearheaded the anti-land acquisition movements at Singur and Nandigram, said that her ..
Congress seeks Goa Deputy CM apology for 'weaponising' remark
The Congress on Wednesday demanded an apology from the Goa Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sardesai for saying that he would weaponise the BJP youth cadres, if domicile provisions relating to eligibility for government jobs in the state were diluted.
HC dismisses plea to restrain Kejriwal, AAP from making full statehood promise for Delhi
The Delhi High Court Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The plea came up before a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice A J Bhambhani which rejected it. The plea also sought direction to the Election Commission to take appropriate action against Kejriwal and AAP for breach of provision of the Representation of the People Act. The petition filed by Anil Dutt Sharma said that AAP and Kejriwal have been advertising the promise to get full statehood for Delhi despite knowing that even if they will, they cannot grant it. "The respondents no. 1 (Kejriwal) and 2 (AAP) do not have powers to make Delhi a complete statehood as they represent and seek to represent on Delhi government while that required to be the ruling party with majority in both the houses of Parliament to grant Delhi full statehood. Admittedly, ...
IPS officer writes to M'rashtra govt, alleges 'victimisation'
Senior Maharashtra IPS officer Sanjay Pandey has alleged he has been "victimised" by the state government and overlooked for appointment to a "suitable" post. Pandey, currently posted as Director General, Home Guards, has written a letter to the additional chief secretary (Home) and the chief secretary, listing his grievances against the government. The second senior-most IPS officer of the state has also a sent a copy of the letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (through his private secretary), who holds the Home portfolio. In the letter, the 1986-batch officer has lashed out at the government, alleging, its "arbitrary, discriminatory and illegal administrative" actions are directly affecting his career. In his five-page missive, accessed by PTI, Pandey said the government has repeatedly "overlooked" him for either the post of Mumbai Police Commissioner or Director General of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). "I have been victimised and have been at the receiving end
EC move disappointing, have re-poll in Tripura West: CPI-M
The CPI-M on Wednesday voiced its "deep sense of disappointment" over the Election Commission's order to hold polling void in 168 booths of the Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency, saying a re-poll should be held in the entire constituency.
EC's decision on Tripura falls short of expectations: CPI(M)
The decision of the Election Commission on Wednesday to conduct repolling in 168 booths in West Tripura constituency has "fallen short of expectations", the CPI(M) said and claimed that a substantial number of voters has been denied their right to vote due to rigging. It was after several complaints by political parties that the poll body ordered a repoll at 168 of the 1,679 polling stations, almost a month after polls were held in West Tripura seat on April 11. The EC said that repoll in polling stations spread over 26 of the 30 assembly segments of the Lok Sabha constituency will be held on May 12. "The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep sense of disappointment over the Election Commission of India's order to hold the elections void in 168 booths for the Tripura West parliamentary constituency and hold re-poll in these booths. There had been widespread rigging and prevention of voters exercising their franchise by the ruling BJP during polls held on April 11. "We firmly ..
J-K Guv reviews security scenario in state
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Wednesday reviewed the security scenario in the state and directed the administration to ensure safety of protected persons and also give due consideration to the genuine apprehensions of political activists working at the grassroots level. The governor undertook a detailed review of the security management related issues in a high-level meeting at the Raj Bhavan here today and was given a sector-wise assessment of the prevailing security situation in the state, a Raj Bhavan spokesman said. He said the governor would also be inviting leaders of different political parties in the state to discuss their security concerns and how to address them so as to create a secure political and governance environment for one and all. The meeting was attended by advisor to the governor, K Vijay Kumar, Chief Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam, DGP Dilbag Singh, Principal Secretary (Home) Umang Narula and other officials from the police and civil ...
Withdrawal of security cover impedes political activity: NC leader
A senior leader of the National Conference Wednesday said the withdrawal of security cover to the party leaders has impeded the political activity across Jammu and Kashmir. "The decision regarding withdrawal of security is insensitive, which can put the lives of political activists in jeopardy... the decision has already started to boomerang," state secretary of the NC and former MLC Rattan Lal Gupta said in a statement here. He said despite constitution of an empowered committee by Governor Satya Pal Malik for review, no forward movement has been registered in this regard so far. "We hope that the Governor will pass on immediate instructions for restoring the security cover of the protected leaders," Gupta said. He said the removal of security cover had "hugely impacted" the campaign of the political leaders and it is incumbent upon the government to take corrective measures by not putting their personal safety in jeopardy. "The removal of protection was an unprecedented measure. The
Centre moves SC against Madras HC verdict on Puducherry LG
The Centre Wednesday approached the Supreme Court challenging the verdict of Madras High Court which held that Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi "cannot interfere" in the day-to-day affairs of the elected government of the Union Territory. The matter was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. "There is a standstill in the governance there (Puducherry)," Mehta told the bench while seeking urgent listing of the matter. The bench, however, declined the request and said it had earlier made it clear that advocates seeking urgent listing of their matters can give the listing memos to the registrar. On April 30, the Madras High Court had allowed a plea filed by K Laksminarayanan, a Congress MLA, and set aside the two communications issued in January and June 2017 by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs "elevating" the power of the administrator. Referring to the Supreme Court ...
Centre planning to raze unauthorised colonies: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the Narendra Modi government is planning to demolish unauthorised colonies in the national capital and added that the land will be given to big builders.
Punjab Congress dubs Sukhbir 'General Dyer II'
The Punjab Congress on Wednesday raised the pitch in the high-profile Bathinda poll battle with party candidate Raja Warring dubbing Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal as 'General Dyer II' for the police firing on peaceful protesters in Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura.
People don't trust Modi; he won't become PM again: Rahul in MP
Stepping up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Wednesday said the latter won't become the PM again as people have lost faith in him. Addressing a poll rally ahead of the third phase of Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh on May 12, Gandhi said Modi can't face the truth that he has failed to deliver on his promises. "Let Narendra Modi say anything now, people have lost faith in him. He can no longer face the truth that the promises he made during the 2014 general elections have not been fulfilled," Gandhi said. "Modi can't face the truth that he has delivered nothing, and instead taken away jobs of the poor and youth by his decisions like demonetisation and GST," he said. Demonetisation was widely used to convert the black money into white by the most corrupt people in the country, Gandhi said. "All the thieves in the country have converted their black money into white with the help of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said. "The ...