Page 646 - Politics
Maduro can't be part of Venezuela's future: Pompeo
Amid political unrest in Venezuela, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that embattled President Nicolas Maduro is "ruling for the moment", but cannot be part of the country's future.
President Trump changes his position on Mueller's testimony
President Donald Trump's turnabout on whether the special counsel should appear before Congress "Bob Mueller should not testify," he tweeted has sparked criticism from Democratic lawmakers eager to question the author of the report on Russia's election interference. Trump had previously said he would leave the question of Robert Mueller testifying to Attorney General William Barr. The attorney general has said he has no objection to Mueller testifying. Not only did Trump in tweets Sunday contend that Mueller's report didn't reveal collusion and that there was no obstruction, he asserted: "Bob Mueller should not testify. No redos for the Dems!" Tensions between the White House and House Democrats have been fuelled by disputes over calling administration officials before multiple committees, among them former White House counsel Don McGahn, and obtaining an unredacted copy of the special counsel's report and its underlying evidence as well as information relating to Trump's personal ..
AAP convened meeting of Imams, asked them to canvas for it: Vijay Goel
Union minister and BJP leader Vijay Goel Monday alleged the AAP convened a meeting of over 300 Imams in the Chandni Chowk area and asked them to campaign for the party as its government had raised their salaries. He claimed the meeting took place on Saturday and was attended by Delhi minister Imran Hussain, and AAP MLAs Amnatuallah Khan and Asim Ahmed. "The party told the Imams that its government had hiked their salary and therefore, they should campaign in its favour. Later, a team of the Election Commission and the Delhi Police raided the place of the meeting and collected evidence. I have also got a video clip as proof," he claimed. "This is the reason people are deserting the AAP. Kejriwal has moved away from the agenda of development and full statehood for Delhi and is resorting to the politics of slaps and religion," Goel said attacking the Delhi chief minister. Goel said Kejriwal got slapped after AAP East Delhi candidate Atishi Marlena asked people to "beat up the public ...
New Delhi: A high profile LS seat with local issues
The New Delhi Lok Sabha seat, which houses the residences and workplaces of all the key office holders in the country, has a set of local issues to deal with as it gears up for the May 12 polls.
Indian, Pakistani armies trade heavy fire on LoC
Indian and Pakistani troops traded heavy fire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district for the fourth consecutive day on Monday.
Pak army shells forward posts, hamlets along LoC in J-K's Poonch, 2 civilians injured
Pakistan army resorted to heavy mortar shelling and small arms firing targeting forward posts and villages along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Monday, resulting in injuries to two civilians, officials said. Pakistan violated ceasefire by resorting to heavy mortar shelling and firing along the LoC in Mankote and Krishna Ghati sectors of Poonch district, they said. Two civilians -- Maqsood Ahmed and Ashiq Hussain -- were injured in the shelling, officials said. On Sunday, a colonel-rank officer was injured in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch in Pakistani shelling, while a 25-year-old porter suffered splinter injuries when a mortar shell exploded near him in Keri sector of Rajouri district, they said. Pakistan has violated ceasefire by 513 times along the LoC in the state in the past one-and-a-half-month. The Pakistani side has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian side in retaliatory action, a senior official said. Ten people, including
I have quit UP govt, says SBSP chief Rajbhar
Known for blowing hot and cold against ally BJP, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar claimed Monday he has resigned from the Yogi Adityanath government and it was up to the saffron party to decide on it. "I tendered resignation as minister on April 13. It is up to the BJP to decide whether to accept or reject it," Rajbhar, a cabinet minister in the UP government, told reporters here. "I have nothing to do with the government now," he said. The SBSP chief alleged the BJP was misusing his party's name and flag in the election under way. "Even during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow, they were used. I have filed a complaint in this regard with the Election Commission," Rajbhar said. Rajbhar has often publicly criticised the BJP, its ally in Uttar Pradesh. Last month, he said his party will contest the Lok Sabha election in the state alone and announced candidates on 39 seats, prompting BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya to say that ...
China likely to send delegation for trade talks with US
China is planning to send a delegation for trade talks with the US despite President Donald Trump's recent threat to hike tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang on Monday.He also urged the US to "work" with China to "achieve a deal.""There have been many times that the US side has threatened to increase tariffs. China's positions are clear and the US side is well aware of them," South China Morning Post quoted Shuang, as saying."[We have hoped] to make progress in our trade talks and [we] hope the US side can work together with us and move in the same direction so we can achieve a deal that can benefit both sides," he said."Everyone in China and abroad is very concerned about the next round of talks, and we are also learning about the relevant changes. The Chinese delegation is preparing to go to the US for the negotiations," added Shuang.In an abrupt move, US President Trump on Sunday threatened to increase tariffs on $200 ...
Will stop sealing drives in Delhi if we get all 7 Lok Sabha seats, says Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that if his party wins all the seven parliamentary seats here then he will be able to stop sealing drives against businesses.At a press conference here, Kejriwal said, "Traders have been facing problem due to sealing drives for the past two years, if AAP wins all seats from Delhi then we will be able to stop sealing drives.""We have managed to stop sealing drives in many areas of the national capital, using court's stay and Mayapuri area is a recent example. If we get all seats in Delhi we will surely stop sealing," he added.Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kejriwal said, "Traders, who were supporters of BJP are unhappy with Prime Minister Modi. Traders are approaching me and complaining that they have supported BJP through donations and votes in the past but now they want an alternative. This has happened due to policies of Prime Minister Modi like demonetization and GST which have ...
50 per cent voter turnout in Rajasthan till 3 pm
A voter turnout of 50 per cent was recorded till 3 pm Monday in 12 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan where two former Olympians are among the 134 candidates in the fray. The maximum voter turnout of 57.10 per cent was recorded in Ganganagar (SC) seat, while Churu, Jaipur and Alwar recorded 51.84 per cent, 54.39 per cent and 51.31 per cent polling respectively, according to the website of the chief electoral officer of Rajasthan. Polling began at 7 am in Ganganagar (SC), Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa and Nagaur seats. The website of the chief electoral officer of Rajasthan stated that the overall polling percentage in the 12 seats till 3 pm was 50.02 per cent. A total of 2.30 crore voters across these 12 constituencies are eligible to decide the fate of the 134 candidates, among whom 16 are women. As many as 23,738 polling stations have been set up in the state for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The candidates ..
'Varuna' largest Indo-French exercise till date underway
'Varuna', the joint exercise of navies of India and France currently underway off the coast of Goa is the largest ever joint exercise undertaken by the two navies yet, and represents the pinnacle of the strengthened maritime co-operation between India and France, statements issued by both navies said on Monday.Eleven of the most modern units of the two countries participated in the exercise, the joint statement said."Today our port visit in Goa is a unique opportunity to strengthen our ties with the Indian Navy through the bilateral Varuna exercise. Indeed, it will be the largest-ever conducted Varuna exercise with 11 of India and France's most modern units, including two aircraft carriers and two submarines," the joint press statement for exercise Varuna stated.The first phase of the Indo-French joint exercise began off Goa's coast on May 1 and is scheduled to culminate on May 10. The second phase, on the other hand, is slated to be held in May-end near Djibouti.The training which is
US warships sail near disputed Spratly Islands in South China Sea
Two US warships on Monday were spotted sailing near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, in a move that could anger Beijing amid the ongoing trade war between world's two biggest economies.Al Jazeera reported that the US guided missile destroyers Preble and Chung Hoon travelled within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands.The disputed waters have overlapping territorial claims on it, with China, the Philippines, Vietnam (amongst others) all staking a claim on the sea.On Sunday, US President Donald Trump vowed to increase pressure on China to reach a trade deal, announcing that he would raise US tariffs on Chinese goods worth USD 200 billion.Monday's operation was the latest attempt by Washington to counter what it sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate.Last month, China's navy chief said freedom of navigation should not be used to ...
US to announce new sanctions on Iran
The United States is planning to announce a set of new sanctions on Iran in the coming week to further target the Iranian economy, reported Sputnik.Reportedly, this time the White House is expected to target a new sector of the Iranian economy with sanctions on Wednesday. However, the new sanctions will not target the energy sector.Meanwhile, to further mount the pressure, the US has indicated that it is deploying a carrier strike group and a bomber task force in Iran.Last month, the US had announced that no fresh sanction waivers will be issued for Iranian oil importers - South Korea, China, India and five other countries.Last week, the US extended its waivers from 90 days to 180 days. This allows the continuation of work at several Iranian nuclear sites to continue with US penalties.Additionally, the US also warned that assisting Iran in expanding its Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant could invite more sanctions.However, the US did not renew two waivers. One that allowed Iran to store ...
Upset that a PM from land of Mahatma can go this level: Pitroda on Modi's barb against Rajiv
Congress leader Sam Pitroda Monday reacted strongly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that former PM Rajiv Gandhi died as "corrupt number 1", and said he cannot believe that a man from the land of Mahatma Gandhi would go to this level. At a rally in Uttar Pradesh Saturday, Modi targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying, "Your father was termed Mr Clean by his courtiers, but his life ended as bhrashtachari no 1 (corrupt number 1)," Modi had said. On Monday, Pitroda told a press conference here, "I cannot believe that a man from Mahatma Gandhi's soil Gujarat would go to that level and make a comment on someone who died with great honour." Mahatma Gandhi was born in the coastal town of Porbandar in Gujarat on October 2, 1869. Prime Minister Modi also hails from the state. Pitroda, a longtime Gandhi family adviser and the Indian Overseas Congress chief, also said, "I had the privilege of working with Rajiv Gandhi when he was (party's) General Secretary and then when he was ..
50% polling in Bengal marred by violence (3rd Lead) (1 p.m.)
Amid attacks on two BJP candidates Arjun Singh and Locket Chatterjee and cases of intimidation, violence, bombings and EVM glitches, half of West Bengal's electorate in seven Lok Sabha constituencies voted in six hours on Monday in the fifth phase.
Modi did not get 'sanskar': Kharge replies to PM on Rajiv Gandhi taunt
Slamming the prime minister for his "bhrashtachari no. 1" taunt at Rajiv Gandhi, senior Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge said Monday Narendra Modi did not get "sanskar" (cultural grooming) as he had escaped from home at a young age. Kharge said Modi's remark reflected his frustration. At a rally in Uttar Pradesh Saturday, Modi attacked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, saying, "Your father was termed Mr Clean by his courtiers but his life ended as bhrashtachari no. 1" (Corrupt no. 1). Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Kharge said Modi lacked political and practical knowledge. "He did not get sanskar at home as he had fled home at a young age. Where will he get it? People should have control over their tongue when speaking," the Congress leader said. Modi's comment on Rajiv Gandhi has drawn widespread criticism from various opposition parties, which said he lowered the dignity of the office of the prime minister. The BJP has countered the charge saying every word Modi said about the ..
Cong to review drought, political situation in Maha on May 10
The Maharashtra Congress will hold a review meeting to discuss the drought condition and political situation in the state on May 10. The BJP-led Maharashtra government in October last year declared drought in 151 talukas of the state. Maharashtra Congress president Ashok Chavan told reporters here on Monday that in the meeting, the party leaders and workers from drought-hit areas will submit their feedback to the state leadership. They will discuss the situation and ways to help the affected people, he said. In the meeting, the party will also take stock of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections and deliberate on preparations for the state Assembly polls due later this year, he said. Asked about the Leader of Opposition's post in the Assembly after Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil's resignation, Chavan said a due process was being followed and that the matter will come up for discussion in the meeting. To another question, Chavan said the issue of anti- party activities will also be ...
Tej Bahadur Yadav moves Supreme Court against rejection of his nomination
Former BSF constable and Samajwadi Party candidate Tej Bahadur Yadav on Monday filed a writ petition in Supreme Court (SC) on Monday against the rejection of his nomination from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.Yadav's candidature was rejected on Wednesday after he failed to submit a certificate on whether or not he was dismissed from the service for corruption or disloyalty to the government.The Returning Officer (RO) Surendra Singh on Tuesday issued a notice to Yadav asking him to submit the certificate."You have not submitted the certificate to the effect that whether or not you were dismissed from the service for corruption or disloyalty with your nomination papers. You are directed through this notice to submit the aforementioned certificate till 11 am on May 1, 2019," the notice reads.Yadav, however, had alleged foul play and said he would knock the doors of the Supreme Court."My nomination was rejected in an autocratic manner. How many times they have given me notice? It was not
AAP MLA Devinder Sehrawat joins BJP
AAP MLA Devinder Singh Sehrawat joined the BJP on Monday, the second legislator to quit the party and join the saffron fold in less than a week. AAP's Gandhi Nagar MLA Anil Bajpai quit the party and joined the BJP on Friday last. Sehrawat, the party's legislator from Bijwasan, joined the party at a press conference in the presence of senior Delhi BJP leaders Vijay Goel and Vijendra Gupta. Accusing the party of "ignoring" and "cornering" him, Sehrawat said he was not even invited to party functions. "The party insulted me, but I took it in my stride and continued working for the development of my area," the retired colonel said. "My people said 'we have elected you to work for us' and supported my decision to quit the AAP. I have joined the BJP considering the respect India got under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said. Goel said the BJP was interested in inducting Sehrawat into the party even before he had joined the AAP. "The party (AAP) would ignore Sehrawat and
Modi, a 'boxer' who punched Advani, failed to fight unemployment: Rahul
Congress President Rahul Gandhi Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "boxer" who entered the ring to fight unemployment but ended up punching his "coach" and veteran BJP leader L K Advani. The Gandhi scion used the boxer analogy at a poll rally in Bhiwani, which is known as India's boxing nursery and has produced famous boxers including Vijender Singh, who is fighting the Lok Sabha polls as a Congress nominee in the national capital. "A boxer Narendra Modi, who boasted of his 56-inch chest, entered the ring to fight unemployment, farmers' issue, corruption and other issues," the Congress chief said. "Narendra Modi's coach Advani ji, other team members like Gadkari were there... Modi entered the ring and the first thing he did was to deliver a punch on Advani's face," he said, adding that the prime minister had "insulted" the senior BJP leader. After punching Advani, this boxer knocked out small shopkeepers with demonetisation and Gabbar Singh Tax, said Rahul Gandhi referring .