Page 749 - Politics
Kargil hero files papers for Himachal's Mandi seat
Fearing rejection of nomination, Brigadier Khushal Thakur (retired), a decorated officer who played a crucial in the 1999 Kargil war, on Friday filed nomination papers as the substitute candidate for BJP's Ram Swaroop Sharma for Mandi seat in Himachal Pradesh.
Cong never made national security electoral issue, BJP rightly did: Pachauri
Days ahead of the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister and BJP's Kanpur candidate Satyadev Pachauri Friday claimed that the Congress has "never made" national security a poll issue, which his party has done and will "immensely benefit" from it. The Kanpur nominee also claimed that there is a "bigger Modi wave" in the country this year and that the saffron party will return to power with a "thumping majority". "The Balakot air strike demonstrated that our government at the Centre is serious about the issue of terrorism and accords importance to national security. And that is why national security and nationalism will be the overriding sentiments during the polls. This election is being fought by us now on a much larger perspective than just local issues," Pachauri told PTI in an interview. He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stature among the people of the country "ramped up" after the air strike. The micro, small and medium industries ...
Prestige battle for Baijayant, Naveen in Kendrapara
Once a close confidant of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, high profile former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Baijayant 'Jay' Panda faces the toughest battle of his political career as he has turned out to be the enemy number one for the ruling BJD.
BJP will win all 7 seats with higher margin in 2019: Party's Delhi LS polls candidates
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the support of every section of society, BJP candidates from the national capital said Friday, exuding confidence that the party will win all the seven Lok Sabha seats here with a margin higher than that in 2014. Taking a jibe at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Union Minister and BJP's Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat candidate Harsh Vardhan said the "pleading" done by the Delhi's ruling party for a pre-poll alliance with the Congress gives an indication that it is staring at defeat. "Every section of society, from the youth to street hawkers, support Modi. People, more than BJP workers, are eager to make Modi the prime minister of the country again. BJP will win the 2019 polls with more seats than in 2014," he said. Echoing similar views, BJP's South Delhi candidate Ramesh Bidhuri hit out at the AAP and said those rejected by the people are pleading for an alliance with the Congress. "The BJP will win all seven seats with a bigger margin in 2019 than 2014. The
This election is about removing 'Chowkidar' and 'Thokidar,' says Akhilesh Yadav
This Lok Sabha election is about removing 'Chowkidar' and 'Thokidar' and ensure that a big change takes place in the country, said former Chief Minister and SP president Akhilesh Yadav here on Friday."Whatever we had given to the public, this government has taken away from them. Baba Chief Minister cannot use laptop himself. What will he give to the youth? This election is not just removing 'Chowkidar' but 'Thokidar' as well," he said.The opposition parties use the term 'Chowkidar' (watchman) for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to highlight alleged corruption in the high profile Rafale fighter plane deal.The term 'Thokidar' is used by the opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh to highlight the alleged fake encounters, which have taken place ever since the BJP came to power in the state.Responding to the ruling party's 'Mahamilavati' jibe at SP-BSP alliance, Yadav said: "We are not 'Mahamilavati.' We are going to make 'Mahaparivartan' (a big change). BJP is saying that they will create a ...
J-K HC dismisses Yasin Malik's plea to transfer case
Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Friday dismissed an appeal by JKLF chief Muhammad Yasin Malik to transfer the trial of two 30-year-old cases against him from Jammu to Srinagar.Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik has been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA).Malik was arrested a couple of weeks after the Central government banned JKLF saying that the outfit led by the former militant leader Malik was actively engaged in inciting secessionism and illegal funneling of funds for fomenting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.Malik, who was detained on February 22 this year, was lodged at Kothibagh police station.
Congress has corrupt intentions, confused leaders: PM Modi in Jabalpur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday claimed that Congress has corrupt intentions, distracted policies, and confused leaders.Speaking at an election rally in Jabalpur, Modi said, "To bring some change we need to have the right intention, however, Congress has corrupt intentions, its leaders are confused and its policies are distracted. Congress' strategy is to make people crave for development and help."He accused Congress leaders of only being "worried" about the careers of their children."They are only worried about their own family and lineage. Today you see, we have 'naamdaar' sitting in Delhi and in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Congress leaders are busy in making their children's careers.""Today there are a dozen people standing in line with their dream of becoming prime minister, everyone has given tailors cloth to sew. Someone is fighting eight seats, some 40 seats, but all are projecting themselves as better candidates," the Prime Minister said in a veiled jibe at the ...
Encourage foreign practitioners, third-party funding for progressive ecosystem: Mark Bravin
At a discussion organized by the Nani Palkhivala Arbitration Centre in Delhi, leading American attorney Mark Bravin, elaborated on India's growing role and contribution to the global arbitration ecosphere.Bravin discussed various aspects of International arbitration and India's role in becoming one of the leaders in the arbitration ecosystem. Some of India's prominent arbitration practitioners, including Gaurav Pachnanda, senior advocate, Supreme Court of India along with Sasi Prabhu, Payal Chawla, and Shashank Garg, also participated in the discussion. He discussed the famous case of Hardy Exploration & amp; Production (India), Inc v. Government of India, Ministry of Petroleum And Natural Gas, which was filed in the US District Court of Columbia, which ruled in favour of the Government of India refusing to recognise an arbitral award on grounds of public policy.Bravin gave insights into restricting foreign arbitrators from practising in India. He felt this will put India behind .
Maharastra Bhim Army chief held for offering reward for blackening Sadhvi Pragya's face
Mumbai Police on Friday apprehended Maharastra's Bhim Army chief Ashok Kamble for announcing a reward of Rs 5 lakh to whosoever blackens Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur's face.The police also held seven workers of the party in connection with the matter.This arrest came a day after Kamble lambasted the Bhopal BJP candidate for her statement on slain IPS officer Hemant Karkare.Kamble had also announced that the Bhim Army would give Rs 5 lakh as a reward to anyone who blackens Thakur's face in her village.On April 19, Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case, said Karkare had lost his life because she had cursed him."I called Hemant Karkare and asked him to let me go if there is no evidence (against me). He (Karkare) said that he will bring evidence but will not leave me. I told him -- You will be ruined," she said.Karkare was killed along with two other senior police officers while fighting terrorists during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in November 2008.BJP has fielded Thakur ...
'Naamdar' used Tughlaq road poll scam money in campaign, claims PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the money which was seized by the Income Tax (I-T) department earlier was being used by 'naamdar' Rahul Gandhi in his poll campaign."For the poor children, your chowkidar is sending money from Delhi. But the money being sent for pregnant women and child nutrition is being stolen and sent to Tughlaq Road. People have seen how sacks full of notes were recovered," the Prime Minister said while addressing an election rally here."This money used to be sent to a big Congress leader who resides at Tughlaq road in Delhi. The money was also spent in naamdar's campaign," he added.Earlier, I-T department had raided the residences of Praveen Kakkar who is also the private secretary to Chief Minister Kamal Nath and associate of Kakkar, Ashwin Sharma.Modi further said that the law should be the same for everyone, adding that the I-T department can raid his house as well if he has done something wrong."They ask why Modi raids opposition leaders. Modi did .
17th legislative term of Afghan Parliament inaugurated
The 17th legislative term of the Wolesi Jirga, or the Afghan Parliament, was inaugurated on Friday by President Ashraf Ghani, even though the final results of five provinces is awaited.As per the law, the parliament was supposed to be inaugurated earlier but was delayed due to "controversies", according to TOLOnews.The parliament inauguration was attended by senior government officials and new lawmakers.Addressing the ceremony, the Afghan President highlighted that the majority of the new parliament members are from a younger generation who will protect women's rights, human rights and other rights of Afghans.He added that the Afghan government had no role to play in the delay of the parliament inauguration.Ghani, during his address, said that the current challenges in Afghanistan are because of the "imposed war" which has been fueled by "direct foreign support" of the Taliban.He reinforced that he would remain President of Afghanistan until the next Presidential elections, slated for
J-K Governor's administration asks EC to hold assembly elections in November
Jammu and Kashmir Governor's administration on Friday opposed the proposal to hold assembly elections in June and instead urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to hold elections in November, according to sources.The state administration cited Ramzan, Amarnath Yatra, tourist season, and Bakerwal migration as reasons for advancing the polls to November this year, sources said.Announcing seven-phased Lok Sabha election schedule on March 10, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora had said that elections for Jammu and Kashmir assembly would not be conducted along with the parliamentary elections.In June 2018, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had withdrawn support to the PDP government, led by Mehbooba Mufti in the 87-member state assembly.Since the fall of the coalition government, the state has been under the President's rule.
Yeddyurappa writes to CEC over 'relaxation' of MCC in K'taka
Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa on Friday wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) over alleged "relaxation" of the Model Code of Conduct in the state, saying any such move will have ramifications on polls in other states.The BJP leader said the state government went on record on Wednesday claiming that the CEC has relaxed the poll code and permitted it to take up developmental works which include projects related to infrastructure, purchases, and services."The state government even claimed that the CEC has given permission to float and finalise tenders on this score," Yeddyurappa said.He sought withdrawal of any permission given to the state government to undertake developmental works."Even if it is assumed that elections in Karnataka are over, the decisions of the state government on various projects will have their ramifications in other states where elections are under progress," the former Karnataka chief minister said.In his letter to the CEC, Yeddyurappa said,
Kumaraswamy calls JDS legislature party meet on Sunday to
With the BJP predictingthe Congress-JD(S) coalition government's collapse and dissidence resurfacing in Congress, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has called a meeting of JD(S) legislature party on Sunday to discuss the political developments in the state. The meeting has been called after the Lok Sabha polls to discuss the recent political developments, party sources said. With speculation about the longevity of the coalition government coming to the fore again and threat by rebel Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi to quit the party, along with other legislators, Kumaraswamy Thursday took stock of the situation with his deputy G Parameshwara and senior Minister D K Shivakumar. As the second phase of Lok Sabha polls drew to a close Tuesday, this speculation gained ground with state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa predicting the coalition government's collapse after the May 23 election results. There are talks within political circles that any adverse results for the coalition in the .
Xi could visit US in June to sign trade deal
Chinese President Xi Jinping could visit the United States as early as June to sign a trade deal with his American counterpart Donald Trump, putting an end to the year-long trade dispute between the two countries.Xi would visit the US in June if the two sides can finalise a deal to put an end to the trade war, South China Morning Post reported while quoting sources.The source added that the Chinese President was open to the idea of visiting the US immediately after a deal is clinched so that it can be signed "face to face" with Trump."June is an option but it could be later," the source told South China Morning Post."We will soon be having President Xi from China coming. We have many, many of the leaders - ultimately, all of the great leaders come here," Trump said on Thursday.Officials from the two countries are engaged in talks to put an end to the trade dispute. The US had scrapped off fresh tariffs on Chinese imports earlier this year as talks were going well between the two ...
Nine candidates withdraw nominations in Delhi
Nine candidates withdrew their nominations Friday, leaving the total number of candidates contesting from various constituencies in Delhi for the Lok Sabha polls at 164. Two of these candidates -- one from a little known outfit (Social Democratic Party Of India) and another independent -- withdrew their nominations from North East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, which now has 24 candidates in the fray. Another independent candidate withdrew his nomination from the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, leaving the total tally of candidates at 26. Two independent candidates withdrew their nominations from North West Delhi constituency, while one backed out from the fray in West Delhi constituency. The total number of candidates contesting from North West and West Delhi constituencies are 11 and 23, respectively. Three candidates of the Rashtriya Krantikari Janata Party, All India Rajiv Congress Party and Bharat Prabhat Party withdrew their nominations from South Delhi, which now has 27 ...
Goa's faulty EVM polled votes for Congress, not BJP: CEO
Amid reports on news and social media that a malfunctioning EVM at the South Goa Lok Sabha constituency had cast erroneously 17 votes for the BJP during a mock poll on April 23, Goa's Chief Electoral Officer Kunal on Friday clarified that the 17 unaccounted votes had, in fact, been credited to the Congress.
Constitution facing threat under BJP govt: Hooda
Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Friday claimed that the basic ideas enshrined in the Constitution was under threat in the rule of the BJP government. Speaking to party workers at the Congress office here, Hooda, who is contesting in the Sonipat Lok Sabha seat, said the people of Jind-Sonipat would play a decisive role in giving a new direction to the future of the country. "The 2019 Lok Sabha election is extraordinary as the Constitution framed by B R Ambedkar and other founding fathers is under threat," Hooda said. "The basic ideas enshrined in the Constitution are under threat under the BJP-led government at the Centre." Talking about Jind, Hooda said when the Congress formed the government after winning the 2005 assembly election, three ministerial berths were given to leaders from the district. "I (as the CM) did whatever they asked me to do for the district. If there is something that still needs to be done, I would do my best to fulfil them as your ...
Optimistic of Masood Azhar's listing as global terrorist by UN: UK
The UK Friday said it was optimistic that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar will soon be declared a global terrorist by the United Nations even as it called for "verifiable" and "irreversible" action against terror groups by Pakistan. British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith, talking to reporters, also said that Britain was actively involved in bringing down the temperature between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments. On overall ties with India, Asquith said the UK would like to further intensify relations with India post-Brexit as it was looking for deeper bilateral trade and investment ties. He said the UK was keen on a Free Trade Agreement with India and that post- Brexit, his government was going to ease immigration norms for students. Asked about listing of Azhar as a global terrorist, the British High Commissioner said, "We are waiting to see whether the country (China), which has been resisting it, will lift their hold. .
J&K top brass meets EC officials over possible dates for state polls
Top officials of the Jammu and Kashmir administration are learnt to have met Election Commission (EC) officials on Friday to discuss the possible dates of Assembly polls in the state. The meeting took place days after the three special observers appointed by the EC submitted their report on the possibility of holding Assembly polls in the state. Official sources said the "full commission" comprising the chief election commissioner and two fellow commissioners will meet here on April 30 to discuss the possible dates of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls. The state chief electoral officer had met the deputy election commissioner concerned on Thursday, ahead of Friday's meet. On March 10, when the EC had announced the schedule for the ongoing Lok Sabha election, it had said the polls to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will not be held simultaneously. It had cited the law-and-order situation in the state for delaying the Assembly polls. Since the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has been ...