Page 869 - Politics

PM Modi has no wife or children, won't understand what's family: Sharad Pawar

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talking about his family members and said that the Prime Minister has no wife or children, and hence, will not understand the significance of a family.Addressing a rally here on Monday, Pawar said, "There is no one in his family, how would he know how a family functions and how one takes care of son and wife. This is also the reason why he keeps peeping into others' homes. It is not good to peep into other people's house Modi ji. I can also say a lot but I won't stoop to a low level."The NCP Chief said Modi talking about him all the time is giving him "free publicity.""People are feeling that if he talking about this person (Pawar), there must be something in him. And even when he talks, he says that Pawar ji is a good person but has family problems because there is no coordination between his family members," Pawar said."I want to say that my nephews have grown up and have taken their ...

New low in political discourse: Cong leader hits out at Uma Bharti over 'chor ki patni' remark

Former Rajya Sabha member and Congress leader Ashwani Kumar on Wednesday said that Union minister Uma Bharti's remark against Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is a "new low in political discourse."Bharti had referred to Priyanka as "Chor ki Patni" (the wife of a thief) while talking to media in Chhattisgarh's Durg on Tuesday.Kumar, while speaking to ANI, said, "This statement is a new low in political discourse, I have no words to adequately condemn such a reprehensible statement from a Union minister and a leader like Uma Bharti against a lady and a leader of a national party. Bharti's statement against Priyanka is condemnable as there is not even a whisper of wrongdoing against her nor her husband is found guilty.""I think elections are not about winning or losing but about maintaining the civility and decorum to sustain democracy," he added.On being asked about Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's claim of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement on Prime Minister Narendra ...

Attack on Jaya Prada extremely disgusting: Ravi Kishan

Actor-turned-politician and BJP candidate from Gorakhpur, Ravi Kishan on Wednesday said that he finds nothing wrong in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath invoking the name of Lord Hanuman during election rallies.He, however, finds Samajawadi Party leader Azam Khan's comments against his party colleague Jaya Prada more objectionable than other things."Yogiji took the name of Bajrangbali, what is wrong in that. He takes the name every day being a monk. On the other hand, he (Azam Khan) passed such vulgar comments on Jaya Prada, only because she came to fight elections from Rampur seat. How can such statements be justified, decency is expected in a democratically held election. They know they are losing and that is why they are passing such comments," said Ravi Kishan while talking to reporters."I brought her (Jaya Prada) to Rampur. You are a witness that I did not allow anyone to touch her body. It took you 17 years to identify her real face but I got to know in 17 days that ..

Ban Rahul Gandhi from holding rallies: HP BJP to EC

The Himachal Pradesh BJP Wednesday urged the EC to ban Congress chief Rahul Gandhi from holding poll rallies for levelling "baseless" allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by "misinterpreting" a Supreme Court order. The demand comes a day after the Election Commission served a notice to Himachal Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Satpal Satti for his alleged derogatory remarks against the Gandhi scion. Accusing the Congress president of "deliberately misinterpreting" the apex court's April 10 order allowing "leaked" defence ministry documents to be taken on record, the party submitted memorandums to district election officers (DEOs) across the state addressed to the chief election commissioner (CEC). In the state capital Shimla, BJP workers led by state vice president Ganesh Dutt and Shimla Mayor Kusum Sadrate submitted the memorandum to Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer Rajeshwar Goel. In the memorandums, the BJP stated that the SC had on April 15 ..

Sudan's Bashir moved to prison as protesters rally

Sudan's military rulers have transferred ousted president Omar al-Bashir to prison, a family source said Wednesday, as demonstrators keep up their sit-in outside the army complex calling for a swift transfer to civilian government. Following the dramatic end to Bashir's rule of three decades last week, he was moved late Tuesday "to Kober prison in Khartoum", the source said without revealing his name for security reasons. Witnesses near the prison in north Khartoum said there was a heavy deployment of soldiers and members of a paramilitary group outside. The 75-year-old's whereabouts have been unknown since a military takeover on Thursday, when the country's new rulers said he was being held "in a secure place". The detention of Bashir has failed to pacify protesters, who launched anti-government demonstrations in December and have for days been camped out in front of Khartoum's army headquarters. Sudan's military rulers have made some concessions to protesters, including the sacking .

BJP demands apology from Raj CM Gehlot for his remarks against President Kovind

The BJP Wednesday demanded an apology from Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for his remarks suggesting that Ram Nath Kovind became president because he was a Dalit. The party also urged the Election Commission to take cognisance of the matter and take action against Gehlot. "It is very unfortunate that Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, a senior Congress leader who himself is on a constitutional post made casteist remark against the president, who is the custodian of the Constitution," BJP spokesperson GVL Narsimha Rao said, addressing a press conference at the party office here. He said the remark showed "anti-Dalit" mindset of the Congress. "We request the Election Commission to take suo-moto cognisance of Gehlot's remarks against the president," he said. Rao said the BJP has also demanded an apology from Gehlot. Meanwhile, the party also attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his speech in Nanded. On Monday, Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue

Sadhvi Pragya joins BJP, says will contest polls

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the party office here on Thursday.

Masood Azhar issue heading towards settlement: China

China on Wednesday said the issue of blacklisting Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar at the UN panel was heading towards a settlement and asked the US not to force through its own resolution on the matter.

Kovind made president because of his caste: Gehlot

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said Ram Nath Kovind was made president of the country to balance caste equations ahead of the assembly election in Gujarat in 2017. "People even say that Ram Nath Kovind was made president considering Gujarat assembly elections in 2017. I was reading an article. He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) was afraid that he was not going to form the government in Gujarat. BJP chief Amit Shah might have given him suggestion after which it was decided to make Ram Nath Kovind the president," Gehlot told reporters here at a press conference. Kovind was elected president in July 2017 and Gujarat assembly elections were held in December in the year. "(Lal Krishna) Advani was left out though he had to become the president. People of the country had expectation that he (Advani) will get the honour which he deserved but was deprived. Though it is BJP's internal issue, I am discussing it because I read an article," the Rajasthan chief minister added.

AIADMK files complaint against Stalin for violating model code

The ruling AIADMK Wednesday approached the Election Commission with a complaint of violation of model code of conduct against DMK president M K Stalin for addressing the media during the "silence period," saying it was an attempt at "indirect canvassing." The party also filed a number of other complaints with Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo, including seeking action against MNM founder Kamal Haasan for a specific advertisement put out by it. Stalin was giving interview to private channels and criticising the leaders of other parties and this was clear violation of the model code of conduct, the complaint filed by party spokesperson and advocate R M Babu Murugavel said. The "silence period" had come into effect from 6 PM since Tuesday under the MCC, he said in an apparent reference to campaigning for Thursday's Lok Sabha polls to 38 seats in the state coming to an end. "The intention of Stalin is to canvas indirectly by way of addressing the press, which is ...

BJP, Shiv Sena govt restore Maharashtra's lost glory: Amit Shah

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Wednesday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and NCP chief Sharad Pawar claiming that under their government Maharashtra lagged behind in every area and it was BJP and Shiv Sena which have restored the state's lost glory.Addressing an election rally in Maharashtra's Sangli, Shah said: "The credit to bring development in Maharashtra goes to the BJP government as it lagged behind in every area under the rule of Congress and NCP. It was the BJP and Shiv Sena government who worked very hard to restore Maharashtra's lost glory.""Rahul Baba is sympathising with the poor now. Sharad Pawar ruled for so many years... the Gandhi family ruled the country for five generations... But they did nothing for the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of the society," he said.Comparing the funds allocated for the state under BJP and Congress government, Shah said: "Under the 13th Finance Commission, the UPA government gave only Rs 1.15 ...

Indonesian President leads in early vote count (2nd Lead)

Indonesia's current President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has emerged as the leader in the general election vote count so far after the country went to the polls on Wednesday, according to projections based on first counts of votes.

Priyanka Chaturvedi makes her unhappiness with Congress public

Spokesperson of Congress, Priyanka Chaturvedi, on Wednesday expressed unhappiness over the party's decision to take back some of its old timers who were expelled for misbehaving with her."Deeply saddened that lumpen goons get preference in @incindia over those who have given their sweat and blood. Having faced brickbats and abuse across board for the party but yet those who threatened me within the party getting away with not even a rap on their knuckles is unfortunate," tweeted Priyanka.Some local party leaders had allegedly misbehaved with Priyanka while she was attending a press conference in Mathura a few days back. Congress had initially thrown them out but recently taking the elections into consideration they were reportedly taken back.Their rejoining saddened the national spokesperson and she has, reportedly, conveyed her dissatisfaction to the senior leaders too.

Want to build lifelong relation with you: Rahul tells public in Wayanad

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said he would like to build a "lifelong relationship" with the people of Wayanad and not one that lasts a couple of months, in an indirect jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi."I am not like Prime Minister of India. I will not come here and lie to you because I respect your intelligence, wisdom and, understanding. I do not want to have a relationship of a couple of months with you, I want to have a life long relationship with you," he said while addressing a rally here.Gandhi, who is contesting the ensuing polls from Wayanad, went on to say that his decision to contest from the seat was the fact that the state represents many different ideas and cultures. "What is most important is how these communities live together. Kerala is an example of peaceful co-existence," he noted.Asserting that he has been fighting the ideology of RSS and BJP since past five years, the Gandhi scion, "In the last five years we have been fighting the ideology of ...

Sohail Mahmood takes charge as new Pak Foreign Secy, calls on FM Qureshi to discuss foreign policy

Former Pakistan ambassador to India, Sohail Mahmood on Wednesday took charge as the country's new Foreign Secretary.Shortly after taking over, Mahmood called on Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to discuss issues related to the foreign policy of the country."Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood assumed charge and called on the Foreign Minister today," tweeted Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.Radio Pakistan quoted Qureshi as saying that Mahmood is a seasoned and experienced diplomat, and has a long experience of serving at important positions including the former High Commissioner to India. In response to Qureshi's remarks, Mahmood said that he will make the utmost efforts to perform his duties to the best of his capabilities.The Pakistan government on March 31 named Mahmood as the new Foreign Secretary of the country. Mahmood replaced former Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, who retired on April 16 after serving as FS for two years. Mahmood along with ...

Tamil Nadu: I-T dept seizes Rs 1.48 cr 'bribe' cash linked to AMMK

The Income-Tax Department Wednesday seized Rs 1.48 crore cash stashed allegedly by supporters of TTV Dhinakaran's AMMK party to bribe voters in Tamil Nadu's Theni district, where an assembly bypoll is scheduled Thursday. Unaccounted cash worth Rs 1.48 crore was seized. It was neatly packed in 94 packets and envelops on which the ward number, number of voters and the amount of Rs 300 per voter was written, I-T Director General (investigations) B Murali Kumar said, after the overnight raids concluded at 5:30 AM. "All these wards are within the Andipatti assembly segment which is going to bypoll tomorrow," the officer added. Kumar added that the premises belongs to a functionary of the AMMK party. Infact, the AMMK party office functions from the ground floor of the premises, he said. The department will send a report on the operation to the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the policy-making body for the tax department, and the Election Commission in New Delhi, a senior official said. The ..

Foxconn boss to run for Taiwan presidency with blessing of Sea Goddess

The boss of tech giant Foxconn said Wednesday he will be running for president of Taiwan -- after securing the backing of a local Sea Goddess. Gou, who announced this week he was stepping back from frontline operations at the Apple supplier, said he would seek the nomination of the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang (KMT) opposition party. "I am willing to join the party's primary. If I win I will represent the KMT in the 2020 elections," he said at a KMT meeting in Taipei. Guo also said he would "fully support" the party's candidate if he failed to secure the nomination. Earlier Wednesday while visiting a temple of local sea goddess Matsu in New Taipei city, the 69-year-old said the goddess "told me to step forward ... to help the people." Gou is expected to face KMT heavyweights including former party chairman Eric Chu and former parliamentary speaker Wang Jin-pyng, who have announced their intentions to run for president. Chu lost to incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen of the Beijing-sceptic

Kovind made President for caste semantics, Advani got left out: Ashok Gehlot

In a shocking comment, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said that President Ram Nath Kovind was appointed to the post because of his caste, which left the BJP veteran leader LK Advani out in the race.Speaking to media persons, Gehlot said: "Because elections were coming in Gujarat, they were perplexed that they are not going to form a government in the state. I believe that this appointment of Ram Nath Kovind for the post of President was in order to appease the caste semantics. Advani got left out in this."The statement by Congress leader and Rajasthan Chief Minister comes a day before the voting for the second phase of elections will be conducted ion 91 parliamentary constituencies of the country.Earlier in June 2017, soon after the announcement of Kovind's name for the President post by NDA government, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also commented that Kovind was chosen as a nominee for the post just for being the leader of Dalit Morcha while ...

Pragya Singh Thakur joins BJP

Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here on Wednesday.Speaking to ANI after joining BJP, Thakur said she will "contest and win" elections.While no seat has been formally allocated to her, speculations are rife that she may contest against Congress leader Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal.Before formally joining the party, Thakur met with senior BJP leaders including Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ramlal, Anil Jain, Narottam Mishra, and Prabhat Jha at the state party headquarters.After meeting the leaders, Thakur said, "We will unitedly fight against the people who are conspiring against the nation. We will win this 'Dharm Yuddh' (crusade).""After spending 10 years in jail due to Congress conspiracy, I have come here to fight the political and religious war," she added.Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in ...

Debrief for exercise Sea Vigil conducted at Naval headquarter

A debrief of the Indian Navy exercise "Sea Vigil" held from 22 to 23 January, was conducted on Tuesday at the Naval headquarters, the meeting was chaired by Vice Admiral MS Pawar, AVSM, VSM, the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS).Sea Vigil was the first national-level coastal defence exercise conducted by the Indian Navy and involved naval stakeholders at the centre and all 13 coastal states and union territories.The debriefing was attended by high officials of the Navy, Indian Coast Guard, central ministries, state governments, union territory administration and intelligence agenciesVice Admiral Pawar (DCNS) highlighted the significant achievements during the exercise and complimented all stakeholders for the progress made over the last decade in the realm of coastal defence and security.The chairperson also complimented the strong inter-agency coordination and interoperability achieved during the exercise and reiterated the need for flexibility and agility to deal with security .