Page 971 - Politics
LS poll: Uddhav slams Rahul over poll promises
Slamming Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his poll promises,Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday claimed only the Gandhi family's poverty had been eradicated since the slogan 'garibi hatao' was first coined. Addressing a poll rally here, Thackeray said the 'garibi hatao' (banish povery) slogan was coined by the Congress chief's grandmother (then Prime Minister) Indira Gandhi and thereafter, only the poverty of his family had been eradicated and not of people. "You have fooled people once. Don't do it again.... Rahul Gandhi says Article 370 will not be touched...will you give the reigns of the nation to such people?" he asked. Thackeray said the Congress chief called Veer Savarkar a "coward", adding that had former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru "endured" what Savarkar had to, he would have called Nehru "courageous". Slamming the NCP for criticising him for accompanying BJP chief Amit Shah at a gathering when the latter filed his nomination papers, ...
Elections just 36 hours away, these are last moments of evil rule: Jaganmohan Reddy
YSRCP leader Jaganmohan Reddy on Tuesday in a veiled attack at the Andhra Pradesh government said that the elections are going to be held in 36 hours and these are the last moments of this evil rule.Addressing a gathering here, Reddy said, "You saw all the conspiracies and betrayals in these five years. You can also see what Nara Chandrababu Naidu is doing in these final hours. They are trying to buy votes for Rs 3,000. They are sending money bags to every nook and corner of the city. So we have to go to every household and expose them."Emphasizing on why he and his party did not ally with anyone, Reddy said, "I only believe in God and the public. I was aware of Narendra Modi wave in 2014, even before the polls. But I did not ally. Today, when we are coming to power and Modi's glamour is down, why should I ally with him?"Reddy also stated that he does not have any objection as to who will become the Prime Minister, but he will only support the one who approves the special status for ..
Rahul can do 'ILU-ILU' with terrorists, but BJP government will give a befitting reply to them, says Shah
Congress president Rahul Gandhi can do 'ILU, ILU' with terrorists, but the BJP government will give a befitting reply to them, said BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday, while addressing an election rally here."After the air strike at terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot, Rahul Gandhi led Congress was busy mourning. I would like to tell Rahul Baba that if you want to do 'ILU-ILU' with terrorists, then you may, but one must remember it is the BJP which is in power and we believe in giving a befitting reply to terrorists," said Shah.'ILU, ILU' seems to be an apparent reference to the abbreviation 'I Love You' taken from a song from 90s Bollywood flick.BJP president Shah also accused Gandhi of defaming Hindus. "You have defamed the entire Hindu community in the world. Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the Hindus of India before the elections," Shah said.Taking a jibe at Gandhi, the BJP leader said the Congress president is contesting from a constituency in Kerala where it is difficult to make
CM Bhupesh Baghel denies any security failure, says Naxalites will get befitting reply
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday condemned Tuesday's Naxal attack in Dantewada which killed BJP MLA Bhima Mandavi and four others but denied any security failure."Had Bheema Mandavi listened to the police, he would be alive now. But he did not heed their advice sent the DRG force back. He went out without giving prior information," the Chief Minister said while addressing a press conference here."The police station in-charge also called and told Mandavi about the security situation. There is no security failure and there is no conspiracy either," he said.Earlier in the day, Naxals attacked the convoy in which Mandavi was travelling, and killed all five including his driver and three Personal Security Officers (PSO).The Chief Minister further said: "Our government was trying to gain the trust of the tribal public. So in desperation, Naxals committed this heinous crime. Naxalites are against democracy. Our government will fight and defeat Naxalites. I have met with officials and
Targeting competitors is BJP's modus operandi: Ahmed Patel on I-T raids
Responding to allegations on having links with Chartered Accountant and AICC worker SM Moin, whose residence was raided by Income Tax officials, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel on Tuesday said targeting competitors is rival Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) modus operandi.Speaking to ANI, Patel said he had visited Moin's home and accused the BJP of misusing agencies to win polls."I visited him (SM Moin at whose home raids were held). If my staff doesn't come to the office the entire day, of course, I will get worried. Targeting competitors are their (BJP) modus operandi. They are misusing agencies, these are tactics to win polls," Patel said.On being asked to respond to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark on I-T raids saying "notes were recovered from Congress' people houses. Who is the real chor (thief)?" Patel said, "If he (Modi) will not be there in government or the government come to us for a few days, then, he will get to know that who is the biggest chor (thief)."Patel had ...
Dantewada Naxal attack: BJP MLA advised not to take route, says police
BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi was among the five people killed on Tuesday evening when Naxal's attacked his convoy in Dantewada region of Chattisgarh, two days before the region goes to vote in the first phase of the country's Lok Sabha elections.Police said it had advised the legislator against visiting the area without adequate security but his convoy took the route from Kuakonta to Syamgiri to visit the area and was attacked with an improvised explosive device some four kilometres away from Kuakonta.Special DG (Anti-Naxal Ops) DM Awasthi said, "Mandavi was out for an election campaign with DRG 50 jawans on 25 motorcycles. He returned around 1 pm to the party's office in Dantewada and told the DRG chief that there is no need of security since his campaign was over for the day.""Later, he went to Kirantur party office with three security vehicles. After meeting with workers, he was going to Bacheli. Police Station in-charge of Bacheli Aditya Singh got the information that Mandavi will pass .
In Coimbatore, PM Modi urges voters to strengthen hands of nationalists
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged first-time voters to cast their first vote to "strengthen the hands of nationalists.""Just like people devote their first salary for something pure and memorable, I urge you all to devote your first vote for a higher cause, for a better future of the nation, to strengthen the hands of all nationalists", the Prime Minister said addressing a rally here.Recalling the the 1998 bombings in Coimbatore in which a total of 58 persons were killed, PM Modi attacked the response to the then "weak" Centre and DMK government in Tamil Nadu and compared it to the BJP-led NDA government's reaction to the recent terror attacks.The Prime Minister also said that under the BJP India "will pay back the terrorist forces in the same coin with compound interest."PM Modi reiterated his attack on the Congress and the opposition for raising questions against the Balakot airstrike, in response to the February terror attack that claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF ...
Rs 5.84 crore seized in north-eastern states
Investigation Directorate (ID) has seized an amount of Rs 5.84 crore from seven North-Eastern states during the current General Elections. The seizures were made between March 12 and April 8 by the authorities.Over 160 income tax officials have been deployed at sensitive locations across the North-East to curb the flow of illegal cash. Air Intelligence teams at 12 airports have also been deployed in view of the impending elections.Apart from Lok Sabha elections, state assembly elections in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh are also being conducted.The elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases starting from April 11 and ending on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.
Desist from extending preferential treatment to one party, EC warns DD
The Election Commission Tuesday directed Doordarshan to "desist" from extending any preferential or disproportionate airtime coverage in favour of any party. In a strongly-worded letter to secretary, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the EC said, "Would like you (secy) to direct the DD news channel to desist from extending any preferential or disproportionate airtime coverage in favour of any party and extend commensurate and balanced coverage of the activities of all recognised political parties..." The commission had recently issued a show cause notice to DD news for showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' programme for nearly one hour after opposition parties complained that the national broadcaster was being biased. In its reply, DD news had reportedly said the BJP gets maximum time on its news slot, followed by the Congress since the Lok Sabha polls were announced. "It was noted from the report that the airtime coverage given to various political parties .
Only donkeys can have 56-inch chest: Gujarat Cong leader
Former Gujarat Congress president Arjun Modhwadia said Tuesday only donkeys have a 56-inch chest, casting a slur at Prime Minister Narendra Modi that was condemned by the BJP. Speaking at a rally in Deesa town in Banaskantha district, Modhwadia raked up a 2014 statement by Modi where the prime minister had said only someone like him with a "56-inch chest" can take bold decisions. "A fit person has a chest of 36 inches, a body-builder can have a chest of 42, it is only donkeys who have a chest of 56 inches, and bulls have a chest of 100 inches," Modhwadia said. "Bhakts (Modi fans) do not understand this point and are happy when someone says their leader has a 56-inch chest," he said. State Congress in-charge Rajiv Satav and the party's Banaskantha candidate Parthi Bhatol were also present at the rally. The state BJP condemned Modhwadia's comments. "This proves that due to the fear of defeat, the Congress party has lost its mental balance. The words used are inappropriate, shocking and .
NIA arrests Kerala resident for propagating ISIS ideology
The National Investigative Agency (NIA) on Tuesday arrested a man, wanted for allegedly propagating the ideology of banned terror outfit ISIS, on his return from Qatar.The investigative agency arrested the accused, Shaibu Nihar, a resident of Kozhikode from Calicut International Airport."The accused, Shaibu Nihar, had planned to travel to Syria to join the proscribed terrorist organization ISIS/Daish in December 2016 from Bahrain while running an advertising company there," the press statement said."During 2016-2017, he had facilitated travel of some of his associates to Syria with the intention of joining ISIS/Daish and waging war on its behalf against Syrian Government," it read.The NIA arrested Nihar on the basis on by an accused in another case in which several people had allegedly left for Syria to join ISIS."The case was originally registered at Wandoor Police Station under relevant sections last year in November on the basis of disclosures made by accused Hamsa UK, who was ...
EC announces bye-polls for 6 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, K'taka, Goa
Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday announced the schedule for bye-elections to fill the casual vacancy in the State Legislative Assemblies of Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Karnataka.Six assembly constituencies will go to polls on May 19 and the counting will be done on May 23.In Tamil Nadu, the polls are scheduled for Sulur, Aravakurichi AC, Thiruparankundram, and Ottapidaram assembly constituencies.Four-time Chief Minister and former Defence Minister late Manohar Parrikar used to represent Panaji constituency, which will also go to polls.In Karnataka, Kunda Assembly constituency will go to polls.
Congress releases list of star campaigners for Rajasthan
The Congress party released the list of its star campaigners for the elections in Rajasthan here on Tuesday.Apart from Congress president Rahul Gandhi and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also campaign in Rajasthan for 25 Lok-Sabha seats.The Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states are also on the list of the party's star campaigners.Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel are also going to campaign for the party.Senior leaders Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, and Jyotiraditya Scindia are also among the party's star campaigners.A new entrant to the Congress party, Shatrughan Sinha's name is also listed as one of the star campaigners of the party.UP Pradesh Congress Committee chief Raj Babbar and Gujarat Congress leader Hardik Patel have also been entrusted with the responsibility of campaigning for the ...
Will fight cheating by chit fund cos: Congress
Congress general secretary Avinash Pande Tuesday said his party, if voted to power in the general elections, will bring in a strong legislation to curb cheating by chit fund companies. Pande said Rs 49,200 crore of 5.85 lakh investors in the country were due with the PACL company, and if his party forms the government at the centre, a strict law will be brought in to stop such crimes. He said PACL scams victims in the state had asked the Congress party, in the run-up to the last assembly elections here, to look into the matter. Accordingly, party president Rahul Gandhi directed Congress-ruled governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to work on measures to provide relief to such victims, Pande said. The Rajasthan government had issued a circular in March to all district collectors to collect details of all PACL victims in respective districts, he said.
UN Security Council to meet Wednesday on Libya
The UN Security Council will hold urgent closed-door consultations on Wednesday on the crisis in Libya, where fighting has derailed UN-led efforts to prepare for elections. UN envoy Ghassan Salame will brief the council on his decision to postpone a national conference aimed at drawing up an election roadmap, diplomats said. Thousands of people have fled Tripoli after forces under the command of Khalifa Haftar, who controls part of eastern Libya, launched an offensive last week to take the capital. "We cannot ask people to take part in the conference during gunfire and air strikes," Salame said Tuesday in announcing the postponement of the conference that was due to open on Sunday. Tripoli is controlled by a UN-backed unity government, but its authority is not recognised by a rival administration in the east, allied with Haftar. Britain and Germany, which holds the council presidency, called for the meeting a day after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt
Review Cooch Behar SP's transfer, Trinamool asks EC
Describing the Election Commission order transferring Cooch Behar police superintendent Abhishek Gupta as "arbitrary, motivated and biased", the Trinamool Congress on Tuesday lodged a protest with the EC and urged it to review the decision "to uphold the sanctity of the Constitution".
Government attacked over SSC Chairman's appointment
The Yuva Halla Bol on Tuesday made serious allegations against the Narendra Modi government over granting "illegal service extension" to Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Chairman Ashim Khurana "in violation of rules".
Yasin Malik shifted to Delhi's Tihar Jail, to face NIA questioning in terror-funding case
JKLF chief Yasin Malik was Tuesday shifted to Delhi's Tihar Jail after the NIA secured his production remand in connection with a case related to funding of separatists and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Malik, who was arrested last month and shifted to Kot Balwal Jail in Jammu, will be facing questions related to funding of his organisation from the National Investigation Agency. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has reserved its judgment on a plea of the CBI for re-opening three-decade-old cases in which Malik was an accused. The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief is facing charges of kidnapping and murder for being allegedly involved in abducting Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of then Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in 1989 and killing of four Indian Air Force personnel in the early part of 1990. NIA had approached a special court in Jammu, seeking Malik's remand for custodial interrogation in the terror-funding case. The NIA probe seeks to identify
Amit Shah holds road show in Puri
Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah on Tuesday held out a roadshow in the pilgrim town of Puri ahead of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha.
TMC writes to CEC over transfer of Coochbehar SP
The Trinamool Congress has written to the Chief Election Commissioner against the transfer of the Superintendent of Police, Coochbehar, alleging that the move was "arbitrary, motivated and biased" and claiming that the poll body was taking instructions from the leaders of the BJP. The TMC Tuesday transferred West Bengal's Coochbehar district Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Gupta, two days ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in the area. "The decision taken by the EC to transfer Superintendent of Police, Coochbehar, Abhishek Gupta just two days before the date of election is arbitrary, motivated and biased. From the events unfolded in the recent past, it is amply clear that such order of transfer has been passed at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre ie BJP...especially in view of the statements issued by the leaders during the recent election meeting held at Coochbehar in respect of which a complaint has been submitted to you on April 7," the letter from TMC's leader Derek O