Page 982 - Politics
Rajasthan has sent only one Muslim candidate to Lok Sabha since 1952
Only one Muslim candidate from Rajasthan has made it to the Lower House of Parliament twice since the general election to the first Lok Sabha in 1952. While 13 Muslim candidates from the state have contested on Congress ticket, only one Muslim has been a BJP candidate in the last 16 Lok Sabha elections. Ayub Khan holds the distinction of being the only Muslim candidate who has been elected twice to the Lok Sabha from the state from the Jhunjhunu parliamentary seat in 1984 and 1991 on the Congress ticket. Khan, who contested elections four times from the same constituency, served as the minister of state for agriculture in the P V Narasimha Rao government. Before entering into politics, Khan had been a 'Risaldar', a mid-level rank in cavalry and armoured units of the Indian Army. He was hounoured with the gallantry award for his valour in the 1965 war with Pakistan. Mehboob Ali is the only Muslim candidate fielded by the BJP from the Bikaner parliamentary seat in 1979, but he was ...
With BSP's fmr IPS officer in fray, Barmer set for triangular contest
The Barmer Lok Sabha seat in western Rajasthan, the desert state's largest parliamentary constituency in terms of size, is poised to witness a triangular contest with former IPS officer and BSP candidate Pankaj Chaudhary likely to disturb the poll equations for both the Congress and the BJP. While veteran BJP leader and former external affairs minister Jaswant Singh's son Manvendra Singh, who quit the saffron party ahead of the December 2018 assembly elections, is the Congress candidate from the JKat dominated seat, the BJP has fielded former MLA and RSS backed Jat leader Kailash Chaudhary, choosing to drop the sitting MP Col Sonaram. State revenue minister Harish Chaudhary too was a contender but lost out to Manvendra Singh as he joined the Congress only after being assured a lok sabha ticket from Barmer. However, the BSP has turned the electoral battle into a triangular contest by picking former IPS officer Pankaj Chaudhary, who has served as Jaisalmer SP, as its candidate in the ...
RSS leader, PSO killed in militant attack in Kishtwar; curfew imposed
An RSS leader and his security guard were killed on Tuesday when a militant opened fire at a health centre in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar town, prompting authorities to impose curfew and call the army to maintain law and order in the communally sensitive region, officials said. The incident took place at 12.30 pm when a militant barged into the health centre and started firing at the RSS leader, Chanderkant Sharma, they said. Sharma and his personal security officer Rajinder had gone to a health centre in Kishtwar. "The militant was watching his movement and opened fire, resulting in the death of the PSO and injury to the leader," Kishtwar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shakti Pathak told PTI. Sharma was moved to Jammu by air for treatment but died in hospital, officials said. The Army was called to maintain law and order in Jammu region's Kishtwar and Bhaderwah districts. The state administration imposed curfew in Kishtwar and neighbouring Bhaderwah and also snapped Internet
Telangana Cong chief seeks to salvage pride for party in Nalgonda
Forced on the backfoot by the ruling TRS, Telangana Congress chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy is on a mission to salvage pride for his party, battered by desertions by more than half of its MLAs in the state. The Congress central leadership decided to field the party's top state leaders, including Reddy, in the April 11 Lok Sabha elections after 10 of its 19 MLAs announced their decision to join the TRS during last month. Contesting in the Lok Sabha elections for the first time, Reddy is in the fray in Nalgonda Lok Sabha constituency of the state, making it one of the keenly-watched fights as ruling TRS seeks to extend its winning spree after its success in the assembly polls last December. Reddy, sitting MLA from Huzurnagar under Nalgonda constituency, has been elected to the Legislative Assembly for the fifth term, but Lok Sabha elections would be a different ball game for him and he has an uphill task. The ruling party has been single-mindedly pursuing its goal to win 16 out of the total .
PCI urges media to do objective reporting on polls; cautions against paid news
The Press Council of India on Tuesday asked the media to give objective reports about the election and cautioned it against the phenomenon of paid news. Issuing guidelines for the media, the Press Council Of India (PCI) said newspapers are not expected to indulge in unhealthy election campaigns, exaggerated reports about any candidate or party during the elections. "It will be the duty of the press to give objective reports about the election and the candidates," the PCI said in a statement. While reporting on the actual campaign, a newspaper may not leave out any important point raised by a candidate and make an attack on his or her opponent, it said. The print media watchdog also cautioned the press to eschew reports which tend to promote feelings or enmity or hatred between people on the grounds of region, religion, race, caste, community or language. The press should refrain from publishing false or critical statements in regard to the personal character and conduct of any ...
Iranian lawmakers convene with chants of 'Death to America'
Iranian lawmakers dressed in paramilitary uniforms chanted "Death to America" as they convened Tuesday for an open session of parliament after the White House designated Iran's Revolutionary Guard a foreign terrorist organization. President Hassan Rouhani declared that the force's popularity would only surge in the wake of the designation, saying guard members would be dearer "than any other time in the hearts of Iranian nation." Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the guard and said America's "evil designs would not harm" the force. The move by Washington on Monday was an unprecedented declaration against a foreign government entity one that could prompt retaliation and make it harder for Americans to work with allies in the region who have contact with members and affiliates of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC. It marks the first time the United States has designated an entire entity of another government as a terrorist organization, placing a powerful and ..
Delhi CEO's office asks heads of various departments to ensure compliance of poll code
The CEO's office in Delhi has asked heads of various departments under the Delhi government to ensure compliance of the poll code after it received a complaint that MLAs were allegedly "alluring" voters in the garb of undertaking field inspections during installation of CCTV cameras in the city. In a letter to all principal secretaries and secretaries of the Delhi government, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Delhi has said the matter appears to be "violation of instructions". The CEO's office said it is in receipt of a complaint that certain public representatives or MLAs were allegedly "alluring" the voters in the garb of field inspections during installation of CCTV cameras in residential colonies and market places in their respective constituencies. The poll panel has also attached instructions containing point number 2 and 5 of Chapter 4 - special measures taken by the Election Commission to enforce model code. "It appears to be violation of instructions contained in ..
Two more Congress candidates refuse to contest Assembly
In a fresh blow to Congress in Odisha, two more Assembly candidates refused to contest the coming polls, forcing the grand old party to replace them on Tuesday. Fresh nominees were named for Barchana and Nimapara Assembly seats after Sitakant Mohapatra and Satyabrat Patra who had been fielded earlier for these segments respectively refused to contest Monday night alleging "delay" in the announcement of their candidature. As the sudden development added to its woes, Congress fielded Ajay Samal for Barchana under Jajpur Lok Sabha and Dilip Nayak from Nimapara under Jagatsinghpur Parliamentary constituency. The last day of nomination is Tuesday and polling will be held on April 29. Three-time MLA Sitakant Mohapatra, earlier fielded from Barchana declined to contest saying his candidature was announced at the eleventh hour on April 7. "I will not get sufficient time to campaign reach out the voters in the constituency. Under such circumstances how can I contest," Mohapatra
JKNPP criticises governor administration for withdrawing security of its leaders
The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party Tuesday said the Governor administration's decision to withdraw and downgrade security of its top leaders, including five candidates who are fighting the Lok Sabha polls, was against the democratic norms. The JPNPP alleged that the move has put a break on the free movement of the leaders in the region, especially in the valley. "The security has been completely withdrawn from various Kashmir-based leaders of the party, including vice president Masood Andrabi, general secretary Maqbool Malik, provincial president Farooq Ahmad Dar and district president Ganderbal and party candidate from Srinagar Abdul Rashid Ganai," a spokesperson of the JKNPP said. He said the security cover provided to Bhim Singh, the party patron and a candidate from Jammu seat, was downgraded from "Z category". "The JKNPP is one of the oldest registered regional parties in the state and withdrawing or downgrading the security of its leaders at the time of elections is ..
IT raids on; focus on links with politicians
Income Tax officials on Tuesday continued to search for a third day the premises of close aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, claiming they have the details about transactions involving Rs 281 crore linked to businessmen, politicians and bureaucrats.
Chowkidar is not only a thief but also a coward: Rahul Gandhi
Continuing his tirade against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said the 'chowkidar' (watchman) is not only a "thief", but also a "coward" as he avoids having a direct debate with the opposition party chief. Launching a volley of criticism, Gandhi said Modi and his schemes "benefited" only the rich businessmen like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi in the last five years. "Chowkidar is not only chor, but also a coward. I told the Chowkidar to debate with me as he talks about corruption. He does not have the guts and fled away," the Congress president said at a public rally here. Reaching the venue almost two hours late by road instead of a planned chopper ride from Silchar airport due to heavy rains, Gandhi said the media reports have been of giving money to the rich people like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi, but not to poor people. "Narendra Modi ran the government in five years to give benefits to only 15 people and
Victory or defeat does not matter to K Shyambabu Subudhi
Undeterred by crushing defeat, he jumps into the fray every time as victory or defeat does not matter for K Shyambabu Subudhi. Contesting elections is only his hobby. Dubbed as "King Robert Bruce" of Odisha politics, Subudhi is not disheartened after losing as many as 29 elections and decided to contest from two Lok Sabha seats - Aska and Berhampur in Ganjam district. This never-say-die Independent candidate says he has set a target for him to contest more elections than any others to set a record. Taking part in election is his first passion keeping aside the victory or defeat. "When I contest I certainly hope to win and one day the people will elect me," said 84-year-old Subudhi, who has been contesting elections since 1957. A homeopath by profession, Subudhi lost his deposits in all the 19 Lok Sabha and 10 assembly elections he fought and says his effort was to reform the electoral process. "I will contest till my last breath. I want to reform the election process and
Cong can hold anyone's hand for power: Smriti Irani
Union minister Smriti Irani Tuesday attacked the Congress, alleging that the party can ally with anybody for the sake of power. Irani, who is the BJP's candidate for the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, is making a second attempt to wrest the seat from Congress president Rahul Gandhi. In the 2014 polls, Gandhi had defeated Irani by a margin of one lakh votes. This time, besides his stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress chief is fighting the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad, in Kerala. "The Congress can hold anyone's hand for power. In Jammu and Kashmir, it joined those who talked of separating Kashmir from India," Irani said addressing a gathering here. "Whatever the Congress does, we will not give an inch of land of our country to anyone. This election is very crucial, it is not a normal battle. It is a fight for our children and freedom of Amethi," she said. Irani alleged that Gandhi's first choice was Wayanad and not Amethi. The people of Amethi have ...
We don't engage in peaceful talks with countries that kill our soldiers: Amit Shah
Citing the example of the 2016 surgical strike and airstrike on terrorist camps in Pakistan this year, BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Narendra Modi-led NDA government does not believe in engaging in peace talks with countries that kill our soldiers."Pakistan backed terrorists killed 40 CRPF jawans in Pulwama. Everybody wondered what could be done now. Fearing another surgical strike, Pakistan deployed tanks on the border. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government gave a befitting reply through an airstrike on terrorist camps in Balakot. After the airstrike, there were celebrations across India. There were only two places that mourned the incident - one was Pakistan and the other was in Rahul Gandhi and company's camp," Shah said while addressing a rally here."Rahul Gandhi's guru Sam Pitroda said why are you conducting an airstrike for such a small thing. Pitroda, this is not a small thing. You can do 'ILU-ILU' with terrorists. Modi govt believes in giving ...
Congress and Pakistan want similar things: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that Congress had lost its right to speak about human rights since it had "taken away the citizenship and voting rights of Late Balasaheb Thackeray" in the past. He also said that the thinking of Congress and its allies is anti-India and have become strikingly similar to that of Pakistan."You (Congress) will have to answer to every Indian down to the last person. Talking about human rights doesn't suit the Congress as you were the party which had taken away the Late Balasaheb Thackeray's citizenship and right to vote," PM Modi said at a public rally in Latur."The thinking of Congress and its allies is against the country. There is a striking similarity between what Congress and Pakistan want. Congress wants to hold dialogue with separatists in Kashmir, this is exactly what Pakistan wants. Congress has announced that those who speak against the country, speak about breaking the country will not be charged with sedition. Sedition law will be
Congress should clarify its stand on Ram Temple issue: Nirmala Sitharaman
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday slammed Congress for calling BJP's manifesto a 'jumla' and asked the party to clarify its stand on Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case.She said that BJP is in favour of resolving the case at the "earliest" to end the "stalemate"."Can anyone deny that Ram temple issue is still in Supreme Court? We have issued a request and we have even gone to the court to say, 'will you please leave those pieces of land around the disputed area so that other work can start'. In our manifesto, we have said that at the earliest we will try and tap all avenues to make sure the solution is reached for this matter," Sitharaman told ANI."I want to ask Congress party, what is it that they wanted to do on these issues? Did they want to continue the stalemate? Are they wanting to say that they are not interested in Ram Mandir? What is the position of the Congress party? Instead of calling others (manifesto) jumla, let them come out actively and ...
Tea gardens, former enclaves will vote in Bengal's 1st phase
The residents of the former 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in Cooch Behar district, who formally became Indian citizens on August 1, 2015, and later cast their votes twice in 2016 -- first in the Assembly polls, and then in the Lok Sabha bypoll will for the first time, be voting to play a role in government formation at the Centre.
Repeat of 1996 in 2019 a real possibility: Naidu on a 'Third Front' forming govt
TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Tuesday said there is a "real possibility" of the country witnessing a repeat of 1996 in 2019 where regional parties will come together after the Lok Sabha polls to evolve a 'Third Front' and form a government. Naidu also said Congress will remain as an "anchor party" and that the decision on a prime ministerial candidate will be taken depending on the number of seats won by the Front partners. The assessment by Naidu came notwithstanding the failed efforts by Congress and other opposition parties to form a pre-poll 'mahagathbandhan' or a grand alliance to present a united front against the BJP. H D Deve Gowda, the current JD(S) supremo, became the prime minister of a United Front(UF) government heading a group of regional parties backed by the Left and Congress from outside after the 1996 Lok Sabha polls threw a fractured verdict in which the BJP had emerged as the single largest party. Naidu was the convener of the ...
Modi will become PM again: Gadkari
Seeking to set the record straight on the prime ministerial "ambitions" attributed to him by certain sections, Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has said the saffron party would secure a majority in the Lok Sabha polls starting April 11 and Narendra Modi would become the prime minister once again. The Minister for Road, Transport and Highways told PTI in an interview that in a democracy, the prime minister decides on allotment of portfolios. "It is the right and privilege of the prime minister to give a department to a minister. I am confident that we will get a majority and Modiji will become the prime minister again," Gadkari said, replying to a query on whether he was harbouring prime ministerial ambitions if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was voted to power once again. Rumours that Gadkari could be the likely PM candidate of the BJP in case of a fractured poll mandate keep circulating in political circles intermittently in the run-up to the Lok Sabha ...
Vice Admiral Bimal Verma withdraws petition from tribunal
Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on Tuesday withdrew his petition from the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) challenging the appointment of Karambir Singh as the next Chief of Indian Navy.Advocate Ankur Chibber, who is appearing for Vice Admiral Verma in the court, told ANI, "We will first refer this case to Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). If the case is not heard by the ACC in the next few days, we will file a fresh petition in the AFT."Vice Admiral Verma withdrew the petition after the AFT asked why he had not exercised the legal remedy of first approaching the central government.Verma's lawyer-daughter Rhea also spoke in line with Chibber. "If our matter does not get any response from the government, we will go back to the court. There is neither any comma nor any full stop."Vice Admiral Bimal Verma had on Monday moved the AFT against his supersession and appointment of Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next Chief of Indian Navy.In his petition, the officer had challenged the ...