POLITICS

Lack of job creation has taken form of 'epidemic' under BJP rule: Priyanka

New Delhi, Nov 21: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday claimed that a lack of job creation has taken the form of an "epidemic" under the BJP rule at the Centre. "Lack of job creation in the country is a sign of stopping the wheel of development. This disease has taken the form of an epidemic in the BJP regime," Priyanka Gandhi said in a tweet. "About 35 lakh jobs have been lost in the construction sector.

Final decision on Maha govt in 2 days: Sanjay Raut

New Delhi, Nov 21: A final decision on the new government in Maharashtra will be taken in the next two days, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said on Thursday. He told reporters that there there are no plans of any meeting between Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray this week.

Urgent Cong meeting under way at Sonia Gandhi's residence

New Delhi, Nov 21: An urgent meeting of the Congress Working Committee is being held at party chief Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence in Delhi. Congress general secretary organization KC Venugopal said the meeting was called at 9:15 am. The Maharashtra political situation along with other important developments are expected to be discussed.

BJP committed to good governance, unprecedented development: Yudhvir

Cong leader demands restoration of SPG cover for Gandhis

New Delhi, Nov 20: Congress leader Anand Sharma on Wednesday demanded in Rajya Sabha restoration of the Special Protection Group cover to former prime minister Manmohan Singh and the Gandhi family. Raising the issue in the upper house, he said the cover should be "restored" going beyond "partisan politics." The party has been raising the issue in both the Houses.

Sena equates 'ungrateful' BJP with Muhammad Ghori's 'treachery'

Mumbai, Nov 19: The Shiv Sena on Tuesday likened its one-time ally BJP to 13th-century invader Muhammad Ghori who killed Prithviraj Chauhan despite the legendary king sparing his life several times. In a hard-hitting editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Sena said it would "uproot" the BJP as the latter had dared to "challenge us", claiming the ruling party's "leaders were kids" when Sena's support helped form the NDA.

VHP to launch campaign to reach out to MPs on citizenship bill

Kolkata, Nov 19: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is set to launch a Citizenship (Amendment) Bill campaign to win the support of parliamentarians, especially TMC MPs, who are vehemently against the proposed legislation.

Cong gives notice of adjournment motion in LS over withdrawal of SPG cover of Gandhis

New Delhi, Nov 19: The Congress has given the notice to move an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha against the withdrawal of Special Protection Group (SPG) cover of the Gandhi family. Describing the move as "arbitrary", the Congress in the notice said the security cover was withdrawn ignoring the existing and probable threats to the Gandhi family.

Congress leaders' claims of development during their tenure quite false & misleading

Jammu, November 18: The Members of the Movement for Peace, Equality & Justice in their statement issued here said that some top leaders of Congress are claiming that during their rule the state, especially the Kathua-Udhampur Doda parliamentary constituency made many achievements in the field of development & education. They wonder why such leaders don’t feel ashamed to speak such big lies.

Sena targets BJP over 'paltry' aid by Guv for rain-hit farmers

Mumbai, Nov 18: The Shiv Sena on Monday took a swipe at its one-time ally, the BJP, over the "paltry" financial assistance announced by Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to the farmers affected by unseasonal rains. Koshyari had on Saturday granted relief of Rs 8,000 per hectare up to two hectares for agricultural Kharif crops and Rs 18,000 per hectare up to two hectares for horticulture/perennial crops.

Incumbent upon the govt to run the House smoothly: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

New Delhi, Nov 18: Ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, Congress MP and leader of the party in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday said it was the government's responsibility to run the House smoothly so that debates and discussions can be held on issues concerning the people. Speaking to reporters, Chowdhury said the dialogue was the essence of Parliamentary democracy.

Cong must lead Oppn in Parliament to expose 'utter mismanagement' of economy: Chidambaram

New Delhi, Nov 18: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday said his party must lead the Opposition in Parliament to expose the "utter mismanagement" of the economy by the Modi government. He also alleged that the government refuses to accept valid criticism.

All-party meet: PM says open to discuss all issues; Oppn raises Farooq's detention, economy slowdown

New Delhi, Nov 17: Ahead of Parliament's winter session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday assured an all-party meeting that the government is ready to discuss all issues, while the opposition raised concerns over economic slowdown and farm distress and strongly demanded that detained Lok Sabha MP Farooq Abdullah be allowed to attend the House.

Lok Sabha Speaker appeals to parties for cooperation for a smooth winter session

New Delhi, Nov 16: Ahead of Parliament's winter session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday appealed to all political parties for cooperation for ensuring smooth functioning of the House. After an all-party meeting, which was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Speaker said floor leaders of different parties mentioned various issues that they wished to be discussed during the winter session, beginning November 18.

Good governance meet resolves to develop J-K, Ladakh as models of administrative excellence

Jammu, Nov 16: A two-day conference on 'replication of good governance practices in Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh' concluded here on Saturday with a pledge to develop the two regions as models of administrative excellence.

Govt should have paid as much attention to pollution as it did to Article 370: Sibal

New Delhi, Nov 16: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Saturday hit out at the government over the pollution crisis in Delhi, saying the Centre should have paid as much attention to poor air quality as it did in dealing with Article 370. The national capital witnessed a dip in pollution levels on Saturday morning even as the air quality in the city remained in the "severe" category. "Nature is punishing us for our own misdemeanours.

Congress to hold 'Bharat Bachao rally' at Ramlila Maidan on Nov 30

New Delhi, Nov 16: The Congress announced on Saturday that its district-level and state-level agitations against the Centre's "anti-people policies" would culminate in a "massive rally" at Ramlila Maidan on November 30. The party had planned to hold agitations in various parts of the country from November 5 to 15, during which it would take out protests to highlight the failures of the BJP-led government.

BJP holds protest seeking Rahul's apology on Rafale allegation

Mumbai, Nov 16: Armed with the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Rafale issue, BJP activists on Saturday staged a protest here seeking an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi had been critical of the Modi government over the deal to purchase 36 fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation. The protest was held as part of the BJP plan to hold nationwide demonstrations on the issue.

As Maha equations change, Raut tweets about 'naya mausam'

Mumbai, Nov 16: Amid the current political stalemate in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday cryptically said the advent of "new weather" is letting him forget "old pain". Politics in Maharashtra took an unexpected turn after the Shiv Sena walked away from its longtime ally BJP over sharing the chief ministerial post after Assembly results were declared on October 24.

Out of power, BJP afraid turncoat MLAs may defect, says Malik

Mumbai, Nov 16: The Maharashtra BJP is bedevilled by the trepidation that politicians who joined the party ahead of the October 21 Assembly polls will defect and, hence, its leaders are claiming they will form government in the state, the NCP said on Saturday.

BJP's confidence of govt formation in Maharashtra hints at horse-trading, alleges Sena

Mumbai, Nov 16: The Shiv Sena alleged on Saturday that the BJP now exuding the confidence of forming government in Maharashtra after backing off initially, makes its intention of horse-trading under the guise of President's rule evident.

Draft CMP with Sena, NCP focuses on farmers, jobs: Cong leader

Mumbai, Nov 15: The draft common minimum programme (CMP) prepared ahead of government formation in Maharashtra focuses on farmers and measures to tackle unemployment, a senior Congress leader said on Friday. Leaders of the Congress, the NCP and the Shiv Sena met here on Thursday to work out a common minimum programme (CMP) before finalising a possible alliance for government formation in Maharashtra involving the three parties.

Sena will lead government in Maharashtra for next 25 yrs: Raut

Mumbai, Nov 15: Maharashtra's next government will be led by the Shiv Sena and the common minimum programme (CMP) being worked out along with the Congress and the NCP ahead of its formation will be in the "state's interest", said party spokesman Sanjay Raut on Friday. The Uddhav Thackeray-led saffron party will lead the government in Maharashtra for the next "25 years" and not just five years, claimed Raut while talking to reporters here.

BJP should accept Sabarimala like they accepted Ayodhya ruling: Digvijaya

Bhopal, Nov 14: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said on Thursday that the RSS and the BJP should accept the Supreme Court's decision in the Sabarimala temple case just as they did in the Ayodhya matter. He was reacting to the apex court's decision to refer the Sabarimala and similar religious issues to a larger bench. "Our party has always been of the opinion that the court should decide issues like Ayodhya dispute.

Khattar expands council of ministers; 10 MLAs inducted

Chandigarh, Nov 14: More than two weeks after taking oath as the Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday expanded his council of ministers by inducting 10 members. The induction of 10 members, six of cabinet rank and four ministers of the state takes the strength of council of ministers to 12.

Sena wonders if PM was kept in loop about 50:50 formula

Mumbai, Nov 14: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that had BJP president Amit Shah informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the "50:50" seat-sharing formula "in time", Maharashtra would not have been facing the current political impasse. Raut wondered if Modi was "kept away" by top BJP leaders from the decision taken over seat-sharing.

Disqualified Karnataka MLAs, barring Roshan Baig, join BJP

Bengaluru, Nov 14: A day after the Supreme Court paved the way for them to contest the December 5 Assembly bypolls in Karnataka, 16 disqualified Congress-JD(S) legislators on Thursday joined the BJP here. Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, state BJP chief Nalin Kumar Kateel and National General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, P Muralidhar Rao were among those who welcomed them into the party fold.

As Sena talks to Cong-NCP, Raut says will not get defeated

Mumbai, Nov 14: Amid the Shiv Sena's efforts to form government in Maharashtra with the support of the NCP and Congress, senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday posted a message on Twitter to assert that they would neither get defeated nor be afraid. "Ab haarna aur darna manaa hai..

Talks for govt formation at preliminary stage: Chavan

Mumbai, Nov 14: Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday said talks for government formation in Maharashtra were at a "preliminary" stage and no decision was taken so far. The Congress and NCP on Wednesday deliberated at their respective party levels and later jointly to work out a 'common minimum programme' (CMP) and power-sharing formula, the former state chief minister said.

President's rule in Maha a 'scripted act', alleges Sena

Mumbai, Nov 14: The Shiv Sena on Thursday alleged that the imposition of President's rule in Maharashtra was a "scripted act" and took a jibe at the governor, saying he has now given parties six months to form a government. It also said that former state chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is shedding "crocodile tears" over the imposition of President's rule as power is still indirectly in the hands of the BJP.

Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly meets Lt. Governor

JAMMU, Nov 13: Dr. Nirmal Kumar Singh, Speaker, J&K Legislative Assembly, met Lt. Governor Girish Chandra Murmu, at the Raj Bhvana here today. Dr. Singh discussed with the Lt. Governor various issues relating to public welfare and holistic development of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Talks on in right direction: Uddhav after meeting Cong leaders

Mumbai, Nov 13: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray met Maharashtra Congress leaders here on Wednesday and said talks over government formation in the state were progressing in the "right direction" and a decision will be taken at an appropriate time. Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat, however, dubbed the meet with Thackeray as a "courtesy call", and said the fact that they were meeting was itself a "positive" step.

Cong's role in govt formation in Maha on basis of common minimum programme: Avinash Pande

Jaipur, Nov 13: AICC general secretary Avinash Pande on Wednesday said the Congress will play its "role" in the government formation in Maharashtra with the Shiv Sena and the NCP while maintaining its core principles and values and on the basis of a common minimum programme.

Cong asks for dismissal of Karnataka govt

New Delhi, Nov 13: The Congress on Wednesday called for the dismissal of the Yediyurappa government in Karnataka, saying the Supreme Court's decision upholding the decision disqualifying 17 Congress and JD(S) MLAs but allowing them to contest the bypolls had exposed the BJP's 'Operation Kamal' in the state.

NCP names 5 members for joint panel with Cong to prepare CMP

Mumbai, Nov 13: The NCP on Wednesday named its five members for a joint committee to be formed with the Congress for deciding a 'common minimum programme' before their possible alliance with the Shiv Sena for government formation in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena to file second petition in SC if President's rule imposed

New Delhi, November 12: The Shiv Sena will file a second petition in the Supreme Court if the President's rule is imposed in Maharashtra, a party lawyer said on Tuesday. "We will file a second petition today itself if the President's rule is imposed in the state," Advocate Sunil Fernandes, who filed the first petition on behalf of Shiv Sena, told PTI.

Sonia speaks to Pawar, authorises 3 senior leaders to hold talks with NCP

New Delhi, Nov 12: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday spoke to NCP chief Sharad Pawar and authorized three senior party leaders to hold further talks on the issue of government formation in Maharashtra. As hectic deliberations continued, Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge and K C Venugopal would be leaving for Mumbai later in the day for holding discussions with NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

Shiv Sena steps up efforts to form govt in Maharashtra, Cong and NCP hold the key

Mumbai/New Delhi, Nov 11: Racing against time, the Shiv Sena on Monday redoubled efforts to cobble together an alliance to form a government in Maharashtra with political adversaries NCP and the Congress, which held intense discussions on the possibility extending support to the right-wing party. The Sena, the second-largest party in the 288-member House with 56 MLAs after the BJP's 105 members, has time till 7.

No compromise on principles, says Cong leader on govt formation in Maha

Bengaluru, Nov 11: As the Congress is holding discussions on whether or not to support Shiv Sena in forming a government in Maharashtra, senior party leader and former union minister Pallam Raju on Monday said there was no question on compromising with principles that the party stands for.

Uddhav meets Pawar in Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 11: Amid the stalemate over government formation in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray met NCP president Sharad Pawar here on Monday, sources said. The Sena chief was accompanied by his son Aaditya Thackeray as he called on Pawar at an undisclosed location, they said. The Congress and NCP are at present holding parleys at their respective party levels on whether to support a Shiv Sena-led government in the state.

All options open before Guv: Legal experts on Maha stalemate

Mumbai, Nov 11: Amid the impasse over government formation in Maharashtra, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has the discretion to consider all equations and combinations and call each party one by one to stake a claim, say legal experts.

Cong, NCP will decide together: Pawar on Maha impasse

Mumbai, Nov 11: Amid talks that the NCP and Congress may support the Shiv Sena in government formation in Maharashtra, NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday said whatever be the decision, the two parties will take it together. The Shiv Sena has been invited by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari to stake claim to form a government on Monday. Pawar also said there has been no discussion within his party on the governor's invite to the Sena.

Cong meet underway to decide on supporting Shiv Sena

New Delhi, Nov 11: A meeting of the Congress working committee is underway on Monday morning to decide on whether to support the Shiv Sena in forming the government in Maharashtra, sources said. Top Congress leaders are discussing the issue at a crucial meeting of the working committee chaired by party chief Sonia Gandhi, according to the sources. The CWC is the highest decision-making body of the Congress.

If BJP not keeping promise, no point continuing alliance: Raut

Mumbai, Nov 11: Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said if the BJP was not willing to fulfill its promise of sharing the chief minister's post in Maharashtra, there was no point in continuing the alliance.

Fadnavis quits, blames Shiv Sena for deadlock in Maharashtra

Mumbai, Nov 8: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday tendered his resignation while blaming the ally Shiv Sena for the impasse over government formation after the Assembly polls. "The governor has accepted my resignation. I thank the people of Maharashtra for giving me the chance to serve them for the last five years," Fadnavis said.

No equal power-sharing deal between BJP, Shiv Sena: Gadkari

Mumbai, Nov 8: Union minister and BJP leader Nitin Gadkari on Friday said there was no deal between his party and the Shiv Sena over the equal distribution of portfolios, including sharing the post of the chief minister. The assertion by Gadkari indicates the BJP is not budging firm its stand of not sharing the chief minister's post with ally Shiv Sena.

Gadkari in Mumbai, but says won''t meet any politician

Mumbai, Nov 8: Union minister and BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, who arrived here on Friday, indicated he will not intervene to break the deadlock between his party and the Shiv Sena over sharing power in Maharashtra. Gadkari's visit triggered speculation in political circles that he may step in to break the fortnight-long BJP-Sena logjam over sharing the chief minister's post, which is delaying government formation in the state.

Sena firm on CM post; asks BJP not to misuse interim govt norm

Mumbai, Nov 8: The Shiv Sena on Friday remained firm on its demand for sharing the chief minister's post in Maharashtra and asked the BJP not to misuse the provision of "caretaker" government to remain in power in the state. Sena leader Sanjay Raut said the BJP should approach the Uddhav Thackeray-led party only if it agrees to share the chief minister's post with the junior saffron ally.

"Rs 25cr-Rs 50cr" being offered to MLAs to switch sides: Cong

Mumbai, Nov 8: Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Friday alleged that sums of "Rs 25 crore to Rs 50 crore" were being offered to MLAs to switch sides in Maharashtra. He claimed Congress MLAs, too, have been contacted over the phone with such offers. The Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly said the Shiv Sena has claimed one of its MLAs was offered Rs 50 crore to switch sides. "Our MLAs are also being contacted.