Top Politics News- IBNLive.com

Digitisation one of leading achievements in UPA report card

Thu, 23 May 2013 01:04:04 +0530

The UPA government listed ushering the process of digitisation of the cable sector as one of its leading achievements in its report card that was presented to the people on Wednesday. The government said it had implemented digitisation in the Phase I cities of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata along with 38 cities which come under the second phase.

'Pressure from press, civil society leads to hasty judgements'

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:24:39 +0530

Free press and active civil society put pressure on the government for early and decisive action in addressing weaknesses in governance and sometimes it leads to "hasty judgement", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday night.

UPA's report card is a 'non report card', says BJP

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:17:55 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) termed the UPA's report card as a "non-report card" that hid all the scams and revealed only what was convenient to the ruling dispensation. The Opposition party also lashed out at the UPA for "blaming it for its own failures".

SP chief Mulayam gives a miss to UPA anniversary function

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:32:11 +0530

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, who was the cynosure of all eyes at the UPA anniversary function in 2012, was conspicuous by his absence on Wednesday.

Sheila Dikshit indicted for 'misuse' of govt funds

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:30:09 +0530

In a severe indictment, Delhi Lokayukta on Wednesday held Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit guilty of allegedly misusing public funds on an advertisement campaign to get political mileage ahead of last assembly polls and recommended recovery of Rs 11 crore either from her or the Congress.

UPA projects united front as PM assures probe into scams, Sonia flays BJP

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:23:10 +0530

Seeking to dispel the perception of gloom amidst scams and controversies, the UPA on Wednesday painted a rosy picture of its government's performance during the last nine years. In the 'Report to the People', released by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi on the fourth anniversary of the UPA-II, the government maintained that allegations of impropriety were being investigated and that the guilty would be punished. The PM also pitched for an 8 per cent growth if the UPA came back to power in 2014.

Omar to raise AFSPA issue in internal security meet in Delhi

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:58:52 +0530

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said he would raise the issues of partial revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) during the next internal security meeting in Delhi.

I think the stage is set for a non-congress govt: Bhupendra Chaubey

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:37:38 +0530

The UPA-II government has just completed four years in power. So, what have been its achievements and failures? CNN-IBN's national affairs editor Bhupendra Chaubey joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on the issue.

People won't be fooled by UPA's populist measures: Sidharth Nath Singh

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:56:47 +0530

What are the key points on which the UPA-II dispensation failed to deliver? BJP's spokesperson Sidharth Nath Singh joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on the issue.

UPA-II not in a crisis, will overcome all troubles: Khurshid

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:58:12 +0530

Congress leader Salman Khurshid hit a optimistic note when he told CNN-IBN on Wednesday that the UPA-II government was not in a crisis and hoped to complete its term. The Minister of External Affairs was speaking on the performance of the UPA-II as it completes its four years on Wednesday.

Kerala CM gets UN award for 'Mass Contact Programme'

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:50:51 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has won the United Nation's Public Service Award for his Mass Contact Programme, which saw him directly engaging with people in the state to address their grievances.

Name of the UPA will surface in IPL spot fixing: Swamy

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:35:02 +0530

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was involved in all the recently unearthed scams, including spot fixing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the involvement of some of its ministers would emerge, Janata Party leader Subramaniam Swamy said here on Wednesday.

Malegaon blast: Chargesheet filed in NIA court

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:15:53 +0530

Four people have been named in the 2008 Malegaon blast chargesheet filed in a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai on Wednesday. The four accused named in the chargesheet are Rajender Chaudhary, Dhan Singh, Manohar Narwaria and Ramji Kalsangra, who is still absconding.

Appointment of Shashi Kant Sharma as CAG is conflict of interest: BJP

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:59:09 +0530

Even as the UPA hopes to put controversies and scams behind it on the completion of its 4 years in power, the government may be looking at another row, this one over the selection of the new Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma is set to take charge as the new CAG and his appointment is already being questioned with the Opposition calling it a case of conflict of interest.

BJP calls UPA II a complete failure, asks why it is celebrating

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:06:09 +0530

As the UPA II completes four years and is set to release its report card at its celebration dinner on Wednesday evening, the Bharatiya Janata Party has questioned as to what is the celebration for. Attacking the UPA government over a range of issues, the BJP said the UPA government has failed on all fronts.

CAG Vinod Rai, who took on the UPA with 2G, coal scam reports, retires today

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:42 +0530

Vinod Rai's tenure as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India ends on Wednesday. Rai's five years in office are seen as controversial given the CAG reports on the coal scam and the 2G spectrum allocation scam. Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma will take charge as the new CAG, but his appointment is already being questioned.

Congress seeks CBI probe into 'fake' encounter in Bijapur

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:40:47 +0530

Chhattisgarh Congress on Tuesday sought a CBI probe into alleged fake encounter between security forces and suspected Naxals in Bijapur district on the night of May 17, saying that innocent children were killed in the incident.

Mulayam may skip UPA dinner hosted by PM tonight

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:08:59 +0530

Distancing himself from the UPA's falling fortunes, Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav may skip the dinner which Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will host on Wednesday for its allies and supporting parties, according to sources.

West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee plans to ban online lottery

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:47:33 +0530

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Tuesday that the government would ban online lottery "Online lotto".

Modi meets Vajpayee, Advani with an eye on LS polls

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:25:16 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who is being projected by a section within the BJP as the party's prime ministerial candidate for the next Lok Sabha polls, on Tuesday met a host of top leaders including Atal Behari Vajpayee and LK Advani. In Delhi to attend the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting, Modi utilised the opportunity to spend the entire day with the top leaders whose support he would require at the time the party decides on its Prime Ministerial candidate.

Rajnath Singh to lead BJP's UP 'jail bharo' stir

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:38:30 +0530

BJP president Rajnath Singh will lead the party's 'jail bharo' agitation in Lucknow on June 2, 2013 against corruption under the UPA rule. BJP state unit president, Laxmi Kant Bajpai, who reviewed the preparation for the week-long agitation starting May 27, said that besides the national president, newly appointed in-charge of the state affairs, Amit Shah will also be present in Rampur during the agitation on May 29.

Congress to organise meet to gear up for local body polls

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:24:19 +0530

The ruling Congress in Andhra Pradesh plans to organise a convention of party leaders from the block level to gear up the party machinery for local body polls. The meeting would also discuss ways to spead numerous welfare schemes being implemented by the Centre and state governments, state Congress president Botsa Satyanarayana told reporters in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Interrogate Raje in Sohrabuddin case: Ex-BJP leader

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:15:13 +0530

Independent MP and former BJP leader Kirori Meena on Tuesday demanded that former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje should be interrogated by the CBI in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Dara fake encounter cases. "No encounter can take place without knowledge of the Chief Minister and both Dara and Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter cases are no exceptions," Meena told reporters here.

Replace Manmohan, UPA has lost credibility: Poll

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:05:25 +0530

As Congress-led United Progressive Alliance completes four years in office on May 22, what is the mood in urban India? In a 12-city poll conducted by CNN-IBN in age group of 18 years or more, the verdict is emphatic and overwhelmingly against the current regime.

Teachers recruitment scam: Chautala gets interim bail

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:59:33 +0530

Former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala was on Tuesday granted interim bail for six weeks by the Delhi High Court for undergoing pacemaker implant surgery at a hospital here.

BJP attacks UPA, says it's ready for Lok Sabha polls

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:27:33 +0530

The BJP launched a blistering attack on the Congress after its Parliamentary Board meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday and said that the party was ready for the next Lok Sabha elections. BJP General Secretary Ananth Kumar accused the UPA government of failing on every front during the last nine years of its rule and claimed that his party would highlight the government's shortcoming and expose it during the next Lok Sabha elections.

Advani not in favour of projecting Modi as BJP's PM candidate: Sources

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:59:36 +0530

The rift within the BJP is out in the open with senior leader LK Advani not in favour of projecting Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as its Prime Ministerial candidate for the next general elections, according to sources.

Dalit memorial scam: Akhilesh says UP govt will follow the law

Tue, 21 May 2013 03:40:16 +0530

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has said that the state government will do everything possible under the law in the Dalit Memorial scam case in which close aides of BSP chief Mayawati have been indicted.

PM files affidavit correcting age to 80 in RS poll papers

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:45:08 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Congress Rajya Sabha candidate from Assam, has filed a fresh affidavit correcting his age to 80 prior to scrutiny of the nominations on Tuesday.

Narendra Modi attends his first BJP Parliamentary Board meet

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:35:32 +0530

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi, a social media enthusiast, attended his first BJP Parliamentary board meeting on Tuesday. In his typical tech-savvy manner, Modi spoke on the importance of social media and how to harness it for the elections.

SC slams Gujarat's vidya sahayak scheme

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:11:54 +0530

The Supreme Court on Monday severely criticised the Gujarat government of Chief Minister Narendra Modi over its Vidya Sahayak scheme. The court came down heavily on the Modi government on the recruitment process of vidya sahayaks in government primary schools.

There should be a law to make fixing a criminal offence: Kapil Sibal

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:55:47 +0530

Law Minister Kapil Sibal will meet law officers on Tuesday to discuss enacting a new law to check match-fixing in sports. Sibal has called for fixing to be made a criminal offence.

CPM MLA murder: Pappu Yadav released after acquittal

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:40:03 +0530

Four days after the court acquitted former RJD MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav on charges of killing CPI-M leader Ajit Sarkar, he was formally released from jail here on Tuesday, police officials said.

Modi meets Advani ahead of BJP Parliamentary board meeting

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:06:17 +0530

Ahead of BJP's Parliamentary board meeting on Tuesday, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi met senior party leader LK Advani in the national capital. Modi, who was inducted into the BJP's Parliamentary board in March this year, will attend his first board meeting on Tuesday.

Congress leaders pay homage to Rajiv Gandhi

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:52:41 +0530

Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on Tuesday was remembered on his 22nd death anniversary with leaders paying homage at his memorial here.

Modi to attend BJP's Parliamentary board meeting today

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:33:05 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who was inducted into the BJP's Parliamentary board in March this year, will attend his first board meeting on Tuesday.

Plea to withdraw National Anthem complaint against Tharoor rejected

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:24:21 +0530

A Court in Kerala on Tuesday dismissed a plea to withdraw the complaint in the National Anthem case against Union Minister Shashi Tharoor.

Rajnath Singh demands dissolution of Jharkhand Assembly

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:14:02 +0530

BJP President Rajnath Singh on Monday demanded immediate dissolution of Jharkhand Assembly to give the people an opportunity for a fresh mandate. Raising the party's demand again for dissolution of the House, Singh told reporters that the people should get a chance to elect their representatives instead of living under President's rule.

UP govt laud Lokayukta for exposing memorial scam

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:55:11 +0530

The ruling Samajwadi Party on Monday said that all those indicted by Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta, for syphoning off public money in construction of memorials during the BSP regime, would be punished according to the law. In a statement issued here, SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said that Lokayukta, vigilance and CBI were probing scams of the previous Mayawati regime and the results were appalling.

'CAG did disservice by tossing 'mythical' numbers'

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:52:19 +0530

Taking on CAG Vinod Rai over the 2G spectrum loss figure of Rs 1.76 lakh crore, Union Minister Manish Tewari on Monday said the chief auditor had done a "disservice" to the India story by bringing out "hugely exaggerated and mythical numbers" in public discourse. Tewari also invited Rai to a public debate over the loss estimate in the allocation of 2G spectrum.

Rahul Gandhi removes all zonal presidents from UP Cong

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:50:49 +0530

Amid mounting complaints to Rahul Gandhi, Congress on Monday removed all the eight zonal presidents in Uttar Pradesh including two Union Ministers RPN Singh and Jitin Prasada and CWC member Rasheed Masood and brought in local leaders in their place. Zonal presidents who faced the axe included senior leaders like PL Punia and Rajaram Pal, MP and state leaders Vivek Singh, Anugrah Narayan Singh and Bijendra Singh.

BJP reminds Nitish of his responsibility to strengthen NDA

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:46:51 +0530

Amid sparring between ruling NDA partners in Bihar, the BJP on Monday said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was duty-bound to strengthen the alliance as he has been an anti-Congress leader all his life.

Dalit Memorial scam: UP Lokayukta asks Maya aides to pay Rs 1,400 cr

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:59 +0530

In a huge setback for former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati, the state government has named the BSP chief's key confidant in its report on the Dalit Memorial Scam and asked for a Rs 1,400 crore compensation.

Full text: PM's statement on Chinese Premier Li Kiang's visit to India

Mon, 20 May 2013 02:34:39 +0530

India and China on Monday signed eight agreements during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to India. Premier Li held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and issues along the Indo-China border were also discussed.

DA case: Jagan Reddy's wife attacks CBI

Mon, 20 May 2013 01:30:36 +0530

With Jaganmohan Reddy completing a year in jail after his arrest in a disproportionate assets case, his wife Bharathi on Monday attacked CBI, alleging it was controlled by partisan interests and had delayed probe to keep him in prison.

Ishrat Jahan fake encounter: Sharad Pawar slams Modi

Mon, 20 May 2013 01:05:55 +0530

Targeting Narendra Modi over the alleged fake encounter of Mumbra resident Ishrat Jahan in 2004, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said here that the Chief Minister and Gujarat Police had killed an innocent college girl by branding her as a terrorist.

JDU leader files criminal defamation suit against Lalu

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:55:38 +0530

A ruling JD(U) legislator in Bihar on Monday filed a criminal defamation suit against RJD President Lalu Prasad for allegedly using unparliamentary language against him.

Indian-Americans extend support to Kejriwal's AAP

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:45:32 +0530

A group of Indian-Americans from as many as 20 cities held a meeting in Chicago over the weekend and extended full support to the political movement of change being spearheaded by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by social activist Arvind Kejriwal.

Is Amit Shah's appointment as UP BJP in-charge a boost for Modi?

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:12:14 +0530

In a move that is being seen as Narendra Modi's clout growing within the BJP, the party president Rajnath Singh appointed the Gujarat Chief Minister's aide Amit Shah as general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh for 2014 elections.

TN: Released on bail, Ramadoss to undergo heart surgeory

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:05:23 +0530

PMK founder leader S Ramadoss, hospitalised here since his release on bail last week after 12-day imprisonment, would undergo a heart surgery on Monday, the party said.

Jagan DA case: Under pressure from the Oppn, 2 AP ministers resign

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:22:25 +0530

In a dramatic development, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister P Sabita Reddy and Roads and Buildings Minister D Prasada Rao, who were named as accused in disproportionate assets case involving Kadapa MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy, late on Sunday night submitted their resignations to Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy.

Did Mamata squander the overwhelming mandate that voters gave her?

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:59:34 +0530

After two years of rule, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appears to have squandered the overwhelming mandate voters gave her, but as West Bengal gears up for panchayat polls, it seems that the TMC has the advantage as the Left is yet to regroup.

Maken, Shukla differ over bringing BCCI under RTI Act

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:56:59 +0530

Even as Law Minister Kapil Sibal proposed a new law to fight fixing in sports, his Cabinet colleagues Rajiv Shukla and Ajay Maken spoke in two different voices over the exemption of BCCI from the Right to Information Act. Union Minister Ajay Maken, who earlier held the sports portfolio, wants the BCCI brought under the Right to Information Act.

Karnataka CM allots portfolios, retains key departments

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:08:40 +0530

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday allocated portfolios to his new 28-member ministry, keeping key posts such as finance, energy, industries, IT and Bangalore city with himself. According to a Raj Bhavan communique, Governor HR Bhardwaj allocated the various portfolios on the advice of the chief minister to 20 cabinet ministers and eight ministers of state.

BJP to launch a week long Jail Bharo campaign against UPA

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:53:03 +0530

BJP will launch a week-long 'Jail Bharo' campaign protesting against alleged corrupt practices of the UPA government. The campaign would start on May 27 and continue till June 2 in all states, BJP vice president SS Ahluwalia told reporters in Guwahati on Sunday.

HP Cong chief asks party workers to prepare for LS polls

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:41:24 +0530

Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Sukhvinder Singh on Sunday asked party workers to start preparations for 2014 Lok Sabha elections, saying they should reach out to people and help solve their grievances. The Congress state chief told party members to work as a unified unit to help achieve desired results in the next Lok Sabha polls.

Cong alleges rampant corruption and plunder of BPL rice

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:10:43 +0530

Alleging rampant corruption and plundering of BPL rice, minerals and from gullibles through chitfund during BJD rule in Odisha, Congress on Sunday claimed it would capture power in the next polls by dumping the Naveen Patnaik government in Bay of Bengal. Addressing a function to accord a reception to the new OPCC President Jayadeb Jenan, senior party leaders including Union Minister Srikant Jena slammed the BJD government of failing on all fronts and vowed to fight it unitedly.

Congress leader foresees party-led third front in TN

Mon, 20 May 2013 01:27:49 +0530

With the break-up of UPA in Tamil Nadu, Congress leader and former Union minister EVKS Elangovan on Sunday said there was a possibility of his party heading a new alliance sans the two major Dravidian parties - DMK and AIADMK - for the next Lok Sabha elections. Rejecting the charges against Congress over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, he said people were not aware of the party's good work towards the welfare of the Lankan Tamils.

Jagan DA case: Two accused Andhra ministers quit

Sun, 19 May 2013 11:59:40 +0530

The two Congress Cabinet ministers, accused in Jagan Reddy disproportionate assets case, submitted their resignations to Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Sunday night. Dharmana Prasad Rao and Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy met Reddy on Sunday night, who briefed them about his meet with Sonia Gandhi and other leaders regarding the opposition's demand for their resignations.

Bhiwandi: Protestors greet Sharad Pawar with black flags

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:55:38 +0530

Union Agriculture Minister and NCP Chief Sharad Pawar was greeted with black flags by the Congress, the Shiv Sena, the SP and the BSP workers to protest wastage of water by the civic corporation in Thane on Sunday in Bhiwandi.

AAP workers protest at residences of Delhi CM, MLAs

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:34:19 +0530

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers on Sunday protested outside residences of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and local MLAs on the issues of rising prices of power and water, and women's safety in the national capital.

Punjab Panchayat polls: 70 per cent turnout

Sun, 19 May 2013 08:50:51 +0530

Amid sporadic violence, nearly 70 per cent of 1.1 crore rural voters on Sunday exercised their franchise for Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad elections in Punjab. An estimated 70 per cent polling was reported as per initial reports, State Election Commissioner SS Brar said.

Amit Shah made in charge of UP BJP, Varun Gandhi to lead party in WB

Sun, 19 May 2013 07:41:10 +0530

In a run up to the Lok Sabha elections, BJP President Rajnath Singh on Sunday reorganised the party's poll machinery. Rajnath made Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's close aide Amit Shah in charge of party's affairs in key state Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi water crisis: BJP workers protest at Hooda's residence

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:53:51 +0530

BJP youth wing workers led by party's Delhi unit president Vijay Goel on Sunday courted arrest while protesting at the residence of Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda demanding release of Delhi's share of water allegedly held back by the state.

Sibal proposes law to control fixing in sports

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:24:53 +0530

In the wake of the spot-fixing scandal in IPL, Law Minister Kapil Sibal on Sunday proposed a law to tackle fixing and other illegal activities in sports in India. Sibal spoke to Sports Minister Jitendra Singh and proposed to plug the loopholes that help the accused to escape punishment.

Walmart lobbying case 'closed' due to lack of evidence: Sources

Sun, 19 May 2013 05:59:33 +0530

Investigation into whether US giant Walmart may have bribed Indian officials to gain wider access to the country's vast market has been closed due to lack of evidence, sources said on Sunday. Corporate Affairs Ministry has confirmed and said no evidence of lobbying was found.

3 Cong MPs threaten to quit over Telangana issue

Sun, 19 May 2013 05:15:22 +0530

Three Congress MPs from Telangana region on Saturday said they would not hesitate to quit if the party leadership does not take a decision on statehood issue by May 30. The MPs -- M Jagannath, G Vivek and S Rajaiah -- met in Hyderabad and discussed the issue.

Jagan's DA case: 2 ministers charged in the case may quit

Sun, 19 May 2013 01:20:55 +0530

The Chief Minister, who returned from New Delhi on Saturday after a four-day visit during which he discussed the issue with the leadership, has summoned Rao to the state capital from his native Srikakulam district.

PM to present Report Card of UPA-II on May 22

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:58:35 +0530

With the image of his government in tatters, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will present the last Report Card of UPA-II on May 22 in which he is expected to list the positives such as Direct Benefit Transfer and FDI in retail in a bid to boost the sagging morale of Congressmen with elections less than a year away.

Weakened Congress wondering if early elections will help

Sun, 19 May 2013 11:45:49 +0530

The Congress party is debating holding a General Election in November, six months ahead of schedule, senior party leaders said, reflecting an internal discussion over whether to pull the plug on the shaky ruling coalition or have it serve a full term. Officially, the Congress party says the government - which has been battered by a series of corruption scandals and now governs as a minority after two allies withdrew from the ruling coalition - will limp on until elections are due in May 2014.

WB minister receives threat letter, asked to quit TMC

Sun, 19 May 2013 07:59:46 +0530

West Bengal Agriculture Minister Malay Ghatak on Saturday said he has received a letter threatening to kill him and his family unless he resigned from the Cabinet and quit Trinamool Congress.

Mamata regime's 2 years a directionless sojourn: Congress

Sun, 19 May 2013 05:20:54 +0530

Bringing out an assessment report of West Bengal's Trinamool Congress government, two days before it completes two years in office, the Congress on Saturday alleged that the regime was moving in a negative direction and was clueless about the course it wanted the state's economy to take.

Bengal election panel seeks changes in poll schedule

Sun, 19 May 2013 04:15:59 +0530

The West Bengal State Election Commission on Saturday wrote to the state government seeking a change in the schedule for the panchayat polls and the bunching of districts in each phase. The state government had issued a notification on Friday proposing three-phase polls. Nine districts are to go to the hustings July 2, and four each July 6 and July 10.

Uttarakhand: Congress MLA Harish Dhami sent to jail

Sun, 19 May 2013 01:33:38 +0530

Ruling Congress MLA in Uttarakhand Harish Dhami on Saturday surrendered before a local court which rejected his bail plea and sent him to jail. Dhami, an accused in a clash that took place between two groups in 2007, surrendered before the first class judicial magistrate at Didihat on Saturday, two days before the time given to him by the Nainital High Court.

Bardhan hits back at CPI(M) over remarks against his party

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:25:07 +0530

Senior CPI leader AB Bardhan on Saturday took exception to some CPI (M) leaders' reported remarks over his party's policies and programmes. Noting that the CPI (M) leaders claimed that his party had no programme or policy, he said, "The CPI continued to work vibrantly on various burning issues and problems of the poor and the deprived."

Cong for special Parliament session if there is unanimity

Sat, 18 May 2013 11:22:59 +0530

Holding the opposition's "disruptionary tactics" responsible for not allowing passage of the Food Security and Land Acquisition Bills in Parliament's Budget Session, the Congress on Saturday expressed its willingness for a special session if the other parties were agreed. Congress spokesperson PC Chacko also said that the party will take "disruptionary tactics" of the opposition to the people, alleging they had displayed "least inclination" towards passing pro-people legislations like the two bills.

Only BJP has challenged vote-bank politics: Modi

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:24:04 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said only BJP had challenged the prevailing vote-bank politics in the country. At a rally in Rajnandgaon, the Assembly constituency of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, Modi said before BJP came to power in December 2003, there was no growth in this mineral-rich state.

Congress says Telangana not on UPA's agenda

Sat, 18 May 2013 08:53:11 +0530

Congress on Saturday said the issue of separate Telangana does not form part of the UPA's national agenda and it only concerned the state government- remarks which may cause consternation in Andhra Pradesh. "The issue does not form party of the national agenda of UPA. It definitely does not form part.... It concerns the state government", party spokesman PC Chacko told reporters at the AICC briefing.

Cong rules out change of PM in the run up to LS elections

Sat, 18 May 2013 07:50:27 +0530

The Congress on Saturday ruled out change of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the run up to next Lok Sabha elections but steered clear of questions whether he would again be at the helm if the UPA-III comes to power.

Omar meets PM, seeks relief package for quake-hit people

Sat, 18 May 2013 07:44:30 +0530

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and requested a special package for earthquake-hit districts of Doda and Kishtawar in Jammu region.

Punjab panchayat polls: Voting to take place tomorrow

Sat, 18 May 2013 07:40:37 +0530

Amid tight security, the stage is set for Sunday's elections to Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads in Punjab, the campaigning for which was marred by violence in which four persons were killed. Security force personnel had been deployed in strength to ensure smooth, free and fair elections, said state Election Commissioner SS Brar.

Rahul Gandhi slams opposition for 'stalling' Food Bill

Sat, 18 May 2013 07:14:41 +0530

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the opposition parties for stalling the Food Security Bill in Parliament, and asserted the UPA government was determined to enact the legislation for the benefit of people.

Karnataka: Assembly session likely from May 29

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:54:19 +0530

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said the session of the Karnataka Legislature is likely to be convened for a few days from May 29. After expanding the ministry inducting 28 members, he chaired a Cabinet meeting and told reporters later, "Most likely the Legislature session will be convened from May 29."

India losing sheen as an agricultural nation: Modi

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:31:56 +0530

India would not have lost its sheen as a country of farmers if Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had been the first Prime Minister, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, ruing the "poor" national agricultural growth.

Protests in parts of Karnataka over denial of ministership

Sat, 18 May 2013 02:46:35 +0530

Protests broke out in parts of Karnataka on Saturday as supporters of Congress leaders who failed to get berth in Cabinet expansion effected by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah gave vent to their anger.

Karnataka: 28 MLAs inducted in CM Siddaramaiah's cabinet

Sat, 18 May 2013 11:24:48 +0530

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday expanded his Cabinet with the induction of 28 Ministers. Twenty were made Cabinet Ministers and eight Ministers of State. They were administered oath of office by Governor HR Bhardwaj at a ceremony at Glass House at Raj Bhavan.

Karnataka: 29 ministers to be sworn-in today

Sat, 18 May 2013 08:35:54 +0530

29 MLAs will be inducted on Saturday into the newly elected Congress government in Karnataka at Raj Bhawan. Of the 121 Congress MLAs elected in May 5 Assembly elections, more than 50 are former ministers. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who took the oath on May 13 brought the Congress to power after seven-year hiatus in the state.

WB opposition demands central forces for Panchayat polls

Sat, 18 May 2013 04:47:12 +0530

Opposition parties in West Bengal on Friday demanded deployment of central paramilitary forces in an all-party meeting convened by the State Election Commission to ensure proper, free and fair panchayat elections.

Emulate Chhattisgarh Food Act, BJP tells Congress

Sat, 18 May 2013 04:12:23 +0530

The BJP on Friday hit back at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for his remarks that the Opposition was responsible for the UPA's failure to pass the Food Security Bill, saying the UPA government should emulate the Chhattisgarh Food Security Act.

Sukhbir behind 'political murders', must resign: Bajwa

Sat, 18 May 2013 03:50:08 +0530

In the wake of alleged political violence in the state, Punjab Congress on Friday demanded the resignation of deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal saying, he was the main architect behind "political murders and growth of mafias". "Sukhbir is a total failure as state's home minister and he has no right to continue in power. "Punjab is heading to a state of total anarchy as no rule of law exists in the state, and Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has become the prisoner of whims and fancies of his son," said Punjab Congress chief Partap Singh Bajwa.

Ashok Gehlot hits out at Raje for bangle comment

Sat, 18 May 2013 01:57:55 +0530

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot On Friday slammed BJP leader Vasundhara Raje for attacking him over CBI action against Gulab Chand Kataria and reportedly saying that "we are not wearing bangles". "Bangle is a symbol of women's dignity and use of such a language shows that she has lost self control and insulted women," Gehlot said in a statement in Jaipur.

Rahul meets Congress leaders from Union Territories

Sat, 18 May 2013 01:18:39 +0530

A meeting of Congress leaders from Union Territories convened by Rahul Gandhi on Friday saw strong pleas to make the Union Home Ministry pro-active to resolve the problems faced by the areas ahead of Lok Sabha polls. The leaders from Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar islands, Lakshdweep, Daman and Diu as also Chandigarh impressed upon the Congress Vice President that since the Home Ministry is administering the areas, it needed to take special interest to address the problems of the people there.

Miscommunication with WB government removed: GJM

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:51:32 +0530

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha on Friday said the recent visit of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to Darjeeling has removed the "miscommunication" between the West Bengal government and the party. GJM leader Harka Bahadur Chhetri said, "There was a miscommunication with the the state...the problem is over now with her (Mamata) recent visit to the Darjeeling hills for development work for the people there."

Odisha chit fund scam: BJP rejects Cong demand for CBI probe

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:01:33 +0530

With investors across Odisha demanding action against the chit fund companies which duped them of crores of rupees, opposition BJP and Congress on Friday respectively demanded judicial probe and CBI investigation into the matter.

Food Security Bill a half-hearted attempt: BJP

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:11:58 +0530

BJP on Friday made clear its reservation over the Food Security Bill being keenly pushed by the government, saying it is a "half-hearted attempt", and hit back at Rahul Gandhi for saying opposition was stalling it.

BJP seeks to keep 2G issue alive in PAC

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:35:44 +0530

With the 2G spectrum issue getting caught in logjam in the JPC, the BJP on Friday sought to bring the matter to the forefront of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee saying the matter is pending and should be disposed of. The demand to settle the pending issue came at the first meeting of the newly-constituted PAC.

Cong top brass discusses way ahead on Food Security Bill

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:28:30 +0530

Congress top brass, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party chief Sonia Gandhi, on Friday deliberated on the way ahead on the issue of Food Security Bill.

Chennai: Stalin surrenders illegally-imported Hummer to CBI

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:49:56 +0530

DMK leader MK Stalin on Friday surrendered his illegally-imported Hummer to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Chennai. The CBI had raided the DMK leader's residence in March this year in search of the Hummer.

Case against Kataria politically motivated: Amit Shah

Fri, 17 May 2013 07:52:33 +0530

The BJP on Friday accused the ruling Congress of "misusing" CBI against its rival parties and said that the case filed against Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan Assembly Gulab Chand Kataria in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case was "politically motivated".

UPA should declare its PM candidate first: BJP

Fri, 17 May 2013 07:28:59 +0530

BJP on Friday said the Congress-led UPA should declare its Prime Ministerial candidate first and whether Rahul Gandhi is a stakeholder for the top job or not. While insisting that BJP Parliamentary Board will take a decision regarding its PM candidate at an appropriate time BJP national general secretary and former Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah said, since UPA was in power, it should first take a decision in this regard.

Karnataka: 29 ministers to be sworn-in tomorrow

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:04:30 +0530

The four-day old Siddaramaiah ministry in Karnataka will be expanded on Saturday with the induction of 29 ministers, an exercise from which the "tainted" would be kept out. Siddaramaiah, who was sworn in as the Chief Minister on May 13 marking return of Congress to power after a seven-year hiatus, however, ruled out induction of any Deputy Chief Minister.

IPL spot-fixing: Shinde congratulates Delhi Police

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:41:44 +0530

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Friday congratulated Delhi Police for unearthing the illegal practice of spot-fixing in IPL cricket matches which led to the arrest of three cricketers and several bookies.

WB Panchayat polls to be held on July 2, 6 and 10

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:55:28 +0530

The West Bengal Election Commission on Friday announced dates for the Panchayat elections in the state. The elections will be held in three phases on July 2, 6 and 10. The results will be announced three days later.

Rahul to address rally in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:21:23 +0530

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will address a rally in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday in connection with the culmination of the Kerala Yatra, led by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala.

Hindu terror remark: Court's order on summoning Shinde today

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:50:13 +0530

A Delhi court is likely to pronounce on Friday its order on whether to summon Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in connection with a defamation case filed against him for his alleged 'Hindu terror' remark.

UP: Varun Gandhi stakes claim to his father's legacy in Sultanpur

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:47:11 +0530

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Varun Gandhi is staking claim to his father's legacy. Addressing a rally in Sultanpur, a Congress bastion, on Thursday, the BJP General Secretary made an emotional appeal to voters. This came even as the UP government is facing flak for allegedly letting him off in the 2009 hate speech cases.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot hits out at BJP on Kataria issue

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:12:47 +0530

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday hit out at the BJP, which has called the CBI case against its leader Gulabchand Kataria politically motivated, saying that the party has double standards.

Rajnath Singh meets Om Prakash Chautala in hospital

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:46:50 +0530

Signalling apossible realignment of his party's alliance in Haryana, BJP president Rajnath Singh on Thursday met INLD chief Om Prakash Chautala at a hospital here, party sources said. They said Rajnath Singh, accompanied by party vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, met Chautala at the Ram Manohar Hospital in Delhi.

Digvijaya expresses doubt over giving autonomy to CBI

Fri, 17 May 2013 01:42:47 +0530

Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh on Thursday expressed doubt as to whether giving autonomy to CBI would serve the purpose. "There is a question mark on the issue," he told reporters in Guna. "Giving autonomy to CBI...may be like giving autonomy to a police inspector," Singh said.

Special status will boost investment in Bihar: Nitish

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:20:48 +0530

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar defended on Thursday his repeated demand for special status to the state saying it (the status) will boost private investment in a big way to accelerate its industrial development. "I am pushing for grant of special status to Bihar only to bring private investment in a big way to expedite industrialisation process for generation of employment opportunities," he said in a function at Pataliputra industrial area after inaugurating a diamond cutting unit, the first of its kind in the state.

WB: Mamata govt releases performance report on 2 years rule

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:35:17 +0530

West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee led government on Thursday released a performance report, claiming the state has clocked a growth rate higher than that of the overall country during the nearly two years it has been in power.

Karnataka CM likely to induct about 25 ministers on Saturday

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:10:33 +0530

Some 20 to 25 Ministers are likely to be inducted in the Siddharamiah Ministry in Karnataka on Saturday, Congress sources said on Thursday night. The green signal has been given to the Chief Minister to expand his Ministry and all of them are likely to take oath on Saturday, the sources said.

CBI scanning property docs of Railway Board member

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:42:39 +0530

CBI is analysing property documents of arrested Railway Board member Mahesh Kumar, who is facing allegations of paying bribe to nephew of then Railway Minister PK Bansal to get posting of choice, to find out if he has amassed wealth beyond known sources of income. Sources said the agency has recovered some documents during searches at his official residence in Mumbai while some were found from a different location where they were hidden by a Railway Protection Force inspector.

Congress concerned over spot-fixing controversy in IPL

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:36:33 +0530

Expressing concern over the spot-fixing controversy in the ongoing IPL tournament, Congress on Thursday hoped the arrest of three cricketers would prove a "deterrent" to others involved in such illegal activities. "People of the country will lose interest in the game, if this creeps into their mind that the match is fixed. And then as a result, the stadia will go empty," party spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed said.

WB chit fund: Sudipta Sen denies links with TMC

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:30:21 +0530

The Saradha chit fund scam's suspected kingpin Sudipta Sen who earlier had reached out to the CBI accusing West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress of complicity in the swindle, has now approached the court opposing probe by the central agency.

Punjab: 1 killed, 3 injured as Congress rally attacked

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:59:47 +0530

Over a dozen armed men opened indiscriminate fire at a Congress-PPP election rally, killing one person and injuring at least three others in Rampura Phull area of the district. Around 15-16 armed men opened fire at the rally in Adampur village here organised ahead of May 19 panchayat polls.

Varun visits Rahul's constituency, calls it homecoming

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:30:07 +0530

Amid speculations of him contesting the next Lok Sabha elections from Sultanpur, BJP MP Varun Gandhi today said his visit to the district is like a homecoming and a new politics should start in the region.

Naxals strong in non-Congress ruled states: Ramesh

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:55:00 +0530

Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh on Thursday said Naxalism is strong only in those states where Congress is not in power. "Naxalism is strong only in those states where Congress is not in power like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha among others," the Union Minister said, addressing a 'Parivartan Rally' in Bordha village of the district.

TN: Jayalalithaa's first 2 years in power see mixed results

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:20:31 +0530

Two years after she stormed into Fort St George, the seat of power in Tamil Nadu, with a massive victory, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has a mixed bag of results to show so far.

Rajasthan: Rahul holds feedback meetings with Cong workers

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:33:20 +0530

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi met party workers and office bearers here on Thursday while continuing his task of collecting feedback over the party's prospects in the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, party sources said.

Rajasthan polls: 'No ticket for those with criminal records'

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:41:49 +0530

The ruling Congress has a good chance of retaining power in Rajasthan, but it must avoid giving tickets to people with criminal records in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state, party Vice President Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday. "I am (quite) confident that we will win (and retain power) in the state... although ticket distribution is our internal issue but, in my view, candidates with criminal record should be avoided," Gandhi said, adding that the ticket distribution process would begin soon.

WB panchayat polls: Differences between govt, EC continues

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:10:12 +0530

There were differences at a meeting on Thursday between the State Election Commission (SEC) and the West Bengal government over fixing dates for the three-tier panchayat elections after the Calcutta High Court's direction that the two mutually agree on it.

Party has no role in CBI's action against Kataria: Congress

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:20:52 +0530

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday dismissed BJP's allegations that CBI has chargesheeted Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Gulab Chand Kataria in Sohrabuddin encounter case at the behest of Congress.

Delhi: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah meets PM

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:57:54 +0530

Siddaramaiah, who was sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister on May 13, on Thursday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here, describing it as a courtesy call. The Prime Minister had earlier congratulated Siddaramaiah on his election as Chief Minister of Karnataka and wished him "well for the future."

Hindu terror remark: Court's order on summoning Shinde tomorrow

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:10:10 +0530

A Delhi court has deferred for Friday its order on whether to summon Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in connection with a defamation case filed against him for his alleged 'Hindu terror' remark.

Fast-track courts will be constituted for jailed Muslim youths: Shinde

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:54:30 +0530

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has announced that fast-track courts will be constituted to look into terror cases where Muslim youths are held accused. The move is being looked by many as an act to appease the minority votebank ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Chit fund scam: Sudipta Sen opposes CBI probe

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:20:24 +0530

Saradha group chairman Sudipta Sen, who has been accused of cheating lakhs of investors of their money running into thousands of crores, on Wednesday opposed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the complaints against him and his companies in an affidavit filed before the Calcutta High Court.

LK Advani compromised on corruption, says a Karnataka BJP leader

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:16:25 +0530

In an embarrassment for Bharatiya Janata Party patriarch LK Advani, a party leader and close aide of Karnataka Janata Paksha chief BS Yeddyurappa, Lehar Singh Siroya, has written a tell-all open letter. He has alleged that Advani compromised on corruption in the past when it suited his own interest.

Jagan DA case: Will Cong act against the AP Home Minister?

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:23:18 +0530

In an embarrassment for the Congress in Andhra Pradesh, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court has chargesheeted the state's Home Minister, Sabitha Reddy, in connection with the Jagan Reddy disproportionate assets case. Sabitha has been accused by the FBI of misusing her position. She is the third Cabinet minister accused.

Hindu terror remark: Court to pronounce order on summoning Shinde today

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:40:22 +0530

A Delhi court is likely to pronounce order on whether to summon Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in connection with a defamation suit filed against him for his 'hindu terror' remark.

Delhi Lokayukta issues notice to Sheila for hoardings

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:06:27 +0530

Delhi Lokayukta Manmohan Sarin on Wednesday issued notice to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and her Transport Minister Ramakant Goswami for putting up their posters in public places.

J&K recorded 36 per cent decline in violence in 2012: Omar

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:06:27 +0530

There was a 36 per cent decline in militancy-related violence in Jammu and Kashmir during 2012 as compared to 2011 and 54 security forces' bunkers were removed from public places here in 2012, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday.

Manmohan Singh has no cash, owns a 1996 Maruti car

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:06:53 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh does not have any cash in hand and owns a 1996 Maruti car, unlike many of his colleagues.

'NDA allies have no veto power on BJP's PM candidate'

Thu, 16 May 2013 02:06:23 +0530

Asserting that NDA allies have no veto power on BJP's choice of prime ministerial candidate, party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday said even Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had acknowledged in the past that the nominee will be from the saffron party.

Summoning Raja before JPC 'unconstitutional': Chacko

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:26:26 +0530

JPC Chairman PC Chacko has said it will be "unconstitutional" to summon former Telecom Minister A Raja, prime accused in the 2G spectrum case, before the Joint Parliamentary Committee to take evidence, as it would be an "infringement" of Article 20 of the Constitution.

Delhi govt sets up committee to curb child trafficking

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:07:51 +0530

The Delhi government on Wednesday set up a high-level committee to curb child trafficking in the state.

DSP murder: CBI to continue questioning Raja Bhaiya on Thursday

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:49:57 +0530

Former Uttar Pradesh minister Raja Bhaiya will be questioned by the CBI again on Thursday in connection with the Kunda DSP murder. Raja Bhaiya was questioned for over 11 hours on Wednesday. CBI sources said the leader may be booked for conspiracy to murder.

Will resign from Rajasthan assembly if arrested: Kataria

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:50:38 +0530

Senior BJP leader Gulab Chand Kataria, who has been chargesheeted in Sohrabuddin encounter case, on Wednesday said he would resign from the Rajasthan Assembly if arrested in the case. "A political game has been played to implicate me in this case. The real face of CBI and the Union government will be revealed after the investigations," Kataria, who was in Jaipur to attend a meeting of the state assembly, told reporters.

Delhi Assembly polls: Sheila Dikshit meets Sonia Gandhi

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:24:36 +0530

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Wednesday called on Congress president Sonia Gandhi and is believed to have apprised her about the party's preparation for the upcoming Assembly polls.

Coalgate: BJP demands PM's resignation for fair probe

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:59:49 +0530

Demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, BJP today said an independent probe in the coal allocation scam was not possible till he occupies the top post. Party Vice-President Balbir Punj told reporters here that the CBI which had acted swiftly in the Rail scam, involving Pawan Bansal, has chosen not to show enough activism in the coalgate investigation.

BJP red-faced over CBI chargesheet against Gulab Chand Kataria

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:13:51 +0530

Rajasthan BJP leader Gulab Chand Kataria may have been chargesheeted by the CBI in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case. But, as the BJP alleged, is Gujarat CM Narendra Modi the real target of the CBI? The CBI's move to chargesheet Kataria brought out the entire BJP brass against the CBI on Wednesday, with BJP president Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and even Kataria-baiter Vasundhara Raje putting up a strong defence for the leader.

MHA asks states to set up courts to expedite Muslims' cases

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:50:08 +0530

Amidst demand for expeditious trial of terror cases involving Muslim youth, the Union Home Ministry has asked all states to set up fast track courts to take up such cases for speedy disposal.

Cabinet will have people with 'clean image': Karnataka CM

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:40:13 +0530

With BJP's debacle in Karnataka following corruption charges clearly on his mind, new Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said he will have people with clean image in his Cabinet to be formed in a couple of days.

Kunda DSP case: Raja Bhaiya may be booked for murder conspiracy

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:10:34 +0530

Former Uttar Pradesh minister Raja Bhaiya may be booked for conspiracy to murder in the Kunda DSP murder case, CBI sources said on Wednesday. Raja Bhaiya was being questioned by the CBI on Wednesday in connection with the case.

WB panchayat polls: Govt, EC likely to meet on Thursday

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:56:20 +0530

A day after the Calcutta High Court directed the West Bengal government and the State Election Commission to mutually decide on dates for the panchayat election, a move has been initiated by both to hold a meeting on Thursday.

Will endeavour to work for Assam's development, says PM

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:29:35 +0530

Claiming that Assam was like home to him, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said he would endeavour to work for the development of the state that he has been representing in the Rajya Sabha since 1991.

Oil Ministry proposal on gas prices rejected

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:18:17 +0530

Oil Ministry's proposal for an across-the-board near doubling of natural gas prices has been rejected by the Cabinet Secretariat saying a ministerial panel headed by Defence Minister AK Antony did not have powers to do so.

Vodafone tax case: Arvind Kejriwal attacks Kapil Sibal

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:42:39 +0530

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday attacked Law Minister Kapil Sibal over Vodafone tax case and said all the corrupt ministers have joined the Group of Ministers on CBI autonomy.

Lalu holds Parivartan rally in Patna, I-T seeks expense details

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:27:37 +0530

Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad held a massive 'Parivartan' rally in Patna as the Income Tax department issued a notice to his party seeking details of expenses for the rally. The rally which is being held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna is the first of its kind by RJD after 2005 when it lost power to the NDA.

Jagan DA case: CBI names Andhra minister as fourth accused

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:00:30 +0530

In a further embarrassing twist for the Congress, the CBI has named Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy as the fourth accused in its chargesheet in the Jagan Reddy illegal assets case.

Fake encounter: BJP backs Kataria, says CBI targeting Modi

Wed, 15 May 2013 01:48:56 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday lashed out at the Central Bureau of Investigation and questioned its investigations into the Sohrabuddin and Tulsi Prajapati fake encounter cases. The BJP defended Leader of the Opposition in Rajasthan Gulab Chand Kataria saying allegations against him were politically motivated. He also said that the Congress was misusing the CBI to target Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Delhi: Youth Cong workers storm barricades outside BJP HQ

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:44:01 +0530

Youth Congress workers on Wednesday protested outside the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters in the national capital over the BJP's demand for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's resignation. The protesters stormed barricades, following which the police fired water cannons.

PM files Rajya Sabha nomination from Guwahati

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:40:24 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday filed his nomination papers for seeking re-election to the Rajya Sabha for the fifth successive time from Guwahati. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh.

Kunda DSP murder: CBI questions Raja Bhaiya

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:35 +0530

Former Uttar Pradesh Minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh, alias Raja Bhaiya, is being questioned by the CBI in connection with the murder of a village head and subsequently a police official. The investigative agency is looking at the fact if Raja Bhaiya tried to create an alibi for his driver who was arrested for the Deputy SP's murder.

Sohrabuddin case: BJP calls allegations against Kataria baseless

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:42:45 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party has come out strongly in the defence of Rajasthan leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria. Former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje has described the allegations against Kataria as baseless.

Sohrabuddin case: After Amit Shah, BJP's Kataria named

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:20:02 +0530

There is a new twist in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case. Former Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has been named in the chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Kataria is the second high profile politician to be named in the case after former Gujarat home minister Amit Shah. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of course, is crying foul.

Siddaramiah to meet Sonia Gandhi today in Delhi

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:59:05 +0530

Newly sworn-in Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be in Delhi on Wednesday and he is scheduled to meet UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Siddaramaiah is expected to hold discussions for the expansion of the state Cabinet.

Land row: Congress targets MP CM over 'rampant corruption'

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:40:42 +0530

The Congress has targetted Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan after CNN-IBN exposed how prime land in Bhopal was given to his relatives and party members. Digvijaya Singh claimed this is one of the many corruption charges against the Madhya Pradesh CM.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Court to hear Sajjan Kumar's plea

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:47:46 +0530

The 1984 anti-sikh riots case will come up for hearing in the Delhi High court on Wednesday. The Court is likely to give an order on Congress leader Sajjan Kumar's application seeking the quashing of charges in the Sultanpuri case in which 6 people were killed.

Varun Gandhi hate speech: Many witnesses turned hostile during trial

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:31:10 +0530

Nearly three months after a court acquitted Bharatiya Janata Party General Secretary Varun Gandhi of making provocative speeches in 2009, the Uttar Pradesh government will now appeal against the order. This, after CNN-IBN's sister channel IBN7 reported that as many as 14 government servants, including the then district magistrate of Pilibhit, turned hostile during the trial.

Kunda DSP murder: CBI to question Raja Bhaiya

Wed, 15 May 2013 07:46:12 +0530

Former Uttar Pradesh Minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh, alias Raja Bhaiya, will be questioned by CBI on Wednesday in connection with the murder of a village head and subsequently a police official.

Hearing in defamation case against BJP leader filed by Sheila today

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:54:31 +0530

A Delhi court will on Wednesday begin hearing charges in a defamation case filed by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit against BJP leader Vijender Gupta.

Manmohan Singh to file RS nomination in Guwahati today

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:05:04 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will arrive in Guwahati on Wednesday to file his nomination papers for seeking re-election to the Rajya Sabha for the fifth successive time from the state.

'Society must be proactive in checking violence against women'

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:05:48 +0530

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday said she was "pained" at society's failure to counter violence against women and called for it to be proactive in providing a safe and secure environment for women and girls.

Mulayam conspired with Advani to demolish Babri masjid: Beni

Wed, 15 May 2013 03:26:43 +0530

Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma on Tuesday accused Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav of conniving with BJP leader LK Advani to bring down the Babri mosque in Ayodhya.

Sohrabuddin case: BJP accuses Cong of framing its leader

Wed, 15 May 2013 01:46:46 +0530

The Bharatiya Janta Party on Tuesday accused the Congress of using the CBI for framing its Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan and former state home minister Gulab Chand Kataria in Soharabuddin Sheikh killing case.

Digvijaya gets legal notice for 'contempt of apex court'

Wed, 15 May 2013 01:06:31 +0530

The city-based Nagrik Upbhokta Margdarshak Manch, a local consumer organisation sent a legal notice to Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh on Tuesday, terming his statement against the Supreme Court's "caged parrot" comment about the CBI, as "contempt of apex court".

Opposition slams govt's 'Bharat Nirman' campaign

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:21:18 +0530

Opposition parties on Tuesday hit out at the government for launching a publicity blitz on its initiatives at public expense. "It is shocking that at the government expense again they are explaining how the loot of public money happened. If this is the counter-narrative the I&B Minister is engaged in with public funds, it is objectionable," BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said.

DSP murder: CBI to question Raja Bhaiya on Wednesday

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:06:41 +0530

Former Uttar Pradesh Minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh, alias Raja Bhaiya, will be questioned by CBI on Wednesday in connection with the murder of a village head and subsequently a police official. CBI sources said 44-year-old Raja Bhaiya, who is prime accused in the FIR registered by Kunda DSP Zia-ul-Haq's wife Parveen Azar, has been summoned by the agency for questioning in connection with the larger conspiracy related to the murder of Balipur village head Nanhe Yadav.

Hate speech: UP to appeal against Varun Gandhi's acquittal

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:40:25 +0530

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday said it would appeal in a higher court against the relief given to BJP general secretary Varun Gandhi by exonerating him of a hate speech charge. Inspector General (IG) Crime Ashish Gupta told mediapersons that the chief judicial magistrate's court had exonerated Varun in two different cases - February 27 and March 5.

Delhi CM comes under fire for bribe-for-ticket remark

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:20:14 +0530

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday landed in a controversy for her comments that a man had offered her money to get a ticket for assembly polls with BJP slamming her for not taking action against the person and terming the incident as reflection of "Congress culture".

Will UPA's 'Bharat Nirman' campaign help resurrect its flagging image?

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:20:44 +0530

There's nothing like a feel good advertisement when you are down in the dumps. And no one needs it more right now than UPA-II. Faced with uncertainty, embarrassment and an election in the next one year, the government plans to bombard us with not-so-subtle reminders of what they did get right in the last nine years.

BJP slams Digvijaya's comments on judiciary

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:30:23 +0530

Criticising Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's "unwarranted advice" to the judiciary, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said the motivation behind his criticism was the "frustration of a loser".

Sohrabuddin case: Gulab Chand Kataria named in CBI chargesheet

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:26:55 +0530

In what is likely to spell trouble for the Rajasthan BJP, the CBI has named Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria in its supplementary chargesheet in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case.

DSP murder: CBI to question Raja Bhaiya, say sources

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:05:38 +0530

Former Uttar Pradesh minister Raja Bhaiya will be questioned in connection with the Kunda DSP murder case, CBI sources said on Tuesday.

MP govt gave land at throwaway prices to bodies backed by RSS, BJP

Tue, 14 May 2013 06:47:10 +0530

MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan is not only said to be favouring his family members. RTI documents with CNN-IBN show how the Shivraj government is also awarding land to institutions close to the BJP and the RSS. Saraswati Shishu Mandir, an RSS-backed educational institution was granted over 10 acres of prime land across the state between 2007 and 2008.

MP: Prime land allotted to others registered in CM's relatives' names

Tue, 14 May 2013 06:23:28 +0530

A cloud of corruption hangs over one of the BJP's most celebrated chief ministers - Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Chouhan is in the midst of a row over allotment of prime land in Bhopal to his relatives. An RTI query has revealed how prime land that was allotted to other individuals was registered in the names of Shivraj Singh's cousins.

Rahul Gandhi to visit Rajasthan on Wednesday

Tue, 14 May 2013 06:15:20 +0530

The political scenario in Rajasthan will be analysed at meetings that Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will hold from Wednesday to chalk out a strategy ahead of Rajasthan Assembly polls slated for later this year.

Railway scam: CBI aiming to file chargesheet by July 3, say sources

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:53:12 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is aiming to file its chargesheet in the Railway scam on July 3, sources said on Tuesday. The taped conversations between accused in the scam have been sent for forensic tests and the reports are expected soon, sources said.

BJP nominates gun-toting MLA for Porbandar LS by-poll

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:22:19 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday nominated controversial MLA Vitthal Radadiya from Porbandar for Lok Sabha by-poll.

India Shining was hype, Bharat Nirman is different: Tewari

Tue, 14 May 2013 03:49:43 +0530

The government on Tuesday defended its advertising campaign 'Bharat Nirman' saying it was not an election campaign and was completely different from Bharatiya Janata Party's 'India Shining'. Speaking to IBN18 Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Manish Tewari said there was nothing irregular in UPA's campaign.

WB govt hails HC order on panchayat elections

Tue, 14 May 2013 03:46:07 +0530

The West Bengal government on Tuesday hailed the Calcutta High Court order on panchayat elections as "historic." "This is a historic order of the hon'ble High Court and we are very happy," state panchayat minister Subrata Mukherjee said.

Govt considering all options to push Food bill: Ramesh

Tue, 14 May 2013 03:32:34 +0530

"Special session is an option, monsoon session is an option, ordinance is an option - what is not an option is the non-passage of these two bills," Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said while talking about the government's plan of getting its ambitious food and land bills through.

Cong will amend BJP's misrule in Karnataka: Moily

Tue, 14 May 2013 02:50:47 +0530

Karnataka will be re-emerge as an IT superpower and will make India proud, Union Petroleum Minister Veerappa Moily has said as he accused the previous BJP govt of damaging the state's image as an investment destination. Moily, who had served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka between 1992 and 1994, was addressing Indian-Americans here through an audio link from New Delhi on Monday.

Mumbai: BMC unlikely to renew Mahalaxmi race course's lease

Tue, 14 May 2013 02:37:33 +0530

The iconic race course at Mahalaxmi in Mumbai may soon by replaced by an international theme park. The Shiv Sena ruled Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) says it may not renew the 99-year lease to the Royal Western Indian Turf Club which runs the race course. The lease expires on May 31.

Naroda Patiya case: Cong says no change in Modi's mindset

Tue, 14 May 2013 02:14:37 +0530

Congress on Tuesday flayed Gujarat government for withholding its decision to seek death for Maya Kodnani in the Naroda Patiya case, saying there has been no change in the mindset of Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his feelings about a community. "It proves that Modi has not changed. He was like this in the past and will remain so in the future. There has been no change in his mindset and his feelings about a community," party spokesperson Meem Afzal said.

WB govt-owned theatre refuses to screen 'Kagojer Nouka'

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:12:09 +0530

A West Bengal government owned cinema hall in Kolkata has reportedly refused to screen a movie on the chit fund scam. State-owned Nandan cinema hall says it will not screen the movie 'Kagojer Nouka' (which means Paper boat).

TN: PMK's Ramadoss rejects Jayalalithaa's charge

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:35:15 +0530

Rejecting Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's charge that his party was behind the violence in various parts of the state, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss on Tuesday alleged that pro-Dalit Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi was behind the incidents. "The Chief Minister's charge blaming PMK is far from truth," he said in a statement.

Japanese agency offers funds for Lucknow Metro project

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:21:39 +0530

The Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) has offered the Uttar Pradesh government financial assistance for the Metro rail project and a host of other projects, including the Agra-Lucknow expressway, officials said Tuesday. JICA sought details of the projects at a meeting with Chief Secretary Jawed Usmani Monday.

Govt mulling Special Parl Session to pass crucial bills

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:14:24 +0530

With the crucial Food Security Bill and Land Acquisition Bill still pending, sources say the government is mulling a Special Session of Parliament to get the bills passed. Reports also say the government is looking at the option of introducing an ordinance instead too.

US court reserves verdict on Parkash Singh Badal

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:36:44 +0530

A US court in Wisconsin has reserved its decision in the alleged human rights violation case against Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal after completing hearing in the matter. The district court had taken up a petition filed by New York-based rights body 'Sikh for Justice', which had alleged that Badal committed "grave human rights violations" against the community in India.

MP: Deputy Speaker Harvansh Singh passes away

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:53:44 +0530

Madhya Pradesh Assembly Deputy Speaker and senior Congress leader Harvansh Singh died in the wee hours on Tuesday following a cardiac arrest. Singh, 65, is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter.

Odisha chit fund scam: Artha Tatwa owner alleges politicians involved

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:30:30 +0530

Weeks after CNN-IBN reported a political nexus in Odisha's Rs 20,000 crore investment scam, the crime branch has now arrested the owner of another financial company. The arrested owner of Artha Tatwa, Pradip Sethi, has alleged that ministers, MLAs, top politicians and bureaucrats are also involved in the financial scam.

PM not to attend Nawaz Sharif's swearing-in ceremony: Sources

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:21:24 +0530

Government sources on Tuesday said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will not be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan's Prime Minister elect Nawaz Sharif. India is likely to formally decline Sharif's invitation to Manmohan.

Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth gets one year extension

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:12:02 +0530

Cabinet Secretary Ajit Kumar Seth, who was due to complete his two-year term in June, got one-year extension. Seth, a 1974 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, has assumed the charge of Cabinet Secretary on June 14, 2011. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-led Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved the extension of tenure of Seth, the country's top bureaucrat, by one year beyond June 13, 2013, a press release issued on Monday said.

WB chit fund scam: What forces people to invest in ponzi schemes?

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:11:54 +0530

As the Calcutta High Court begins hearing pleas seeking a CBI probe into the Sharada group chit fund scam on Tuesday, CNN-IBN has found that it is unemployment and stunted industrial and agricultural growth in the state that is forcing people to invest in ponzi schemes.

Narendra Modi's administration finest: Narayana Murthy

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:06:41 +0530

Narendra Modi has found a new fan in Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy who praised the Gujarat Chief Minister and called him one of India's finest administrators.

TN will ban parties disturbing law and order: Jaya

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:53:42 +0530

Sending a clear message to the political outfits that foment violence, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa warned of banning such parties, as she came down heavily on Pattali Makkal Katchi for the recent arson following the arrest of its leader S Ramadoss. The chief minister lashed out at the PMK in the state assembly and declared that her government would initiate steps to recover damages from the party for the loss caused to public and private property.

Naroda Patiya case: Modi govt does a U-turn on Kodnani

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:51:10 +0530

In a U-turn of sorts, the Gujarat state legal department has written to the chief prosecutor in the Naroda Patiya massacre case, seeking approval for enhancement of punishment for BJP leader Maya Kodnani and Bajrang Dal's Babu Bajrangi to be put on hold. The legal department wants the punishment to be put on hold until further instructions.

WB: Court asks SEC to identify sensitive poll booths

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:08:50 +0530

Hearing will continue on Tuesday in the Calcutta High Court on the standoff between West Bengal government and the state Election Commission (EC) over panchayat elections. On Monday, the WB government filed a fresh appeal to a higher bench against the old judgement of the Single bench in favour of the EC.

Cong in damage control mode after reports of rift with PMO

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:50:22 +0530

There have been speculations of the growing rift between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. After CNN-IBN reported the inside story of how a section of the Congress wants the Prime Minister to make way for new leadership, the Congress clarified that Dr Manmohan Singh will be the Prime Minister till 2014.

Manmohan Singh hasty in inviting Nawaz Sharif: BJP

Tue, 14 May 2013 05:47:08 +0530

A day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited Nawaz Sharif to India, Bharatiya Janata Party questioned why government was in a hurry to invite the Pakistani leader who is set to lead the country for the third time.

Jayadev, Sukhdeo to head Congress in Odisha, Jharkhand

Tue, 14 May 2013 05:41:34 +0530

The Congress on Monday appointed Jayadev Jena and Sukhdeo Bhagat as new state unit chiefs of Odisha and Jharkhand, respectively, said a party statement.

Double whammy for Mamata Banerjee government in court

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:42:39 +0530

Delivering a double blow to West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government, the Calcutta High Court on Monday ordered CBI probe into a Trinamool Congress worker's death allegedly in police custody and refused to suspend its earlier verdict upholding the primacy of the State Election Commission.

CBI court issues summons to AP Home Minister

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:30:09 +0530

A special court on Monday issued summons to Andhra Pradesh Home Minister P Sabitha Indra Reddy in a disproportionate assets case involving YSR Congress party leader YS Jaganmohan Reddy.

BJD dubs Chidambaram's statement as shocking

Tue, 14 May 2013 02:25:56 +0530

Terming as shocking and unfortunate Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram's reported statement favouring special category status to Bihar before report of a sub-committee, ruling BJD on Monday accused Congress of working against the interest of Odisha. "As far as I know (about) backwardness of Bihar, I am sure it will qualify to be a special category state by the sub-committee to be appointed under the chairmanship of Raghurama G Rajan," BJD vice-president and Panchayati Raj Minister Kalpataru Das quoted Chidambaram as having said.

Collegium system of judges' appointment opaque: Sibal

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:40:10 +0530

Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal on Monday said that the present collegium system of making appointments to the higher judiciary was "opaque" and "non-transparent", but nothing could be done to change it overnight.

Coal scam: PM's future hangs in the balance as Cong awaits SC hearing

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:14:04 +0530

For nine years now, through all the UPA's ups and downs, Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh have enjoyed a near-perfect relationship. But last week, they hit a wall, perhaps for the first time. CNN-IBN learnt that the decision to remove Pawan Bansal and Ashwani Kumar as cabinet ministers was resisted by the PM until pressure from Sonia finally forced them out.

Govt unveils ad campaign, highlights its achievements

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:40:28 +0530

With an eye on 2014 Lok Sabha elections, government on Monday unveiled a series of audio-visual clips as a part of its multi media campaign to highlight its achievements and showcase impact of UPA's policies in the last nine years.

WB: Chit fund scam claims its 12th victim

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:29:57 +0530

The chit fund scam in West Bengal claimed its twelfth victim on Monday with an agent of a ponzi scheme found hanging in his home at Basirhat in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district.

Nitish Kumar downplays his visit to Patna Congress office

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:16:16 +0530

With his visit to Congress office with Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram triggering speculations of JD(U) getting closer to Congress, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday downplayed the incident saying he was just being a good host.

All my successors in Rail ministry getting derailed: Lalu

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:56:44 +0530

With UPA-II having six ministers in the Railways during the present tenure, RJD president Lalu Prasad on Monday took a jibe saying since he left Railways his successors were getting "derailed". "After I left Rail Ministry, none of my successors have been able to stay there...everybody is getting derailed in the ministry," Lalu, who served as a rail minister in UPA-I, told reporters.

Ishrat Jahan case: CBI moves for attachment of ADGP Pande's property

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:41:47 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday moved for attachment of property of Additional DG Gujarat PP Pande in the Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case. CBI sources said that Pande had not joined its probe despite repeated attempts by investigation agency.

Siddaramaiah unveils Rs 4,409.81 crore plan for poor

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:05:53 +0530

Resurrecting the Congress rule in Karnataka after seven years, Siddaramaiah on Monday took over as Chief Minister, unveiling a Rs 4,409.81 crore bonanza for the poor, SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities in his maiden act.

WB panchayat polls: High Court defers hearing till Tuesday

Mon, 13 May 2013 06:50:30 +0530

The Calcutta High Court has deferred till Tuesday the hearing related to the tussle between West Bengal and the state election commission over the number of phases in the Panchayat election.

Some Cong leaders want Manmohan Singh replaced soon

Mon, 13 May 2013 06:13:06 +0530

A section within the Congress party is keen on replacing Dr Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister, sources said on Monday. According to sources, the leaders want Singh replaced before the monsoon session of Parliament. While there is no consensus yet on the alternative name, sources said that Defence Minister AK Antony and Finance Minister P Chidambaram could be considered.

Digvijaya takes a dig at judiciary for observations on CBI

Mon, 13 May 2013 02:48:35 +0530

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Monday took a dig at the judiciary for its observations on CBI, triggering immediate reaction from BJP, which advised him to "learn and understand" why there were a "series of scams" in the UPA government instead of "blaming the judiciary". "By calling CBI a parrot in cage, then a Central Administrative Bench in Bangalore calling the IB a chicken... Now I have a question to the people in general. Are we not belittling our institutions? That's it. I want you to respond. I will request you to try and get access to all those who are calling our institutions chicken or parrot. You should take reaction from them also," Singh, who is an AICC general secretary, told reporters here.

Sibal outlines broad objectives as Law Minister

Mon, 13 May 2013 02:19:08 +0530

With Lok Sabha elections due next year, newly appointed Law Minister Kapil Sibal on Monday said he would strive to achieve objectives in the run up, including making legal procedures help fuel economic growth and appointment of judges through a transparent process. Outlining his "broad objectives", Sibal said, "Legal processes and procedures should not be an impediment to economic growth, but must fuel it."

Calcutta HC orders CBI probe into TMC activist's custodial death

Mon, 13 May 2013 01:55:03 +0530

The Calcutta High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the death of a Trinamool Congress activist in police custody in January. 30-year-old Kazi Nasiruddin, a TMC activist, had died after he was allegedly tortured by the police.

K'taka: Metamorphosis of Siddaramaiah into Cong CM

Mon, 13 May 2013 01:37:25 +0530

A man rooted in 'Janata Pariwar' for two-and-half-decades and known for strident anti-Congress stance, it has been a remarkable turn-around for Siddaramaiah, who was sworn in as Karnataka's 22nd Chief Minister on Monday. From early 1980s to 2005, Siddaramaiah who comes from a poor farmer's family, was a die-hard anti-Congressman but his ouster from JDS of former Prime Minister Deve Gowda brought him to political crossroads.

Cash-for-jobs scam: Railways hand over transfer files to CBI

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:14:55 +0530

Railways handed over files on transfers within the ministry spanning last four years to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday. The CBI had sought files from the Railways on transfers from tenures of Mamata Banerjee to Pawan Kumar Bansal. The probe agency is also likely to question some officials from the Railways.

Coal scam: CBI confirms questioning of two ex-UPA ministers

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:59 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation has confirmed the questioning of former UPA ministers Dasari Narayan Rao and Santosh Bagrodia in connection with the coal scam. They were questioned a month back, confirmed the CBI.

Siddaramaiah sworn-in as 22nd CM of Karnataka

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:53:24 +0530

Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Monday took oath as the 22nd Chief Minister of Karnataka. The 64 year old backward class leader from Mysore was sworn in at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore.

Pawan Kumar Bansal loses cool with reporters

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:40:55 +0530

fter losing his job, it seems that former railway minister Pawan Bansal is not happy with the media's role in the Railways bribery and cash-for-jobs scam. When some reporters asked Bansal about his family and the role played by his relatives in the Railways bribery and cash-for-jobs scam, the former minister was very livid.

AP: Lawyer arrested for Facebook post against ex-CM, MLA

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:25:39 +0530

A civil liberties lawyer, Jaya Vindyala, has been arrested under Section 66A of the IT Act for posting some comments on Facebook allegedly against former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Tamil Nadu Governor Rosaiah and an MLA A Krishna Mohan. The advocate, who is also a member of the PUCL, was arrested in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh.

Modi says UPA govt bonding with the enemy

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:51:53 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi accused the UPA government of bonding with the enemies and attacked the Centre's foreign policy, while addressing the Indian diaspora in the US via video conferencing on Monday.

DA case: Jagan Reddy's judicial remand to end today

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:51:21 +0530

YSR Congress President Jagan Reddy's judicial remand will end on Monday in the disproportionate assets case. Jagan will be produced before the CBI court through video conferencing.

WB panchayat polls: Govt to file appeal against HC verdict

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:34:39 +0530

West Bengal government will on Monday file a fresh appeal to a higher bench against an old judgement that upheld the supremacy of state election commission while conducting Panchayat polls.

PMO put pressure on MoEF to ease coal mining rules, reveals RTI query

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:33:01 +0530

Just two days after the removal of Ashwani Kumar as Law Minister over the coal scam, there seems to be more trouble for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. A Right to Information application shows that it was the Prime Minister's Office that put pressure on the Environment Ministry to ease environmental rules to allow expansion in coal mining projects.

Karnataka: Siddaramaiah to take oath as CM today

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:47:32 +0530

K Siddaramaiah, who joined Congress just seven years back, will take oath as the chief minister of Karnataka on Monday - the first "outsider" to do. It is a dream come true for this shepherd from the backward Kuruba caste who spent his childhood grazing his father's cattle at a remote village near Mysore.

Modi says UPA's misgovernance has broken trust of Indians

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:13:31 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the Indian diaspora in the US via video conferencing. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader's address comes on the occasion of 53rd Gujarat Day.

US: Modi addresses Indian diaspora via video conferencing

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:37:31 +0530

Mamata Banerjee to visit Darjeeling, meet GJM leaders

Mon, 13 May 2013 05:21:30 +0530

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will embark on a three-day visit to Darjeeling Hills beginning May 14, 2013 during which she will meet the GJM leaders as well as hold talks with the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA).

Decision to drop two ministers was joint, says Congress

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:52:17 +0530

The Congress on Sunday said that decision to drop Pawan Kumar Bansal and Ashwani Kumar from the cabinet was "joint decision" of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party chief Sonia Gandhi even as BJP sought his resignation over reports that he was nudged into taking the decision.

Himachal to get five new chief parliamentary secretaries

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:27:26 +0530

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh will on Monday expand his team with the induction of five chief parliamentary secretaries and one parliamentary secretary, officials said In Shimla. Rohit Thakur, Nand Lal, Jagjivan Pal, Sohan Lal and Rakesh Kalia are likely to be inducted as chief parliamentary secretaries, a government official said on Sunday.

Bansal 'threatens' scribe, press club seeks apology

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:17:26 +0530

Disgraced former railway minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on Sunday had a brush with the media in Chandigarh, barely hours after returning from New Delhi where he quit from the union cabinet. The city press club has sought an apology from him. Bansal got furious when a media person asked him about the companies owned by his family.

BJP is a party of backward and arrogant thoughts: Gehlot

Mon, 13 May 2013 03:04:25 +0530

Continuing his scathing attack on BJP, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday dubbed it as a party with backward and arrogant thoughts. Addressing a rally in Pushkar town in Ajmer, Gehlot said, BJP only worked for inciting violence and riots.

Congress declares candidates for Gujarat by-elections

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:43:37 +0530

Gujarat Congress has decided to field new faces and play the sympathy card in the upcoming bye-elections for two Lok Sabha and four Assembly seats in the state. Krishna Gadhvi, who has been given ticket for Banaskantha Lok Sabha seat is the widow of Mukesh Gadhvi who died in March 2013, while for Porbandar Lok Sabha seat the party has chosen former city Youth Congress President Vinu Amipura.

Modi must not talk on issues he has little knowledge of: Khurshid

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:13:38 +0530

Slamming Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for making comments on foreign policy, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Sunday said that Modi should not comment on issues about which he has little knowledge of. On being asked about recent remarks made by Modi about the Centre's foreign policy, Khurshid criticised Modi, during an event in Surat on Sunday.

LBT strike: Raj Thackeray asks traders to open shops

Sun, 12 May 2013 11:47:44 +0530

Amid ongoing stand-off between traders and state government over proposed imposition of Local Body Tax (LBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday asked traders to not hold common people to ransom and open their shops.

Take cue from Pak voters,ignore boycott calls: Omar to Kashmiris

Sun, 12 May 2013 09:34:49 +0530

With voters in Pakistan defying the Taliban and turning out in high numbers for the general elections, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged the people of his state to take cue and ignore poll boycott calls made by separatists. "Good reason for Kashmiris to ignore boycott calls," Omar Abdullah tweeted on Sunday.

MP: Cong 'adopts' boy who gave newspaper to Rahul for free

Sun, 12 May 2013 09:12:57 +0530

Madhya Pradesh Congress has "adopted" the 10-year-old newspaper hawker who gave a newspaper for free to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, because he had no change.

Akhilesh promises to withdraw false cases lodged against Brahmans

Sun, 12 May 2013 08:23:52 +0530

With an eye on Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday promised that all false cases against Brahmans lodged under the SC/ST Act (Prevention of Atrocities Act) will be withdrawn.

PM has become a great burden on the country: BJP

Sun, 12 May 2013 07:16:39 +0530

Demanding Manmohan Singh's resignation for allegedly shielding former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and former Railways Minister PK Bansal, the BJP on Sunday said that the Prime Minister has become 'a great burden on the country'.

Khurshid, Omar hopeful of good ties with Pak if Sharif comes to power

Sun, 12 May 2013 06:17:52 +0530

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Sunday hoped that India will continue to have good relations with Pakistan if former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif comes to power after the general elections there.

BJP dares Cong to hold LS, Assembly polls together

Sun, 12 May 2013 06:03:27 +0530

The BJP on Sunday dared the Congress to hold Lok Sabha elections along with Assembly polls due in five states later in 2013 if it was confident after its triumph in Karnataka.

K'taka polls: Modi should've been projected as a Hindutva leader, says Sena

Sun, 12 May 2013 05:10:43 +0530

Criticising BJP for projecting Narendra Modi as a secular leader while campaigning for Karnataka Assembly elections, NDA ally Shiv Sena on Sunday said the part would have won, if it had projected the Gujarat Chief Minister as an outright Hindutva leader.

No rift between PM, Sonia: Congress

Sun, 12 May 2013 02:31:42 +0530

Days after two Union Ministers were sacked, there were reports of a feud between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. But the Congress on Sunday downplayed that and said that there is no rift. The party has rubbished all reports that the Prime Minister has been isolated.

BJP workers clash with police outside 7RCR

Sun, 12 May 2013 01:20:55 +0530

BJP's youth wing workers on Sunday clashed with the police outside Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence and demanded his resignation over coalgate and Railway bribery scam.

Delhi: Race Course station closed after BJP plans protest

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:22:49 +0530

A Metro station near Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence was closed for public on Sunday morning after BJP youth wing activists announced a march and gherao of the high-security area.

Not surprised with BJP's loss in Karnataka: Advani

Sun, 12 May 2013 11:40:10 +0530

Days after Congress's sweeping victory in Karnataka, senior BJP Leader LK Advani in his blog has called his party's decimation in the state a matter of no surprise.

Bansal defends his decision to resign, says he has done nothing wrong

Sun, 12 May 2013 10:12:06 +0530

Two days after he was forced to put in his papers, Pawan Kumar Bansal has defended his decision. The MP from Chandigarh whose nephew was caught accepting bribe for facilitating railway jobs, insists that he has done no wrong.

PM stands isolated, Cong core group to meet on Sunday

Sun, 12 May 2013 08:43:47 +0530

Days after Union Ministers Pawan Kumar Bansal and Ashwani Kumar were sacked, there seems to be an apparent divide between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Congress party. The congress has given full credit to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi for the resignation of the Bansal and Ashwani.

PM's secretary behind tampering of coal report: Jaitley

Sun, 12 May 2013 08:06:16 +0530

The BJP has alleged that the CBI coalgate report was tampered with on the directions of the Principal Secretary in the PMO Pulok Chatterjee. Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley made this allegation while speaking to Karan Thapar on Devil's Advocate.

Kiran Bedi for making CBI strong independent probe body

Sun, 12 May 2013 02:52:00 +0530

Former IPS officer and social activist Kiran Bedi on Saturday alleged the growing interference of the Union government in the functioning of the CBI had turned the premier investigating agency into a "caged parrot". The Central government was also not enacting strong laws to enable the CBI function like an independent body, she told reporters in Chandigarh.

Resignations of Kumar, Bansal won't rock UPA: Shinde

Sun, 12 May 2013 02:23:25 +0530

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Saturday said the resignations of Union Ministers Ashwani Kumar and Pawan Kumar Bansal would not pose any danger to the UPA government. "There is no danger to UPA government. The decisions taken by the Prime Minister and the two ministers are right. We are set to complete full term," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Pune.

Cash-for-jobs in Railways: Pawan Bansal claims innocence

Sat, 11 May 2013 10:44:34 +0530

A day after he was forced to step down, former railways minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on Saturday night maintained that he had nothing to do with the bribery allegation for which his nephew was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Congress credits Sonia for Ashwani, Bansal's exit, PM stands isolated

Sat, 11 May 2013 09:48:09 +0530

With the sacking of Ashwani Kumar and Pawan Bansal as Law Minister and Railways Minister, the heat is now on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The new Law Minister will have to shield the PM even as there's a widening divide between him and his party. Ashwani's exit has left the PM vulnerable, and even lonely.

Congress win good for Karnataka, says Yeddyurappa

Sat, 11 May 2013 08:28:37 +0530

Karnataka Janata Paksha president BS Yeddyurappa on Saturday described the Congress win in May 5 Assembly polls as good for the state, but said it remained to be seen how the party was going to govern. "Yes. Congress win is good for Karnataka. This is a honeymoon period for that party and it has to be seen how they (the leaders) are going to govern in future," Yeddyurappa told reporters at the Botanical Gardens.

Special category status for Bihar after criteria change: Chidambaram

Sat, 11 May 2013 08:02:57 +0530

Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said that Bihar will be accorded special category status after the change of criteria. "I hope that new criteria will determine status of backward states. Bihar will certainly qualify for special category status under new criteria for it," said Chidambaram.

Railway bribery scandal: CBI sends phone intercepts to CFSL

Sat, 11 May 2013 07:52:54 +0530

CBI has sent intercepted phone conversations to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory to identify the voices of suspects in the Rs 10 crore railway bribery scandal which saw the resignation of Railway Minister Pawan Bansal.

Coal scam: Attorney General to continue in his position, say Govt sources

Sat, 11 May 2013 06:47:26 +0530

Attorney General GE Vahanvati, who was under scanner for trying to influence CBI's coal scam status report, will continue in his position. Government sources on Saturday confirm there will be no action against the top law officer.

Karnataka: Aspirants lobby hard for berth in new cabinet

Sat, 11 May 2013 06:10:07 +0530

With Karnataka Chief Minister-designate Siddaramaiah all set to install his Cabinet next week, lobbying for ministerial berths has intensified. Siddaramaiah is slated to be sworn in alone by Governor HR Bhardwaj at 11.50 am on Monday at a ceremony at Sri Kanteerava Stadium.

India, China working on new border agreement: Khurshid

Sat, 11 May 2013 05:18:52 +0530

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, who reached New Delhi on Saturday after his two-day China visit, said that his meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing was "fruitful" and the two countries are working on new border agreement.

BJP will flag the demand for PM's resignation, says Arun Jaitley

Sat, 11 May 2013 03:37:32 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata will continue to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the coal scam controversy. Speaking to Karan Thapar on this week's Devil's Advocate, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley has said the exit of Ashwani Kumar in the matter was not enough and that his party will flag the demand for the Prime Minister's resignation.

If PM introspects, he'll realise that he must resign: BJP

Sat, 11 May 2013 02:16:13 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party is continuing its attack on the government even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sacked Ashwani Kumar as Law Minister and Pawan Kumar Bansal as the Railways Minister. BJP President Rajnath Singh said the Prime Minister must also resign.

CBI links Railway Protection Force to cash-for-jobs scam: Sources

Sat, 11 May 2013 01:52:26 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured key leads linking Railway Protection Force (RPF) to Recruitment Scam to Railway cash-for jobs scam, said sources. CBI sources added that RPF officials played key role in dubious recruitment deals.

Sibal gets Law Ministry, CP Joshi gets Railways

Sat, 11 May 2013 01:37:14 +0530

A mini Cabinet reshuffle is in the offing, according to sources, after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sacked Pawan Kumar Bansal as the Railway Minister and Ashwani Kumar as the Law Minister. Telecom MinisterKapil Sibal has got additional charge of Law Ministry while CP Joshi has once again got the Railways Ministry.

Is the government distancing itself from Ashwani Kumar?

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:59:08 +0530

The government has come to the defence of sacked Law Minister Ashwani Kumar saying he shouldn't be seen as a corruption defaulter. In a statement on Ashwani Kumar's resignation, the government has said, "Ashwani resigned because of perception and his resignation should not be seen as corruption. He has not been indicted by the Supreme Court in any way."

Ashwani says he resigned to avoid 'unnecessary controversy'

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:49:04 +0530

Sacked Law Minister Ashwani Kumar on Saturday came out in his defence saying he resigned only to avoid any unnecessary controversy claiming that his conscience still remains clear. "I tendered my resignation to put an end to unnecessary controversy in a matter pending before the Supreme Court. My conscience remains clear and I believe I will remain vindicated," Ashwani Kumar said.

PM talks to Siddaramaiah, congratulates him on election as CM

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:41:48 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday congratulated Siddaramaiah on his election as Chief Minister of Karnataka. The Prime Minister also wished him "well for the future."

Sibal may be new Law Minister, CP Joshi likely to get Railways

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:06:07 +0530

A day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was forced to sack Ashwani Kumar as Law Minister and Pawan Kumar Bansal as Railway Minister, the Congress party has given full credit to party President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi for taking action against the tainted ministers. "Congress President and Rahul Gandhi never tolerate corruption and that is why they took the resignation of the two ministers," Congress spokesperson Bhata Charan Das said.

Siddaramaiah appointed Karnataka CM, to take oath on Monday

Sat, 11 May 2013 09:16:19 +0530

Karnataka Governor HR Bhardwaj late on Friday appointed Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah as the state's chief minister. The 64-year-old leader is expected to be sworn in on Monday. "The governor is pleased to appoint Siddaramaiah as the Chief Minister of Karnataka," the Raj Bhavan office said in a communique.

Timeline: How Pawan Bansal lost his job

Sat, 11 May 2013 08:09:13 +0530

The fire from 'cash for promotion' scam finally engulfing the Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal. Bansal was sacked on Friday evening after a meeting of the Prime Minister with the Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Bansal, later drove to the PM's residence to submit his resignation.

PM sacks Ashwani, Bansal to restore credibility; but is it too late?

Sat, 11 May 2013 07:55:33 +0530

After days of sustained pressure, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was finally forced to act against his ministers charged with corruption and interference. Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal were both forced to quit on Friday. Both of them called on the Prime Minister on Friday evening and submitted their resignations. While Ashwani Kumar was sacked for interfering in CBI's coalgate probe report, Pawan Bansal was sacked over the Railway bribery scam.

Over 200 Karnataka legislators are multi-millionaires

Sat, 11 May 2013 05:55:30 +0530

Over 200 members of the newly elected 225-member Karnataka assembly are 'crorepatis' (multi-millionaires), said an election watchdog after analyzing their declared assets. Of 218 assets studied by the Karnataka Election Watch (KEW) showed that 203 of them, that is 93 per cent, are "crorepatis", up from 63 per cent who were 'crorepatis' in the ougoing assembly, the NGO said in a release on Friday.

Ministers who resigned on corruption charges in UPA II

Sat, 11 May 2013 04:40:57 +0530

Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and Law Minister Ashwani Kumar were not the first from in the United Progressive Alliance-II to have resigned on corruption charges. The others who stepped down on corruption charges are:

HP: Dhumal criticises cut in special plan assistance

Sat, 11 May 2013 02:15:03 +0530

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal on Friday criticised the state government for cut in special Plan assistance in the annual plan for 2013-14. He said the assistance has been reduced from Rs 1,400 crore in 2012-13 to Rs 1,350 crore during 2013-14 which is a cause of concern as it would retard the pace of development.

Opposition trying to derail panchayat poll process: Mamata

Sat, 11 May 2013 01:59:03 +0530

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday slammed the Opposition for conspiring to prevent her government from holding panchayat polls on time and vowed that elections will be held at the appropriate time. "Panchayat polls will be held at the appropriate time. Work for panchayats and 100 days' will not be hampered", she said at a party rally here without elaborating.

BJP demands Acharya's resignation on moral grounds

Sat, 11 May 2013 01:30:58 +0530

Opposition BJP in Odisha on Friday demanded resignation of state finance minister Prasanna Acharya in the wake of a Commission finding fault with the drugs administration for spurious liquor tragedy of February 2012 that claimed 41 lives. "Acharya, who was then the state's health minister should resign from the ministry on moral grounds," BJP state president KV Singhdeo demanded at a media conference Bhubaneswar.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar hails resignations, calls them late

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:27:38 +0530

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar on Friday night hailed the resignations of Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and Union Law Minister Aswani Kumar but said it came too late. "It came too late," Kumar said when asked for reaction on resignations of Rail minister Bansal and Law minister Kumar.

After Ashwani Kumar, PM should resign: BJP

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:26:44 +0530

BJP on Friday stepped up its pressure on the government by demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after the resignations of Railway Minister and Law Minister, saying the "consequences should follow."

The dramatic rise and fall of Ashwani Kumar

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:23:28 +0530

Law Minister Ashwani Kumar's rise in politics and elevation to the cabinet was as dramatic as his fall. Elected to Rajya Sabha in May 2002, Kumar, a former Additional Solicitor General, climbed the ropes fast, sometimes creating heartburns among his colleagues in the party.

Modi to address NRIs in 18 US cities through video conference

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:22:40 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has been refused US visa since 2005, will address Indian diaspora in 18 cities in that country through a video conference on June 13 as a part of Gujarat Day celebrations.

Under fire over scams, PM cracks the whip, sacks Ashwani and Bansal

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:52:15 +0530

Just hours after the resignation of Pawan Kumar Bansal as Railways Minister, Ashwani Kumar, the other Congress leader embroiled in a controversy, resigned as Law Minister.

Yogita Thakre death: SC refuses to direct CBI probe

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:43:19 +0530

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to direct CBI probe in the murder of seven-year-old Yogita Thakre, who was found dead in a car parked at former BJP president Nitin Gadkari's home at Nagpur.

BJP calls for CBI probe into firms owned by Bansal's relatives

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:22:07 +0530

Stepping up the heat on Pawan Kumar Bansal who resigned as Railway Minister on Friday following his nephew's arrest in a graft case, BJP on Friday called for a CBI probe into three firms floated by his relatives which had allegedly profited under "shelter" provided by him.

Coal scam: CBI shortlists 500 phone calls for scrutiny

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:18:22 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has identified for closer scrutiny 500 phone calls from out of the 1,000 intercepted calls mainly among the four arrested accused in the alleged Rs 10 crore Railway bribery scandal.

Panchayat elections: WB govt to appeal against Calcutta HC order

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:55:41 +0530

The West Bengal government would appeal against the Calcutta High Court order upholding the primacy of the State Election Commission and asking it to provide names of 400 observers for the panchayat polls by Saturday, Panchayat minister Subrata Mukherjee said.

Bringing back 'collapsed' administration my top priority: Siddaramaiah

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:41:28 +0530

Siddaramaiah, who would be the new Karnataka Chief Minister, today said putting the 'collapsed" administration back on track would be a major challenge facing him in his new role. "The development of the state has gone 10 years back", Siddaramaiah told reporters after he was elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party.

Siddaramaiah: A politician who is not known to mince words

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:17:33 +0530

Rustic in appearance at times, outspoken Siddaramaiah is not known to mince words and hide his ambitions. And whenever some ruling Bharatiya Janata Party members tried to taunt him over his ambition, Siddaramaiah, Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly, used to get aggressive and declare without hesitation that he would become the Chief Minister.

Bansal resigns, will Ashwani follow the suit?

Fri, 10 May 2013 06:51:27 +0530

Pawan Kumar Bansal on Friday evening resigned as Railway Minister following allegations of corrupt practices by his close relatives and aides.

Pawan Bansal quits as Railways Minister

Fri, 10 May 2013 06:08:13 +0530

Pawan Kumar Bansal on Friday evening resigned as Railway Minister following allegations of corrupt practices by his close relatives and aides. Sources say that Bansal was forced to resign after Congress President Sonia Gandhi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and asked him to force the Railway Minister to put in his papers.

Pawan Bansal reaches office after 2 days, begins clearing files

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:56:15 +0530

Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, who is facing allegations of being involved in the cash for jobs scam in the Indian Railways, visited Rail Bhawan on Friday. Bansal has not been attending office for the last two days. He reportedly went to Rail Bhawan on Friday to clear his files.

CBI autonomy: Govt forms GoM to deal with issues raised by SC

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:52:18 +0530

The government on Friday formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) to deal with the issues raised by the Supreme Court on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in its recent hearing on the agency's affidavit on the coal scam probe.

Bribery case: CBI issues notices to Railway officials to join probe

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:27:16 +0530

The CBI has reportedly issued notices to senior officials of the Railways to join its investigations into the bribery case involving Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal's nephew Vijay Singla.

S Siddaramaiah set to be Karnataka Chief Minister

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:09:57 +0530

Prominent backward caste leader S Siddaramaiah is set to be the next Chief Minister of Karnataka after he was elected as the Congress legislative party leader by party MLAs on Friday. Siddaramaiah, along with the new cabinet ministers of Karnataka, will be sworn in on Monday morning.

Railway bribery case: Pawan Bansal feeds goat to ward off bad luck

Fri, 10 May 2013 04:53:51 +0530

Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal was seen feeding a goat on Friday, which was reportedly sacrificed later. Many believe that it wards off bad luck and is a widespread practice.

WB: Mamata loses out to state EC, HC orders 3-phase Panchayat polls

Fri, 10 May 2013 04:35:13 +0530

In a big blow to the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, the Calcutta High Court on Friday ordered three-phase Panchayat elections in the state. The order establishes the supremacy of the state Election Commission that had opposed the Trinamool Congress government's demand to conduct two-phase elections.

Geetika suicide: Kanda charged with rape, unnatural sex

Fri, 10 May 2013 03:48:27 +0530

A chargesheet has been filed against former Haryana minister Gopal Kanda and his aide Aruna Chadha in the Geetika Sharma suicide case. The court says prima facie charges of rape, unnatural sex, abetment of suicide, conspiracy, forgery under the IPC and IT act have been made out against Kanda.

Most Congress MLAs back Siddaramaiah as next Karnataka Chief Minister: Sources

Fri, 10 May 2013 03:24:18 +0530

The Congress gets one step closer to deciding the Karnataka Chief minister after party leaders met a legislative meeting on Friday. Sources say that most of the MLAs in the state have backed Siddaramaiah to be the next Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah was always the frontrunner but there were other claimants as well such as Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge.

Net closes in on Pawan Bansal; is he on his way out?

Fri, 10 May 2013 02:59:36 +0530

The net is closing in on Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal following allegations that his family members were involved in corrupt practices. The Railway Minister has stopped attending office, a sign perhaps that he is on the way out. Bansal did not attend Thursday's Cabinet meet as well even as Law Minister Ashwani Kumar attended it.

UP: Court rejects plea to release serial blast accused

Fri, 10 May 2013 02:29:25 +0530

A Barabanki court has rejected Uttar Pradesh government's plea to release UP serial blast accused Tariq Qasmi and Khalid Mujahid. HuJi activists Tariq and Khalid were arrested with explosives on December 20, 2007.

'The Chandigarh club': The rise of Pawan Bansal's family empire

Fri, 10 May 2013 01:40:08 +0530

Questions are being raised about Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal's family. In another revelation, a Chartered Accountant with links to companies owned by Pawan Bansal's wife and sons was appointed a director in the Canara Bank when Bansal was MoS Finance.

Live: PIL accuses Bansal's family members of fraud in land deal

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:27:26 +0530

Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal skipped office on Friday, giving more indications that his exit from the Cabinet may be imminent. Bansal had also skipped the Cabinet meet on Thursday even as Law Minister Ashwani Kumar attended it.

Railway bribery: Mahesh Kumar may have known about raids

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:10:07 +0530

The information on Central Bureau of Information (CBI) raids on Railway Board member Mahesh Kumar may have been leaked, according to sources. Sources say Mahesh Kumar may have been tipped off about the CBI raids.

K'taka CM post still vacant; senior Cong leaders consult MPs

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:57:27 +0530

Karnataka may get the name of its new Chief Minister on Friday and the Congress legislature party is meeting on to decide who will lead the government. An AICC observer team led by AK Antony is in Bangalore for the meeting.

Bansal may be sacked as more links of his family's business emerge

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:36:49 +0530

The net is now closing in on Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal. His exit now looks highly likely as more reports about business links of his family and aides come out.

Railway bribery: No direct cash trail with Bansal so far, say sources

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:25:14 +0530

There is no direct money trail established in the Railway bribery case with Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal so far, according to sources in the Central Bureau of Investigation. Sources say he can be questioned, but not before the CBI finds enough leads to warrant the questioning.

Sonia tells PM to take a final call on Ashwani, Bansal

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:34:10 +0530

As reports say Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is not keen on Law Minister Ashwani Kumar's removal, sources have now indicated that Congress President Sonia Gandhi has told the Prime Minister to take a final call on Ashwani and Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal. Sources say Sonia Gandhi feels that the damage must be controlled and spoke to Manmohan Singh on Thursday.

PM not keen on Ashwani's removal, Cong silent on Bansal

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:55:08 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is still not keen on Law Minister Ashwani Kumar's removal, sources have told CNN-IBN. Sources add that Manmohan Singh is worried that if Ashwani Kumar goes, he too will come under further opposition fire. One of the solutions being worked out is that Ashwani Kumar's portfolio be changed.

Battle for K'taka CM post: Name expected after Cong meet

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:33:40 +0530

The battle of Karnataka Chief Minister probables isn't over yet. Many leaders have put their hats in the ring now - including frontrunner Siddaramaiah. A final name is expected after the state Congress legislature party meet later on Friday.

Calcutta HC to give verdict on WB panchayat case today

Fri, 10 May 2013 06:43:23 +0530

The Calcutta High Court will give its verdict on Friday on the West Bengal panchayat elections row. The state Election Commission had moved court after differences with the Mamata government over when to hold the elections and the deployment of state or paramilitary forces to conduct the polls.

Cabinet clears changes in MP disqualification Act

Fri, 10 May 2013 03:46:44 +0530

The Cabinet on Thursday approved amendments in a law for disqualifying MPs for holding an office of profit to exempt the chairpersons of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from its purview, said official sources.

WB chit fund scam: Left parties seek CBI probe

Fri, 10 May 2013 03:25:02 +0530

The Left parties on Thursday sought a court-monitored CBI probe into the West Bengal chit fund scam and accused the Trinamool Congress-led government of not intervening to check activities of companies with suspicious financial dealings in the state.

Congress mocks Mamata for 'campaigning' against CBI

Fri, 10 May 2013 02:46:04 +0530

The Congress on Thursday ridiculed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for "campaigning against the CBI", claiming that she was doing so to prevent the truth from coming out in the Saradha Group chit fund scam.

TN: Ramadoss gets bail in hate speech case, released

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:50:03 +0530

Former union health minister Anbumani Ramadoss, arrested in connection with a hate speech case filed in 2012, was on Thursday released from jail after a Villupuram court granted conditional bail to him, officials said. The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader was arrested from his T Nagar residence here on May 3.

Demand to sack Ashwani, Bansal grows but Congress remains silent

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:41:24 +0530

The Congress on Thursday remained non-committal on the continuance of its two ministers Ashwani Kumar and Pawan Kumar Bansal. The two have been under fire over allegations of misuse of power. On Thursday, while Bansal chose to skip the Cabinet meet at the PM's residence, Ashwani attended it.

Railway bribery scandal: CBI to question Pawan Bansal soon

Thu, 09 May 2013 08:48:43 +0530

Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal is likely to be quizzed soon by the CBI in connection with the alleged Rs 10 crore bribery scandal involving his nephew V Singla and Railway Board member Mahesh Kumar, both of whom reportedly met at his residence.

Karnataka: Congress MLAs to meet on Friday to pick CM

Thu, 09 May 2013 07:49:28 +0530

Congress has set the ball rolling for picking its Chief Minister in Karnataka by convening a meeting of its newly-elected MLAs in Bangalore on Friday with senior leaders Mallikarjuna Kharge and Siddaramaiah being considered front runners in the race for the top post.

Traders' strike: Oppn, allies ask Maharashtra govt to reconsider LBT

Thu, 09 May 2013 07:37:52 +0530

Mumbai's bustling markets on Thursday wore an empty, deserted look. Since Monday, over one lakh traders in the city have shut shop to protest against the Local Body Tax (LBT) that the Maharashtra government has introduced to replace octroi. Traders say that the protest has caused a loss of Rs 75,000 crore so far. But they are not backing down yet. With talks with the government failing, they have taken to the streets.

KJP-BJP split helped Congress to get majority: BSY

Thu, 09 May 2013 07:18:49 +0530

Former chief minister and Karnataka Janata Paksha president BS Yeddyurappa on Thursday said it was the split votes of his party and BJP that helped Congress bag 121 seats in the May 5 Assembly polls. Addressing a press conference here, he said "it is not positive votes in favour of Congress. As many as 23 seats which Congress has won was because of the split votes".

Ashwani's portfolio may be changed, Bansal likely to resign: Sources

Thu, 09 May 2013 07:08:42 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is still not keen on Law Minister Ashwani Kumar's exit, sources said on Thursday. The sources said that the PM's main worry was that he would be in the line of fire if Ashwani resigned.

WB chit fund scam: TMC hits back at Left for meeting PM, FM

Thu, 09 May 2013 06:47:45 +0530

Accusing the Left of failing to protect investors in ponzi schemes during its prolonged rule in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress on Thursday hit back after Left leaders met the Prime Minister and Finance Minister seeking a CBI probe into the chit fund scam.

Railways bribery case: CBI to probe Mamata's tenure

Thu, 09 May 2013 06:15:26 +0530

The investigations into the Railway bribery scandal has widened with sources saying that the CBI will also look at postings during former railway minister Mamata Banerjee's tenure.

Pawan Bansal skips Cabinet meet at PM's residence

Thu, 09 May 2013 06:12:29 +0530

Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal skipped a Cabinet meet at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence on Thursday even as Law Minister Ashwani Kumar attended it. Both Bansal and Ashwani are under fire over the Railway Board bribery case and the coal scam probe respectively.

'BSP MP's walkout during Vande Mataram against national integrity'

Thu, 09 May 2013 05:15:52 +0530

The Janata Dal (United)'s Sabir Ali on Thursday sought to defend BSP MP Shafiqur Rahman Burq who had walked out of Lok Sabha while the Vande Mataram was being played, saying that it was his personal opinion.

Coalgate: CVC seeks report from CBI on govt interference in probe

Thu, 09 May 2013 04:36:47 +0530

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on Thursday sought a detailed report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the government's interference in its draft coalgate report, sources said.

Railway bribery: All accused sent to judicial custody

Thu, 09 May 2013 03:38:40 +0530

Five accused including Railway Minister PK Bansal's nephew Vijay Singla were sent to judicial custody till May 20 by a Delhi court on Thursday. Vijay Singla, Ajay Garg, Manjunath, Sandeep Goyal were produced in CBI court.

MP not sorry for walking out of LS while Vande Mataram was being played

Thu, 09 May 2013 03:05:41 +0530

Controversy over the walkout by BSP MP Shafiqur Rahman Burq from the Lok Sabha took a new turn as he refused to apologise for walking out of the House while national song Vande Mataram was being played. Burq said that as a Muslim he cannot show respect towards the national song.

PM may replace Ashwani Kumar soon: Sources

Thu, 09 May 2013 02:26:19 +0530

Manmohan Singh may either give ask a senior minister to take the additional charge of the Law Ministry or go for a minor Cabinet reshuffle.

Under fire over coal scam report, Vahanvati meets PM

Thu, 09 May 2013 01:57:08 +0530

A day after the Supreme Court came down heavily on the government and the Central Bureau of Investigation for sharing the coal scam probe report, Attorney General GE Vahanvati met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday. Law Minister Ashwani Kumar had also reached the PMO to meet Manmohan Singh but he was not given an appointment.

Railway bribery: CBI seeks clarifications from Bansal's secy

Thu, 09 May 2013 01:39:21 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday sought clarifications from Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal's personal secretary Rahul Bhandari in the Railway bribery case. The investigative agency sought clarification on the basis of some phone conversations tapped by the CBI.

BJP has no existence in Karnataka without me: Yeddyurappa

Thu, 09 May 2013 01:21:44 +0530

Even though BS Yeddyurappa's Karnataka Janatha Paksha failed to make a big splash in the Assembly elections and could win just six seats, the former chief minister boasted that he was responsible for Bharatiya Janata Party's rout in the state.

One win can't predict the trend of 2014: Pawar on K'taka polls

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:33:27 +0530

Key UPA ally and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar has struck a note of caution on the Congress's win in Karnataka. Pawar said a single win can't predict the trend for the general elections.

Illegal assets case: SC denies bail to Jagan Mohan

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:45:23 +0530

In a disappointing verdict for YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has been lodged in a Hyderabad prison for a year in connection with a disproportionate assets case, the Supreme Court on Thursday rejected his bail plea.

Khurshid in China, Ladakh incursions on agenda

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:40:24 +0530

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid arrived in Beijing on Thursday on a two-day visit for the talks with Chinese leaders, just days after the resolution of a row over Depsang Valley in Ladakh where the troops of People's Liberation Army intruded recently.

'Manmohan backing Ashwani as his removal will make PM vulnerable'

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:29:53 +0530

As pressure builds on the Prime Minister to sack the Law Minister following the Supreme Court's observation on the affidavit filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the coal scam, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani has hit out at Manmohan Singh alleging he is defending Ashwani Kumar to save himself.

K'taka: Siddaramiah lobbies for CM post, likely to meet Sonia

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:16:18 +0530

A day after its landmark victory in Karnataka, the Congress is yet to take a call on who will be the Chief Minister. Several aspirants are already making a pitch for the top post.

Live: Pak aircraft to land at 5.30 pm to take back Sanaullah's body

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:59:54 +0530

Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah passed away at 6:30 am on Thursday at PGIMER, Chandigarh due to multiple organ failure, sources said.

DA case: SC verdict on Jagan Mohan's bail plea likely today

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:28:50 +0530

The Supreme Court is likely to give its order on the bail plea of YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday. This is the sixth attempt made by Jagan Mohan in a year to get legal relief. He has been in a Hyderabad jail since May 2012 in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

We took all measures to save Sanaullah Haq: Govt

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:19:58 +0530

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday expressed grief over the death of Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah Haq in a Chandigarh hospital. Sanaullah dies on Thursday morning, a week after he was attacked in a Jammu jail by a fellow inmate.

Sanaullah's body will be handed over to Pak: Shinde

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:59:45 +0530

The body of Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah Haq, who succumbed to injuries in a Chandigarh hospital on Thursday, will be handed over to Pakistan. "We will hand over the body to Pakistan," Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Protesters to agitate outside SC

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:47:12 +0530

Sikh groups plan to hold a protest outside the Supreme Court on Thursday against the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in the 1984 anti-sikh riots case. Five others were convicted in the same case and the Karkardooma court is expected to hear arguments on the quantum of punishment later on Thursday.

Coal scam: Cong awaits PM's decision on Ashwani Kumar

Thu, 09 May 2013 08:51:42 +0530

While the victory in Karnataka has come as a big boost for the Congress, the party-led UPA government has no reason to celebrate in Delhi. Pressure is building up on the government to oust Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, who allegedly ordered changes in CBI's status report on coal scam.

Cong savours Karnataka win, tussle for CM post continues

Thu, 09 May 2013 07:36:14 +0530

Back in power after seven years, the Congress is still savouring the victory in Karnataka. But a day after the results, comes the big task - who will be the Chief Minister? For now, Siddaramaiah and Mallikarjun Kharge are being seen as the top contenders.

Deleted part of CBI draft report was its heart, says SC

Thu, 09 May 2013 05:27:51 +0530

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that "tentative" findings of the CBI investigation into the coal allocation scam was the very heart of the report and its deletion made it directionless. In his affidavit filed April 6, 2013, CBI director Ranjit Sinha had said that the "tentative findings about the non-existence of a system regarding allocation of specific weightage/points was deleted" at the instance of the officials of the coal ministry and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO)

Karnataka remains graveyard for regional parties

Thu, 09 May 2013 05:26:26 +0530

Karnataka on Wednesday avoided the dubious distinction of delivering a fractured mandate for the third time in a row by giving clear victory for Congress and remained true to its reputation as a graveyard of regional outfits. Two regional parties were founded in just over a year by two former Bharatiya Janata Party leaders with the aim of ousting the "corrupt" national parties, the Congress and the BJP, from the state.

BJP's defeat is beginning of its decline: Congress

Thu, 09 May 2013 01:23:20 +0530

BJP's humiliating defeat in the Karnataka assembly polls is the beginning of its decline in election-bound states, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kantilal Bhuria said in Bhopal on Wednesday. Congratulating Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice president Rahul Gandhi for the success in Karnataka, where it regained power after a gap of ten years, Bhuria claimed that the BJP's decline because of its misdeeds was set in motion from Himachal and Uttrakhand.

Karnataka elections: BJP sees red over Sena's 'happiness'

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:55:55 +0530

The BJP on Wednesday expressed surprise over Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray expressing his happiness over the Jagadish Shettar-led government's defeat in Karnataka Assembly elections. "The results in Karnataka are very saddening for the BJP. But what is surprising is the happiness expressed by leaders of our alliance partner," Maharashtra state BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said.

Narendra Modi magic flop outside Gujarat, says Sahay

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:17:38 +0530

BJP should learn that the "magic" of Narendra Modi was a failure outside Gujarat after its resounding defeat in Karnataka Assembly polls, Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay said on Wednesday. "The BJP had pitted Narendra Modi against Rahul Gandhi in Karnataka. Now it should learn that Modi is confined to just Gujarat and his magic will not work in any other part of the country," the local Lok Sabha MP said in Ranchi.

K'taka verdict indication of party's future in LS poll: Congress

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:55:54 +0530

Buoyed by Karnataka Assembly poll verdict, Congress on Wednesday said it is an indication of the shape of things to come in Lok Sabha elections and debunked comparisons between Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi as "illogical".

Railway bribery scandal: Pawan Bansal's office under CBI scanner

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:38:32 +0530

Preliminary investigations into the probe of the Railway bribery scandal are leading to the office of the Railway Minister, but the probe agency would wait till it gets a concrete evidence in this regard, CBI sources said on Wednesday.

Karnataka: Jagadish Shettar resigns as Chief Minister

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:18:30 +0530

Accepting his party's defeat in Karnataka elections, Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jagadish Shettar resigned on Wednesday, saying, "We accept people's mandate."

Coal scam: CBI assures SC of thorough probe, Cong rules out action against Ashwani

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:03:53 +0530

The Supreme Court, while examining the affidavit submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with coal scam, on Wednesday came down heavily on the government and the investigating agency for the probe mess and gave the Centre time till July 3 to file an affidavit before it on steps to make the agency autonomous.

K'taka polls: Cong wins; Siddaramaiah, Kharge in CM race

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:30:30 +0530

The Congress on Wednesday rode back to power in Karnataka after a gap of seven years, dethroning the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which suffered mainly due to a split with ex-party strongman and former CM BS Yeddyurappa, whose party, the KJP ate into the BJP's vote share, resulting in the decimation of both and giving the Congress an easy path to power in the state.

SC observations underline need for independent Lokpal: AAP

Wed, 08 May 2013 06:54:50 +0530

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday issued a statement on the Supreme Court's observations on the CBI affidavit on coal scam probe.

Karnataka elections: 12 cabinet ministers face defeat

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:38:54 +0530

As the Congress juggernaut rolled on in Karnataka, 12 Ministers of the Jagadish Shettar Cabinet, including Deputy Chief Minister KS Eshwarappa, fell by the wayside, rubbing salt into the wounds of the vanquished BJP.

Karnataka polls: Mixed bag of luck for family politics

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:33:41 +0530

The family politics found favour with electorates in the May 5 Karnataka assembly elections with family members of prominent leaders winning in some of the constituencies. Father-son duo of Congress, Shamanoor Shivashankarappa-SS Mallikarjuna and M Krishnappa-Priya Krishna have won from their respective constituencies.

Coal scam: Supreme Court's 4-point directive to Centre, CBI

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:26:17 +0530

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a four-point directive to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the government during its observations on the CBI affidavit on the coal scam probe.

Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar to resign today

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:21:34 +0530

Accepting his party's defeat in Karnataka elections, Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jagadish Shettar on Wednesday said he will resign at 6.30 pm. "We accept people's mandate, will resign this evening," he said.

No action against Ashwani until final court order: PMO sources

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:12:18 +0530

The Congress on Wednesday ruled out any action against Law Minister Ashwani Kumar in the coal scam case saying that the Supreme Court, hearing the CBI affidavit, did not name him anywhere during its observations.

UPA committed to food security bill, says PM

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:59:44 +0530

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government is committed to enacting the Food Security Bill after considering all opinions, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday.

Coal scam: SC directs CBI not to share probe details with anyone

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:55:31 +0530

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) not to share details of its investigations into the coal scam with anybody. The apex court said that the CBI Director will be held directly responsible for it.

Ashwani should be sacked, PM should resign: BJP

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:37:46 +0530

The BJP upped the ante against Law Minister Ashwani Kumar on Wednesday after the Supreme Court said that the heart of CBI's coal report was changed by the government officials.

Coal scam: SC directs former CBI DIG to resume charge of case

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:14:24 +0530

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed former CBI DIG Ravi Kanta to resume charge of the coal scam probe. Ravi Kanta was the main investigating officer in the case. However, he had been transferred recently to the Intelligence Bureau.

BSP MP insults National Song, BJP demands firm action

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:10:55 +0530

Deploring the act of a BSP MP walking out of the Lok Sabha during playing of the National Song, BJP on Wednesday said the Speaker should act "firmly" on the issue.

Karnataka polls: Sonia hails result, PM says BJP ideology rejected

Wed, 08 May 2013 03:59:11 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday hailed the party's showing in Karnataka polls, saying the result was a rejection of BJP's ideology and suggested the same would be repeated in the Lok Sabha elections as well. Singh praised the efforts of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, saying he took a "leading role" in the campaigning for the polls held on Sunday.

No deal with China to end Ladakh stand off, says Khurshid

Wed, 08 May 2013 03:46:20 +0530

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Wednesday said there was "no deal" between India and China for ending the 21-day stand-off between the armies of the two countries in Ladakh.

Karnataka polls: Cong wins, BSY delivers knock-out punch to BJP

Wed, 08 May 2013 03:07:57 +0530

The Congress returned to power in Karnataka after seven years, defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by a huge margin. Getting a clear majority on its own in a triangular fight, the party is now set to form the government on its own in Karnataka. The BJP suffered a major blow and stood neck and neck with Janata Dal Secular as the second spot.

K'taka polls: BSY, Lingayat support turn the tide in Congress's favour

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:59:13 +0530

The Congress on Wednesday got majority in Karnataka and ousted the BJP to form the government in the state after seven years. The BJP suffered a humiliating defeat in the Karnataka Assembly elections as Congress appeared to be well on its way to wresting power on its own.

Congress wins 13 seats, BJP bags 12 in Bangalore urban

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:57:12 +0530

The constituencies in Bangalore urban area failed to give a clear verdict in favour of any party with the Congress winning 13, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 12 and the Janata Dal (Secular) bagging just three.

Coal scam: SC calls CBI a caged parrot

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:53:17 +0530

The Supreme Court, while examining the affidavit submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with coal scam, on Wednesday took a very strong stand and called the investigating agency a "caged parrot speaking in its master's voice". While seeking an undertaking from the government that the CBI would be made independent, the three-judge bench headed by Justice RM Lodha, also added that giving unbridled powers to the agency was not a possibility. The court said it will step in if the CBI was not made an autonomous body.

Yeddyurappa took away good portion of our votes: BJP

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:43:27 +0530

BJP on Wednesday said it was "shocked, upset and unhappy" about the defeat in the Karnataka Assembly elections and conceded that BS Yeddyurappa's exit was a factor in the rout.

Karnataka polls: Mallikarjun Kharge open to being CM

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:35:16 +0530

Union Labour Minister and senior leader from Karnataka Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday indicated that he was ready to be considered for the Chief Minister's post following the electoral victory in the state.

Rahul Gandhi to address Congress workers in Panchkula

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:25:07 +0530

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday will hold confabulations with state party leaders and workers here in his bid to further strengthen the party in Haryana. The closed door meeting of Rahul, to be held in three rounds with Haryana Congress leaders and activists, will last till evening, party sources said here.

Karnataka win a rare boost for battered Congress

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:15:56 +0530

The Congress was set for a resounding election victory in Karnataka on Wednesday, early results showed, a rare win the party hopes will put the wind in its sails ahead of general elections.

Sonia wants Ashwani, Bansal to quit: Sources

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:10:01 +0530

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has conveyed to some party leaders that she wants Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and Railways Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, who are facing allegations of corruption, to quit if the party's image is affected.

Karnataka polls: Siddaramaiah joins race for CM's post

Wed, 08 May 2013 01:54:55 +0530

Making no bones about his ambition, Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah on Wednesday declared himself as a "strong contender" for the chief minister's post, as his party dethroned the BJP in the Karnataka Assembly Elections and was set to form the government.

Karnataka polls an innings defeat for BJP: Cong

Wed, 08 May 2013 01:43:41 +0530

Buoyed by its success in Karnataka, Congress Ministers on Wednesday said this was an "innings defeat" for BJP and the verdict has exposed its star campaigner Narendra Modi. "In Karnataka, the match is over and BJP has suffered an innings defeat. It will now blame the bat, the ball and the pitch for its defeat. People have now seen the real face of BJP and in Karnataka, people have discarded them lock, stock and barrel," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath told reporters outside Parliament House.

K'taka polls: BSY plays the spoiler, ensures BJP's defeat

Wed, 08 May 2013 01:33:33 +0530

Karnataka Janata Paksha chief BS Yeddyurappa, who in May 2008 was the toast of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after leading the party to power in Karnataka, is now seen as the man who single-handedly responsible for the massive rout the party suffered in the 2013 Assembly elections.

Speaker rebukes MP for walking out during 'Vande Mataram'

Wed, 08 May 2013 01:20:30 +0530

A BSP member on Wednesday left the Lok Sabha as the national song was being played to mark the sine die adjournment of the Budget Session of Parliament, prompting an angry rebuke from Speaker Meira Kumar.

Karnataka polls: BJP suffers humiliating defeat

Wed, 08 May 2013 01:10:06 +0530

BJP on Wednesday suffered a humiliating defeat in the Karnataka Assembly Elections as Congress appeared to be well on its way to wresting power on its own after a gap of seven years.

Congress wins Karnataka, Parliament adjourned sine die

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:56:01 +0530

Parliament was adjourned sine die at 12.56 pm on Wednesday, two days before scheduled end of the Budget session. The decision was reportedly taken after the Congress's victory in Karnataka elections. The adjournment would mean that crucial bills like the Food Security Bill and the Land Acquisition Bill won't be passed.

Karnataka polls: BJP decimated, JDS fares well

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:50:07 +0530

The BJP was on Wednesday decimated in the Karnataka Assembly Elections with Congress set to form a government, may be on its own, wresting power after a gap of seven years. The BJP's southern fort where it came to power for the first time in 2008 crumbled and the party is pushed to the third position behind JD(S).

Karnataka polls: We will sit in Opposition, says JDS

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:30:55 +0530

Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda led JDS, which had hoped to play the role of a kingmaker in Karnataka, on Wednesday said it would sit in the Opposition. "..if people have blessed us to sit in the opposition, we will sit in the Opposition," JDS state President and Gowda's son HD Kumaraswamy told reporters, as the results of the May five Assembly polls came in.

Karnataka polls: BJP routed, Yeddy hits the party hard

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:33:30 +0530

The BJP has been routed in the Karnataka Assembly elections and has been pushed to the third spot. The Congress has stormed back to power with HD Kumaraswamy-led Janata Dal Secular coming second in the Assembly results announced on Wednesday.

K'taka polls: Congress heading towards majority

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:20:48 +0530

Former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa dealt a body blow to the ruling BJP as it appeared set to slump to the third position behind the JDS, as the Congress was struggling towards majority in the Karnataka Assembly, latest trends showed.

K'taka: Congress set to form next govt, JDS ahead of BJP

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:10:59 +0530

With initial trends available for 221 constituencies of the total 223 which went to polls on May five, the Congress was leading in 105 segments, and has won 7 seats and the ruling BJP is leading in 35.

Karnataka polls: Congress leaders jostle for CM post

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:09:57 +0530

The Congress is all set to form the government in Karnataka and is close to the halfway mark in the 224-member Assembly.

K'taka polls: Vote counting under way, Congress ahead

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:50:11 +0530

Counting of votes for the recently held Assembly Elections in Karnataka began this morning amid projections about the Congress' comeback to power after an eight-year-long hiatus. The single phase poll was held on May 5 for 223 of the 224 constituencies with the poll in Periyapatna put off following the death of a BJP candidate.

Losing Yeddyurappa was a big mistake: BJP MLC

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:45:51 +0530

Karnataka BJP MLC Lehar Singh Siroya blamed his party's loss in the state Assembly elections to former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa being driven out by the leadership.

Modi can't be the deciding factor in Karnataka: BJP

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:31:12 +0530

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson refused to accept that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi failed to help the party in Karnataka elections as trends showed that the Congress was well ahead of its rivals and on the way to forming the next government in the state.

1984 riots: SAD team to meet Pranab against Sajjan's acquittal

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:30:18 +0530

A delegation of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will be meeting President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday to submit a memorandum on the 1984 Delhi riots verdict acquitting Congress leader Sajjan Kumar of all charges.

BJP faces prospect of losing power, early trends show

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:27:16 +0530

The ruling BJP in Karnataka appeared set to lose its first-ever government in the south as trends showed the party faced the prospect of finishing in the third position with Congress moving ahead with 83 seats.

Karnataka polls: Cong gets majority, ousts BJP to form government

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:46:31 +0530

The Congress is all set to form the government in Karnataka on its own. At 11:17 am the trends showed the Congress leading in 116 seats out of 223 followed by JDS (42) and the BJP (37). The Congress has also won 17 seats followed by JDS (2) and BJP (2).

Karnataka election results live: Congress wins, BJP accepts defeat

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:59:40 +0530

The results for the Karnataka Assembly elections, which recorded the second highest voter turnout in 35 years with a polling percentage of 71.29 in the May 5 voting, will be known on Wednesday. Although Karnataka Assembly has 224 seats, election in Periyapatna in Mysore district had been put off to May 28 following the death of a BJP candidate.

Cong wins 13 seats, BJP bags 12 in Bangalore urban

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:52:12 +0530

Coal scam: SC to examine CBI affidavit, will Law Minister survive?

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:37:58 +0530

Amidst reports that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi are divided over the decision on the fate of Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, the Supreme Court will on Wednesday examine the affidavit submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with coal scam.

Karnataka elections: The buzz on Twitter

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:05:24 +0530

It is counting day for the 2013 Karnataka assembly elections and the Web is abuzz with activity.

Karnataka elections counting on; BJP, Congress in a close race

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:02:21 +0530

Counting has begun to decide the fate of 2,940 candidates in 223 Assembly segments in the southern state of Karnataka. The results for the Karnataka Assembly elections, which recorded the second highest voter turnout in 35 years with a polling percentage of 71.29 in the May 5 voting, will be known on Wednesday. Although Karnataka Assembly has 224 seats, election in Periyapatna in Mysore district had been put off to May 28 following the death of a BJP candidate.

Karnataka polls: Counting set to begin; will Cong dethrone BJP?

Wed, 08 May 2013 07:30:23 +0530

The results for the Karnataka Assembly elections, which recorded the second highest voter turnout in 35 years with a polling percentage of 71.29 in the May 5 voting, will be known on Wednesday. The counting of votes is set to begin in a few minutes. The results will decide the fate of 2,940 candidates in 223 Assembly segments. Although Karnataka Assembly has 224 seats, election in Periyapatna in Mysore district had been put off to May 28 following the death of the BJP candidate.

Karnataka poll results: Live blog

Wed, 08 May 2013 07:30:22 +0530

All eyes are on Karnataka as results of the first major electoral battle of 2013 are declared on Wednesday. CNN-IBN's poll predictions suggest the Congress is set to make a comeback and oust the BJP from its southern citadel.

Hat-trick of fractured mandates or clear verdict in Karnataka?

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:35:28 +0530

India will know on Wednesday if Karnataka scores a hat-trick of fractured mandates or gets a clear verdict as votes polled on Sunday in perhaps the most keenly watched assembly elections in the state are counted. Over 71 per cent of the 40.36 million eligible voters cast their ballots on Sunday and counting would start at 8 am on Wednesday in 36 centres across the state.

Sukhbir slams Congress for 'shielding' 1984 culprits

Wed, 08 May 2013 03:12:43 +0530

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday slammed the Congress for "shielding the culprits" of 1984 anti-Sikh riots and termed as "shameful" the "denial" of justice to the victim families. Sukhbir launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing the party of denying justice to people who were "burnt alive on streets of Delhi" by "shielding Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler."

Kerala MPs seek Antony's intervention to resolve crisis

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:25:39 +0530

In a virtual snub to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and PCC Chief Ramesh Chennithala, Congress MPs from the state on Tuesday sought senior leader AK Antony's "services" for putting the "house in order" in the party-led UDF government in the state. The MPs made this demand during their interaction with Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at Parliament House.

Railway Minister denies any relation with Ajay Garg

Wed, 08 May 2013 01:57:18 +0530

In response to a report in a section of media, Railway Minister PK Bansal on Tuesday clarified that Ajay Garg, an alleged middleman in the Rs 10 crore bribery case, has no connection with him. "He is not even a relative, much less a nephew. There is no question of any relations with him," Bansal said.

Won't allow political interference in Presidency: Mamata

Wed, 08 May 2013 01:40:41 +0530

The West Bengal government on Tuesday assured the Presidency University that no political interference would be allowed in the premier institution and there would be an impartial probe into the vandalism there. "The chief minister (Mamata Banerjee) has assured me that no political interference will be allowed in the Presidency University," the varsity Mentor Group chairman Sugata Bose told reporters here after a meeting with the CM.

Time to change government in Chhattisgarh: Digvijaya

Wed, 08 May 2013 01:07:31 +0530

Attacking the BJP government in Chhattisgarh, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Tuesday said the time has come for people to vote out two-time Chief Minister Raman Singh accusing him of spending public money for his administration's publicity. "Under BJP rule, natural resources were being openly looted. Chhattisgarh government had also come under the scanner over coal and iron ore block allotments," he said.

Karnataka elections: The Congress' many CMs-in-waiting

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:02:43 +0530

Wednesday, May 8, will be the D-day in the big battle for Karnataka. The countdown has begun for the counting day, and with the high voter turnout (57 per cent in Bangalore and 70 per cent and above in the rest of Karnataka) being an indication of a strong anti-incumbency wave, a tussle on who will be Chief Minister has already begun in the Congress, even as other parties cross their fingers and wait for the best.

K'taka polls: B'lore's constituencies and key contestants

Tue, 07 May 2013 11:29:21 +0530

BSP leaders may face trial in corruption charges

Tue, 07 May 2013 11:10:56 +0530

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday hinted of impending trouble in form of arrests of former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) ministers in the state by categorically asserting that law would be allowed to take its own free course in graft matters.

K'taka bans liquor sale, processions in view of counting day

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:00:35 +0530

Sale of liquor across Karnataka is banned for 24 hours from 6 pm on Tuesday and taking out of processions barred in Bangalore from 6 am to midnight on Wednesday in view of Assembly poll vote count in the state.

K'taka polls: Will voters shake the Hand and make the Lotus wilt?

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:48:45 +0530

4-year degree: PM wants to know why DU was 'in a hurry'

Tue, 07 May 2013 08:40:59 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wants to know why Delhi University was "in a hurry" to extend the three-year bachelor's degree programme to four years and will get the matter examined, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said on Tuesday.

4-year degree: PM wants to know why DU was 'in a hurry'

Tue, 07 May 2013 08:40:59 +0530

Sonia hugs Sushma, triggers rumours of backchannel talks

Tue, 07 May 2013 06:58:27 +0530

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who has been under attack from the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, on Tuesday reached out to the BJP leader in Parliament and walked with one hand on her shoulder, ostensibly to win support for the passage of crucial Bills.

Differences crop up between Sonia and PM: Sources

Tue, 07 May 2013 06:32:27 +0530

Differences have reportedly cropped up between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi with the latter wanting the Prime Minister to address media on all issues plaguing the government, sources say.

Railway bribery case: CBI to question Bansal's private secretary

Tue, 07 May 2013 06:13:31 +0530

The CBI is digging deeper to uncover the link between Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and the bribery scandal involving his nephew Vijay Singla. CBI sources on Tuesday said that Bansal's private secretary Rahul Bhandari will be interrogated by the agency.

Parliament disruptions: A negation of democracy?

Tue, 07 May 2013 06:10:46 +0530

Daily disruptions and ruckus inside Parliament - that Vice President Hamid Ansari said has been described as "competitive hooliganism" - have become routine and both the government and opposition blame each other for it, but experts say it is a negation of democracy and probably a way to get media coverage.

Railway scam: CBI arrests Ajay Garg, raids Mahesh Kumar's residence

Tue, 07 May 2013 05:53:07 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested Ajay Garg, one of the key accused in the Railway Board bribery case. Garg was the aide of Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal's nephew Vijay Singla. According to sources, the CBI has sought police custody for Garg.

Govt, Oppn holding backchannel talks to end Parliament logjam: Sources

Tue, 07 May 2013 05:14:24 +0530

With no headway in Parliament, sources now say that the government is holding backchannel talks with the Opposition to get the crucial food and land bills passed.

Karnataka results on Wednesday, Cong likely to make a comeback

Tue, 07 May 2013 04:01:00 +0530

The results for the Karnataka Assembly elections, which recorded the second highest voter turnout in 35 years with a polling percentage of 71.29 in the May 5 voting, will be known on Wednesday.

BJP want Bansal to quit; protests in Chandigarh, Kanpur

Tue, 07 May 2013 03:26:43 +0530

The BJP has been protesting against Railway Minister and Chandigarh MP Pawan Kumar Bansal and demanding his resignation over the alleged Railway Board bribery and job-for-cash scam. BJP leaders and workers stopped trains in Kanpur during their protests against Bansal and also shouted slogans against him out the CBI office in Chandigarh.

Railway bribery: Close aide of Bansal's nephew surrenders

Tue, 07 May 2013 03:10:35 +0530

There seems to be more trouble for Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal as his nephew Vijay Singla's close aide Ajay Garg is also in the CBI net. Garg has surrendered in a Delhi court in connection with the cash-for-jobs scam in the railways.

Anti-Sikh riots: CBI to appeal against Sajjan Kumar's acquittal

Tue, 07 May 2013 02:50:27 +0530

The CBI will challenge before Delhi High Court the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case by a city court as it has found "strong grounds" which could form basis of its petition. CBI sources said on Tuesday that the agency is likely to wait till the court pronounces its verdict on the quantum of sentence for those found guilty in the case.

Ready to probe chit fund scam: CBI tells Calcutta HC

Tue, 07 May 2013 02:32:27 +0530

The CBI on Tuesday filed an affidavit in Calcutta High Court stating that it is ready to take up investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam if directed by the court.

Railway bribery: CBI questions close aide of Bansal's nephew

Tue, 07 May 2013 02:15:29 +0530

There seems to be more trouble for Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal as his nephew Vijay Singla's close aide Ajay Garg is also in the CBI net. The CBI had launched a manhunt for Garg after questioning Singla and the other accused in the cash-for-jobs scam in the Indian Railways.

Karnataka results will show who people trust: Kamal Nath

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:49:50 +0530

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath on Tuesday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party for disrupting Parliament proceedings and said the BJP will be defeated in the Karnataka elections. "It is unfortunate that the BJP is not allowing the House to function," Kamal Nath said.

Ram Jethmalani likely to be expelled from BJP: party sources

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:41:50 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears to have made up its mind to expel Rajya Sabha MP Ram Jethmalani from the party, according to party sources.

SRK won't attend KKR vs MI game at Wankhede: Sources

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:36:04 +0530

Sources say that actor and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan will not be attending his team's match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday night. Shah Rukh reportedly wants to avoid any distractions ahead of the crucial game.

Anti-Sikh riots: Victim's fast against Sajjan enters 5th day

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:26:09 +0530

1984 anti-Sikh riots victim Nirpreet Kaur's fast at Jantar Mantar against the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a riots case entered the fifth day on Tuesday. Her blood pressure is down and her health has deteriorated, but Kaur has decided to carry on with her fast.

Cong, PM split over resignations of Ashwani, Bansal, say sources

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:25:17 +0530

There seems to be a battle between the Prime Minister and the Congress over the resignations of Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal. Sources have told CNN-IBN that the Prime Minister wants both the ministers to continue, yet some in the party want them out.

Maha Cong writes to MCA to allow SRK at Wankhede

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:39:33 +0530

The Maharashtra Congress unit has written to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) asking them to allow actor Shah Rukh Khan into the Wankhede Stadium for Tuesday's IPL match of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Compulsory military training against democratic ethos: Antony

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:03:42 +0530

Compulsory military training to all youths is against democratic ethos of the country and is highly undesirable as some of the trained men could join the ranks of radical forces, Defence Minister AK Antony told the Lok Sabha on Monday.

Sonia, Kamal Nath meet PM as Parliament remains stalled

Tue, 07 May 2013 11:21:08 +0530

While the Congress is trying to push through the Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha, the Bharatiya Janata Party's Parliamentary Board has decided that it will not let Parliament function till Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal resign. The BJP is also demanding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's resignation.

Will take decision on NDA's PM candidate at the right time: JD(U)

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:27:49 +0530

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that his party JD(U) will take a final decision on the NDA's prime ministerial candidate at the appropriate time.

Ram Charan's bouncers beat up two for blocking actor's car

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:07:08 +0530

Actor and Union Minister Chiranjeevi's son Ram Charan lands in trouble after his bodyguards beat up two IT professionals for coming in the way of the star's Aston Martin in the posh Banjara Hills area of Hyderabad on Sunday.

Amartya Sen blames Oppn for Parliament disruption

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:02:24 +0530

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on Monday sought to blame the opposition for disruption in Parliament, saying they were "bursting debates" and "killing arguments" in the House as he backed the Food Security Bill in its present form.

Parliament stalled, will UPA be able to get Food Bill passed?

Tue, 07 May 2013 08:54:58 +0530

The Opposition is in no mood to relent saying it will not let Parliament function without the resignations of Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. On Monday, there was uproar in the Lok Sabha with the BJP, its allies and the Left storming the well of the House even as the National Food Security Bill was taken up for discussion.

Ashwani, Bansal won't quit but responsibility will be fixed: Cong

Tue, 07 May 2013 08:24:19 +0530

Pressure has been building on Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal to quit over the coal scam and the Railway bribery case. The Congress has so far ruled out the resignations of the two ministers, saying the legal process has to be completed. However, the party did say that responsibility will be fixed.

Bansal's nephew was in touch with Railways' top brass, say sources

Tue, 07 May 2013 08:03:23 +0530

Pressure is building on Railway Minister Pawan Bansal over the Rs 90 lakh bribery case that his family is being probed over. Sources have told CNN-IBN that the CBI has procured data from Bansal's office and residence to zero in on how many times his nephew Vijay Singla or railway supplier Sandeep Goyal visited him.

Don't lecture us on corruption, Kamal Nath tells BJP

Tue, 07 May 2013 05:20:43 +0530

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath on Monday told the BJP not to "lecture" the Congress on corruption and said Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and Law Minister Ashwani Kumar would not resign. "There is no question of their resignation. Did Nitin Gadkari resign as president of the BJP? The BJP should not give us lectures on such matters. Our government knows what is to be done and if there is any indictment, we will certainly take action," Nath said.

National food security bill tabled in Parliament

Tue, 07 May 2013 04:05:11 +0530

A war of words broke out between the Congress and the opposition over the National Food Security Bill that the government tried its best to debate in the LOk Sabha and get passed on Monday. The opposition continued to disrupt the house over the coal blocks allocation issue as Food Minister KV Thomas moved the bill, saying it was a key UPA legislation that would give the right to subsidised grain to around 67 per cent of the population.

PIL in HC seeks probe in water theft by minister's aides

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:45:06 +0530

A PIL has been filed in Gujarat High Court seeking investigation in connection with water theft in Porbandar. The petitioners Meldabhai Ranavaya and two others from Porbandar have claimed "people who are distant relatives and workers of state Agriculture Minister and BJP MLA from Porbandar Babu Bokhiria have resorted to illegal trading of water from the public water distribution pipelines and selling it at a higher price".

Advani flags off Chhattisgarh CM's 'Vikas Yatra'

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:25:26 +0530

Senior BJP leader LK Advani on Monday flagged off Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh's state-wide 'Vikas Yatra' which will cover over 6,000 km and conclude on June 20. Advani flagged off the campaign this afternoon from Dantewada district in Bastar region after offering prayers at the famous Danteshwari temple, official sources said in Raipur.

Lalu's accident: RJD demands probe into security neglect

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:50:13 +0530

The RJD on Monday demanded a high level inquiry into the Friday night's accident of party chief Lalu Prasad and accused the Bihar government for neglecting security of the former state chief minister.

Road near Vijay Chowk closed for public from Tuesday

Mon, 06 May 2013 10:46:34 +0530

Delhi Police on Monday issued an advisory asking motorists to avoid a road near Vijay Chowk as it will remain closed for public from Tuesday due to the VVIP movement near Parliament. According to the traffic advisory, police said general traffic, including buses, shall not be allowed to ply on Rafi Marg between round abouts of Sunehri Masjid and Rail Bhawan.

Karnataka records 2nd highest voter turnout in 35 years

Mon, 06 May 2013 10:10:50 +0530

Karnataka recorded the second highest voter turnout in 35 years with a polling percentage of 71.29 in the May five Assembly polls, a top electoral officer said. The highest voter turnout of 71.90 per cent was registered in 1978.

Delhi govt misusing public funds, Lokayukta tells President

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:59:41 +0530

The Delhi Lokayukta on Monday wrote to President Pranab Mukherjee alleging that the Delhi government was misuing public funds. The Lokayukta named Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Public Works Department Minister Rajkumar Chauhan in his letter to Pranab.

Coal scam: CBI affidavit singes Law Minister, PMO

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:19:13 +0530

The ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was on the backfoot on Monday after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed its second affidavit on the coal scam probe in the Supreme Court, stating that Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, Attorney General GE Vahanvati and officials from the PMO and the Coal Ministry had seen the report and suggested changes to it.

Lookout notice against Tyagi in chopper deal: Antony

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:15:32 +0530

CBI has issued a lookout notice against a former IAF chief in connection with alleged irregularities in procurement of VVIP helicopters, Defence Minister AK Antony told the Lok Sabha on Monday. In a written reply to the House, he said, "CBI has issued Lookout notice against a number of individuals in India including a former chief of IAF in connection with the said case."

Don't lecture us on 'corruption', Congress tells BJP

Mon, 06 May 2013 07:59:03 +0530

Railway bribery case: CBI probing nexus between RPF, middlemen

Mon, 06 May 2013 06:24:41 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has now widened the ambit of its probe after the Railway Board bribery case. CBI sources say that the agency is now looking at a jobs-for-sale nexus between Railway Protection Force officers' association and middlemen.

Subramanian Swamy welcomes SC verdict on Kudankulam

Mon, 06 May 2013 06:05:43 +0530

Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project and said government should now crackdown on any further agitation which disrupts the schedule of its completion.

UPA faces Oppn heat over coal scam probe, Railway Board bribery case

Mon, 06 May 2013 04:40:29 +0530

The troubles are mounting for the UPA as the Opposition left no stone unturned in slamming its two ministers, Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal over the coal blocks allocation scam probe case and the Railway Board bribery case respectively.

Clamour grows for Pawan Kumar Bansal's resignation

Mon, 06 May 2013 03:34:17 +0530

As the Opposition stepped up pressure on Pawan Kumar Bansal seeking his resignation over the railway board bribery controversy, the Samajwadi Party (SP) also joined it in the demand saying the Railway Minister "cannot be protected for long".

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Protests against Sajjan Kumar near Parliament

Mon, 06 May 2013 03:19:48 +0530

Over 200 Sikhs on Monday staged a protest near Parliament House blocking traffic for about an hour against the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 riots case and demanding capital punishment for him.

2G: LS approves extension of JPC till the end of Monsoon Session

Mon, 06 May 2013 03:19:38 +0530

The Lok Sabha has approved the extension of the term of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 2G scam till the end of Monsoon Session. The Monsoon Session is likely to begin around July 23.

2G: Chacko to move resolution for extension of JPC beyond May 10

Mon, 06 May 2013 02:30:40 +0530

Chairman of the joint Parliamentary Committee on the 2G scam PC Chacko is likely to move a resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking extension of the JPC beyond the Budget Session. Sources say that the BJP has agreed to the extension of the JPC beyond May 10.

Centre must give exact position in Ladakh: Omar

Mon, 06 May 2013 01:21:57 +0530

ammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the Centre must clarify the ground situation in Ladakh region following withdrawal of the Chinese troops from Daulat Beg Oldi sector.

Coal scam: Govt has lost the moral right to stay in power, says BJP

Mon, 06 May 2013 12:52:52 +0530

Reacting promptly on the affidavit submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) before the Supreme Court in connection with the coal scam on Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Law Minister Ashwani Kumar "should resign right away".

SP joins Opposition in demanding Bansal's resignation

Mon, 06 May 2013 12:18:04 +0530

The Congress has put its weight behind its ministers under fire and has decided that both Union Railway Minister Pawan Bansal and Law Minister Ashwani Kumar are not going to resign just as yet. Sources say the allies are also backing the Congress on both these issues, but the Samajwadi Party is demanding the resignation of Bansal.

PMO official, Law Minister, A-G got coal report changed: CBI to SC

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:42:51 +0530

Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, Attorney General Goolam E Vahanvati, one Joint Secretary rank official each from the Prime Minister's Office and the Coal Ministry not only saw the draft status report on the coal scam case, but also ordered some changes in it, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the Supreme Court in a fresh affidavit submitted on Monday.

K'taka elections: Bangalore records lowest voter turnout

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:29:49 +0530

Voters in Bangalore slightly improved their record on Sunday with a higher turnout at the booths to cast their ballots in the Assembly election but still remained the lowest in the state.

Rampant corruption in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh: Sibal

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:59:33 +0530

Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal on Sunday alleged that there was "rampant corruption" under the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh.

42 cases of paid news detected during Karnataka polls: EC

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:45:38 +0530

At least 42 cases of paid news were detected and over Rs 21 crore in cash and liquor worth Rs 7.79 crore seized during Karnataka Assembly elections, the Election Commission said in New Delhi on Sunday.

Coal scam: CBI to submit fresh affidavit in SC today

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:29:34 +0530

Under fire from the Opposition to quit, Law Minister Ashwani Kumar is set to face more heat on Monday. The Central Bureau of Investigation will disclose the full extent of the Law Minister's involvement in vetting the coal scam report its reply to the Supreme Court on Monday.

DA case: CBI to file response on Jagan's bail plea in SC today

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:19:15 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is expected to file its response on Jagan Mohan Reddy's bail plea before the Supreme Court on Monday.

2G scam: Karunanidhi's wife to testify as witness

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:05:48 +0530

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal, a crucial witness in the 2G spectrum allocation scam, is likely to depose as a CBI witness before a Delhi court on Monday.

Cong says Ashwani, Bansal won't go even as BJP builds pressure

Mon, 06 May 2013 07:53:24 +0530

Union Railway Minister Pawan Bansal and Law Minister Ashwani Kumar are not going to resign just as yet. The Congress Core Group, which met on Sunday evening, has decided to fight it out with the Opposition over the railway bribery and coal scam controversies. Sources say that the allies, too, are backing the Congress on both these issues.

Chhattisgarh CM to begin his 'Vikas Yatra' from today

Mon, 06 May 2013 07:37:10 +0530

Keeping an eye on the Assembly elections later in 2013, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh will begin his 2,700 km long 'Vikas Yatra' on Monday.

Mamata knew everything about chit fund scam: Buddhadeb

Mon, 06 May 2013 05:34:59 +0530

Attacking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, her predecessor and CPI-M leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Sunday termed as "lies" her statement that she knew nothing about the chit fund scam before the Bengali New Year day. "New she says I did not know anything before Polia Baishakh (April 15-Bengali New Year's Day). For some people, lying is a habit. She knew everything. Her government has admitted that in an affidavit before the court," Bhattacharjee said without taking her name at a public meeting in Shyamnagar of neighbouring North 24 Parganas district.

Koda for more Assembly seats for stability in Jharkhand

Mon, 06 May 2013 02:54:11 +0530

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda on Sunday demanded that the number of Assembly seats in the state be increased to avoid a fractured mandate and provide a stable government. "I strongly favour that Assembly seats be increased from the existing 81 to at least 140 to provide stability in the government," Koda, an Independent MP, told reporters in Jamshedpur.

Congress slams Modi for spreading 'lies' on Narmada issue

Mon, 06 May 2013 12:26:00 +0530

Gujarat Congress on Sunday alleged that Chief Minister Narendra Modi has been spreading "blatant lies" and unnecessarily blaming the Centre for not constructing gates at the Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam. "Gujarat Chief Minister is using the Narmada project for a canard campaign against the central government and spreading blatant lies to conceal his own failures and criminal negligence in implementing the Narmada project," former Opposition leader Shaktisinh Gohil told reporters in Ahmedabad.

Railway bribery: Congress is the problem, says Modi

Sun, 05 May 2013 10:20:59 +0530

Attacking the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre for corruption, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said after the Railway Board controversy, nobody could doubt that Congress is the problem.

Railway bribery: CBI arrests one more in case

Sun, 05 May 2013 09:46:44 +0530

The CBI on Sunday arrested one more accused in the Railway bribery scandal involving Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal's nephew and a board member, taking the total number of those apprehended to nine.

Bansal, Ashwani to stay; Cong MPs to meet on Monday

Sun, 05 May 2013 09:32:29 +0530

The Congress on Sunday backed both Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and said no decision will be taken till the investigations are complete in both Railway bribery and coal scam. After the Congress core group meeting on Sunday evening, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said that there is no need to pre-judge and that Bansal is ready for a full probe and thus need not resign.

ABVP stages protest outside Bansal's residences

Sun, 05 May 2013 09:16:25 +0530

Activists of BJP's student wing on Sunday protested outside Railway Minister PK Bansal's residences in Delhi and Chandigarh and demanded his resignation in the wake of the arrest of his nephew for allegedly taking bribe to get a plum posting for an official.

Coalgate: No accused or suspect let off, says CBI

Sun, 05 May 2013 08:55:02 +0530

A day ahead of filing a crucial affidavit in the Supreme Court on coal scam which has rocked the UPA government, CBI Director Ranjit Sinha on Sunday affirmed that the agency's probe into the matter was "clean and clear" and that no accused or suspect had been let off.

Karuna urges Centre to give effect to Cauvery tribunal orders

Sun, 05 May 2013 08:21:04 +0530

With voting for Assembly Elections in Karnataka over, DMK chief M Karunanidhi urged the Centre to set up Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee to give effect to the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal orders.

Karnataka votes, records 69 per cent turnout

Sun, 05 May 2013 08:11:23 +0530

An estimated 69 per cent of the about 4.36 crore electorate voted in the largely peaceful Assembly polls in Karnataka on Sunday amid projections that the beleaguered ruling BJP was on a sticky wicket against a resurgent Congress.

Railway bribery: Sonia Gandhi consults AK Antony on Bansal

Sun, 05 May 2013 07:33:53 +0530

Amid mounting demand for removal of Railway Minister PK Bansal from the Union Cabinet, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday held consultations with Defence Minister AK Antony on the issue. Antony drove to 10, Janpath ahead of the Congress Core Group meeting.

Cong leads in K'taka; BJP, JDS fight to be 2nd: revised estimates

Sun, 05 May 2013 07:09:51 +0530

Karnataka has voted and the fate of 2,940 candidates in 223 Assembly constituencies of the state have been sealed in the electronic voting machines which will be opened at 8 AM on May 8. While the finals results will be known only a few hours after the counting begins, the trends indicate that the Congress is likely to make a comeback even though its victory march has hit a few roadblocks.

Railway bribery: Anna demands Bansal's resignation

Sun, 05 May 2013 05:52:58 +0530

Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare on Sunday demanded resignation of Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal in the wake of the arrest of his nephew on the charge of accepting bribe to fix plum positions in the Railway Board. "The minister should resign on moral grounds and the matter should be probed by a special investigation team," Anna said.

Centre worried only about 'nephews and uncles': Modi

Sun, 05 May 2013 05:40:19 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday slammed the Union Government for allegedly ignoring the state government's demand about construction of gates at Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam, and said the Centre was only concerned about "nephews and uncles".

Cong likely to decide on Bansal after Karnataka polls

Sun, 05 May 2013 05:24:58 +0530

The BJP on Sunday launched an all out attack on Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and questioned his business links with his nephews. Meanwhile, protests were held outside Pawan Kumar Bansal's Chandigarh residence. ABVP protesters burned effigies of the Railway Minister and raised slogans against him.

Tamil Nadu: Petrol bomb hurled at AIADMK MLA's office

Sun, 05 May 2013 05:00:57 +0530

A petrol bomb on Sunday was hurled at the office of AIADMK MLA SS Ramanidharan by unidentified attackers, police said on Sunday. Nobody was injured, they said, adding, some furniture and air-conditioner in the building were damaged in the incident.

CBI should probe railway bribery case, says BJP

Sun, 05 May 2013 04:07:53 +0530

Intensifying its attack on Railway Minister PK Bansal over the alleged involvement of his nephew in the Railway Board bribery scandal, the BJP on Sunday demanded a CBI probe into the case.

Sikh groups march towards 7RCR to protest against Sajjan's acquittal

Sun, 05 May 2013 03:14:18 +0530

Many people from the Sikh community protested against the acquittal of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in one of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases in New Delhi on Sunday. They also clashed with police when it tried to stop them from marching towards the residence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 7RCR.

K'taka: I-T officials raid premises of astrologer, seize Rs 1.7 crore

Sun, 05 May 2013 02:11:44 +0530

Officials of Income Tax department have seized Rs 1.7 crore cash from two premises of a city-based astrologer popular with politicians in Karnataka.

Law Minister made changes in coal scam report, CBI to tell SC

Sun, 05 May 2013 01:18:18 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to tell the Supreme Court on Monday that the agency's status report on coal scam was changed by Law Minister Ashwani Kumar. The details of the CBI affidavit, which it will submit before the Supreme Court on Monday, has been accessed by CNN-IBN.

Railway Board bribery case: CBI arrests two more people

Sun, 05 May 2013 11:56:31 +0530

The CBI on Sunday arrested two more accused in the Railway bribery scandal involving nephew of Railway Minister PK Bansal and a Board member, taking the total number of arrests by the agency to eight.

Live: K'taka sees high voter turnout as BJP hopes to retain power

Sun, 05 May 2013 11:16:58 +0530

I-T dept detects alleged tax evasion in Nitin Gadkari's Purti group transactions

Sun, 05 May 2013 10:27:32 +0530

The Income Tax department has detected alleged tax evasion to the tune of Rs 7 crore in the business transactions of Purti group of companies related to former BJP President Nitin Gadkari.

Chit fund scam: Mamata govt cracks down on MPS group

Sun, 05 May 2013 09:58:59 +0530

The West Bengal government has sealed the offices of MPS group, a business house that has an estimated liability of Rs 17,000 crore and is under the scanner of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Congress likely to take a decision on Bansal by Monday

Sun, 05 May 2013 08:58:02 +0530

Decision on Union Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal's offer to resign will be taken before Monday morning i.e. after voting ends in Karnataka and before Parliament resumes on Monday, said sources on Sunday.

Karnataka votes today, Congress hopes to breach BJP's citadel

Sun, 05 May 2013 07:34:19 +0530

The Karnataka Assembly elections, where voting began on Sunday morning, are seen as crucial polls for both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which are already preparing for the big battle of 2014. These elections are also a litmus test for the BJP, which is going to polls first time without BS Yeddyurappa.

Congress, BJP face first big test as Karnataka votes today

Sun, 05 May 2013 06:16:38 +0530

Five years after providing BJP its first opportunity to rule Karnataka, the state's electorate vote on Sunday to decide whether it deserves another chance or give the mandate to other contenders, including the Congress. Both the central leaders and the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party say they are confident of the party retaining power as, they claim, the organization is "now free of corrupt people", a reference its first chief minister B S Yeddyurappa who has left it to head the Karnataka Janata Party (KJP).

One more arrested in Railway Board bribery case

Sun, 05 May 2013 01:40:28 +0530

The CBI on Saturday arrested one more accused in the Railway bribery scandal involving nephew of Railway Minister PK Bansal and a Board member, taking the total number of arrests by the agency to seven. Rahul Yadav, one of the middlemen, named in the FIR, was arrested by the agency, CBI sources said.