Top Politics News- IBNLive.com

UP: Rahul, Priyanka hit the campaign trail together

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:41:20 +0530

Ahead of the third phase of Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi have hit the campaign trail together. Both Rahul and Priyanka are in Sultanpur to woo the voters. The two are expected to address a joint rally on Sunday for the first time in these elections, in the family pocket-borough of Sultanpur.

Salman Khurshid mum on apology to EC

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:01:59 +0530

As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gets set to ask Law Minister Salman Khurshid to explain his stand on his standoff with the Election Commission, CNN-IBN asks some hitherto unanswered questions. Did Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid make the Muslim sub-quota remark because the Congress desperation for Muslim vote has grown in UP? Was it because Khurshid's wife is facing a tough fight in Farroukhabad? Why has the Government stayed silent on his remarks till now?

Cong will weep after UP election results: BJP

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:47:23 +0530

Irrespective of the fact whether Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has shed tears on the Batla house issue or not, her party will weep after the declarations of UP poll results, the BJP on Sunday said.

Khurshid tightlipped on EC's move against him

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:32:06 +0530

In the thick of controversy over his remarks on minorities' sub-quota, Law Minister Salman Khurshid on Sunday refused to comment on Election Commission's move seeking "immediate and decisive" intervention of President Pratibha Patil.

Cong pulls up Khurshid, to issue clarification

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:30:06 +0530

The Congress has reportedly pulled up Law Minister Salman Khurshid for taking on the Election Commission saying it expected its leaders to respect and work within parameters of the Constitution and institutions. Sources told CNN-IBN that the government or the Law Minister are expected to issue a clarification saying that he never meant to show any disrespect to the EC, that he valued the Commission as an institution and that his promise of a sub-quota for Muslims was a policy decision that had nothing to do with the elections in Uttar Pradesh. Khurshid is even expected to tender an apology to the EC.

BJP demands Vilasrao Deshmukh's resignation

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:58:30 +0530

Coming down hard at former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, BJP's State President Sudhir Mungantiwar in a press conference on Saturday claimed that Deshmukh had helped filmmaker Subhash Ghai acquire large tracts of land to build his film institute Whistling Woods International, so that his actor son Riteish Deshmukh could benefit from the favour.

BJP raises pitch, wants government to sack Khurshid

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:01:06 +0530

The Election Commission on Saturday sought the 'immediate and decisive' intervention of President after it charged Congress minister Salman Khurshid with 'improper and unlawful' defiance of its orders under which he was censured for promising sub-quota for minorities.

Oppn raises pitch, wants PM to sack Khurshid

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 07:30:32 +0530

Hours after Election Commissioner wrote a letter to President Pratibha Patil against Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid, the BJP on Saturday said the minister had no right to continue in the government. The main Oppisition said an 'unprecedented situation had been created' with the poll body constrained to seek intervention of the highest constitutional authority over Khurshid's repeated violation of the model code of conduct.

'Cong can't seek votes in the name of development'

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:48:46 +0530

Accusing Congress of ruining Uttar Pradesh in over 40 years of its rule, BSP chief Mayawati on Saturday said the party should be ashamed of seeking votes in the name of development in the state. She also took potshots on the Congress' stand on Batla House encounter, saying the party was befooling Muslims by raking up the issue at the time of elections.

BJP wants Bill on Telangana in budget session

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:30:06 +0530

Alleging that Congress has been "deceiving" people on separate Telangana issue, BJP on Saturday said the UPA government should move a Bill on the formation of the state in the coming budget session of the Parliament.

Cong will weep after UP assembly poll results: BJP

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:18:27 +0530

Irrespective of the fact whether Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has shed tears on the Batla house issue or not, her party will weep after the declarations of UP poll results, BJP on Saturday said.

Trinamool pursuing undemocratic policies: CPM

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:07:27 +0530

The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Saturday accused the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal of pursuing "undemocratic and anti-people" policies after it decided to revoke subsidies to the transport corporations.

Battle for the states: tracking the revolution

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:29:35 +0530

On this episode we show you the Dalit factor in the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections.

Quota row: BJP seeks Khurshid's immediate dismissal

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:55:51 +0530

With Election Commission seeking President Pratibha Patil's intervention on Law Minister Salman Khurshid's defiance of poll body's censure of his sub-quota remarks, BJP on Saturday sought his immediate dismissal from the cabinet.

Congress avoids commenting on EC's letter

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:27:16 +0530

Congress on Saturday night avoided commenting on the Election Commission's letter to President Pratibha Patil seeking "immediate decisive" action against a "defiant and aggressive" Law Minister Salman Khurshid for his remarks on job quotas for minorities.

Learnt my political lessons from farmers: Rahul

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:02:41 +0530

Striking a cord with the farmers and people of his constituency, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday gave them the credit for the political lessons that he has learnt.

Cong will weep after UP poll results: BJP

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:49:08 +0530

Irrespective of the fact whether Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has shed tears on the Batla house issue or not, her party will weep after the declarations of UP poll results, BJP said on Saturday.

Khurshid defiant, violating code: EC to President

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:18:48 +0530

In an unprecedented action, the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday wrote to President Pratibha Patil against Union Law Minister Khurshid's alleged defiance of model code of conduct.

Modi to hold his last Sadbhavna fast today

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:37:38 +0530

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi will observe his final 'Sadbhavna Mission' fast at Ambaji in north Gujarat on Sunday.

SIT destroyed evidence on Godhra riots: Bhatt

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:54:35 +0530

Against the backdrop of the Supreme Court-appointed SIT reportedly giving a clean chit to Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt on Saturday accused the state government and the probe agency of "destroying" records related to 2002 post-Godhra riots.

'Will ensure rights of Muslims even if EC hangs me'

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:24:56 +0530

Sticking to his stand on minorities, Congress leader Salman Khurshid has said he would ensure the rights of backward Muslims even if the Election Commission "hangs" him.

UP: Voting generally peaceful, turnout 56 pc

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:06:55 +0530

Nearly 56 per cent of 1.92 crore voters on Saturday exercised their franchise for 59 seats spread over nine districts in the by-and-large peaceful second phase of the fiercely-fought Uttar Pradesh assembly election.

'Gift' me 40 Lok Sabha seats: Jaya to partymen

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:28:31 +0530

Setting her sights on carving out a larger role in national politics, AIADMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Saturday asked her partymen to 'gift' her with all 40 Lok Sabha seats in the 2014 elections.

BSP MP, over 15 other block heads join SP

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:53:46 +0530

BSP Rajya Sabha MP Jai Prakash Rawat along with over 15 other supporters on Saturday joined Samajwadi Party in Hardoi.

UP Polls: BSP president involved in tiff

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:23:59 +0530

Uttar Pradesh BSP president Swami Prasad Maurya was on Saturday involved in a tiff with security personnel after they allegedly prevented him from entering a polling centre, officials said.

UP polls: Salman Khurshid dares EC, BJP reacts

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:21:24 +0530

Even as the polling for the second phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections were underway, Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid did not refrain from keeping up the campaign for the third phase.

Bihar: Parties differ over naming Kosi bridge

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:25:11 +0530

Differences continued to dog the political parties in Bihar over naming of the newly-constructed Kosi bridge giving new lifeline to Mithilanchal region. State Youth Congress president Lalan Kumar and former MP Ranjit Ranjan said they would petition Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

2G verdict: AG to advise PM on review petition

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:26:53 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday met senior Cabinet members Kapil Sibal, Salman Khursheed, Pranab Mukherjee and P Chidambaram to chalk a way out of the 2G mess.

UP polls: 46 per cent turnout till 3 pm

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:02:09 +0530

The polling in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections picked up after a dull start on Saturday with 46 per cent of nearly two crore electorate exercising their franchise till 3 pm.

UP: 7.4 pc voting registered in morning polling

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:23:39 +0530

Polling for the second phase of Uttar Pradesh assembly elections started on a slow note with only 7.4 per cent of the total 1.92 crore electorate exercising their franchise in the first two hours. "Polling started at 7 am and in the first two hours 7.4 per cent polling was registered in 59 seats spread over 9 districts amid tight security arrangements," Election Commission sources said in Lucknow.

J&K examgate: Omar keeps education to himself

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:31:04 +0530

In the latest development in the Jammu and Kashmir exam scandal, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has kept the Education ministry portfolio to himself.

UP: Dull start to phase 2 polling

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:27:59 +0530

The phase two of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections began on a dull note on Saturday, primarily owing to the chilly weather.

UP polls: Phase 2 today, Maya faces stiff challenge

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:37:09 +0530

The second phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections begins on Saturday, covering nearly two crore voters who will decide the fate of 1099 candidates, including 31 sitting MLAs and 24 former ministers.

2G scam: PM to hold crucial meeting today

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:39:12 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to hold a crucial meeting with key cabinet members on Saturday to find a way out of the 2G mess.

Goa polls: Politicians conspiring with land sharks?

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:24:42 +0530

As Goa goes to the polls early next month, the issue of corruption and land are foremost. An income tax investigation has exposed how politicians are conspiring with real estate and land sharks to sell Goa for a song.

Cong happy over resolution of Army chief's age row

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:32:54 +0530

Congress on Friday expressed happiness over the resolution of Army Chief Gen VK Singh's age row, saying the honour of the country and the armed forces was "uppermost".

Uttar Pradesh to vote in second phase today

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:38:11 +0530

The second round of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, whose outcome is bound to affect national politics, will take place on Saturday, involving 1.97 crore voters in 59 constituencies.

Cong enacting drama on Batla House encounter: Maya

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:41:39 +0530

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati today alleged that Congress was enacting a "drama" on the Batla House encounter and said the Muslim community should exercise vigilance against such "designs".

We don't support separatists, says Mamata

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:27:00 +0530

Ahead of her meeting with Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) top leaders on Saturday on the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said she did not support separatists.

Cong rule has been anti-farmer, anti-poor: Modi

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:03:03 +0530

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Friday criticised the Congress saying its almost 50 years of rule from Parliament to panchayats, has been "anti-farmer and anti-poor".

UP campaign trail with Uma Bharti

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:12:36 +0530

Uma Bharti is the star campaigner of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh as she leads the election campaign in the state.

Rahul Gandhi could be PM in 2014: Beni Prasad

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:21:34 +0530

In remarks that could further embarrass Congress, Union minister Beni Prasad Verma on Friday made a reference to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's age and said that Rahul Gandhi could be the Prime Minister in 2014.

We don't support separatists, says Mamata

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:54:01 +0530

Ahead of her meeting with Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) top leaders on Saturday on the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said she did not support separatists.

UP polls: Second phase of voting on Saturday

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:15:06 +0530

The second round of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, whose outcome is bound to affect national politics, will take place on Saturday, involving 1.97 crore voters in 59 constituencies.

Examgate: J&K Education Minister resigns

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:28:24 +0530

Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed has submitted his resignation to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Sayeed was accused of using "unfair means" to help his son pass the matriculation examination.

Emaar-MGF chargesheet spells trouble for Jagan?

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:23:42 +0530

The CBI chargesheet in the Emaar - MGF scam in Andhra Pradesh could spell more trouble for Jagan Mohan Reddy. The chargesheet accessed by CNN-IBN says Emaar-MGF had misappropriated funds in excess of Rs 100 crore in the deal.

Narendra Modi to campaign in Uttar Pradesh

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:00:49 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has skipped the BJP's poll campaign in Punjab and Uttarakhand, will drum up support for the party in Uttar Pradesh elections.

Goa BJP MLA quits, may join Congress

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:39:09 +0530

Days ahead of the Assembly elections in Goa, a BJP MLA on Friday resigned on being refused party ticket amidst indications that he might join Congress. Vijay Pai Khot, representing Canacona, submitted his resignation to Speaker Pratapsingh Rane.

UP: Mayawati blames Centre for lack of funds

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:50 +0530

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP supremo Mayawati at a rally in Varanasi on Friday attacked the Congress government for not releasing the funds asked for development projects in the state.

BJP asks PM to break silence on Batla encounter

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:27:11 +0530

Taking exception to Law Minister Salman Khurshid raking up the Batla House encounter in UP poll campaign, the BJP on Friday asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to "break his silence" and clear the clouds over the "sensitive" issue.

Families corner one-third of Cong tickets in Goa

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:36:33 +0530

Five political families from Goa have cornered nearly one-third of Congress tickets for the March 3 assembly elections. And there's more to come.

Bihar: Ruling JD(U) MLA seen dancing with girls

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:56:55 +0530

Janata Dal (United) MLA Shyambahadur Singh landed in a fresh controversy after television channels on Friday aired a footage which purportedly show him dancing with girls at a marriage ceremony.

UP polls: Temple not on people's agenda in Ayodhya

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:08:20 +0530

The Ram temple was clearly not on the agenda of those who voted in this Hindu pilgrim town in the first phase of the Uttar Pradesh elections. Ordinary men and women showed much more interest in development issues than the temple, which has ceased to be a talking point even among the saffron-clad sadhus.

Mayawati our leader and will always be, say Dalits

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:04:46 +0530

Allegations of corruption against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati find no takers in large parts of this Dalit land where people from socially marginalised communities braved the cold to vote in large numbers.

'Sonia cried on hearing about Batla encounter'

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:57:28 +0530

Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid is at it again. During a rally speech at Azamgarh, the Congress minister raised up the controversial issue of Batla House encounter and said that Sonia Gandhi had tears in her eyes when she heard about it.

Land row: Ghai to move SC against Bombay HC order

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:47:29 +0530

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has claimed that there was no foul play in the land deal during the Vilasrao Deshmukh government.

Mamata Banerjee out to paint Kolkata blue

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:01:20 +0530

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is planning to paint Kolkata blue. On roads, on flyovers and even on trees, after the red rule of the Left and the green wave of Poriborton, Mamata is out to paint the city blue.

Dalit dilemma: Mayawati faces a tough battle

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:11:01 +0530

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati faces a tough battle in the assembly elections. Though her rallies so far have been massive leading to the belief that her own Dalit votebank is intact, but some members of the community face a dilemma about Mayawati.

Ex-DMK minister Periakaruppan's house raided

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:07:07 +0530

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Friday raided the residence of a former DMK minister in Tirupathur of Sivaganga district in Tamil Nadu.

Won't implement decision on retail FDI: Kerala CM

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:22:40 +0530

Congress-ruled Kerala on Thursday ruled out implementing the central government's decision on FDI in retail, saying it was not in the interest of the state.

UP polls semi-finals for Jan Lokpal Bill: Bedi

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:03:21 +0530

Team Anna member Kiran Bedi on Thursday said the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls are the "semi-final" for Jan Lokpal Bill, whose "final" will the general elections of 2014.

Chavan only talks, does nothing: Shiv Sena

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:47:49 +0530

Hitting out at Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that he pitied him.

Goa Cong criticises raid on priest's residence

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:26:24 +0530

The Goa unit of Congress on Thursday expressed displeasure over an income tax raid on the residence of a Catholic priest after an anonymous caller claimed that the he was parking money for a minister.

K'taka Advocate General issue: Karuna slams BJP

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:01:28 +0530

DMK president M Karunanidhi on Thursday slammed BJP for trying to "help" Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to come out of the disproportionate wealth case being heard in a Bangalore court by exerting pressure on Karnataka's Advocate General and the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) BV Acharya.

No question of joining hands with SP, BSP: Gadkari

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:41:59 +0530

BJP President Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said his party would not enter into a post-poll alliance with Bahujan Samaj Party or Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh if it does not get majority on its own.

Fate of Peerzada to be decided in 24 hours: Omar

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:02:30 +0530

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the fate of Education Minister Peerzada Mohammed Sayeed, whose foster son's Class 10 exam was allegedly fudged, would be decided in the next 24 hours.

UP polls: Cong downplays EC censure of Khurshid

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:46:18 +0530

The Congress on Thursday night downplayed the Election Commission's censure of Union Minister for Law and Minority Affairs Salman Khurshid for violation of model code of conduct by his remarks on sub-quota for minorities during electioneering in Uttar Pradesh.

SC declines Sasikala's plea in DA case row

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:24:47 +0530

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain "at this stage" the plea of Sasikala Natarajan, estranged close aide of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to provide her translated copies in Tamil of the proceedings before the special Bangalore trial court in a disproportionate assets case.

Mullaperiyar row: Jaya writes to PM, slams Kerala

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:48:56 +0530

Taking strong exception to Kerala's reported "unilateral" action in ordering real time monitoring of Mullaperiyar Dam along with the Centre without Tamil Nadu's consent, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Thursday slammed it as a "blatant violation" of the principle of federalism and constitutional framework.

'No timeframe set by PM to resolve Mullaperiyar row'

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:33:10 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has not set any timeframe for resolving Mullaperiyar Dam dispute involving Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said in New Delhi on Thursday.

Battle for the states: Is the Muslim votebank a myth?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:51:42 +0530

Did Mayawati earn Muslim approval by jailing Varun Gandhi and maintaining law and order after Ayodhya title suit verdict?

K'taka: Advocate General quits under BJP pressure?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:39:43 +0530

Weeks after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was forced to appear in front of trial court in Bangalore in a 1996 disproportionate assets case against her, a controversial twist in the tale.

Have Modi's critics convicted him before the court ruling?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:36:17 +0530

Sources say the SIT report has found no evidence to prosecute Gujarat CM Narendra Modi in the 2002 Gulberg society riots case.

Editor's take: critics harsh on Narendra Modi?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:47:47 +0530

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Ehsan Jafri killing in Gujarat on Wednesday filed a report in the case.

BJP slams Jaiswal's 'remote control CM' remark

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:39:31 +0530

The BJP on Thursday took strong exception to Union Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal's reported remark that the next UP Chief Minister will be from Congress whose 'remote will be in Rahulji's hands', saying that the constitutional posts should be spoken of with respect.

BJP launches internet TV channel

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:52:49 +0530

To catch the attention of young tech-savvy generation, BJP on Thursday announced the launch of "Yuva", an internet TV channel which would telecast programmes, speeches and rallies of the party.

Opposition demands Central rule in Karnataka

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:14:05 +0530

Upping the ante following the porn scandal, opposition Congress and JDS on Thursday demanded imposition of President's rule in the state. The opposition offensive comes a day after an embarrassed BJP central leadership gave marching orders to the three ministers in the wake of all round criticism.

Karnataka sleaze row: Is the BJP in trouble?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:04:45 +0530

The BJP has been facing serious problems in Karnataka and Gujarat. Experts discuss whether the party is in trouble.

UP Polls: Campaign for second phase ends

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:01:54 +0530

Campaigning for the second phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections covering 59 seats spread over nine districts came to an end on Thursday.

'Ministers were just watching porn, not doing it'

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:57:35 +0530

The Goa BJP on Thursday said that porn scandal involving ministers from the party in the neighbouring Karnataka will not affect its prospects in March 3 Assembly polls in Goa.

SC declines Sasikala's plea in DA case row

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:44:13 +0530

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain "at this stage" the plea of Sasikala Natarajan, estranged close aide of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to provide her translated copies in Tamil of the proceedings before the special Bangalore trial court in a disproportionate assets case.

EC pulls up Khurshid over quota promise

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:11:58 +0530

The Election Commission (EC) has censured Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid for his remarks on sub-quota for minorities. The Election Commission said it expects Khurshid not to repeat such violations of the model code in future.

SIT report on Gulbarg case: Reprieve for Modi?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:59:40 +0530

A day after stinging comments by the Gujarat High Court on the 2002 riots, there was reprieve for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi almost a decade after the worst communal flare up in the state.

Heavy turnout shows people want change: Rahul

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:51:00 +0530

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said the heavy voter turnout in first phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh indicated that people in the state were craving for a change.

Cong will form next govt in UP on its own: Jaiswal

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:33:16 +0530

A day after the impressive turnout of about 64 per cent electorate in the first phase of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress on Thursday exuded confidence of forming the next government in the state on its own.

BJP trying to woo regional parties, says DMK

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:51:10 +0530

The DMK on Thursday said BJP was trying to woo regional parties and the pressure mounted by the saffron party forced the resignation of BV Acharya as Karnataka Advocate General.

Modi has the potential to be PM: Gadkari

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:05:34 +0530

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is one of the party's prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Want to pursue Jaya case: Advocate General Acharya

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:22:24 +0530

Advocate General BV Acharya said he was under pressure to quit as Special Public Prosecutor in the Disproportionate Assets case against Jayalalithaa.

2G order: PM to meet Pranab, Khurshid, Sibal

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to meet Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Law Minister Salman Khurshid and Telecommunications and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal in the next few days to discuss Supreme Court's order cancelling all 122 2G spectrum licences allotted by former telecom minister A Raja on or after January 10, 2008.

Blow for Vilasrao, Ghai land allotment scrapped

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:45:45 +0530

In a setback for Congress leader Vilasrao Deshmukh, the Mumbai High court has ordered that the land given to Subhash Ghai's Mukta Arts in 2006 be taken back.

Odisha excise minister quits over hooch tragedy

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:17:17 +0530

Odisha Excise Minister AU Singhdeo on Thursday resigned over hooch tragedy in Cuttack on moral grounds.

Modi one of BJP's PM choice in 2014: Gadkari

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:41 +0530

Bharatiya Janata Janata Party President Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is one of the party's prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Wind in favour of Congress: Priyanka Gandhi

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:43:18 +0530

Congress' star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday launched a frontal attack on the BSP government in Uttar Pradesh alleging that it was wasting money on statues and parks even as she said there was a wind of change in favour of the Congress in the state.

Goa polls: Cong in tailspin over dissidence

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:46:20 +0530

In a bind over largescale dissidence in the party ahead of March 3 Goa Assembly polls, the Congress poll managers are pulling all stops to placate the dissenters who have raised the banner of revolt after being denied tickets.

J&K examgate: Oppn demand Peerzada's removal

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:33:40 +0530

There are growing voices of protest in Jammu and Kashmir against Education Minister Peerzada Sayeed after it was alleged that board officials helped his son pass his class 10 exam in 2009.

Plea filed against SIT report in Gulbarg case

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:30:26 +0530

Zakia Jafri, the widow of slain Congress MP Ehsaan Jafri, and Citizens for Justice and Peace filed an application in the Metropolitan Court in Ahmedabad on Thursday stating that they have an apprehension that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has not filed the complete report in the Gulbarg Society massacre case as directed by the Supreme Court.

Jaya DA case: Karnataka Advocate General quits

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:23:07 +0530

In a fresh embarrassment for the Karnataka government, Advocate General B V Acharya has resigned from his post. The move came after Acharya was asked to quit as the Special Public Prosecutor in the Jayalalithaa Disproportionate Assets case.

UP: Gandhis to be back on campaign trail today

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:53:48 +0530

The Gandhi Siblings will be back on the campaign trail in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, the last day of campaigning for the second phase of assembly elections.

Uma Bharti leads BJP's poll campaign in UP

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:18:58 +0530

Uma Bharti is the star campaigner of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh as she leads the election campaign in the state.

Karnataka ministers should be jailed: Anna

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:49:06 +0530

Anna Hazare on Wednesday demanded the three BJP ministers, who were caught watching porn inside Karnataka Assembly, be sent to jail and dismissed from the House.

Gulbarg case: SIT clean chit to Narendra Modi?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:35:00 +0530

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Ehsan Jafri killing in Gujarat on Wednesday filed a report on the case. While contents of the report remain under wraps, crime branch sources claimed that the committee appointed by the Supreme Court hasn't found enough evidence against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, but the SIT officials haven't offered any confirmation on this.

TN Assembly Speaker hits out at Karuna

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:21:48 +0530

Maintaining that due procedure was followed in suspension of opposition leader Vijayakanth of DMDK from the House, Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker D Jayakumar on Wednesday slammed DMK President M Karunanidhi for charging that the action showed ruling AIADMK's "anti-democratic rule."

Karuna takes a dig at TN Govt over power situation

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:47:46 +0530

Taking a dig at the ruling AIADMK on the power front, DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Wednesday said the prevailing power scenario was a "good example" of the government's 'achievements.'

Delhi: Sheila meets PC, discusses MCD trifurcation

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:02:39 +0530

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Wednesday met Home Minister P Chidambaram and is understood to have briefed him about the ongoing process of trifurcating the municipal corporation.

Goa: Cong faces trouble over ticket distribution

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:36:49 +0530

The Congress in Goa continued to face trouble in its ranks over distribution of poll tickets for the March 3 Assembly polls with more leaders leaving the party.

Kerala gives nod to personal rapid transit system

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:14:19 +0530

The Kerala cabinet on Wednesday gave the nod for the formation of a new company, based on private-public participation, to set up a state of the art personal rapid transit system, which is increasingly popular abroad and now is to be implemented in major India cities.

UP: Jailed farmer leader Tewatia files nomination

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:39:52 +0530

Jailed farmer leader Manvir Singh Tewatia, who is out on parole, filed his nomination papers as JD(U) candidate for Jewar assembly seat on Wednesday.

Does the Indian voter still vote according to caste?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:03:02 +0530

On the voting day in Uttar Pradesh, experts discuss if the Indian voter still votes according to caste.

Gujarat: SIT files report on Ehsan Jafri case

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:01:40 +0530

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Ehsan Jafri killing in Gujarat has filed a report on the case. Crime branch sources claimed that the committee appointed by the Supreme Court hasn't found enough evidence against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, but the SIT officials haven't offered any confirmation on this.

UP: SP, BJP claim to win 40 seats each in 1st phase

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:01:51 +0530

Opposition SP and BJP on Wednesday claimed that they would individually win 40 of the 55 Uttar Pradesh Assembly constituencies that went to polls in the first phase.

Are we hypocritical when it comes to watching porn?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:50:44 +0530

A day after three Karnataka ministers were caught watching an obscene clip in the Assembly, they were forced to resign.

UP 1st phase poll records highest turnout: CEC

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:49:07 +0530

The 62-64 per cent turn out of voters in the first phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday was a record, Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi said.

Editor's take: The Karnataka sleaze row

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:38:32 +0530

A day after three Karnataka BJP ministers were caught watching an obscene clip in the Assembly, the party has shown them the door. Three ministers, CC Patil, Lakshmana Savadi and Krishna Palemar, who were caught watching porn in the Karnataka Assembly have been barred from attending the Assembly till the probe into the matter is over.

K'taka ministers should sent to be jail: Anna

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:34:43 +0530

Anna Hazare on Wednesday demanded the three BJP ministers who were caught watching porn inside Karnataka Assembly be dismissed from the House.

Cong rejects Mitra's remark that no fund received

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:51:02 +0530

The running battle between Congress and Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government intensified on Wednesday with the AICC declaring that the Centre has released Rs 23,695 crore to the state, dismissing as a 'complete error' state Finance Minister Amit Mitra's statement that not a paisa has been received.

Congress demands Narendra Modi's resignation

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:14:07 +0530

The Congress on Wednesday demanded resignation of Chief Minister Narendra Modi after the Gujarat High Court censured the state government for 'inaction and negligence' during the 2002 post-Godhra riots.

People in Karnataka angry over sleaze row

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:35:51 +0530

The people of Karnataka said that the behaviour displayed by the three ministers was unacceptable.

Cong not interested in alliance: Sonia Gandhi

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:16:23 +0530

Congress President Sonia Gandhi said on Wednesday that her party is contesting the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections for forming a government and not for striking a coalition with any party.

UP polls: Sonia Gandhi hits out at BSP, BJP

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:14:37 +0530

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that the BJP, the SP and the BSP were trying to hoodwink people by pretending to attack each other for electoral gains in Uttar Pradesh though they had all shared power and ruled the state without any sincerity of purpose.

UP polls: 62 per cent turnout in first phase

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:06:59 +0530

Polling for the first phase of high-voltage Uttar Pradesh assembly elections on Wednesday recorded 62 per cent turnout on an incident-free day after a sluggish start due to rain, with Mayawati's ruling BSP facing a tough challenge from the Congress, the BJP and the SP.

Karnataka sleaze row leaves BJP embarrassed

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:50:45 +0530

A day after three Karnataka BJP ministers were caught watching an obscene clip in the Assembly, the party has shown them the door.

Cong trying to divide Muslims on quota: Maya

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:30:08 +0530

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Wednesday charged the Congress with hatching a conspiracy to divide the Muslim community in the name of reservation.

UPA record in corruption is unbeatable: Advani

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:55:41 +0530

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's "stinking record" in corruption was unbeatable, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani said in New Delhi on Wednesday while listing the "10 murkiest matters that come to mind".

Schemes for Muslims not properly implemented: Rahul

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:55:08 +0530

Seeking to woo Muslim voters in Uttar Pradesh, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the UPA government has initiated several welfare schemes for the community but they have not been properly implemented in the state.

Sleaze row: K'taka ministers barred from Assembly

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:54:16 +0530

Three ministers, CC Patil, Lakshmana Savadi and Krishna Palemar, who were caught watching porn in the Karnataka Assembly have been barred from attending the Assembly till probe is over into the matter.

PM asks A-G if any action needs to be taken against anyone in PMO

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:36:19 +0530

The Supreme Court had last week cancelled 122 2G licences that were issued by the UPA as the grounds for the policy were flawed.

NRHM scam: CBI raids Ghazipur district hospital

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:36:01 +0530

A CBI team on Wednesday conducted searches at the district hospital in Ghazipur in connection with the National Rural Health Mission scam. The two-member team checked documents and also took custody of some papers, official sources said.

Rahul not a CM candidate, says Congress

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:16:30 +0530

The Congress has not projected any chief minister in the hotly contested Uttar Pradesh elections that began on Wednesday and "youth icon" Rahul Gandhi is not a candidate, says a senior leader.

Don't preach morality, look inward: Cong to BJP

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:45:42 +0530

Taking a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the issue of its legislators caught watching porn in the Karnataka assembly, Telecommunication Minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said the party should look inwards before preaching morality.

2G order: PM seeks Attorney General's advice

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:27:51 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has reportedly asked for advice from Attorney General of India Goolam E Vahanvati on the Supreme Court's order cancelling 122 licences allotted by the Telecommunications Ministry during the tenure of former minister A Raja after January 10, 2008.

Infighting in Congress as voting in UP kicks off

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:14:53 +0530

On the first day of the polling in Uttar Pradesh, the infighting between two senior Congress leaders is out in the open bringing embarrassment to the party.

Ready to probe bribe allegation: Andhra minister

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:10:43 +0530

Dismissing allegations of receiving kick backs from liquor syndicates, Andhra Pradesh Excise Minister M Venkataramana on Wednesday said he was ready to face any probe to prove his innocence.

UP polls: Beware of Congress, BJP tells Muslims

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:47:58 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday claimed that the Congress was trying to "lure Muslims with the false promise of protecting the Babri mosque".

HC raps Modi govt for inaction during 2002 riots

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:31:22 +0530

Directing the state government to provide compensation for reconstruction of religious structures desultory during the riots, the bench headed by Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya also hit out at the state and the police machinery for their failure to maintain law and order, and their inability to stop the riots.

Andhra excise minister accused in hooch racket

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:13:38 +0530

In a shocking revelation that is certain to rock the Andhra Pradesh government and administration, state Excise Minister M Venkata Ramana has been accused of taking a Rs 10 lakh bribe to let the illegal liquor business run.

Sleaze row: Oppn slams BJP, wants MLAs suspended

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:51:02 +0530

The Karnataka Assembly was adjourned for half an hour on Wednesday amidst Opposition uproar over the sleaze row involving two BJP MLAs. The Opposition shouted 'Shame! Shame!' as soon as the Assembly proceedings began.

Women shouldn't dress provocatively: Patil

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:12:55 +0530

This is not the first time BJP leader CC Patil has found himself roiled in a controversy. In January this year, he assumed the high moral ground on womenswear, saying, "I personally don't favour women wearing provocative clothes and always feel they need to be dignified in whatever they wear." He further argued that women should know how much skin they should cover.

Woman fakes as Mamata's assistant, arrested

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:34:32 +0530

A woman was on Wednesday arrested for impersonating as personal assistant to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

BSY, 11 ministers in K'taka BJP's hall of shame

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:06:42 +0530

In the last 44 months, nearly one-third of the BJP government has resigned on charges ranging from rape to corruption in Karnataka. It is a record and a shameful one at that:

BJP wants clean, clear govt in UP: Gadkari

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:01:22 +0530

BJP leader Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday that the BJP wanted a clean and clear government in Uttar Pradesh. "Mayawati's corruption and Mulayam Singh's gundaraj have harmed UP in the past," he said.

UP polls: 51 pc polling during 1st phase till 4 pm

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:24:16 +0530

Polling began slowly in the first phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections on Wednesday but picked up the pace as the day progressed with 51 per cent of the electorate exercising their franchisee till 4 PM.

J&K minister's son was helped in exams: Report

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:06:48 +0530

In the latest development in the Jammu and Kashmir examgate scandal, the state crime branch is expected to submit its report on Wednesday.

K'taka: Ministers caught watching porn resign

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:55:32 +0530

Three BJP ministers "voluntarily" resigned on Wednesday over the shocking sleaze row to rock the Karnataka Assembly. Mangalore in-charge Minister Krishna Palemar, Co-operation Minister Lakshman Savadi and Karnataka Women and Child Welfare Minister CC Patil tendered in their resignation during a BJP core committee meeting that was held early on Wednesday morning. The ministers said they were resigning to save the party's image.

Karnataka: Sleaze ministers offer to resign

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:41:06 +0530

The two BJP ministers involved in the sleaze row rocking the Karnataka Assembly have offered to resign saying they were doing so to help the party avoid embarrassment.

Karnataka CM promises law for rural service

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:31:18 +0530

To ensure proper medical services in rural areas, the state government is mulling over introducing a legislation in the next session, making minimum service at the taluk and district levels mandatory for new medical graduates.

Axe for K'taka ministers watching obscene video?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:47:32 +0530

In an embarrassment for the BJP, two Karnataka ministers were caught watching obscene content inside the state Assembly. The two ministers are Karnataka Co-operation Minister Laxman Savadi and Karnataka Women and Child Welfare Minister CC Patil.

Battle for UP begins, stakes highest for Cong

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:01:30 +0530

Polling for the first phase of the high voltage Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections for 55 seats in 10 districts would be held on Wednesday that will decide the fate of two ministers, 31 MLAs and 15 former ministers.

Pipili rape: Cong demands removal of SCW chief

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:19:42 +0530

Intensifying its agitation demanding removal of Jyoti Panigrahi as chairperson of State Commission for Women (SCW) over the alleged Pipili rape case, Congress activists on Tuesday 'gheraoed' the SCW office and got the support of five Opposition parties on the issue.

Cong writes to EC against Rahul's security lapse

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:59:05 +0530

The Congress has approached the Election Commission seeking action against the Uttar Pradesh administration over "deliberate" security lapses in public meetings and rallies of Rahul Gandhi in the poll-bound state.

UP: Maya's speech CD to be examined, says CEO

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:03:37 +0530

The CD of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's Gorakhpur rally where she reportedly uttered that Opposition parties were using their pet dogs to spoil her rally will be examined, the state Chief Electoral Officer said on Tuesday.

Modi takes a dig at Cong on development of UP

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:24:18 +0530

In a sarcastic attack on Congress on the eve of the first phase of Uttar Pradesh polls, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sought to know whether the Union government could ensure uninterrupted power supply even in the high-profile constituencies of Amethi and Rai Bareilly.

'Cong, BJP misleading public on blackmoney issue'

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:02:39 +0530

Hitting out at Congress and BJP, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP president Mayawati on Tuesday said both the parties are misleading public on the blackmoney issue.

Gadkari speaks to Gowda on porn-watching ministers

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:07:17 +0530

BJP President Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday night spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda over phone on the issue of two ministers of the state being caught on TV camera watching allegedly porn clippings on mobile phone during state Assembly proceedings in Bangalore.

Gujarat Congress asks SIT to prosecute Modi

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:53:25 +0530

The Gujarat unit of Congress today demanded that the Supreme Court-appointed special investigation team prosecute Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his alleged role in the 2002 post-Godhra riots.

K'taka video: Haven't done anything wrong, says minister

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:47:17 +0530

Karnataka Cooperation Minister Laxman Savadi said that he won't resign over the video issue.

'Speaker should act against ministers if found guilty'

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:55:37 +0530

Pleading ignorance about an incident of two of his ministerial colleagues caught on camera allegedly watching porn clippings in Assembly, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday said it was for the Speaker to take action against them if they were found guilty.

EC, Vadra caught in row over officer's transfer

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:06:01 +0530

Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra's debut campaign has run into controversy. First his motorcycle cavalcade was stopped by the Election Commission for flouting the rules and then the EC officer who stopped Vadra's cavalcade Pawan Kumar Sen was transferred to Goa.

Is Robert Vadra a symbol of a VVIP culture?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:56:52 +0530

There has been a row over the transfer of an officer on the day when Robert Vadra's cavalcade was stopped in UP.

Gadkari escapes unhurt in dais crash; Jaya slips

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:38:11 +0530

BJP president Nitin Gadkari escaped unhurt on Tuesday when the stage he was sitting on collapsed during an election rally in Uttar Pradesh.

UP: Jaya Prada slips while climbing the dais

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:24:55 +0530

Film actress Jaya Prada, campaigning for Lok Manch led by former SP leader Amar Singh, on Tuesday slipped while climbing the dais at an election rally in Kushinagar.

Raja meets DMK supporters near court lock-up

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:20:57 +0530

Around 60 supporters and DMK party colleagues of jailed former communications minister A. Raja met him on Tuesday in the premises of a Delhi district court complex where he is facing trial in the 2G case.

Do Rahul and the Gandhi dynasty count in Uttar Pradesh?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:07:30 +0530

In the political race to the Assembly Elections in Uttar Pradesh, experts discuss how important is the Gandhi surname.

UP set to go for first phase of voting tomorrow

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:17 +0530

The countdown has begun for the first phase of polling in the battle for Uttar Pradesh. On Wednesday, 10 districts with 55 constituencies in central UP also known as Awadh Pradesh, will go to polls.

Maya speech's CD to be examined: Official

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:59:02 +0530

The CD of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's Gorakhpur rally where she reportedly uttered that opposition parties were using their pet dogs to spoil her rally will be examined, the state Chief Electoral Officer said on Tuesday.

Lokpal to come up in RS during Budget session

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:52:14 +0530

The much talked about Lokpal Bill is expected to be brought again for consideration in the Rajya Sabha during the second phase of the Budget session of Parliament.

K'taka ministers caught watching obscene video

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:21:03 +0530

Kith and kin galore in Cong's second list for Goa

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:43:26 +0530

It's kith and kin galore in the second list of Congress for Goa polls announced on Tuesday, days after the selection of first batch of candidates sparked off a virtual rebellion in the state unit.

Bengal debt burden can be more, hints Mamata

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:30:58 +0530

The debt burden bequeathed by the erstwhile Left Front government in West Bengal could be more than Rs 2.3 lakh crore, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday hinted.

UP: Nitin Gadkari escapes unhurt in dais crash

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:25:32 +0530

BJP president Nitin Gadkari had a narrow escape on Tuesday when the dais he was sitting on crashed during an election rally in Mohamadabad Assembly of Ghazipur district.

Video: Gadkari's stage collapses during poll rally

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:06:55 +0530

Nitin Gadkari was quickly whisked away by police officials, but the unfazed BJP President returned to address the crowds from atop a wooden cot later.

Around 1,000 DMDK workers join AIADMK

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:04:01 +0530

A week after a fiery exchange of words between Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and Leader of Opposition Vijayakanth in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, around 1,000 DMDK functionaries and workers, including the actor-politician's close friend Ibrahim Rowther joined the ruling AIADMK on Tuesday.

EC notifies ban on exit, opinion polls

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:15:18 +0530

The Election Commission on Tuesday banned exit polls till March 3, till the completion of assembly elections in five states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa.

Goa Polls: BJP woes worsen after Gadkari visit

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:30:28 +0530

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari's recent two-day visit to Goa appears to have done more damage than good to the party's image, ahead of the March 3 assembly election.

Officer transfer routine, not linked to Vadra incident: EC

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:44:25 +0530

Election Commissioner HS Brahma said that the order for the poll officer's transfer was prepared before Robert Vadra's rally.

AFSPA is not to protect acts of crime: Omar

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:21:05 +0530

Citing the Supreme Court's recent observation, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has been pitching for partial revocation of Armed Force Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state, on Tuesday said the statute was not aimed at protecting acts of crime.

CPI(M) leader Sushanto Ghosh released

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:25:24 +0530

Jailed CPI(M) leader, Sushanto Ghosh, was released from the Alipore Central Jail, Kolkata, on Tuesday. He was jailed in August last year after 7 skeletons were recovered from near his ancestral house in West Midnapore. CPI(M) party cadres gathered in large numbers to welcome Ghosh and garlanded him with flowers and chanted slogans once he was out.

CPI(M) leader Sushanto Ghosh set to walk free

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:18:11 +0530

CPI(M) leader Sushanto Ghosh is set to walk free from Alipore Central jail in Kolkata on Tuesday. He was jailed in August last year after 7 skeletons were recovered from near his ancestral house in West Midnapore.

Raj Thackeray's son may join MNS

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:51:54 +0530

Raj Thackeray's son may soon join his father's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

Row over transfer of officer who stopped Vadra rally

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:29:22 +0530

A political storm is brewing over Election Commission's decision to transfer a poll observer, IAS officer Pawan Sen, who stopped Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra's motorcycle rally near Amethi on Monday. While the Election Commission claims that the order to transfer Sen was issued before the incident, political parties allege that it was done to please the Congress and the Gandhi family.

CPM says goodbye to 'I love China' ideology

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:04:34 +0530

The CPM has committed a sacrilege. The party has said that China is rife with growing inequalities, unemployment, regional imbalances and above all corruption.

Voting for Maharashtra polls begin

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:38:30 +0530

Voting began on a peaceful note at 7.30 am though crowds were not evident at many booths in view of the severe cold wave conditions sweeping most parts of the state.

Gowda's choice for Karnataka Lokayukta quits

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:13:14 +0530

Former Kerala High Court Chief Justice S R Bannurmath has decided to opt out of the post of Lokayukta in Karnataka.

Maha panchayat polls today, big names at stake

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:54:29 +0530

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has pitched the panchayat polls as the mid term elections that will change political equations in the state.

Poll observer who stopped Vadra rally transferred

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:39:59 +0530

A poll observer, who stopped Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra's bike rally in the Gandhi bastion of Amethi for violating the model code of conduct, has been transferred to Goa.

Star campaigners slug it out, battle for UP begins

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:37:15 +0530

As Uttar Pradesh gets ready to vote in the first phase of elections on Wednesday, CNN-IBN takes a look at all the star campaigners cutting across party lines, who'll be hoping to have made a difference in the minds of the voter.

British MPs question aid commitments to India

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:44:52 +0530

Despite public unease and opposition from UK's Conservative MPs, the British government has decided to go ahead with its aid commitments to India.

UP polls: Parties go all out to woo Muslim voters

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:21:42 +0530

With less than 24 hours to go till Uttar Pradesh votes in the first phase, all eyes are on the state's large 18 per cent Muslim vote. How crucial will it be this time around?

'Political leaders in UP lack accountability'

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:26:58 +0530

Congress star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi on Monday said there was lack of accountability in politics in Uttar Pradesh and assured that her party would turn UP into a "model state" if it was voted to power.

Omar for awareness of NRHM initiative in J&K

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:42:56 +0530

Flagging appropriate health care for women and children as a key ingredient in health service expansion and upgradation scheme in the state, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday stressed on ensuring cent percent benefits to pregnant women and newborns under National Rural Health Mission.

'Mulayam may join hands with BJP to form govt in UP'

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:42:37 +0530

Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh on Monday targeted Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for making "not a single utterance against BJP and Sangh Parivar" during election campaign and claimed Yadav may not hesitate to tie up with BJP to form a government in Uttar Pradesh.

Cong not projecting Raja as guilty: Singhvi

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:59:24 +0530

Seeking to mollify its key ally DMK, the Congress on Monday dismissed suggestions that it was projecting as "guilty" jailed former Telecom Minister A Raja in the 2G scam.

UP polls: EC relaxes conditions for use of aircraft

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:03:59 +0530

Ahead of elections in Uttar Pradesh starting February 8, the Election Commission has relaxed the conditions for use of aircraft in campaigning and its expenditure monitoring.

Battle for the states: can Mayawati repeat 2007 success?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:58:21 +0530

The political crucial Uttar Pradesh goes to polls for the first phase on February 8.

UP Polls: Azhar appeals for votes for Cong

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:40:49 +0530

Former Indian cricket skipper Mohd Azharuddin on Monday asked the people to vote for Congress in Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and said that for him the party's defeat would be as ignominious as getting out for a duck.

UP polls: Has Rahul Gandhi come of age as a politician?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:32:44 +0530

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi has put everything at stake in UP as the first phase of campaigning ended on Monday.

Officer who stopped Vadra's cavalcade transferred

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:26:57 +0530

An election officer who stopped Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra from taking out a bike rally in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, has been transferred.

Better to drown than to tie up with SP, BSP: Uma

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:13:13 +0530

Firebrand BJP leader Uma Bharti on Monday said if her party falls short of majority for forming the government in Uttar Pradesh after the Assembly polls, she would prefer "drowning" rather than striking an alliance with either SP or BSP.

Might tie up with BJP in UP post-polls: JD(U)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:54:52 +0530

JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav on Monday said his party could forge a post-poll tie up with BJP in Uttar Pradesh and insisted that the decision of the two parties to contest separately should not be seen as a rift in the NDA.

Editor's take: Rahul Gandhi, the politician

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:49:54 +0530

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi put everything at stake in Uttar Pradesh as the first phase of campaigning ended on Monday. Addressing a press conference in Varanasi, Rahul said that UP was not an election, but a mission for him. Ruling out any alliance, he also said that he will stay on in UP irrespective of the result.

'Digvijaya tried to get Uma's nomination rejected'

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:35:56 +0530

The BJP on Monday accused Congress leader Digvijaya Singh of hatching a conspiracy to get the nomination paper of its senior party leader Uma Bharti rejected.

AP: Three new ministers join Kiran Reddy Cabinet

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:21:45 +0530

The ministry of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy was on Monday expanded with the induction of three legislators.

Budget session schedule to be decided today

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:17:33 +0530

Schedule for the Budget session of Parliament will be decided on Tuesday amidst indications that the Union Budget 2012-13 may be presented around the middle of March.

UP polls: PIL filed in HC over exit polls

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:14:17 +0530

A PIL was filed in the Allahabad High Court on Monday seeking directions to the Election Commission and Uttar Pradesh officials to ensure that restrictions on publication and dissemination of results of opinion and exit polls were not violated.

Parties say India should refuse British aid

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:04:00 +0530

Major parties on Monday took strong exception to demands in the UK for stopping aid to India, with Opposition BJP saying that the country did not require such help and should give a befitting reply to the "arrogance" of a section of the British political class by refusing it.

I'm not obsessed with becoming PM: Rahul

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:35:40 +0530

In the battle for Uttar Pradesh, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi replied to criticism that UP was only an election stop for him, saying that he was committed to transforming the state and wasn't obsessed with becoming the Prime Minister.

PM should clarify his stand on 2G scam: Modi

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:11:43 +0530

In the backdrop of the Supreme Court scrapping 122 2G licenses, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to break his silence on the spectrum scam.

UP polls: EC relaxes terms for use of aircraft

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:35:27 +0530

Ahead of elections in Uttar Pradesh starting February 8, the Election Commission has relaxed the conditions for use of aircraft in campaigning and its expenditure monitoring.

If Priyanka is a frog, so am I: Rahul Gandhi

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:22:52 +0530

"If Priyanka is a frog, so am I, because I am her brother". This was how a smiling Rahul Gandhi disarmed a reporter at his press conference on Monday generating mirth and laughter when he was asked to respond to his sister Priyanka's observation that she was like a ' barsati maindak', a frog which appears only during the rainy season.

Cong, BJP misleading public on black money: Maya

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:15:32 +0530

Hitting out at Congress and BJP, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP president Mayawati on Monday said both the parties are misleading public on the black money issue.

Goa polls: MGP announces four candidates

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:05:43 +0530

Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) on Monday announced the first list of four candidates for the next month's Goa assembly polls.

'Left responsible for poor healthcare in WB'

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:50:53 +0530

Under attack for a spate of crib deaths in West Bengal, a Trinamool Congress minister at the Centre on Monday passed on the blame to the erstwhile Left Front rule for the "poor state of affairs" in state-run hospitals.

Cong is still on its crutches in UP: BJP

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:20:53 +0530

Stung by Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi's criticism of its senior leaders LK Advani and Narendra Modi on the issue of corruption, BJP on Monday hit back saying he cannot see corruption at the Centre and has accepted defeat in Uttar Pradesh before the polls.

SC panel submits report on K'taka illegal mining

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:27:52 +0530

A Supreme Court appointed committee on illegal mining in Karnataka has submitted its final report. The committee has come down heavily on mining companies and recommended that their licenses be cancelled.

WB disputes receiving Rs 8,000 cr from Centre

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:24:36 +0530

West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra on Monday said the cash-strapped government has not received Rs 8,000 crore, as claimed by the Centre.

UP: Vadra's cavalcade stopped for code violation

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:48:40 +0530

Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra's cavalcade was on Monday stooped by the election observer for violating model code of conduct in Salon area in Amethi. Vadra was travelling on a bike when he was stopped by the Returning Officer (RO) for violating the poll code of conduct.

BSP involved in land-grabbing, graft: Mulayam

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:22:22 +0530

Accusing the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) government in Uttar Pradesh of being involved in land-grabbing, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav on Monday said the Mayawati-led regime was involved in scams of over Rs 40,000 crore.

Notification for last phase of UP polls issued

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:11:51 +0530

otification for the seventh and last phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly election was issued on Monday with which nominations process also started.

Robert Vadra says he's willing to join politics

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:14:04 +0530

Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, on Monday said that he was willing to join active politics. Married to Rahul's sister Priyanka Gandhi, Vadra has till now not taken active part in politics.

Rahul seems incoherent on political functioning: BJP

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:11:34 +0530

The BJP poked fun at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi saying it was good to see him come to a level of addressing press conference.

Rahul takes on SP and BSP, says he'll change UP

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:21:46 +0530

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh were a cause for him to change the life of the people in the state.

Rahul takes on SP and BSP, says he'll change UP

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:21:46 +0530

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh were a cause for him to change the life of the people in the state.

Goa: BJP announces names of 22 candidates

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:03 +0530

Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) has announced a list of 22 candidates for the forthcoming Goa polls. The list, which was announced on Sunday night, includes names of its prominent leaders, except its Member of Parliament Sripad Naik, who has refused to contest.

UP: Last day of campaign, parties set to woo voters

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:22:47 +0530

With the big fight for the Uttar Pradesh throne is on, the campaigning for the first phase of elections ends on Monday. Congress youth icon Rahul Gandhi will be addressing meetings and rallies across different districts including Varanasi and Ghazipur.

India not out of woods totally; FM on food inflation

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:36:00 +0530

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee says though food inflation has moderated the country is not out of the "woods totally", asserting inflationary pressures must be brought down to a tolerable and acceptable level before Indian economy can revert to high growth.

UP polls: will not to forge alliance, says Gadkari

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:59:42 +0530

BJP would prefer sitting in the opposition if it did not get the majority in Uttar Pradesh rather than forging alliance with any political party, its chief Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said.

Jaya could have set up panel on KNPP earlier: Karuna

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:58:53 +0530

DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Sunday questioned the move by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to set up an expert panel over the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) and said the step could have been taken earlier.

Cong govt needed for UP's bright future: Rahul

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:32:33 +0530

Alleging rampant corruption during the Mayawati regime, Congress key campaigner Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said a government, led by his party, was needed in Uttar Pradesh for a bright future of the state.

Munda calls upon tribals to be aware of their rights

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:40:14 +0530

Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda on Sunday called upon the tribals and weaker sections of the society to be aware to get benefit of the welfare schemes launched by the state government while ensuring that his government would focus to promote agriculture sector.

Chidambaram's time wasted over allegations: Priyanka

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:58:38 +0530

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday hit out at the opposition for levelling allegations against Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum allocation and said she felt sad he had to "waste" his time responding to them when he had onerous responsibilities towards the country.

Should I join politics, Priyanka asks Oppn

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:21:10 +0530

Combining wit with sarcasm, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday dared her party's political rivals in Uttar Pradesh to state if she should join politics and said she took no offence to allusions of her election-eve visits to a Hindi proverb about the frog that appears only during the monsoon.

Goa Trinamool promises to return farm land

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:41:07 +0530

The Trinamool Congress unveiled a populist Goa assembly election manifesto on Sunday, promising stringent action against illegal mining and returning land "recklessly" acquired by government agencies.

'Common man yet to know about Centre's projects'

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:47:54 +0530

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said the central government had taken up a lot of welfare projects, but many people remained unaware of them and their benefits.

BJP announces list of nominees for Goa polls

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:03:03 +0530

BJP on Sunday announced the list of candidates for 22 seats of the 40-member Goa Assembly.

Prepared for early elections in Karnataka: Cong

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:23:52 +0530

With the ruling BJP in Karnataka "reeling under internal bickering", the Congress is gearing up to face early Assembly elections, AICC Secretary V Hanumantha Rao said on Sunday.

Toppling UDF Govt in Kerala not on agenda: CPM

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:09:43 +0530

The CPM in Kerala on Sunday said toppling the Congress-led UDF Government by wooing its partners was not on the party's agenda but it was of the view that the Oommen Chandy Ministry would "naturally collapse" as it had been getting isolated from the people.

NCP, Sena preventing me from campaigning: Thackeray

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:56:31 +0530

Miffed at being denied permission to hold election rally at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday said "best friends" NCP and Shiv Sena were indulging in politics to prevent him from campaigning.

Sure to get justice in CWG case: Kalmadi

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:41:34 +0530

Sacked Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on Sunday said he was sure to "get justice" in CWG case and attributed the warm welcome accorded to him on his arrival in the city to its culture.

BJP to sit in Oppn if no majority in UP: Gadkari

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:31:40 +0530

The BJP would prefer sitting in the Opposition if it did not get the majority in Uttar Pradesh rather than forging alliance with any political party, its chief Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday.

Pune: Suresh Kalmadi given a hero's welcome

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:12:02 +0530

Suresh Kalmadi, facing corruption charges, will not campaign for the upcoming Pune civic polls. He has been suspended from the Congress party. But Kalmadi got a hero's welcome in Pune on Saturday evening.

CPI(M) in another Christ row, face Cong attack

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:48:52 +0530

For the second time in a week, the CPI(M) is embroiled in a controversy in Kerala on portrayal of Jesus Christ with a picture resembling the Christ's "Last Supper" now providing the spark.

Mayawati has betrayed people: Sushma Swaraj

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:54:53 +0530

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj on Sunday charged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati with betraying people of the state and concentrating just on corruption.

'Jaya could've set up panel on KNPP earlier'

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:19:44 +0530

'Elephant' haunts Rahul in his dreams: BSP

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:02:19 +0530

BSP National General Secretary Satish Chandra Mishra on Sunday said his party symbol elephant haunts Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in his dreams as the Bahujan Samaj Party was all set to "reach" the national capital soon.

Rahul's politics not aimed at becoming PM: Priyanka

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:47:52 +0530

Priyanka Gandhi on Sunday said the central focus of her brother Rahul Gandhi's politics is not to become Prime Minister and the question does not arise at the moment.

Ramdev calls for political ostracism of Congress

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:33:28 +0530

The scrapping of 122 2G spectrum licenses by the apex court has proved that the Congress-led UPA government is the "most corrupt" dispensation in the world, yoga guru Ramdev on Sunday said.

My stand on joining politics unchanged: Priyanka

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:19:38 +0530

Priyanka Gandhi on Sunday said her stand on not joining active politics remains unchanged even as she took on the BJP for attacking her, asking if it preferred her venturing into politics.

Constructive criticisms will continue: Congress

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:49:26 +0530

In a blunt message to its ally Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, Congress on Sunday made it clear it will not stay away from making constructive criticism of the functioning of the administration, asserting that "if there is lack of governance, voices will be raised".

2G: Pranab welcomes trial court's decision

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:23:44 +0530

Support for Home Minister P Chidambaram coming in from Finance Minister Pranab Mukharji who says someone was unfairly prosecuted.

2G: CPI(M) wants probe into PC's alleged role

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:10:33 +0530

The CPI(M) on Sunday sought a probe into alleged "dereliction" of duty by P Chidambaram by not taking steps to prevent the telecom scam as the then Finance Minister.

Enough evidence against PC in 2G case: Maneka

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:58:58 +0530

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram may have got relief from a court in the 2G-spectrum case, but there are enough evidence against him and one day he would go to jail, BJP leader Maneka Gandhi on Sunday said.

Priyanka slams Opposition for targeting PC

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:42:07 +0530

Congress star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi staying positive about the coming Assembly Elections in Uttar Pradesh said the party will win more seats than the last time.

Amar Singh asked me to return to Cong: Sanjay Dutt

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:12:11 +0530

Defending his parting of ways with old friend Amar Singh, Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt on Sunday claimed that his "return" to Congress came after "advice" to this effect from the expelled Samajwadi Party leader himself.

RSS baffled with Anna's silence on their support

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:04:57 +0530

The RSS on Sunday rapped Gandhian leader Anna Hazare for his stoic silence in acknowledging the fact that the Sangh workers had actively taken part in the latter's nationwide crusade against corruption last year.

Antrix-Devas deal: Congress hits out at Madhavan Nair

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:39:20 +0530

A committee set up by the ISRO indicted Madhavan Nair and 3 other scientists for acts of commission in Antrix-Devas deal.

TN: Karuna criticises Vijaykanth's suspension

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:58:33 +0530

Slamming the suspension of Leader of the Opposition Vijaykanth from the Assembly, DMK President M Karunanidhi on Sunday said the action was an example of the AIADMK's 'anti-democratic' rule.

Khurshid makes pitch for sub-categorisation of OBCs

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:46:41 +0530

At a time when Congress is making a serious bid to rope in people from the backward Muslim community in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Law Minister Salman Khurshid has made a strong pitch for sub-categorisation of the Other Backward Classes.

Cong recognises rights of the people: Priyanka

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:21:10 +0530

Congress star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi on Sunday said that the state of Uttar Pradesh has been ruled by political parties that don't work for the welfare of the people.

Kalmadi won't campaign for the Pune Municipal polls: Cong

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:59:02 +0530

Ajit Pawar is making the issue his election plank in the hopes of replacing Suresh Kalmadi.

Chidambaram bats for Kudankulam N-project

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:20:58 +0530

Home Minister P Chidambaram has recommended an early start to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project. Speaking in Tirunelveli, Chidambaram said that the Centre was probing the flow of funds allegedly received by anti-project activists.

UP: Tough poll contest likely in Sitapur

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:23:35 +0530

A close contest is on the cards for nine Assembly seats in Sitapur with Samajwadi Party and BSP, which had shared the honours in the last elections, trying to outdo each other and BJP and Congress trying to make inroads.

Cong-ruled states involved in corruption: Karat

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 06:36:28 +0530

CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat on Saturday accused Congress ruled states of being involved in "massive corruption".

Will not align with criminals, thieves, vows Rahul

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:23:56 +0530

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Saturday asserted that he was content with his party being out of power in Uttar Pradesh but would not join hands with any undesirable elements.

'Relief to PC won't change Govt's corrupt image'

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:44:11 +0530

The opposition on Saturday said the trial court verdict granting relief to Home Minister P Chidambaram would not change the "corrupt" image of the government, and the recent court orders on the 2G scam shall have "far reaching" implications on its collective functioning.

K'taka: Congress getting into election mode

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:21:29 +0530

The opposition Congress in Karnataka on Saturday decided to reach out to the people with party leaders planning to tour all 224 assembly segments over four months from March and said the exercises can be termed as pre-election preparations.

Goa polls: NCP joins hands with Congress

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:57:27 +0530

NCP leader Praful Patel on Saturday announced that the party will fight the forthcoming Goa assembly polls in alliance with Congress.

PC bats for Kudankulam nuclear plant

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:26:02 +0530

Strongly batting for early commissioning of Kudankulam nuclear power project, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said the Centre was probing the flow of funds allegedly received by the anti-project activists and would take strong action if the money came in a "wrong way".

Yeddy told to appear in court in corruption case

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:39:20 +0530

Former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, his two sons, son-in-law and a former minister were on Saturday told by a court to appear before it on March 3 over corruption and illegal lands deals case.

'Stop finding fault with Centre for all issues'

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:50:10 +0530

A day after Chief Minister Jayalalithaa accused the Centre of being "indifferent" towards the state, MoS in the Prime Minister's Office V Narayanasamy on Saturday asked Tamil Nadu government to stop finding fault with the Union Government over all issues.

Gujarat is a roll-model for development: Modi

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:16:39 +0530

Using to the hilt his Delhi counterpart Sheila Dikshit's and state Congress' praise of his government's track record on development, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the state is considered as a roll-model for development and Congress has accepted it.

Power situation to improve from June: Jayalalithaa

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:37:38 +0530

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Saturday said the power shortage in the state would start easing from June this year.

UP polls: Sanjay Dutt campaigns for Congress

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:16:26 +0530

Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt on Saturday toured the district campaigning for Congress for assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, which he described as "my home I had left a few years ago only to come back".

Battle for the states: The Muslim manifesto

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:56:19 +0530

On this episode we bring you a glimpse of the Muslims not as voters but as ordinary people.

2G: P Chidambaram mum on court order

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:28:15 +0530

On a day when he got a clean chit from a Delhi court in 2G spectrum case, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday night chose to keep mum on the issue.

Do Rahul-Priyanka have Aladdin lamp for UP: BSP

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:37:59 +0530

Ruling BSP on Saturday attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for promising to change the face of Uttar Pradesh in five years, wondering if they have acquired 'Aladdin's lamp' to make the turnaround.

Manipur: Peaceful re-polling in 34 booths

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:14:02 +0530

Re-polling at 34 polling booths in five hill districts of Manipur concluded peacefully on Saturday, an official said.

UP: Woman hurls slipper at Mulayam at a poll rally

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:49:06 +0530

A woman on Saturday hurled a slipper at Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav at an election rally in Baberu area of the district but it fell short of the leader.

2G: Court gives clean chit to PC; Swamy to appeal

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:28:14 +0530

In a huge relief to Home Minister P Chidambaram and to the UPA government, a Delhi court on Saturday threw out a plea to make him a co-accused in the 2G spectrum case.

Kalmadi reaches Pune, gets enthusiastic welcome

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:05:28 +0530

Notwithstanding the criminal charges and his suspension from Congress, supporters of city MP Suresh Kalmadi gave him an enthusiastic welcome when he arrived in Pune on Saturday evening for the first time after being released on bail in the Commonwealth Games scam.

'UPA has no moral authority to stay in power'

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:53:16 +0530

Yoga guru Ramdev on Saturday said the UPA has lost its "moral authority" to continue in power after the Supreme Court cancelled 122 spectrum licences given to telecom operators and alleged that the Congress was after him since he started his campaign on black money issue.

Govt has earlier maintained PC is innocent: Antony

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:19:53 +0530

Defence Minister AK Antony on Saturday expressed happiness over a Delhi court rejecting a plea to make Home Minister P Chidambaram an accused in the 2G case, and said the government had earlier also maintained he is innocent.

'Cong hoping to find ally for UPA from UP polls'

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:08:37 +0530

BJP leader Arun Jaitley on Saturday claimed that the Congress party is contesting the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections with the "hope" of finding an ally to support its government at the Centre.

Centre acts on wetland sale by UP government

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:31:46 +0530

The Environment Ministry has reacted to a CNN-IBN report about how the UP government had violated environment rules and diverted wetlands in Greater Noida's Dadri to the Ansal group. The ministry has ordered that the work on the project should be stopped. It has also issued a show cause notice.

No post-poll alliance with any party in UP: Rahul

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:57:58 +0530

Seeking to put a lid on speculation of Congress striking a post-poll alliance with Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday asserted that his party will have "no truck" with any party.

Chidambaram stands vindicated, says SM Krishna

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:42:39 +0530

External Affairs Minister SM Krishna said on Saturday Home Minister P Chidambaram has been "vidicated" by the verdict of a Delhi court throwing out a plea to make him an accused in the 2G spectrum case.

'2G verdict will not change corrupt image of Govt'

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:31:39 +0530

Opposition on Saturday said the trial court verdict granting relief to Home Minister P Chidambaram would not change the "corrupt" image of the government, and the recent court orders on the 2G scam shall have "far reaching" implications on its collective functioning.

Goa polls: Cong releases first list of candidates

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:21:27 +0530

Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and all Congress members in his cabinet figure in the party's first list of 22 candidates for the March 3 Assembly polls announced in Panaji on Saturday.

We will continue to target P Chidambaram: BJP

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:09:19 +0530

Notwithstanding the trial court's dismissal of the case against Home Minister P Chidambaram on the 2G spectrum issue, BJP on Saturday said it would continue to target him and the Government on the issue and await the decision of the higher courts in the matter.

Cong hails the 2G judgment; BJP says it's not the final verdict

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:55:21 +0530

A Delhi court on Saturday said the role of Chidambaram in the 2G scam will not be investigated and he cannot be made a co-accused in the case.

No post-poll alliance with SP: Rahul Gandhi

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:58:46 +0530

Putting an end to the speculations of a post-poll alliance with Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said his party will have "no truck" with any party.

Judge Saini may be wrong: Swamy on 2G order

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:51:34 +0530

After special CBI trial court judge OP Saini on Saturday dismissed his plea to make Home Minister P Chidambaram co-accused in the 2G spectrum scam case, Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy said it's not a setback.

Pranab, Khurshid welcome 2G breather for PC

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:02:09 +0530

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday welcomed the 2G trial court's order on P Chidambaram, dismissing the plea against him by Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy. Welcoming the verdict, Mukherjee said, "Someone was unfairly persecuted. Even in the Supreme Court's order, it was never mentioned that the (then) finance minister's (P Chidambaram) directive was ignored. Rather, it was the Finance Ministry that was mentioned by the SC."

Case against PC may not have been strong: Sorabjee

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:55:35 +0530

Former attorney general Soli Sorabjee on Saturday supported the 2G trial court order rejecting Janata party President Subramanian Swamy's plea against Home Minister P Chidambaram.

The PM must make a statement: Nilotpal Basu

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:33:24 +0530

CPI(M) leader Nilotpal Basu said on Saturday that the 2G trial court's order dismissing Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy's plea against Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in the scam was not the final word. "The final word has not been said. We want the prime minister to make a statement."

2G verdict a victory of the truth: Congress

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:32:11 +0530

After the CBI trial court on Saturday dismissed Subramanian Swamy's plea to make Home Minister P Chidambaram co-accused in the 2G spectrum scam case, a relieved Congress said it's a victory of the truth.

2G court order not a relief for PC: Jethmalani

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:29:18 +0530

Senior lawyer and BJP leader Ram Jethmalani said that the 2G trial court's order was the beginning of trouble for P Chidambaram and not relief.

2G order won't affect campaign against PC: BJP

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:19:29 +0530

BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, while reacting to the 2G trial court's order on Saturday dismissing Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy's plea against Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G scam, said that the order was not going to impact their campaign against the UPA and Chidambaram.

2G verdict not surprising: Kapil Sibal

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:58:00 +0530

After the CBI trial court on Saturday dismissed Subramanian Swamy's plea to make Home Minister P Chidambaram co-accused in the 2G spectrum scam case, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said he is not surprised.

I'm surprised, will appeal in higher court: Swamy

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:55:00 +0530

Reacting to the court order rejecting his petition against P Chidambaram, Janata Party President and 2G petitioner Subramanian Swamy said that he was surprised.

Relief for PC, 2G trial court rejects Swamy's plea

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:39:33 +0530

The role of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum allocation scam will not be investigated and he cannot be made a co-accused in the case, a Delhi court ruled on Saturday while dismissing the petition by Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy.

No scope for action against PC in 2G: Narayanasamy

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:36:40 +0530

Minister of State in the PMO V Narayanasamy said that the then finance minister and the Prime Minister had no role to play in the 2G scam.

Re-polling underway in Manipur

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:51:32 +0530

Re-polling at 34 polling stations in Manipur's hill districts began on Saturday morning amidst tight security deployment in view of threats from insurgent organisations.

Confident of court judgement on PC today: Swamy

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:44:37 +0530

Janata Party President and petitioner in the 2G scam Subramanian Swamy on Saturday seemed confident that a judgement will be passed by special CBI Judge Op Saini on Home Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday.

Timeline: Swamy's plea in 2G against Chidambaram

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:46:28 +0530

A Delhi court is likely to decide whether Home Minister P Chidambaram can be made accused in the 2G case or not. The matter will be heard by Justice OP Saini.

SC has strengthened my case in 2G: Swamy

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:28:09 +0530

Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy is confident that Finance Minister P Chidambaram won't get a clean chit in the 2G scam.

D-Day for PC, 2G trial court set to decide his role

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:27:16 +0530

The UPA has been embroiled in one scam or the other over the last one year. But on Saturday, it is set to face its biggest test with a Delhi court likely to decide whether Home Minister P Chidambaram can be called accused in the 2G case or not.

UP polls: Congress, BJP step up campaign

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:03:26 +0530

The Congress and the BJP will be pulling out all stops on Saturday in their election campaigns in Uttar Pradesh with Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi visiting several cities, including Varanasi and Jaunpur, across the state. Rahul is expected to meet supporters in Siddharthnagar and Gorakhpur on Saturday.

Re-polling in 34 polling booths of Manipur today

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:31:57 +0530

Re-polling will be done on Saturday in 34 polling booths in Manipur's five hill districts. All polling stations are being treated as hyper-sensitive and will be guarded by paramilitary forces.

UP polls: Rahul's the star, not me, says Priyanka

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:17:21 +0530

With the first phase of elections just a week away in Uttar Pradesh and the Congress party is really firing all its cylinders they've also brought in Priyanka Gandhi to charm voters in the last leg of the campaign.

2G scam brought disrepute to UPA: Sharad Pawar

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:21:03 +0530

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Friday came out in strong defence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the 2G episode, but admitted that the multi-crore spectrum scam has brought "disrepute" to the system and the Government.

Maya attacks Cong for 'wrong' economic policies

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:11:55 +0530

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Friday attacked the Congress for its "wrong" economic policies, saying they had led to problems of poverty and unemployment and forced people to move out to other states in search of livelihood.

UP polls: SP promises free education for poor

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:27:12 +0530

Wooing voters ahead of Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Friday promised free education, medicines for the poor and waiver of farmer's loan by Rs 50,000 if voted to power.

NCP alone can bring development to Maharashtra: Patil

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:33:22 +0530

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) alone can bring a total face-lift to the rural Maharashtra through focus on sustained development, party leader and Home Minister RR Patil has said.

Those who violated the 2G policy are in jail: Cong

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:50:16 +0530

The Congress on Friday dismissed the Opposition contention of "collective responsibility" of the government in the 2G spectrum scam, maintaining that those who have distorted the policy and violated it are "suffering in jail".

Tie-up with secular party for LS poll: Karuna

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:31:37 +0530

The DMK party would align with a secular party having the nation's interest in mind in the next Lok Sabha elections, party president M. Karunanidhi said on Friday.

UPA biased against Jharkhand: Arjun Munda

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:16:34 +0530

Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda on Friday accused the Congress-led UPA government of adopting a biased approach towards them and "hampering development process" of the mineral-rich state.

Teaching fraternity should be more tech-savvy: Modi

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:59:07 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the teaching fraternity should be more tech-savvy to bring qualitative changes in education.

Centre's quota move will have no impact: Akhilesh Yadav

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:28:20 +0530

CNN-IBN's national bureau chief Bhupendra Chaubey met young Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav during the UP poll trail.

SC order on 2G Spectrum case final: Pranab

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:19:36 +0530

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in Kolkata on Friday night that the Supreme Court's order in the 2G Spectrum case was final and no appeal could be made against it.

UP polls: Should Priyanka venture beyond Amethi, Raebareli?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:58:03 +0530

Priyanka Gandhi has ruled out campaigning for the Congress across Uttar Pradesh. She was addressing her first election rally in Amethi.

'No evidence to show Praful Patel took bribe'

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:38:33 +0530

A Canadian journalist, who reported on bribery charges levelled against Union Minister Praful Patel, on Friday tweeted that there was no evidence to show that he took bribe.

PM, Chidambaram must resign: BJP

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:08:33 +0530

Senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday demanded that both the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram step down in the wake of Supreme Court's Thursday's ruling in the 2G scam case.

2G: Anxious UPA awaits court order on PC

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:57:22 +0530

It is not just Union Home Minister P Chidambaram but the entire top Congress leadership too who will be watching the trial court's verdict on Saturday with a bated breath. A nod to probe of Home Minister's role in 2G issue will upset the UPA's cart.

Summons to Stalin over statements against Jaya

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:49:59 +0530

A local court on Friday asked DMK leader MK Stalin to appear before it on March 9 over "false and per se defamatory" statements he made last month to the media after filing a police complaint against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

J&K examgate: Minister's son excels, Oppn fumes

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:23:06 +0530

The protests over Kashmir's examgate scandal hit another high on Friday after the state Education Minister's son scored a distinction in his Class XII exam.

UPA biased against Jharkhand: Arjun Munda

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:57:50 +0530

Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda on Friday accused the Congress-led UPA government for adopting a biased approach towards them and "hampering the development process" of the mineral-rich state.

EC completes hearing on Khurshid's quota promise

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:27:53 +0530

The Election Commission on Friday completed its hearing in connection with the notice served on Law Minister Salman Khurshid over his promise of increasing sub-quota for backward minorities while campaigning in Uttar Pradesh.

Faizabad: Team Anna invites Muslims at a rally

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:01:31 +0530

Stung by charges that it was playing in the hands of RSS and BJP, Team Anna on Friday invited some prominent Muslim personalities to share stage at public meeting in Faizabad addressed by Kiran Bedi.

DMK meet stalled over succession issue

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:38:48 +0530

The rift in the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) over who will succeed M Karunanidhi continues, even as the party grapples with setbacks in the 2G spectrum scam.

BJP slams Delhi govt over power tariff hike

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:42:00 +0530

The BJP on Friday came down heavily on Delhi Government for allowing power regulator DERC to effect a five per cent hike in power tariff just five months after increasing the rates by 22 per cent.

2G: BJP politicising SC verdict, says Congress

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:56:46 +0530

The Congress on Friday defended Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram after the Supreme Court judgment in the 2G spectrum case.

Praful writes to PM, dismisses bribe allegations

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:48:08 +0530

A day after the stunning 2G blow in the Supreme Court, there was more trouble for the UPA government on Friday as an India-born Canadian claimed that he paid Union Minister Praful Patel a 250-thousand dollar bribe in 2007.

UPA misused NDA's 2G policy, says MM Joshi

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:59:39 +0530

A day after the Supreme Court cancelled 122 licences in the 2G spectrum case, senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi on Friday accused the UPA government of misusing the NDA government's policy on 2G formulated in 2003.

Jaya flays Centre, alleges 'indifference'

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:52:30 +0530

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Friday blamed Central Ministers in UPA from Tamil Nadu for its "indifferent" attitude towards the state even when it sought financial assistance for relief and restoration work after cyclone 'Thane' hit Cuddalore and Villupuram districts.

HC rejects MNS permission to hold Shivaji Park rally

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:38:27 +0530

In a blow to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's apparent attempt to score brownie points over its arch rival Shiv Sena, the Bombay High Court on Friday refused to grant permission to the Raj Thackeray-led party to hold a public meeting at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai.

UP fed up with Mayawati: Priyanka Gandhi

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:46:51 +0530

Hitting the campaign trail in Uttar Pradesh on Friday, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka said that the people of the state were fed up with the Mayawati government.

UP polls: Temple issue dominates in Ayodhya

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:19:36 +0530

The Ram-janambhoomi issue looms so large in this semi-urban Assembly constituency that locals maintain they vote for the BJP time and again though they are well-aware that development has taken a backseat over the years in the temple town.

SC admits Modi's plea on Guj Lokayukta's appointment

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:13:49 +0530

The Supreme Court will start hearing Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's plea challenging the Gujarat High Court's order upholding the appoint mruled on Friday it will start the hearing in Gujarat Lokayukta appointment case from February 20 onwards.

UP Polls: Priyanka to campaign in Amethi today

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:37:56 +0530

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi will be in Rae Bareilly and his Parliamentary constituency, Amethi, in Uttar Pradesh for the next three days, wooing voters to vote for the Congress. This will be her second visit in the past few weeks to the areas.

Indian-Canadian claims he bribed Praful Patel

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:26:28 +0530

In more trouble for the UPA government, an India-born Canadian has claimed that he paid Union Minister Praful Patel $ 250,000 as bribe in 2007. Nazir Karigar claimed that the bribe was paid to help Canadian firm Crypto Metric strike a $100-million deal with Air India for a facial recognition security system. However, the deal never came through.

No SP-Cong alliance for now: Akhilesh Yadav

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:10:55 +0530

As Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi slug it out to win votes, there's another star in the making, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav.

Mumbai: Parties give tickets to dons for BMC polls

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:48:05 +0530

The presence of the underworld may soon be seen in the local civic body office. The dreaded Mumbai underworld may no longer be the dominant presence as it once was but when the stakes are high the dons aren't too far behind.

Will help Mulayam in his hour of crisis: Amar Singh

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:22:29 +0530

In the wake of SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav facing flak after his remark that rape victims would be given government jobs, expelled party leader Amar Singh on Thursday promised to offer him all possible help in his "hour of crisis".

Kerala CM regrets slow growth in IT sector

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:46:23 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday regreted that the state failed to achieve in the IT education the same level of growth which it attained in the general education sector.

SC to hear Gujarat's plea on Lokayukta today

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:06:48 +0530

The Supreme Court will on Friday hear the petition filed by Gujarat government challenging the state High Court order upholding the appointment of Justice RA Mehta as the Lokayukta by the Governor on the ground that it was unconstitutional and done without the consent of the state government.

'Common man has to use rights for good governance'

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:47:22 +0530

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the "common man" has to make use of rights and powers through various legislations for facilitating good governance.

Tainted J&K minister's son scores distinction

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:20:57 +0530

Tainted Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Peerzada Sayeed's son has passed his class 10 board exam with distinction. School of Board Education officials had allegedly helped him write the exam and then hushed up the matter.

2G: Jayalalithaa welcomes Supreme Court ruling

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:46:14 +0530

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday welcomed the apex court decision on the 2G case and said she would wait for the decision of the trial court on probing the role of union Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum allocation case before giving her views.

Chidambaram cannot get a clean chit: Swamy

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:35:17 +0530

The Supreme Court on Thursday cancelled all the 122 2G spectrum licences issued during the tenure of former telecom minister A Raja. The apex court also had words of appreciation for Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy.

UPA firefights after SC cancels Raja's 2G licences

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:32:38 +0530

In a big blow to the UPA government, the Supreme Court on Thursday scrapped all the 122 2G licenses issued during the tenure of former telecom minister A Raja.

UP polls: Team Anna asks voters to favour the honest

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:38:23 +0530

Team Anna members on Thursday began their Uttar Pradesh tour with a fervent appeal to voters to understand the strength of their franchise and cast their ballots in favour of honest and responsible candidates.

UP:Mayawati attacks Congress on corruption issue

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:19:46 +0530

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Thursday attacked Congress saying 62 big scams involving around Rs 20 lakh crore have taken place during the UPA regime at the Centre.

No alliance with SP and BSP in UP: Gadkari

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:07:46 +0530

The BJP on Thursday ruled out any "direct or indirect" alliance with Samajwadi Party (SP) or Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh and charged Congress at the Centre and the ruling party in the state with looting people.

Congress is trying to protect Chidambaram: Modi

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:31:33 +0530

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi said the Congress is not only trying to save P Chidambram but also the people behind the Home Minister.

PM has no right to stay in office: Modi

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:11:25 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had no right to continue in the office in view of the Supreme Court's ruling in the 2G spectrum case.

Sibal should not run away from reality: BJP

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:18:30 +0530

The BJP on Thursday hit out at Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal for defending the government on 2G issue following the Supreme Court judgement, saying he should not run away from reality and insisted that the Prime Minister was very much in the know of the decisions taken by his ministers.

2G case: Govt to use SC verdict to defend PC

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:59:18 +0530

The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government has finalised its strategy to counter Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy's petition to investigate Union Home Minister P Chidambaram's alleged role in the 2G spectrum allocation scam in the Patiala House Court of Justice OP Saini.

SC decision on 2G has exposed Cong role: Ramdev

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:36:05 +0530

In an apparent attack on Congress, yoga guru Ramdev on Thursday said the Supreme Court's decision on 2G spectrum case has exposed the role of the ruling party in the scam.

Jayalalithaa welcomes SC order on 2G issue

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:26:10 +0530

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on the 2G scam case but was non committal on the Opposition's demand for Home Minister P Chidambaram's resignation 'at this stage'.

SC blows to UPA leave government red-faced

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:51:13 +0530

It is proving to be a very tough week in office for the Manmohan Singh Government with the Supreme Court delivering two strong verdicts within a space of two days related to 2G spectrum allocations.

Vijaykanth suspended from Tamil Nadu Assembly

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:48:50 +0530

In an unusual action, Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly Vijaykanth was on Thursday suspended for 10 days for breach of privilege during a heated exchange with Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

2G verdict: Kapil Sibal says; CNN-IBN asks

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:29:35 +0530

The Supreme Court on Thursday cancelled all 122 telecom licences allotted under the 2G spectrum on or after January 10, 2008. All additional spectrum given to incumbents on or after January 10, 2008 have also been cancelled.

Sibal blames A Raja, NDA for 2G spectrum scam

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:20:54 +0530

Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal on Thursday defended the government in the 2G spectrum scam and blamed the telecom policy brought by the NDA government in 2003 and followed by former telecom minister A Raja for the loss to the exchequer.

2G: Sibal meets PM after SC judgement

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:25:50 +0530

Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal on Thursday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh shortly after the Supreme Court judgement that canncelled all 122 licences issued in January, 2008.

2G spectrum was UPA's monumental fraud: Arun Jaitley

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:15:51 +0530

The BJP leader said that the Home Minister's continuance in office is increasingly becoming untenable.

Corruption under NREGA cannot be ignored: Sonia

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:57:17 +0530

Pitching for immediate reforms in the Centre's flagship rural job scheme MGNREGA, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday said the complaints of corruption and irregularities regarding the scheme cannot be ignored.

UP polls: Notification for sixth phase issued

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:25:17 +0530

Notification for the sixth phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections was on Thursday issued with which the nomination process also commenced.

Sword still hangs on Chidambaram's head in 2G: BJP

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:11:59 +0530

Ravi Shankar Prasad said that P Chidambaram and A Raja were privy to the decision making process in 2G case.

2G: Why PM, Sonia silent, asks Ravi Shankar Prasad

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:02:47 +0530

The Prime Minister even gave the certificate of innocence to Raja inside and outside Parliament, said the BJP leader.

Govt will examine 2G verdict by SC: Pranab

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:02:27 +0530

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said the government will examine the implications of the judgements given by the Supreme Court in the 2G case on Thursday.

Oppn interprets without knowing: Cong on 2G

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:30:26 +0530

Congress leader Rajiv Shukla said that the 2G matter is in court and Kapil Sibal will comment on it soon.

SC order on 2G licences excellent: Arun Shourie

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:24:09 +0530

Former telecom minister Arun Shourie welcome the court's order of cancelling all 122 2G licences.

SC order not a reprieve for Chidambaram: Swamy

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:21:36 +0530

The Supreme Court on Thursday referred the P Chidambaram's matter in the 2G case to the trial court.

Chidarmabaram must resign over 2G scam: Balbir Punj

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:21:14 +0530

The 2G scam is one of the biggest scams and all allocation was done on fraudulent means, said BJP leader Balbir Punj.

It's an indictment of the govt policy: Aryama Sundaram

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:14:04 +0530

The Supreme Court cancelled all 122 telecom licences allotted under the 2G spectrum.

BJP has no moral right to speak on graft: Cong leader

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:07:44 +0530

Congress leader BK Hari Prasad hit back at the BJP after the BJP flayed them over the SC's 2G order.

SC has not passed any remark against PC: Cong

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:05:24 +0530

The Congress on Thursday noted that the Supreme Court has not passed any remark against Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G case but withheld detailed comment pending study of the apex court order.

SC order in 2G case very unfortunate: Congress

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:04:28 +0530

Rashid Alvi said that this is not the first time that BJP is demanding resignation of Congress ministers.

2G order a strong judgement for the corporate world: Bhushan

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:55:09 +0530

Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan said telecom companies will have to refund the benefits that they got illegally in 2G.

2G scam: Chidambaram must resign, says BJP

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:51:05 +0530

With the Supreme Court leaving it to the trial court to decide on probe against Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G case, the BJP on Thursday demanded his resignation till the matter is settled.

Govt must resign, order for poll: Jethmalani

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:37:13 +0530

Terming the Supreme Court judgement on the 2G spectrum allocation controversy as collective responsibility of the Government and the Union Cabinet, senior lawyer and BJP leader Ram Jethmalani on Thursday said the Government must resign and seek fresh mandate.

2G: Chidambaram's matter referred to trial court

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:35:41 +0530

In what can be seen as partial relief for Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G scam, the Supreme Court has referred the matter of whether his role should be probed back to the trial court.

Ashamed of ties with DMDK: Jayalalithaa

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:28:00 +0530

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said she was ashamed of having allied with the DMDK for the 2011 Assembly elections. "As the people of Tamil Nadu had the conviction to get rid of the corruption-ridden DMK regime and vote back the AIADMK to power, the absence of the DMDK in the alliance would not have had made a difference to electoral prospects of AIADMK. The DMDK, on the other hand, would not have won a single seat if it had not allied with AIADMK," she told the State Assembly on Wednesday.

SC cancels all 122 2G licences given by A Raja

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:02:18 +0530

The Supreme Court has cancelled all 122 telecom licences allotted under the 2G spectrum during 2008. While cancelling the licences the Supreme Court ruled that 85 out of the 122 licences were outside the eligibility criteria for allocation. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) must go in for a fresh issue of licences, ruled the Supreme Court.

2G: Sonia will be targeted next, says Swamy

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:05:31 +0530

Janata Party President and petitioner in the 2G scam Subramanian Swamy has said that his fight to bring out those guilty in the scam is an open challenge. "I have produced enough evidence. The court has to take decision on three matters," Swamy said ahead of the 2G hearing on Thursday.

Lokayukta Court order likely on Yeddyurappa

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:06:19 +0530

In Karnataka, the Lokayukta Court hearing cases against former state Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa is expected to pass an order on Thursday. Yeddyurappa has been charged with irregularities in the de-notification of land during his tenure as the Chief Minister.

UPA against interests of TN, Tamils: CPI

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:23:01 +0530

Tamil Nadu unit of the CPI on Wednesday accused the UPA Government of acting against the interests of the state and Tamils by remaining as a mute spectator without attempting to resolve various issues concerning it such as the Mullaperiyar dam row with Kerala.

UP: Major political parties on campaign trail

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:22:50 +0530

Top leaders of the political parties will be campaigning in the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh on Thursday ahead of the crucial voting day on February 8.

Update: SC cancels all 122 2G licences, PC gets a breather

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:02:26 +0530

The Supreme Court has cancelled all 122 2G licences. It has also referred the matter of P. Chidambaram back to the trial court.

Kerala: Chandy downplays bickering in Cong

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:45:29 +0530

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday dismissed reports of faction-feud within Congress state unit and said there was "no problem" in the party as reported by the media.

J&K minister under fire for cheating in son's exam

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:54:44 +0530

Trouble continues for Jammu and Kashmir senior Congress leader and Education Minister Peerzada Sayeed. Crime Branch raids at the State Board of School Education have revealed more documents indicating that board officials helped his son to pass class 10 exam.

SP's cycle will 'grace circus' after polls: Amar

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:27:07 +0530

Expelled Samajwadi Party MP Amar Singh on Wednesday took a pot-shot at his former leader Mulayam Singh Yadav for announcing opening of schools and hospitals in Mayawati's parks, saying the BSP chief can make the same promise for Lohia park set up by him.

Jaya regrets aligning with DMDK

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:33:18 +0530

Bringing the curtains down on the uneasy alliance with actor Vijayakanth led DMDK, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday said it was a mistake by AIADMK to have aligned with him in the last year Assembly polls and she felt 'ashamed' and 'regretted' it.

Uttar Pradesh needs Congress government: Rahul

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:05:15 +0530

Alleging that successive non-Congress governments in Uttar Pradesh had swindled Central funds, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the state needed a Congress dispensation to enable money meant for welfare of the people reach them.

Rahul's promise to change UP an eyewash: JD(U)

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:26:21 +0530

The JD(U) on Wednesday termed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's promise to change the picture of Uttar Pradesh in five years if his party came to power as 'an eyewash'.

Involve Goa Church to curb poll malpractices: BJP

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:43:18 +0530

The BJP in Goa has requested Election Commission (EC) to involve local Church in spreading awareness about curbing malpractices during polls.

Goa Govt suspends official for breaching poll code

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:47:37 +0530

Acting under Election Commission orders, Goa government has suspended a top official for breaching the code of conduct.

NRHM scam: Saurabh Jain's bail plea rejected

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:31:38 +0530

The bail application of NRHM scam accused Saurabh Jain was on Wednesday rejected by a CBI court.

SC to decide on probing PC's role in 2G scam today

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:56:27 +0530

The Supreme Court is set to give its judgment on Thursday on the plea seeking probe into the role of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum scam.

SIT chief trying to shield Modi: Gujarat Cong

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:00:11 +0530

Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil on Wednesday alleged that R K Raghavan, the head of the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team, was trying to shield Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 riots investigation.

BJP, Cong in war of words over Taslima's book

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:46:19 +0530

A war of words ensued between the BJP and the Congress today over the cancellation of the official release of controversial author Taslima Nasreen's book in Kolkata with the former accusing Congress of driving the country towards a dangerous mindset and the latter saying fanaticism was intrinsic to the Opposition party's DNA.

Newsmaker of the day: Sam Pitroda

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:39:05 +0530

The Congress is making attempts to project Sam Pitroda as the modern OBC face in Uttar Pradesh.

BJP slams Cong for reference to Babri mosque

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:58:38 +0530

BJP leader Ananth Kumar on Wednesday sought an explanation from Congress for referring to Babri mosque in its manifesto for Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Will Narendra Modi campaign for BJP in UP polls?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:56:38 +0530

Will Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi campaign in the Uttar Pradesh polls after giving Uttarakhand and Punjab a miss? The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is hopeful he will.

Lucknow needs Congress government: Rahul Gandhi

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:50:52 +0530

2G: Congress, BJP spar over Chidambaram

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:27:47 +0530

Political circles are keenly awaiting the Supreme Court verdict on Thursday on Home Minister P Chidambaram's alleged role in the 2G case, with the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engaged in a bitter war of words.

Khurshid's sub-quota promise his personal view: Cong

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:16:24 +0530

With its manifesto in Uttar Pradesh remaining silent on the exact percentage of Muslim sub quota, Congress on Wednesday suggested the announcement of nine per cent reservation to backward minorities by Law Minister Salman Khurshid was his personal view.

Right to strike: Opposition vs Mamata Banerjee

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:59:34 +0530

The Writers' Building in Kolkata is in the eye of a brewing storm. State Government employees are on a protest after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government proposed to debar them from forming unions or going on strike.

UP liquor baron raided amidst election heat

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:29:07 +0530

The income tax department on Wednesday raided a liquor baron considered close of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati in the midst of the election heat in the state.

2G: SC to decide on PC's role plea on Thursday

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:14:06 +0530

The Supreme Court is set to give a judgment on Thursday on the role of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G scam.

2G: SC verdict on PC's role plea on Thursday

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:49:42 +0530

The Supreme Court will on Thursday pronounce its judgements on the petitions seeking a direction for a probe into the alleged role of Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum scam.

Modi's rule in Gujarat like that of Nazis: Cong

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:41:05 +0530

After facing embarrassment over some party leaders' praise of Narendra Modi, Congress on Wednesday targeted the chief minister, likening his rule with that of the Nazis.

Punjab polls: More women voting than men

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:31:37 +0530

Constituencies from where women candidates staked their political fortunes witnessed high polling in the January 30 Punjab assembly election.

I worked better than any other govt in UP: Maya

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:13:39 +0530

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Wednesday said that her party had developed the state more than any other government in the past while kick starting her party's election campaign in Sitapur.

Cong maligning Anna's image: Shatrughan Sinha

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:56:15 +0530

Accusing the Congress of 'maligning' Anna Hazare's image, actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha on Wednesday asserted that the BJP would emerge victorious in all the five states since UPA at the Centre has failed on governance issues.

Mamata Banerjee dubs baby deaths 'rumour'

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:49:17 +0530

Blaming a section of the media for joining the opposition chorus over death of babies in state-run hospitals, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday dubbed it as 'rumour' since the child mortality rate has dropped in the state.

Team Anna to begin campaign in UP on Thursday

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:45:55 +0530

Ahead of the assembly polls, Team Anna will begin its campaign in Uttar Pradesh from Thursday on the Lokpal bill, pressing various political parties to make clear their stand on the issue.

Books should not hurt sentiments: Digvijaya on Taslima

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:42:45 +0530

Digvijaya Singh was responding after Taslima Nasreen's book launch was cancelled at Kolkata Book Fair.

I have done more for UP than any other CM: Mayawati

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:30:05 +0530

Mayawati said that non-BSP governments did not pay enough attention to development works in Uttar Pradesh.

Non-Congress govts have ruined UP: Sonia Gandhi

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:05:17 +0530

Kicking off her election campaign in Uttar Pradesh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday attacked Chief Minister Mayawati for dismissing her ministers on election eve and asked whether this has cleansed her government.

Mayawati slams Congress on quota, scams

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:08:24 +0530

BSP supremo and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Wednesday slammed Congress for not doing enough to eradicate poverty from the state. The UP CM also criticised the UPA government for playing politics on the quota issue and NRHM scam.

DMDK MLAs evicted from TN Assembly

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:52:40 +0530

DMDK MLAs were evicted from the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday following war of words between party leader Vijayakanth and Chief Minister and AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa.

Rajiv leader of hearts, Pranab like brother: Mamata

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:58:31 +0530

Although she felt 'betrayed' by the Congress leadership many a time, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee describes the late Rajiv Gandhi as "the leader of our hearts" and Pranab Mukherjee as her brother.

2002 riots: No need for Modi to depose, says HC

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:28:42 +0530

The Gujarat High Court has rejected the appeal of Jan Sangharsh Manch, which asked for Chief Minister Narendra Modi to appear before the Nanavati-Mehta Commission in the 2002 riots case. The Gujarat High Court has said that there is no need to summon or cross examine Modi in the case.

TN: Former DMK minister NKP Raja raided

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:52:33 +0530

Vigilance officials on Wednesday conducted raids in the premises of former DMK minister NKKP Raja across Tamil Nadu in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

WB: Mamata plans to drop 'Right to Strike'

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:37:44 +0530

In what could be called a controversial move, the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal is planning to drop the 'Right to Strike' clause for the state government employees. The state government is considering withdrawal of the clause from the Service rule, which empowers government employees to go on a strike.

Mayawati is scared of NREGA policy: Jairam

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:55:53 +0530

Jairam Ramesh has hit out at the UP CM saying it's fear of the NRGEA policy has led to the decision to divide the state.

Amar Singh's party targets Maya over UP divide proposal

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:46:32 +0530

Rashtriya Lokmanch leader Jaya Prada said that people in UP don't want Mayawati government to come back to power.

Massive haul of liquor in poll-bound UP

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:35:03 +0530

With just a week to go before Uttar Pradesh goes to the polls, another liquor recovery has been reported from Moradabad. 119 cartons of liquor worth 4 and half lakhs have been seized by the Excise department on Tuesday.

2002 riots: HC to decide on Modi's deposition

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:42:51 +0530

The Gujarat High Court is expected to decide on Wednesday whether Chief Minister Narendra Modi will have to depose before the Justice Nanavati-Mehta Commission probing the 2002 riots case.

UP campaign: Sonia, Maya set to take charge

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:19:07 +0530

With just a week to go before Uttar Pradesh goes to the polls, campaigning has reached a feverish pitch with all major parties deploying their star campaigners in full force. The first of the seven-phase elections will be held on February 8. The security has been tightened as two of India's most powerful women politicians will be kicking off their campaigns on Wednesday.

Mumbai civic election is UPA vs NDA: Chavan

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:37:50 +0530

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday refuted the allegations of irregularities in the ticket distribution for Mumbai Municipal Corporation polls.

Price rise, corruption are 2 sins of Cong: Gadkari

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:39:56 +0530

BJP president Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday alleged that price rise and corruption were two sins of the Congress.

Making all efforts to facilitate industry: Gehlot

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:21:53 +0530

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday said his government is making every effort to facilitate trade and industry in the state by addressing their issues.

Congress to announce candidates for Goa soon

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:57:06 +0530

After sealing the deal with NCP for poll-bound Goa, Congress is likely to announce its candidates for the state in a day or two.

Every plot to sabotage Guj will be answered: Modi

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:38:04 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the state would deal with every "sabotage" against it with the weapon of Sadbhavna.

Omar's nod to loans schemes for youth entrepreneurs

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:12:23 +0530

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday gave his approval for 'Youth Start-Uo Loan Scheme" (YSLS) under the state's Sher-i-Kashmir Employment and welfare programme for Youth (SKEWPY) to increase employment opportunities for youth to set up business ventures.

Goa polls: NCP report talks about dissension

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:50:47 +0530

Ahead of the Goa Assembly polls on March 3, the NCP has sent a report informing about "dissensions" within the state unit to the party high command.

Govt can't run away from Army Chief age row: BJP

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:31:32 +0530

In a sharp reaction to Defence Minister AK Antony's comments on the Army chief's age row, BJP on Tuesday said the defence forces fall under the jurisdiction of the government and it cannot run away from its responsibility in the "failure" to sort out the matter.

UP polls: EC says no to Uma Bharti's rath yatra

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:14:06 +0530

The Election Commission on Tuesday declined to give permission to BJP leader Uma Bharti to take out a rath yatra in the state capital as it did not fulfil certain formalities.

Newsmaker of the day: Salman Khurshid

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:30:24 +0530

The Congress released its UP manifesto and promised a sub-quota for backward Muslims and even considered one for backward Dalits.

DA case: SC rejects probe plea against Jaya

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:18:32 +0530

The Supreme Court on Tuesday disallowed a plea of Tamil Nadu government against the Karnataka High Court order which had rejected further probe in a disproportionate assets case against Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Advani non committal on Modi's campaign in UP

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:17:24 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was on Tuesday non-committal on whether Narendra Modi, who had refrained from campaigning in Uttarakhand and Punjab, would champion its cause in Uttar Pradesh.

Mayawati is anti-dalit: Mulayam Singh Yadav

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:53:18 +0530

The Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Tuesday alleged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati is not a well wisher of dalits as after coming to power in 2007 she abolished SC status of 17 backward communities.

UP polls: Congress sop opera to lure voters

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:51:11 +0530

The Congress on Tuesday released its UP manifesto and promised a sub-quota for backward Muslims and even considered one for backward Dalits. This is a move to counter freebies offered by the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP).

No differences in BJP on UP campaign: Advani

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:46:38 +0530

There were no differences within the party with regard to the election campaign in Uttar Pradesh, senior BJP leader LK Advani said in state capital Gandhinagar on Tuesday.

Sheila Dikshit retracts statement praising Modi

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:00:54 +0530

After praising Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi earlier at a press conference on Tuesday, Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit seems to have backtracked from her statement, with her office issuing a clarification.

UP polls: Freebies to buy votes?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:18:38 +0530

From free school dresses to girls to 24 hour free electricity for farmers, the political parties are not leaving any stone unturned in a bid to woo voters.

Paswan's LJP to contest all 403 seats in UP

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:28:57 +0530

Releasing his party manifesto for Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan on Tuesday said his party would contest on all 403 seats in the state.

Cong releases UP poll manifesto, plays quota card

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:59:48 +0530

With an eye on the crucial Dalit vote bank and the other backward castes, the Congress while releasing its Uttar Pradesh election manifesto on Tuesday promised sub-quota to most backward Dalits and free legal aide to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

SC verdict on 2G; Congress defends PMO

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:23:57 +0530

Manish Tiwari said that it's appalling that the BJP has jumped to conclusions without reading the judgement.

Give Cong 5 years to rule: Rahul to UP voters

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:10:04 +0530

Lashing out at non-Congress governments of Uttar Pradesh for "selling Ram, caste and religion" for the past 22 years, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asked voters to give five years to his party for development of the state.

SC order in 2G vindicates our stand: Team Anna

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:27:10 +0530

Team Anna on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court order that granting sanction of prosecution of a public servant should be done within a time frame, saying it has vindicated one of its key demands.

Priyanka to campaign in UP from Feb 3

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:03:21 +0530

With polling in three states over, Congress star campaigners would now be concentrating on Uttar Pradesh with Priyanka Gandhi camping in twin constituencies of Rae Bareli and Amethi from February 3 to campaign for party candidates for coming assembly elections.

SC verdict a serious indictment of PM in 2G: BJP

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:06:50 +0530

The BJP on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's verdict on setting time frame for the prosecution of a public servant, saying it is a serious indictment of the Prime Minister in the 2G case.

UP Polls: Will Maya's magic work? Experts doubtful

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:45:09 +0530

Her rock solid Dalit support may still be intact. But with charges of corruption and poor governance enveloping her, Chief Minister Mayawati may find the going tough in Uttar Pradesh, say political activists and pundits.

Heavy voting in Punjab: who will pay a heavy price?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:37:52 +0530

Having set a new record with 76.63 percent voting in Punjab's election to 117 assembly seats, voters have left the main parties and leaders in a state of anxiety till the results finally come out March 6.

Karnataka HC rejects BSY's plea to quash probe

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:23:35 +0530

In a massive setback to former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, the Karnataka High Court has dismissed his plea to quash investigations against him by the Lokayukta.

Sanction in 2G case was a big hurdle: Swamy

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:25:35 +0530

The Supreme Court said that Subramanian Swamy had the locus to seek sanction from the PMO for prosecution in the 2G case.

2G: SC accepts Swamy's plea against PMO

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:01:38 +0530

In a blow to the Central Government, the Supreme Court on Tuesday accepted Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy's petition against the Prime Minister's Office in the 2G case, saying that all public authorities should give a sanction in 3 months time against any public official if a request is made for prosecution.

DMK rule brought dark days: Governor

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:31:00 +0530

Governor K Rosaiah on Monday blamed the previous DMK regime and the lackadaisical attitude of the Central government for the present power situation in Tamil Nadu.

Mamata accuses PM of ignoring her during Singur row

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:29:58 +0530

Mamata alleged that the PM did not call her during Singur agitation because he did not want to annoy the CPI(M).

Gandhi family on UP campaign trail from Feb 1

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:19:44 +0530

The Gandhi family will hit the campaign trail in Uttar Pradesh from February 1 with Congress president Sonia Gandhi addressing rallies at Deoria and Gonda.

'CBI should probe Jagan Mohan impartially'

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:20:17 +0530

YSR Congress party honorary president and MLA YS Vijayamma has appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to direct CBI to act 'impartially' not yielding to any pressure from its political bosses as far as investigations against her son and Kadapa MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy are concerned.

UP: 'Sulking' Modi gives BJP campaign a miss

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:39:43 +0530

BJP star campaigner and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has been conspicuous by his absence from the party's election campaign in Uttar Pradesh. Modi is said to be sulking and upset after his rival Sanjay Joshi was put in-charge of the party in UP.

2G: SC to pass order on Swamy's petition today

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:19:06 +0530

The Supreme Court on Tuesday is expected to pronounce its order on framing guidelines when it comes to granting sanction to prosecute a public servant. This in response to a petition filed by Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy in the 2G scam case.

UP polls: Muslim youth caravan to rally for Cong

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:41:13 +0530

Pitching support for Congress ahead of Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, a group of Muslim NGOs on Monday flagged off a caravan that would campaign in support of the party in the state.

Crib deaths not due to medical negligence: Mamata

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:26:36 +0530

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday dismissed the opposition charge that the recent crib deaths in state-run hospitals in Malda and Murshidabad were due to medical negligence.

Farmer suicide reports a malicious campaign: Mamata

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:36:35 +0530

Dismissing reports of farmers committing suicide due to agricultural mismanagement as a "malicious political campaign", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday reiterated that only one farmer had taken his life since she came to power last May.

Gandhis will remain centre of Congress: Aiyar

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:21:21 +0530

Whether Rahul Gandhi becomes Congress President or not, the Gandhis will remain the centre of the party, says Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar.

Uma hits out at Mulayam for his rape victim remark

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:38:02 +0530

Criticising Mulayam Singh Yadav for his reported statement promising government jobs to rape victims, BJP leader Uma Bharti on Monday said the Samajwadi Party president lacked understanding of social concerns.

Kalmadi was made CWG scam scapegoat by Cong: BJP

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:24:55 +0530

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Suresh Kalmadi was made the scapegoat in the Commonwealth Games (CWG) scam, former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday.

We don't want to defame Trinamool: WB Congress

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:11:44 +0530

Days after blaming the West Bengal government for farmer suicides in the state, Congress said on Monday it did not want to bring disrepute to the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Omar asks minister to explain use of 'unfair means'

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:50:51 +0530

Taking serious view of a media report alleging use of "unfair means" to benefit son of a Jammu and Kashmir minister, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday summoned him and ordered a probe by the Crime Branch into the case.

Odisha minister injured in attack by youth

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:46:35 +0530

Odisha Panchayati Raj Minister Maheswar Mohanty was seriously injured after being attacked by a youth at a poll meeting in Puri district on Monday ahead of panchayat elections in the state.

Truth has come out in Congress's pullout: Modi

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:15:10 +0530

Capitalising on the recent Congress advertisement that was full of praise for him, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the truth had come out in "their own pullout".

Nitish promises Bihar-like transformation in UP

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:59:41 +0530

Accusing Mayawati Government in Uttar Pradesh of misgovernance, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said on Monday that JD(U), if voted to power, will "transform" the state like Bihar.

Rahul will become Prime Minister in 2014: Cong

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:25:19 +0530

Congress general secretary Rashid Alvi declared in Lucknow on Monday that Rahul Gandhi's rise to the Prime Minister's chair in 2014 was a forgone conclusion.

PM ignored me during Singur agitation: Mamata

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:59:01 +0530

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did not call her during her anti-land acquisition agitation at Singur because he did not want to annoy the CPM.

Punjab, Uttarakhand see high voter turnout

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:35:08 +0530

Punjab and Uttarakhand, the twin states that went to polls on Monday, saw largely peaceful elections without any untoward incident being reported. Punjab saw a turnout of over 77 per cent. There were minor skirmishes, however, when clashes occurred in the cities of Bhatinda and Ludhiana.

CISF officer dies during poll duty in Uttarakhand

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:33:36 +0530

A senior commandant of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), who was deployed on election duty in Uttarakhand, died in Haridwar on Monday following heart attack, officials said.

Anna's village sarpanch withdraws from poll race

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:24:35 +0530

In an abrupt move, Jaisingh Mapare, the sarpanch (headman) of Anna Hazare's village, on Monday withdrew his nomination as a NCP candidate for the Zilla Parishad polls, alleging "sabotage" by party leaders.

How will the 2012 Assembly polls affect Congress?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:22:05 +0530

They may be battles for control of five states. But the overall outcome will mean a lot to the Congress and to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government it leads.

CPI predicts hung assembly in Uttar Pradesh

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:07:49 +0530

The CPI on Monday predicted a hung assembly in Uttar Pradesh after the February polls in the state and said the charisma of AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi will not work there.

UP polls: Mafia don given parole to campaign

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:58:09 +0530

A Delhi court on Monday granted custody parole till February 9 to mafia don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari for campaigning in coming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in which he is a candidate.

UP Lokayukta suggests CBI probe against Kushwaha

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:53:54 +0530

Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta Justice NK Mehrotra has recommended a probe by the CBI against former state health minister and Bahujan Samaj Party leader Babu Singh Kushwaha.

Cong takes potshots at caste rivalry in Goa BJP

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:49:28 +0530

The Congress has described the growing rift between two senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the run up to the March 3 polls as a brewing caste-war in the saffron party's ranks.

Braille EVMs help visually impaired cast votes

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:40:49 +0530

Paving way for the visually impaired to have a decisive role in the country's democratic process, the Election Commission is encouraging use of EVMs having braille signs in Dehradun in Uttarakhand where polling is on to elect the state's third Assembly.

Book Cong nominee for violating Act: BJP to EC

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:39:30 +0530

The BJP on Monday knocked at the Election Commission's door, seeking immediate probe and action against Congress candidate from Kotdwar assembly seat Surender Singh Negi for alleged violation of Representation of People Act.

UP polls: Litmus test for tainted ex-ministers

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:24:06 +0530

The newly-created Maharajpur Assembly seat will witness a contest featuring a scam-tainted ex-minister and two incumbent MLAs with their reputation at stake.

Emaar land deal: Andhra Principal Secy arrested

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:38:23 +0530

The CBI on Monday arrested Andhra Pradesh Principal Secretary (Home) BP Acharya in Emaar properties case. Emaar allegedly got land at nominal rate during YSR government rule in return for favours.

70 pc polling in Uttarakhand

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:59:04 +0530

Nearly 70 per cent polling was recorded in the Uttarakhand Assembly elections, which sealed the fate of 788 candidates including Chief Minister BC Khanduri and state Congress president Yashpal Arya. The polling to elect 70 legislators to the state Assembly largely remained "incident-free".

Mulayam's U-turn on jobs to rape victims

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:56:54 +0530

It seems that Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yafav has executed a U-turn after raking up controversy when he said earlier that his government, if voted to power, would give jobs to rape victims. The Samajwadi Party chief made this statement during a rally in Siddharthnagar on Sunday.

Cong, SP main contenders in UP polls: Digvijaya

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:42:29 +0530

Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh said on Monday that his party and the Samajwadi Party (SP) were the two main contenders in Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, as the ruling "BSP is involved in corruption, while BJP is nowhere in the picture."

Amrinder Singh predicts Cong win in Punjab polls

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:17:20 +0530

The Congress hopes to achieve its target of 70 seats in the 117-seat Punjab Assembly, said the former chief minister.

HC grants anticipatory bail to Subramanian Swamy

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:56:04 +0530

The Delhi High Court on Monday granted anticipatory bail to Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy, accused of writing inflammatory article in a daily.

J&K Education Minister cheated for son's exam?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:26:13 +0530

In a major embarrassment for senior Congress leader and Education Minister Peerzada Sayeed, a local newspaper on Monday carried the facsimile of an answer sheet in two handwritings - alleging that part of it had been written by an education official to help his son pass the secondary school exam in 2009.

77 per cent turnout in Punjab Assembly polls

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:03:35 +0530

Around 77 per cent of the 1.76 crore electorate on Monday exercised their franchise till 5:00 pm in Punjab to elect the 117-member state Assembly.

I am being trapped in to the NRHM scam: Kushwaha

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:58:22 +0530

Former Minister in the BSP government in Uttar Pradesh Babu Singh Kushwaha has alleged that he is being trapped into the NRHM scam as a part of a conspiracy hatched by senior bureaucrats.

Punjab: EVMs replaced after tampering complaint

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:27:59 +0530

Election authorities in Punjab on Monday replaced 11 electronic voting machines (EVMs) in Mansa district after complaints that an unidentified person had tried to tamper with them.

Governor: TN victim of Centre's indifference

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:13:10 +0530

Making it clear that it would not compromise on its rights on the Mullaperiyar Dam issue, AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu on Monday alleged it was a victim of the Centre's "persistent indifference" and accused Kerala of whipping up "mass fear and insecurity" over the row.