Presidential poll campaign kicks off in Karnataka
Bangalore : Galvanised by United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) presidential nominee Pratibha Patil's impending visit to Karnataka Friday, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have stepped up efforts to gather votes from legislators.
Karunakaran turns 89
Thiruvananthapuram : Veteran politician and former Congress leader K. Karunakaran turned 89 Thursday.
Congress-Left: at war in Kerala, but united front for Patil
New Delhi : At war in the state and allies at the centre, the Congress in Kerala is readying for an agitation against the Left government on corruption even as the two parties prepare to welcome their presidential nominee Pratibha Patil in Thiruvananthapuram Thursday.
Presidential candidates settle down to campaigning
New Delhi : United Progressive Allliance (UPA) nominee Pratibha Patil and Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, backed by the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA), got down to some serious campaigning in the Indian presidential election as the deadline for withdrawal of candidature ended Wednesday.
All allegations are motivated: Patil
 By IANS
New Delhi : Pratibha Patil, the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) presidential nominee, Wednesday denied allegations of wrongdoing against her, saying they are "motivated".
No official vehicles for presidential campaign
New Delhi : The Election Commission Tuesday prohibited Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Pratibha Patil, rival candidates for the July 19 presidential poll, from using any government machinery including vehicles or aircraft for their election campaign.
Congress gathers ammunition against Shekhawat
New Delhi : In a move to counter the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) stepped up campaign against its presidential nominee Pratibha Patil, the Congress plans to launch an attack against the opposition-backed candidate, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
Supreme Court dismisses plea against Patil’s candidature
New Delhi : The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking directions to the Election Commission to cancel the nomination papers of United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) presidential candidate Pratibha Patil on the ground that she was in debt to the public exchequer.
BJP campaign against Patil dilutes democratic norms: UPA
New Delhi : The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Tuesday condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led opposition's "smear campaign" against their presidential candidate Pratibha Patil and said it was destroying "the very sanctity of the constitutional process".
Mayawati handpicks efficient officials to head administration
Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh has got a new chief secretary and a new police chief, and both men say they are determined to put the country's most populous state on the fast track after Chief Minister Mayawati promised not to interfere in their functioning.
Finally, Indian communists take to caste mobilisation
New Delhi : After asserting for decades that only class matters, Indian communists are finally organising the poorest of the poor, the Dalits in particular, along caste lines.
Patil, Shekhawat locked in straight fight in Indian Presidential poll
By NNN-PTI
New Delhi : The July 19 Presidential poll will witness a straight fight between UPA-Left nominee Pratibha Patil and NDA-backed independent Bhairon Singh Shekhawat after all other nomination papers were rejected Monday.
All the four sets of nomination papers of Patil and two sets of Shekhawat were found valid on scrutiny, Lok Sabha Secretary General, P D T Achary, who is also the Returning Officer, announced at a press conference.
He said all other nomination papers were rejected on scrutiny.Â
Patil faces legal hurdles before presidential election
New Delhi : United Progressive Alliance (UPA) presidential nominee Pratibha Patil faces legal hurdles ahead of the July 19 election with the Supreme Court to hear Tuesday a petition seeking cancellation of her nomination, even as a similar plea was made in the Delhi High Court.
Shekhawat won’t tour; NDA to mobilise support
New Delhi : Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the presidential nominee backed by the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA), will not leave the capital to campaign but NDA leaders will tour the country and mobilize support for him.
Raman Singh takes back old critic in cabinet expansion
Raipur : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh re-inducted Amar Agrawal, a known critic of the government, to his council of ministers and took in another face while dropping a senior minister in a minor expansion of the ministry Monday.
Supreme Court stain for Pratibha, battle lines are drawn
New Delhi : The field was formally set Monday for a straight contest for India's presidential elections, with the authorities rejecting all applications except those of Pratibha Patil and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the nominees of the country's two main coalitions.
BJP wants presidential candidates to declare assets
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday asked the Election Commission to direct the presidential candidates to declare their assets and details of any criminal cases registered against them.
Legal hurdle crops up to Pratibha Patil election as President
New Delhi : The Supreme Court Monday decided to hear Tuesday a petition seeking cancellation of the United Progressive Alliance government's presidential candidate Pratibha Patil's nomination paper for the election on grounds of her allegedly being in debt to the public exchequer.
Chhattisgarh cabinet reshuffled
Raipur : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Monday reshuffled his council of ministers, dropping a cabinet minister and adding two new faces.
Patil’s candidature as president Challenged
New Delhi : The Supreme Court will hear Tuesday a petition challenging the candidature of Pratibha Patil as president of the country on the ground that she was in debt to the public exchequer and others.
Its Patil vs Shekhawat in the fight for Rashtrapati Bhavan
New Delhi : The fight for the president is a straight contest between the United Progressive Alliance's Pratibha Patil and Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, it was confirmed Monday after all others in the fray were ruled out during scrutiny.
Presidential candidates should declare assets: BJP
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday asked the Election Commission to make it mandatory for presidential candidates to declare their assets while filing nomination papers.
Religious sentiments will not work in Gujarat this time: Shankersinh Vaghela
New Delhi : Will the Congress be third time lucky as Gujarat goes to polls before the year-end? Shankersinh Vaghela, former chief minister and now a union minister, is confident it will be and feels "religious sentiments" will not win elections any more.
Patil breaks silence, says charges false
Chennai : Pratibha Patil, India's ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate for the July 19 presidential poll, Sunday broke her silence on the allegations levelled against her, terming them "false, malicious and baseless".
Charges false, malicious and baseless: Pratibha
Chennai : Pratibha Patil, the presidential nominee of India's ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Sunday broke her silence on the allegations levelled against her, terming them "false, malicious and baseless".
UPA common minimum programme unsatisfactory, says Bardhan
Nagpur : Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary A.B. Bardhan said Sunday that implementation of the common minimum programme (CMP) of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was wholly unsatisfactory.
I was only Left leader who knew Pratibha Patil: Bardhan
Nagpur : Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary A.B. Bardhan Sunday said he was the only Left representative who knew United Progressive Alliance (UPA) presidential candidate Pratibha Patil at a UPA-Left meeting that finalised her candidature.
Kerala CPI-M to take corruption charges ‘seriously’
Malappuram (Kerala) : Kerala's ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Sunday said it was viewing "very seriously" the allegations of corruption levelled against Deshabhimani, the party's mouthpiece.
Mizoram Rajya Sabha member not to support Shekhawat
Aizawl : The lone Rajya Sabha member from Mizoram, Lalhmingliana has said that he would not support Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat in the ensuing presidential polls for his alleged "indifference" towards issues concerning the northeast region.
Patil to begin presidential campaign from Chennai
Chennai : United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate Pratibha Patil begins her campaign for presidential elections here Sunday with a rally that thousands of women are expected to attend.
CPI-M has unleashed ‘state terror’ in Bengal: Mamata
Singur (West Bengal) : Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee Saturday said the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya government in West Bengal has unleashed "state terror" to suppress people's resistance against forcible land acquisition for industry.
Presidential hopeful has Mahatma Gandhi as proposer
New Delhi : As many as 84 candidates have filed their nominations by Saturday for the July 19 presidential elections, though many of them appeared to be non-serious, naming Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters as their proposers and seconders.
Congress, BJP accuse Jharkhand ministers of corruption
Ranchi : The Congress and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jharkhand have accused the ministers in the state's Madhu Koda led government of indulging in corruption.
Kerala CPI-M meets over corruption charges
Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala's ruling Communist Party of India- Marxist's (CPI-M) two-day meet, which began Saturday, is likely to be a stormy affair with allegations of two corruption scandals having surfaced against Deshabhimani, the party's mouthpiece.
Election Commission should penalise Jaya for perjury: DMK
New Delhi : The DMK Friday petitioned the Election Commission to penalise AIADMK chief J. Jayalalitha for committing "perjury" in giving false evidence while filing nomination papers for the 2001 Tamil Nadu assembly polls.
Congress debunks BJP booklet against Pratibha Patil
New Delhi : The Congress Friday termed as "baseless and useless" a booklet released by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against the ruling alliance's presidential candidate Pratibha Patil.
Election Commission created hurdles: Karunanidhi
Chennai : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Friday lambasted the Election Commission after results of the Madurai West assembly by-elections were declared here, saying the poll panel had "put hurdles" in the way of fair polling in the constituency.
Advani asks UPA to drop Patil as presidential nominee
New Delhi : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani Friday asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to replace Pratibha Patil as the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) presidential candidate with a "more suitable person."
Congress resorting to pressure tactics in presidential poll: NDA
New Delhi : The opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Friday filed a complaint with the Election Commission accusing the Congress of using "pressure tactics" to get support for its presidential candidate Pratibha Patil for the July 19 election.
Congress wins Madurai by-election
Madurai : Congress candidate K.S.K. Rajendran, backed by Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, Friday won the Madurai West assembly by-election, routing the AIADMK by over 31,000 votes.
Congress wins Madurai by-election
Madurai : Congress candidate K.S.K. Rajendran, backed by Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, Friday won the Madurai West by-election, defeating the AIADMK by over 31,000 votes.
Ageing Akali Dal to be given corporate makeover
Chandigarh : The 87-year-old Akali Dal, Punjab's dominant political party that has long been identified with blue-turbaned Sikhs in flowing white beards, looks set for a radical corporate-style makeover thanks to a new breed of second-generation politicians.
Uma Bharti terms BJP leaders anti-women
Aiyar heads to Pakistan for grassroot diplomacy
New surrender policy for Jharkhand Maoists
Each penny of my assets accounted for: Mayawati
Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, who disclosed her assets at Rs.52 crore (Rs.520 million) this week, Wednesday said "each penny" was accounted for.
Satish Misra to quit government: Mayawati
Lucknow : Satish Chandra Mishra, a close political aide of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, is to quit as minister without portfolio in the state government in order to help establish the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) more firmly among upper castes across India, Mayawati disclosed Wednesday.
A lady resigned, but why couldn’t a tall man: Dasmunsi
New Delhi : The ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Wednesday urged Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat to draw a lesson from its candidate Pratibha Patil and resign his post to contest the presidential elections.
Azharuddin denies he is entering politics
Bangalore : Former India cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin Wednesday visited the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) office here to wish his friend and former medium pacer Dodda Ganesh who was joining the party, but denied he was joining politics himself.
Azharuddin denies speculation over entering politics
Bangalore : Former India cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin Wednesday visited the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) office here to wish his friend and former Karnataka bowler Dodda Ganesh joining the party, denying speculation that he may be joining the same party.
Azharuddin denies he is entering politics
By IANS
Bangalore : Former India cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin Wednesday visited the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) office here to wish his friend and former medium pacer Dodda Ganesh who was joining the party, but denied he was joining politics himself.
"My presence at this function has no meaning other than wishing my 'brother' Ganesh on his new role," Azharuddin said, adding there was no other significance to his presence at the function.
Rs. 10 million corruption case rocks Kerala assembly
Thiruvananthapuram : A Rs. 10 million corruption case involving former Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader K. Venugopal rocked the Kerala Assembly Wednesday.
Poll panel directs action against Jayalalitha
New Delhi : The Election Commission Tuesday asked Tamil Nadu's chief electoral officer to take action against former state chief minister and AIADMK chief J. Jayalalitha for violating the Representation of People's Act (RPA).
Achuthanandan, Vijayan suspension endorsed
New Delhi : The highest decision-making body of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Tuesday endorsed the suspension of Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan and state committee chief Pinarayi Vijayan from the party's politburo.
Congress, CPI-M target Shekhawat over Natwar
New Delhi : Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, contesting the presidential election as an independent candidate, Tuesday came under strong attack from the Congress and the Left after Congress leader K. Natwar Singh proposed his nomination.
65 percent voting in Madurai by-election
Madurai : About 65 per cent voters cast their ballot Tuesday in the by-election to Tamil Nadu's Madurai West assembly seat, with voting remaining largely peaceful.
Rift in Sena-BJP ties over presidential polls
New Delhi/Mumbai : The over two-decade long association between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its loyal ally Shiv Sena came under severe strain over the Sena's decision to back ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate Pratibha Patil, but the BJP leadership played down the rift.
Congress seeks Natwar’s disqualification from Rajya Sabha
New Delhi : The Congress Tuesday sought the disqualification of former external affairs minister K. Natwar Singh as Rajya Sabha member after he proposed the name of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, backed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), for the presidential election.
Alliance with BJP to stay: Shiv Sena
Mumbai : The Shiv Sena Tuesday said its ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will continue despite its support for the United Progressive Alliance's candidate Pratibha Patil for the presidential elections next month, even as strains in the 22-year-old alliance of the two pro-Hindu parties were becoming apparent.
Hooda hints at Haryana ministry expansion
Chandigarh : Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda Tuesday said his ministry would be expanded after next month's presidential election.
Disgusted BJP to review ties with Sena over Shekhawat
Ex-cricketer Ganesh joins JD-S, Azhar to follow?
Bangalore : As Dodda Ganesh, a former medium pacer from Karnataka, Wednesday joins the ruling Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) party, speculation is rife that former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin may follow suit.
Brisk voting in Madurai
Madurai : Brisk polling was underway Tuesday in Tamil Nadu's Madurai West assembly seat, with the DMK-backed Congress taking on the AIADMK.
BJP meet restricts discussion on Uttar Pradesh polls
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at its national executive meeting Monday discussed the party's defeat in the crucial Uttar Pradesh assembly elections earlier this year, but did not allow several senior leaders to participate in it.
Shekhawat files nomination, Sena backs Pratibha
New Delhi : Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Monday filed his nomination papers for the presidential election as an independent candidate supported by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), even as one of its key constituents decided to back Pratibha Patil, the nominee of India's ruling coalition.
BJP reiterates opposition to Sethusamudram
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday reiterated its opposition to the ambitious Sethusamudram project to develop a shipping canal that it fears will damage an ancient bridge mentioned in Hindu epic Ramayana.
Shiv Sena MP tonsures head to protest land compensation
Nagpur : Newly elected Shiv Sena MP Prakash Jadhav tonsured his head in public Monday to protest against land acquisition for the proposed expansion of the Sonegaon airport here.
Shiv Sena supports Pratibha Patil
Mumbai : United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate Pratibha Patil's chances in the July 19 presidential poll brightened as the Shiv Sena, a constituent of the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Monday declared its support for her.
Shiv Sena supports Pratibha Patil
Mumbai : United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate Pratibha Patil's chances in the July 19 presidential poll brightened as the Shiv Sena, a constituent of the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Monday declared its support for her.
Prestigious Madurai West by-poll on Tuesday
Madurai : The by-election to the Madurai West assembly seat on Tuesday will see a straight fight between the Congress candidate, backed by the DMK, and the AIADMK.
CPI-M questions clearance for USS Nimitz, Chennai port on alert
New Delhi/Chennai : The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Monday questioned the government's decision to permit the nuclear-powered USS Nimitz, the world's largest aircraft carrier, to anchor at Chennai port and sought an explanation for this.
Badal takes on opponents, recalls emergency rule
Chandigarh : Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Monday took on his political opponents, particularly the Congress, asking them to do some "soul searching" as he recalled their role during the "traumatic experience of the emergency rule".
Presidential poll turns expensive, thanks to parleys
New Delhi : Choosing the country's president once used to be the cheapest election process - requiring just some ballot papers and a few officials to conduct the poll. But with the hype created over this year's election and the political confusion, it is heading to be an expensive affair.
BJP’s image has suffered, admits Rajnath
New Delhi : Conceding that the image of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a disciplined party has suffered in recent times, its president Rajnath Singh Monday asked party cadres not to become "instruments" of the media and to keep organisational matters within the party.
Left candidate for vice-president not ruled out
Hyderabad : The Communist Party of India (CPI) Monday said it would prefer a non-Congress candidate for the vice-president's post and did not rule out Left parties fielding their own nominee.
BJP to review its electoral reverses in Uttar Pradeshx
CPI-M meet to decide fate of suspended politburo members
New Delhi : The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) begins a crucial three-day meet Sunday to decide important matters, including the fate of two prominent Kerala leaders - Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan and state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan - who were suspended from the politburo.
“Enough is enough “: President Kalam
It’s mud slinging, say G.N. Patil’s supporters
Jalgaon (Maharashtra) : United Progressive Alliance (UPA) presidential candidate Pratibha Patil's brother G.N. Patil rushed to Delhi for a damage control exercise following allegations that she was protecting him in a murder case even as his supporters here defended him Saturday.
Pratibha Patil files nomination as BJP launches vicious attack
New Delhi : Pratibha Patil, the candidate of India's ruling coalition, Saturday filed her nomination papers for the July 19 presidential election in which she is pitted against Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat even as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioned her moral right to hold the country's highest office.
BJP asks Patil to respond to charges
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Saturday asked the ruling alliance's presidential candidate Pratibha Patil to give a "satisfactory" explanation to the charges against her of shielding her brother who faces murder allegations as well as her involvement in a loan default case.
12 independents also file nomination for presidential poll
New Delhi : When the ruling alliance's presidential candidate Pratibha Patil filed her nomination Saturday for the July 19 poll, hers was not the first name. There were 12 nominations already filed by independents.
UPA defends Patil against allegations, criticises NDA
New Delhi : The ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Saturday came out in defence of its presidential candidate Pratibha Patil against allegations of shielding her brother in a murder case and involvement in a financial fraud.
UPA defends Patil against allegations, criticises NDA
New Delhi : The ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Saturday came out in defence of its presidential candidate Pratibha Patil against allegations of shielding her brother in a murder case and involvement in a financial fraud.
Parliament session likely to begin in August
New Delhi : The parliament's monsoon session, slated to begin in July, is now likely to commence in August to enable visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to address parliamentarians.
Patil files nomination for presidential election
New Delhi : Seated between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate Pratibha Patil Saturday filed her nomination to fight the presidential election in which she will be pitted against Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
Pratibha Patil files presidential nomination
New Delhi : Pratibha Patil, the candidate of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Saturday filed her nomination papers for next month's presidential election.
Loan allegations against Pratibha Patil false: Congress
New Delhi : Close on the heels of allegations Friday that United Progressive Alliance (UPA) presidential candidate Pratibha Patil's brother was involved in a murder, another report said a sugar factory owned by her in Maharashtra had defaulted on bank loans. The Congress stated that Patil "did not have any connection with the allegations".
BJP to protest Maharashtra government’s failure on all fronts
Nagpur : The Maharashtra unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has resolved to launch a 'chale jao' (quit power) agitation against the state government for its 'dismal failure on all fronts' in its eight-year rule.
BJP to protest Maharashtra government’s failure on all fronts
Nagpur : The Maharashtra unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has resolved to launch a 'chale jao' (quit power) agitation against the state government for its 'dismal failure on all fronts' in its eight-year rule.
Now NDA seeking third front support for Shekhawat
New Delhi : With President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam deciding not to contest a second term Friday, the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) sounded optimistic that the Third Front would support its candidate Bhairon Singh Shekhawat against United Progressive Alliance (UPA) nominee Pratibha Patil.
BJP ready to go it alone in Maharashtra
Nagpur : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit leadership Friday asked its cadres to be prepared to fight the next Maharashtra assembly elections on their own strength.
Kalam says he will not contest again
New Delhi : President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Friday firmly turned down requests to contest the presidential election next month, saying he did not want his office to be "dragged into unseemly politics."
Kalam says he will not contest again
New Delhi : President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Friday firmly turned down requests to contest the presidential election next month, saying he did not want his office to be "dragged into unseemly politics."
Kalam’s ‘no’ to contest, Pratibha sibling faces murder charge
New Delhi : President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam declared Friday that he would not seek a second five-year term even as ruling coalition candidate Pratibha Patil was accused of shielding her brother who allegedly killed a man two years ago.
Kalam not to contest presidential election
New Delhi : President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Friday said he would not seek a second five-year tenure, informed sources said.
Woman claims Pratibha Patil’s brother killed husband
New Delhi : The presidential election took an ugly turn Friday with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parading a woman who claimed that her husband had been murdered by United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) nominee Pratibha Patil's brother.
PDP favours continuing alliance with Congress
Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir's People's Democratic Party (PDP) says it would like to continue its alliance with the Congress despite differences over crucial issues.
CPI-M encroachment allegations echo in Kerala assembly
Thiruvananthapuram : Allegations of Kerala's Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) headquarters here using more than the land allotted to it reached the state assembly Friday, with the party admitting that it had received complaints of encroachment.
Panthers Party demands dismissal of coalition government in J&K
DMK’s Anbazhagan to be India’s vice president?
Jayalalitha heads to the capital to lobby for Kalam
New Delhi : Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalitha arrives in the capital Friday to strengthen her United National Progressive Alliance's (UNPA) efforts to mobilise support for a second term for President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
President accepts Pratibha Patil’s resignation
New Delhi : President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has accepted the resignation of Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil, the presidential candidate of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and Left parties.
DMK may bid for Anbazhagan as vice president
Chennai : Tamil Nadu may lose the distinction of having one of its citizens as India's president. But it may acquire its first vice president if Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has his way.
NDA still undecided on support for Kalam
New Delhi : The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Thursday kept the newly-formed third front in suspense after it declined to come out in support of President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for a second term and also did not commit itself on the candidature of Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
Congress orders probe into Sonia poster as Durga
New Delhi : The Congress Thursday took strong exception to a poster showing party president Sonia Gandhi as goddess Durga in the party office in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, and has ordered an inquiry.
Left Front should be empowered in districts: Basu
Kolkata : Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) patriarch and former West Bengal chief minister Joyti Basu Thursday urged his party workers to consolidate the Left Front's base at the district level.
Congress discusses presidential poll strategy
New Delhi : Congress president Sonia Gandhi Thursday discussed the party's strategy for the coming presidential elections with members of the Congress Working Committee, party chief ministers and other leaders.
Sonia as Durga in poster, Hindu groups angry
Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) : A poster depicting Congress party president Sonia Gandhi as goddess Durga has angered Hindu groups, who have termed it "derogatory".
Karunanidhi criticises Jaya for not meeting Kalam
Chennai : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Thursday termed as "indecent" AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalitha's failure to turn up for an appointment of the third front with President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to invite him to seek re-election.
Maharashtra BJP meets amid Shiv Sena assertion
Nagpur : A crucial two-day meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Maharashtra unit executive committee begins here Friday amid claims by its ally Shiv Sena of going it alone in the next assembly elections.
Kalam candidature rejected by Left and other parties
New Delhi : Attempts to mobilise support for a second term for President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam received a jolt Thursday with the Left and heavyweight Nationalist Congress Party dismissing the idea and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad advising Kalam to "quit gracefully".
Patil resigns as Rajasthan governor
New Delhi : Pratibha Patil, presidential candidate of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-Left-Bahujan Samaj Party combine, Thursday submitted her resignation as Rajasthan governor.
CPI-M rejects Third Front plea to support Kalam
New Delhi : The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Thursday rejected the proposal by the regional United New Progressive Alliance (UNPA) to support President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for a second term in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Actress Vani Tripathi turns to politics
New Delhi : Popular television actress Vani Tripathi has taken to politics seriously and has become the national secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) youth wing. The TV star believes she had the "courage" to join the political system instead of just being a critic.
30 years later, Jyoti Basu is active at 94
Kolkata : As the Left Front celebrates a record breaking three decades in power in West Bengal, the man who was at the helm for over a quarter century is still in demand: the irrepressible Jyoti Basu.
Kalam says ‘maybe’ in battle for presidency
New Delhi : Incumbent president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam threw a spanner in the works of the presidential elections Wednesday indicating he might contest a second term if there was consensus around him - and give it a "few days" to develop - but he was rebuffed by the ruling UPA.
Kalam’s polite ‘no’ to second term
New Delhi : President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Wednesday virtually rejected a plea to contest for a second five-year term, saying he will not fight the presidential poll unless all political parties backed him.
Left Front completes 30 years battling crisis of identity
Kolkata : West Bengal's Communist government completes a remarkable 30 long years in office with a dramatic ideological U-turn over promoting industry that has left its legion of supporters stunned.
Congress enters channel war in Kerala with Jai Hind
New Delhi : Hoping to cash in on the television boom and its potential as a political tool, the Congress is joining Kerala's intensifying channel war with its first endeavour - Jai Hind.
UPA-Left sets in motion Pratibha Patil nomination for presidential poll
Third Front leaders to meet Kalam on re-election
New Delhi : Leaders of regional parties who have formed the United New Progressive Alliance (UNPA) are slated to meet President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam here Wednesday afternoon to formally request him to stand for re-election.
BJP is insulting Kalam: Lalu
Patna : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was only "insulting" President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in suggesting his candidature while it knows well that United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate Pratibha Patil has a clear edge, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said Tuesday.
CPI-M against second term for Kalam
Hyderabad : The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Tuesday ruled out supporting the Third Front's suggestion of a second term for President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
If consensus is for Kalam, BJP will support him: Rajnath
Raipur : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajnath Singh Tuesday said that if political parties evolve a consensus on President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for a second term, his party would support him.
Will decide on June 25 on president: Thackeray
Mumbai : Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray Tuesday evening said the party would decide on June 25 on whom to support for the presidential elections, but ruled out supporting President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whose name is being proposed by the third front as its nominee.
Karunanidhi flays newly formed front for comment on Patil
Chennai : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Tuesday flayed the newly formed United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA), saying that AIADMK chief Jayalalitha's reference to UPA presidential candidate Pratibha Patil "as a joke on the nation" was in bad taste.
Kalam not to contest presidential polls
New Delhi : The presidential race Tuesday appeared to have narrowed down to a straight contest - between United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate Pratibha Patil and National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-supported independent Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, with President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's office signalling his disinterest in a second term.
M.M. Jacob, R.K. Dhawan nominated to CWC
New Delhi : Congress president Sonia Gandhi Tuesday nominated former Meghalaya governor M.M. Jacob and senior party leader R.K. Dhawan as permanent invitees to the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the apex decision making body of the ruling party.
Kerala opposition’s unique protest over fever deaths
Thiruvananthapuram : Members of the Congress-led opposition in Kerala Tuesday remained glued to their seats in the assembly even after it was adjourned - to protest against a raging fever that has killed 76 people.
Mayawati’s sermons to party legislators
Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has been repeatedly issuing sermons to her party legislators to maintain discipline or else face the music.
Achuthanandan plans sops for Keralite diaspora
Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan Tuesday said that the state government is working out a slew of programmes for the welfare of non-resident Keralites (NRKs).
Birthday boy Rahul stays away, Congress workers celebrate
New Delhi : While birthday boy Rahul Gandhi was incommunicado, Congress workers celebrated the day Tuesday by distributing notebooks and clothes to the poor, and organising blood donation camps and even a wrestling competition!
Pressure on Kalam to seek second term
New Delhi : Pressure seems to be mounting on President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to run for a second term, with sections of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also joining the 'Third Front' clamour for his continuation as the country's head of state.
J& K Cabinet to meet today: Major reshuffle in civil, police departments likely
By News Agency of Kashmir
Jammu : The state cabinet is scheduled to meet tomorrow under the chairmanship of chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
Reliable sources told News Agency of Kashmir that the meeting besides discussing routine agenda would also order some major reshuffle in civil and police administration.
"Some important transfers in police and civil administration were expected to be ordered in the meeting", one of the cabinet Minster told NAK, on the condition of anonymity.
Punjab police seek warrant against Dera chief
Bathinda (Punjab) : The Punjab police Monday sought an arrest warrant against Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh on the charge of hurting religious sentiments of the Sikh community.
Shekhawat prefers consensus on Kalam, meets Vajpayee
No comment from Kalam on candidature
New Delhi : President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam made no comment on the eight-party Third Front's announcement Monday that it will try to convince him to be their candidate for the presidential polls.
I will be glad if Kalam is consensus candidate: Shekhawat
New Delhi : Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, named presidential candidate by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), said Monday evening that he would be glad if President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is a consensus candidate.
Andhra Congress questions Naidu’s ‘Sivaji’ fixation
Hyderabad : The ruling Congress party in Andhra Pradesh Monday questioned Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu's motive behind urging his party members to watch Tamil superstar Rajnikant's latest blockbuster "Sivaji: The boss".
Shekhawat gets NDA backing, Third Front roots for Kalam
New Delhi/Chennai : The battle for India's presidency intensified Monday with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) announcing its formal support to Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and an eight-party front urging political parties to give President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam another five-year tenure.
NDA sans Shiv Sena declares support for Shekhawat
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Monday announced its support to Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who will be an independent in the July presidential election, but NDA ally Shiv Sena was not on board with the decision.
Rajnath to take stock of Chhattisgarh government’s performance
Raipur : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajnath Singh is arriving here Tuesday to take stock of the Chhattisgarh government's performance and draw up a strategy for the next year's state assembly elections
Third Front to persuade Kalam to bid for second tenure
Chennai : The battle for India's top constitutional post intensified Monday with the newly formed eight-party regional group announcing its support to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for a second term.
Left keen on vice president’s post
New Delhi : Even as a contest is on for the post of India's president, Left parties are making guarded moves to see if Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee can become the vice-president to succeed Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
‘Third Front’ wants Kalam re-elected, seeks support
Chennai : Hours after Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat announced Monday his candidature for the presidential poll as an independent, a newly formed alliance of eight parties said it wanted President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to get another five-year term and sought all-party backing for the move.
Third Front pitches for Kalam
Chennai : The Third Front of eight political parties Monday urged President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to continue as the country's head of state for another five years.
NDA supports Shekhawat, Shiv Sena undecided
New Delhi : The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Monday formally decided to back Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat for the presidential elections as a "non-party independent candidate".
Kerala assembly session likely to be stormy
Thiruvananthapuram : The Kerala assembly session beginning Tuesday is likely to be stormy with the Congress-led opposition taking on the government over a variety of issues ranging from encroachment to health issues.
Panthers Party withdraws support from Coalition in Kashmir
Jammu : Panther's Party today withdrew its support for the Congress-led coalition in Jammu and Kashmir and said that the government failed to settle down various issues of common masses including some important one like  of refugees.
The decision to this effect was taken in a delegate session called by
the party at Jammu today.