Politics

The case has been registered under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The central probe agency has taken cognisance of a CBI FIR in this regard to initiate the move.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar advanced the JD(U) Legislature Party meeting from Friday to Wednesday after Mahagathbandhan allies RJD and Congress rejected demands for deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav’s resignation.

The sudden debate over the birth of a new religion has rattled the Opposition BJP, that is headed by a Lingayat strongman B S Yeddyurappa himself, and boasts of a large number of MLAs and MPs from the community.

Sources close to the chief minister pointed out that the CM was increasingly unsure about the alliance, especially in the backdrop of the recent meetings held by Tejaswi Yadav with Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi.

After the meeting, also attended by AAP leader Sanjay Singh, Ashutosh tweeted, “Met the Chief Election Commissioner along with Sanjay Singh Ji. He assured us that he would implement VVPAT machines and tally 5% of the counted votes.”

The poll panel has pointed out that during bye-elections, political functionaries tend to issue appeals on religious or communal grounds in areas not covered under the provisions of the model code.

Ambika Soni had requested the Congress leadership to relieve her of the responsibility as incharge of party affairs in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand due to health reasons.

Amit Shah, who is a on a three-day visit to Rajasthan, said all political parties should discuss the issue and take it up with the Election Commission.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Friday urged the Opposition to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to oust the BJP.

Searches by income tax officials last year at the premises of an illegal gutkha manufacturer in Tamil Nadu had indicated alleged payout to a minister and some officials, including a senior police official.

"My resignation is not an issue. This is a fabrication by the media. I have made public my stand on it many times,” said Bihar deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav.

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has neither confirmed nor denied speculations over his candidature.

Special pens with violet ink have been given unique serial numbers and have been supplied by the Election Commission to Parliament and state Assemblies.

The sharp differences in the SP on the issue of presidential nominee was clear right from the day Ram Nath Kovind was chosen as the NDA nominee.

JD(U) MLA Ramai Ram claimed on Tuesday that Nitish wants Tejashwi to resign within four days i.e 96 hours, but his deadline did not find mention in official briefing after party's meeting.

GJM had accused the Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of playing divisive politics in the Hills by forming separate boards for the indigenous people in the Hills.