Indian lawmakers choose president, likely a Hindu BJP ally
Jul 17, 2017
Lawmakers are choosing India's next president in an election likely to be won by a Hindu ally of the ruling party
NEW DELHI — Lawmakers were voting Monday to choose India's next president in an election likely to be won by a little-known member of a Hindu political group that is closely allied to India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Ram Nath Kovind, 71, is the former governor of the eastern state of Bihar and a longtime associate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or National Volunteer Corps, a Hindu group that has long been accused of stoking religious hatred against Muslims.
The group is also the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP, which controls enough seats in federal and state legislatures to push its favored candidate. Voting ends Monday evening and votes will be counted Thursday with Kovind is expected to win easily.
The president's role in India is largely ceremonial but the position can be important during times of political uncertainty such as a hung Parliament when the office assumes greater power.
Kovind's victory is expected to help Modi and the BJP consolidate even greater political power. The party swept to power in 2014 and has won a series of crucial local polls since then.
The ruling party has projected Kovind as a leader from the Dalit community, which is at the lowest end of the complex hierarchy of caste in Hinduism.
Kovind's main opponent is Meira Kumar of the Congress party. Kumar is a former diplomat and longstanding federal lawmaker who is also from the Dalit caste group.
The winner will replace Pranab Mukherjee, a former senior member of the Congress party, as the next occupant of Rashtrapati Bhawan, the massive 340-room, colonial era presidential palace. Mukherjee has held the office since 2012.
MORE NEWS
Naval staffer among two arrested for spying for Pakistan: Andhra Police
Andhra Pradesh Police arrested two individuals as part of an espionage investigation involving contacts with Pakistani operatives. The arrests included a naval employee and a civilian engaged for naval officers. The Counter Intelligence Cell coordinated with police from ten states to track the suspects. Authorities reported that sensitive information was shared regarding defence establishments in India. Further investigation continues to reveal the extent of the conspiracy and other suspects involved.
Hydropower presents massive investment opportunity with 19,000 MW projects underway: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu
Arunachal Pradesh is focused on hydropower development, with 19,000 MW of projects in various stages. Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted the strategic importance of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and the need for public consultations. He emphasised conducting the Preliminary Feasibility Report before deciding on the project's construction. Several infrastructure projects under the Pasighat Smart City Mission were inaugurated to improve urban amenities.
Karnataka HC questions ED over 12-year delay in FEMA case against Cafe Coffee Day CEO Malavika Hegde
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday questioned the Enforcement Directorate over initiating FEMA proceedings against Cafe Coffee Day CEO Malavika Hegde more than 12 years after the transactions under scrutiny. The court examined whether such action was permissible after an unreasonable delay and extended interim protection against the proceedings.
India Vs Uruguay LIVE Score: Can Khalid Jamil's Men Upset The 2-Time World Champions?
India vs Uruguay: Follow all live updates from the FIFA international friendly in Kolkata.
How traditional Chinese medicine is shaping Kazakhstan’s health system
China has pledged to expand its health partnership with Kazakhstan by helping the Central Asian nation integrate traditional medicine directly into its national healthcare system, shifting away from simple product exports. The Chinese embassy in Kazakhstan on Monday called for the alignment of high-level policy to enhance bilateral health cooperation for both countries’ benefit. “Both nations should promote the qualitative upgrading of cooperation in smart healthcare, hi-tech diagnostics and...
Qatar says US-Iran talks to end Middle East war continue via mediators, despite deadlock over Strait of Hormuz
Mediator Qatar confirmed that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran continue amid a protracted conflict. Talks have resumed despite ongoing tensions and previous ceasefires not yielding lasting peace. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these discussions. As the war persists, both nations aim to address the strategic concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Protests erupt across India demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over voter list manipulation
Protests have emerged across India as citizens demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrators claim that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process threatens voter rights and favors the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Critics say this process requires complex documentation that may disenfranchise vulnerable communities and lead to significant voter list reductions. Opposition parties and activists are calling for more independent election oversight.
Helicopter makes emergency landing in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag amid bad weather
A helicopter made an emergency landing at the Agastyamuni sports ground in Rudraprayag district on Tuesday after encountering adverse weather conditions. The aircraft landed safely at the sports ground, with the incident occurring amid challenging weather conditions in the region.
Helicopter makes emergency landing in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag amid bad weather
A helicopter made an emergency landing at the Agastyamuni sports ground in Rudraprayag district on Tuesday after encountering adverse weather conditions. The aircraft landed safely at the sports ground, with the incident occurring amid challenging weather conditions in the region.
19-year-old Zain Javaid's startup called Ghost builds an AI computer without screen; the 'brain in a box' can be the next big PC idea
Ghost is pioneering a revolutionary startup with its innovative screenless AI computer known as Core, co-founded by Zain Javaid. This cutting-edge device is crafted to operate AI agents that function independently, engaging users via a mobile application. With an emphasis on security, Core protects user data by keeping it stored locally, steering clear of cloud dependencies.