BJP leader Vijay Goel on Thursday accused the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi of not taking enough measures to address air pollution in the national capital over the last five years.

"Kejriwal did not take steps to tackle air pollution and bad water quality. He did not show his concern to around two crore people of Delhi. Earlier, water was not coming in Delhi but now water is coming, but it's contaminated. They are doing politics on this matter. Even the Supreme Court said that the odd-even scheme is not enough to tackle air pollution," he told ANI.

"90 per cent pollution happens from local sources such as road construction, smoke coming out from vehicles, dust and industrial pollution. Stubble burning was an excuse. It was being done for the last 30 days. So, the Kejriwal government has not done anything in the last five years," Goel said.

The air quality in Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad again plunged to 'very poor' category on Thursday and is expected to fall into 'severe' category by tomorrow, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

Today, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital docked at 312.

Earlier today, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-initiatives-have-been-taken-to-abate-control-air-pollution-in-delhi-ncr-prakash-javadekar-263629">comprehensive plan for Delhi NCR has been developed</a> identifying the timelines for abating and controlling air pollution in the region.

"In order to abate and control air pollution in Delhi NCR, we have undertaken several initiatives. A high-level task force was constituted under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Regular review meetings have been held," Javadekar said in the Rajya Sabha.

"The Centre has notified a graded response action plan for Delhi NCR for different levels of pollution," he added.&nbsp;

BJP leader Vijay Goel on Thursday accused the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi of not taking enough measures to address air pollution in the national capital over the last five years.

BJP leader Vijay Goel on Thursday accused the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi of not taking enough measures to address air pollution in the national capital over the last five years. "Kejriwal did not take steps to tackle air pollution and bad water quality. He did not show his concern to around two crore people of Delhi. Earlier, water was not coming in Delhi but now water is coming, but it's contaminated. They are doing politics on this matter. Even the Supreme Court said that the odd-even scheme is not enough to tackle air pollution," he told ANI. "90 per cent pollution happens from local sources such as road construction, smoke coming out from vehicles, dust and industrial pollution. Stubble burning was an excuse. It was being done for the last 30 days. So, the Kejriwal government has not done anything in the last five years," Goel said. The air quality in Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad again plunged to 'very poor' category on Thursday and is expected to fall into 'severe' category by tomorrow, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). Today, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital docked at 312. Earlier today, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that a comprehensive plan for Delhi NCR has been developed identifying the timelines for abating and controlling air pollution in the region. "In order to abate and control air pollution in Delhi NCR, we have undertaken several initiatives. A high-level task force was constituted under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Regular review meetings have been held," Javadekar said in the Rajya Sabha. "The Centre has notified a graded response action plan for Delhi NCR for different levels of pollution," he added.

AAP didn't take steps to tackle air pollution in last 5 years: Vijay Goel

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel on Wednesday hit out at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for blaming Centre for not letting him attend the climate meet in Denmark and said the AAP chief was habituated to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Goel said Kejriwal should have sent mayors to the conference in Denmark, as the event is meant for them, not for chief ministers.

"The conference he spoke of is for mayors. He should have sent mayors from Delhi corporations. But he did not do that. The only thing he could do is speak negative things about the Prime Minister," he said.

"Kejriwal is busy criticizing Prime Minister Modi instead of focusing on Delhi`s development", the BJP leader alleged.

Cornering Kejriwal for taking credit of reducing pollution levels in Delhi, Goel said that it was possible due to initiatives by the Centre.

"What did he do? He has done everything in advertisements. It is the central government`s initiatives that led to air pollution control. He is again blaming stubble burning for imposing odd-even on Delhi residents," the BJP MP said.

He said the Delhi Chief Minister was coming up with such strategies as national capital is set to go to polls next year.

Kolkata Mayor and West Bengal Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim are slated to attend the climate meet in Copenhagen from October 9 to 12.

Kejriwal was to attend the four-day C-40 climate summit. He was to speak on his government`s work towards lowering pollution, including the car rationing scheme.

The AAP had accused the BJP-led Centre of showing hostility and not giving political clearance to Kejriwal and others for attending the conference.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that "clearance from political angle was declined" on the application of Kejriwal and seven others, seeking political clearance to attend the climate summit in Denmark.

Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson MEA said, "A considered decision on political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs is based on multiple inputs and takes into account the nature of the event, the level of participation by other countries, type of invitation extended, etc."

The participation of Delhi Chief Minister as a Speaker at a panel discussion was not commensurate with the level of participation from other countries. The chief minister of one of the largest and populous cities in the world, which also is the capital of India, was therefore advised not to attend the event."&nbsp;

 
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BJP Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel on Wednesday hit out at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for blaming Centre for not letting him attend the climate meet in Denmark and said the AAP chief was habituated to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel on Wednesday hit out at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for blaming Centre for not letting him attend the climate meet in Denmark and said the AAP chief was habituated to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Goel said Kejriwal should have sent mayors to the conference in Denmark, as the event is meant for them, not for chief ministers. "The conference he spoke of is for mayors. He should have sent mayors from Delhi corporations. But he did not do that. The only thing he could do is speak negative things about the Prime Minister," he said. "Kejriwal is busy criticizing Prime Minister Modi instead of focusing on Delhi`s development", the BJP leader alleged. Cornering Kejriwal for taking credit of reducing pollution levels in Delhi, Goel said that it was possible due to initiatives by the Centre. "What did he do? He has done everything in advertisements. It is the central government`s initiatives that led to air pollution control. He is again blaming stubble burning for imposing odd-even on Delhi residents," the BJP MP said. He said the Delhi Chief Minister was coming up with such strategies as national capital is set to go to polls next year. Kolkata Mayor and West Bengal Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim are slated to attend the climate meet in Copenhagen from October 9 to 12. Kejriwal was to attend the four-day C-40 climate summit. He was to speak on his government`s work towards lowering pollution, including the car rationing scheme. The AAP had accused the BJP-led Centre of showing hostility and not giving political clearance to Kejriwal and others for attending the conference. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that "clearance from political angle was declined" on the application of Kejriwal and seven others, seeking political clearance to attend the climate summit in Denmark. Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson MEA said, "A considered decision on political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs is based on multiple inputs and takes into account the nature of the event, the level of participation by other countries, type of invitation extended, etc." The participation of Delhi Chief Minister as a Speaker at a panel discussion was not commensurate with the level of participation from other countries. The chief minister of one of the largest and populous cities in the world, which also is the capital of India, was therefore advised not to attend the event."

Instead of focusing on Delhi's development, Kejriwal busy targeting PM Modi: Vijay Goel

BJP MP Vijay Goel on Saturday said that in both Haryana and Maharashtra, his party will form the government and that people know it very well.

His comments came soon after the Election Commission announced the dates of Assembly elections to be held in both the states.

Voting will take place on October 21, while counting of votes will be held on October 24 in both the states.

On being asked about the upcoming elections, Goyal told ANI, "In both the states, BJP will win and people know that very well."

Goel, who was protesting here against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the money being spent on taking out advertisements, added that AAP will also not return to power in the national capital.

The BJP MP lashed out at Kejriwal and said that his government had not worked during its tenure and is now spending money on advertisements.

"For the past five years, Kejriwal did not work so the only option left for him now is to take out advertisements and resort to fake publicity. He used people`s money for advertisement and publicity," the BJP MP alleged.

"Everyday we see Kejriwal`s photo in these advertisements whether it is related to dengue, Ganesh Chaturthi, Valmiki Jayanti or any other event," he said.

He further said that Delhi has become one of the most polluted cities in the country.

"There are traffic jams and the huge problem of car parking. The Mohalla clinics are opened in small kiosks. Tourists see all this and say that the capital of the country is in such a bad shape," said Goel.

"People of Delhi are smart they know that advertisements being taken out by Kejriwal are fake," he added.

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BJP MP Vijay Goel on Saturday said that in both Haryana and Maharashtra, his party will form the government and that people know it very well. His comments came soon after the Election Commission announced the dates of Assembly elections to be held in both the states.

BJP MP Vijay Goel on Saturday said that in both Haryana and Maharashtra, his party will form the government and that people know it very well. His comments came soon after the Election Commission announced the dates of Assembly elections to be held in both the states. Voting will take place on October 21, while counting of votes will be held on October 24 in both the states. On being asked about the upcoming elections, Goyal told ANI, "In both the states, BJP will win and people know that very well." Goel, who was protesting here against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the money being spent on taking out advertisements, added that AAP will also not return to power in the national capital. The BJP MP lashed out at Kejriwal and said that his government had not worked during its tenure and is now spending money on advertisements. "For the past five years, Kejriwal did not work so the only option left for him now is to take out advertisements and resort to fake publicity. He used people`s money for advertisement and publicity," the BJP MP alleged. "Everyday we see Kejriwal`s photo in these advertisements whether it is related to dengue, Ganesh Chaturthi, Valmiki Jayanti or any other event," he said. He further said that Delhi has become one of the most polluted cities in the country. "There are traffic jams and the huge problem of car parking. The Mohalla clinics are opened in small kiosks. Tourists see all this and say that the capital of the country is in such a bad shape," said Goel. "People of Delhi are smart they know that advertisements being taken out by Kejriwal are fake," he added.

BJP will win in both Haryana and Maharashtra: Vijay Goel

BJP leader and former Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel urged the Opposition not to politicise issues and stall the Bills related to development during the Budget Session of Parliament that opened on Thursday.

Speaking to ANI, Goel said," I request all the Opposition parties not to politicize issues and block the Bills. It will send out a wrong message to the public about them. All the Bills will be passed in accordance with the laid-down procedure."

The Vote on Account to be presented on Friday will only be for three months before the new government presents a full-fledged Budget in July.

Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal who has taken interim charge of the Finance Ministry will be presenting the budget on February 1.

BJP leader and former Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel urged the Opposition not to politicise issues and stall the Bills related to development during the Budget Session of Parliament that opened on Thursday.

BJP leader and former Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel urged the Opposition not to politicise issues and stall the Bills related to development during the Budget Session of Parliament that opened on Thursday. Speaking to ANI, Goel said," I request all the Opposition parties not to politicize issues and block the Bills. It will send out a wrong message to the public about them. All the Bills will be passed in accordance with the laid-down procedure." The Vote on Account to be presented on Friday will only be for three months before the new government presents a full-fledged Budget in July. Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal who has taken interim charge of the Finance Ministry will be presenting the budget on February 1.

Union Budget 2019: BJP's Vijay Goel urges Opposition not to stall Bills during Budget Session

Rajya Sabha could not function for fifth consecutive day of Winter Session as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-issue-rocks-rajya-sabha-house-adjourned-till-monday-184026">House was adjourned after heated exchanges</a> between the BJP and Congress members on Rafale deal while the AIADMK and DMK protested over Cauvery issue.

As the House met Tuesday morning, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu informed the members that various notices on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/andhra-pradesh-on-alert-as-cyclone-phethai-approaches-several-trains-cancelled-184746">urgent matters</a>, ranging from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-evacuates-11600-people-as-cyclone-phethai-makes-landfall-in-andhra-pradesh-184904">cyclones affecting lives</a> in some states to price rise to agriculture crisis, have been admitted for discussion.

Naidu, who had adjourned the proceedings for the entire day on Monday amid uproar over Rafale, Cauvery and other issues, appealed to the members to let the House run its business.

The Chairman said that he was going through a privilege notice given by the Opposition.

However, soon after the papers were laid by the ministers, members from the two major political parties of Tamil Nadu — AIADMK and DMK —trooped into the Well of the House, carrying placards and shouting slogans against the construction of a dam on Cauvery river.

Some members from Andhra Pradesh were also seen displaying placards demanding special status for the state.

Amid sloganeering, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the privilege motion against the government on the Rafale jet deal should be accepted as the matter is agitating the minds of the people.

Azad alleged the government has misled Parliament and the Supreme Court on the issue, triggering vociferous protests from the treasury benches.

The senior Congress leader said the government has no right to continue in office and "should go".

Naidu, however, said that the Chair should be allowed to take a view on the Privilege notice.

The Congress had given the notice demanding an explanation from the government on why it provided the Supreme Court "wrong" information on the purchase of Rafale fighter jet from a French company.

Countering Azad, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel said the government was ready to discuss all issues, including Rafale.

He demanded that the Congress apologise in the wake of the apex court's refusal to order a SIT probe in Rafale deal and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sajjan-kumar-resigns-from-congress-primary-membership-writes-to-rahul-gandhi-184982">Sajjan Kumar's</a> conviction by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

As slogan shouting by the AIADMK and DMK members continued in the Well of the House, Naidu adjourned the House till 2 PM.

When the House resumed in the afternoon again, Naidu proposed to discuss calling the attention of the Minister of Home Affairs on the situation arising due to the devastation caused by cyclones Gaja and Titli in some states and the action taken by the government in this regard.

However, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma raised a point of order saying that Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs had referred to Rahul Gandhi and it is against the rule to demand his apology because he is a member of other House.

Soon after, the ruling party member again started raising slogans and demanded an apology from Gandhi while some of the AIADMK and DMK members trooped into the well to protest over Cauvery issue.

Naidu said that there is no point of order in the matter and asked the member to discuss the serious issues mainly related to farmers which are a problem not only in Tamil Naidu but across the country.

Rajya Sabha proceedings have been disrupted since the session started last week on issues like Rafale, the dam on Cauvery river and the demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Rajya Sabha could not function for fifth consecutive day of Winter Session as the House was adjourned after heated exchanges between the BJP and Congress members on Rafale deal while the AIADMK and DMK protested over Cauvery issue.

Rajya Sabha could not function for fifth consecutive day of Winter Session as the House was adjourned after heated exchanges between the BJP and Congress members on Rafale deal while the AIADMK and DMK protested over Cauvery issue. As the House met Tuesday morning, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu informed the members that various notices on urgent matters, ranging from cyclones affecting lives in some states to price rise to agriculture crisis, have been admitted for discussion. Naidu, who had adjourned the proceedings for the entire day on Monday amid uproar over Rafale, Cauvery and other issues, appealed to the members to let the House run its business. The Chairman said that he was going through a privilege notice given by the Opposition. However, soon after the papers were laid by the ministers, members from the two major political parties of Tamil Nadu — AIADMK and DMK —trooped into the Well of the House, carrying placards and shouting slogans against the construction of a dam on Cauvery river. Some members from Andhra Pradesh were also seen displaying placards demanding special status for the state. Amid sloganeering, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the privilege motion against the government on the Rafale jet deal should be accepted as the matter is agitating the minds of the people. Azad alleged the government has misled Parliament and the Supreme Court on the issue, triggering vociferous protests from the treasury benches. The senior Congress leader said the government has no right to continue in office and "should go". Naidu, however, said that the Chair should be allowed to take a view on the Privilege notice. The Congress had given the notice demanding an explanation from the government on why it provided the Supreme Court "wrong" information on the purchase of Rafale fighter jet from a French company. Countering Azad, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel said the government was ready to discuss all issues, including Rafale. He demanded that the Congress apologise in the wake of the apex court's refusal to order a SIT probe in Rafale deal and Sajjan Kumar's conviction by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. As slogan shouting by the AIADMK and DMK members continued in the Well of the House, Naidu adjourned the House till 2 PM. When the House resumed in the afternoon again, Naidu proposed to discuss calling the attention of the Minister of Home Affairs on the situation arising due to the devastation caused by cyclones Gaja and Titli in some states and the action taken by the government in this regard. However, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma raised a point of order saying that Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs had referred to Rahul Gandhi and it is against the rule to demand his apology because he is a member of other House. Soon after, the ruling party member again started raising slogans and demanded an apology from Gandhi while some of the AIADMK and DMK members trooped into the well to protest over Cauvery issue. Naidu said that there is no point of order in the matter and asked the member to discuss the serious issues mainly related to farmers which are a problem not only in Tamil Naidu but across the country. Rajya Sabha proceedings have been disrupted since the session started last week on issues like Rafale, the dam on Cauvery river and the demand for special status to Andhra Pradesh.

For fifth consecutive day, Rajya Sabha disrupted over Rafale, Cauvery

Union minister Vijay Goel will meet key opposition leaders at their residence in an effort to break the logjam in Parliament, which has been paralysed for 14 days due to protests by various parties.

The government is willing for a discussion on no-confidence motions against it and enjoys a strong majority in the Lok Sabha, Goel, who is Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, said on Thursday, wondering why the opposition leaders were debating on television and not in the House.

Goel said he will be visiting key leaders of opposition parties, including the Congress, AIADMK, TDP and TRS, to persuade them to call off their protests, which have resulted in a washout of Parliament&#39;s proceedings since March 5 when it met after a recess to continue the Budget session.

At a press conference, Goel noted that over Rs 2.5 lakh is spent per minute in running Parliament, and asked opposition parties to raise their issues and debate them in the two Houses.

The second leg of the Budget Session is of 23 days and all 14 days so far have been wasted, Goel said.

&quot;I have been meeting opposition leaders in Parliament and will now visit their homes to persuade them to call off their protests and start discussion on their issues&quot; in the two Houses, he said.

On issues like the PNB scam, the government has more to tell the people than the opposition, he claimed and said the Modi government has been an honest dispensation which has worked against corruption.

&quot;Parliament is meant for debate. It is sad that opposition leaders can debate outside and on TV channels but not in Parliament. It is also strange for some of them to keep protesting in the Well of the two Houses and then say that it is the government&#39;s job to run them,&quot; he said.

Arjun Ram Meghwal, who is also a junior minister for parliamentary affairs, said it is difficult for the Speaker to take up notices for no-confidence motions as long as members are present in the Well as she is required to do a head-count of members supporting the notices.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress have given notices for no confidence motion against the government following the Centre&#39;s stand that it cannot provide special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

Several parties have been protesting in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over various of issues such as banking scam, Cauvery board, special status to Andhra Pradesh and quota hike, leading to daily adjournments.

A large number of bills, including on triple talaq, whistleblower protection and OBC Commission, are pending in Parliament. The Lok Sabha passed the crucial Finance Bill without any discussion. A couple of other bills have also been pushed in the two houses amid the din.&nbsp;

Union minister Vijay Goel will meet key opposition leaders at their residence in an effort to break the logjam in Parliament, which has been paralysed for 14 days due to protests by various parties

Union minister Vijay Goel will meet key opposition leaders at their residence in an effort to break the logjam in Parliament, which has been paralysed for 14 days due to protests by various parties. The government is willing for a discussion on no-confidence motions against it and enjoys a strong majority in the Lok Sabha, Goel, who is Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, said on Thursday, wondering why the opposition leaders were debating on television and not in the House. Goel said he will be visiting key leaders of opposition parties, including the Congress, AIADMK, TDP and TRS, to persuade them to call off their protests, which have resulted in a washout of Parliament's proceedings since March 5 when it met after a recess to continue the Budget session. At a press conference, Goel noted that over Rs 2.5 lakh is spent per minute in running Parliament, and asked opposition parties to raise their issues and debate them in the two Houses. The second leg of the Budget Session is of 23 days and all 14 days so far have been wasted, Goel said. "I have been meeting opposition leaders in Parliament and will now visit their homes to persuade them to call off their protests and start discussion on their issues" in the two Houses, he said. On issues like the PNB scam, the government has more to tell the people than the opposition, he claimed and said the Modi government has been an honest dispensation which has worked against corruption. "Parliament is meant for debate. It is sad that opposition leaders can debate outside and on TV channels but not in Parliament. It is also strange for some of them to keep protesting in the Well of the two Houses and then say that it is the government's job to run them," he said. Arjun Ram Meghwal, who is also a junior minister for parliamentary affairs, said it is difficult for the Speaker to take up notices for no-confidence motions as long as members are present in the Well as she is required to do a head-count of members supporting the notices. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress have given notices for no confidence motion against the government following the Centre's stand that it cannot provide special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Several parties have been protesting in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over various of issues such as banking scam, Cauvery board, special status to Andhra Pradesh and quota hike, leading to daily adjournments. A large number of bills, including on triple talaq, whistleblower protection and OBC Commission, are pending in Parliament. The Lok Sabha passed the crucial Finance Bill without any discussion. A couple of other bills have also been pushed in the two houses amid the din.

Union minister Vijay Goel to reach out to opposition leaders to break Parliament logjam

It was a meeting between Union minister Vijay Goel and Manmohan Singh last week that initiated the process to break the government-opposition deadlock in the Rajya Sabha, a top government official said today.

The proceedings of both the Houses of Parliament were disrupted for nearly two weeks over remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Gujarat Assembly election campaign. He had criticised his predecessor Singh for attending a secret&quot; dinner with senior Pakistan officials at former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar&#39;s residence.

According to the official, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Goel reached out to the former prime minister and showed him the copy of Modi&#39;s speech and convinced him that no derogatory references were made to him.

&quot;Singh then agreed to end the deadlock with a statement from the government,&quot; the official claimed.

Goel&#39;s meeting with Singh was followed by a meeting of Leader of the Upper house Arun Jaitley and Goel with Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad and Congress leader Anand Sharma at Azad&#39;s residence.

The process culminated in a statement today by Jaitley, who said the prime minister has never questioned Singh&#39;s integrity and commitment to the nation.

However, ahead of Jaitley&#39;s statement, there was a small disagreement between the two sides over its formulation that was resolved with the intervention of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu. 
Naidu suggested to the government to drop the contentious word and the government relented, they said.

Reacting to Jaitley&#39;s statement, Azad said the Congress does not approve of any remarks made against the prime minister, apparently in a reference to the &quot;neech&quot; remark made by Aiyar.&nbsp;

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Goel reached out to the former prime minister and showed him the copy of Modi's speech and convinced him that no derogatory references were made to him.

It was a meeting between Union minister Vijay Goel and Manmohan Singh last week that initiated the process to break the government-opposition deadlock in the Rajya Sabha, a top government official said today. The proceedings of both the Houses of Parliament were disrupted for nearly two weeks over remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Gujarat Assembly election campaign. He had criticised his predecessor Singh for attending a secret" dinner with senior Pakistan officials at former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar's residence. According to the official, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Goel reached out to the former prime minister and showed him the copy of Modi's speech and convinced him that no derogatory references were made to him. "Singh then agreed to end the deadlock with a statement from the government," the official claimed. Goel's meeting with Singh was followed by a meeting of Leader of the Upper house Arun Jaitley and Goel with Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad and Congress leader Anand Sharma at Azad's residence. The process culminated in a statement today by Jaitley, who said the prime minister has never questioned Singh's integrity and commitment to the nation. However, ahead of Jaitley's statement, there was a small disagreement between the two sides over its formulation that was resolved with the intervention of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu. Naidu suggested to the government to drop the contentious word and the government relented, they said. Reacting to Jaitley's statement, Azad said the Congress does not approve of any remarks made against the prime minister, apparently in a reference to the "neech" remark made by Aiyar.

'Goel-Manmohan meeting began process to break govt-opposition deadlock in RS'

Sports minister Vijay Goel today made it clear that the government will not allow any bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan till the time &quot;cross-border terrorism&quot; does not stop.

The minister&#39;s firm statement comes on a day the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board are meeting in Dubai to discuss their bilateral ties, which have remained suspended since 2012 due to diplomatic tensions after terror attacks in India.

This also comes before the June 4 Champions league match between India and Pakistan in Cardiff.

&quot;BCCI should speak to the government before giving any proposal to Pakistan. I have made it clear that bilateral cricket with Pakistan is not possible till the time there is cross-border terror. We have, however, no say on multilateral events (ICC tournaments),&quot; Goel told reporters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The PCB has already sent a legal notice to BCCI claiming damages in tune of USD 60 million (Rs 387 crore approx) for allegedly not honouring the MoU that had stated five bilateral series in the cycle between 2015-2023.

It is learnt that the BCCI officials led by joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary will explain to their PCB counterparts that the series can&#39;t be held without government permission and would also request them to withdraw the case.

If Pakistan refuses to budge, it is learnt that now way will BCCI pay any compensation in this case.

The cash-strapped PCB&#39;s finances heavily depend on a series with India which would mean a financial windfall for the nation, where no international cricketing activity has taken place since terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket team.

(PTI)

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Sports minister Vijay Goel said the government will not allow any bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan till the time 'cross-border terrorism'?does not stop

Sports minister Vijay Goel today made it clear that the government will not allow any bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan till the time "cross-border terrorism" does not stop. The minister's firm statement comes on a day the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board are meeting in Dubai to discuss their bilateral ties, which have remained suspended since 2012 due to diplomatic tensions after terror attacks in India. This also comes before the June 4 Champions league match between India and Pakistan in Cardiff. "BCCI should speak to the government before giving any proposal to Pakistan. I have made it clear that bilateral cricket with Pakistan is not possible till the time there is cross-border terror. We have, however, no say on multilateral events (ICC tournaments)," Goel told reporters in New Delhi. The PCB has already sent a legal notice to BCCI claiming damages in tune of USD 60 million (Rs 387 crore approx) for allegedly not honouring the MoU that had stated five bilateral series in the cycle between 2015-2023. It is learnt that the BCCI officials led by joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary will explain to their PCB counterparts that the series can't be held without government permission and would also request them to withdraw the case. If Pakistan refuses to budge, it is learnt that now way will BCCI pay any compensation in this case. The cash-strapped PCB's finances heavily depend on a series with India which would mean a financial windfall for the nation, where no international cricketing activity has taken place since terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket team. (PTI)

Indian government says 'no' to bilateral cricket with Pakistan

A defiant Indian Olympic Association (IOA) sought to brazen it out even as the clamour for a rollback grew louder today after the scam-tainted duo of Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala were elevated to life presidents of the sporting body.

The aftershocks of the IOA&#39;s decision, which was heavily criticised by sports minister Vijay Goel in a hurriedly-called press conference last night, became stronger in intensity today.

The IOA top brass could not be reached after the shocking move even as Chautala came out to defend himself by launching an attack on Goel.

However, that did little to douse the fire and Goel was joined by Ajay Maken, the sports minister in the previous government, who also criticised the move and called it &quot;sad and painful.&quot;

&quot;As a former sports minister and sports enthusiast, the IOA&#39;s decision to appoint Kalmadi and Chautala as life presidents of IOA is sad and very painful. This decision is not good for sports and India&#39;s image,&quot; Ajay Maken told the press today.

&quot;I request the sports minister not only to convey his reservations but take strong actions to reverse the decision. All the national sports federations are funded by the sports ministry, so the government should exercise its full powers to reverse the decision. If they do so there is no reason the matter can&#39;t be resolved,&quot; he added.

Chautala, on the other hand, wondered what the fuss was all about, going to the extent of ridiculing Goel for expressing pain on his appointment.

&quot;I was surprised by the reaction of sports minister Vijay Goel. He was claiming that there are criminal and corruption cases against me. The case against me is not a criminal case, it is a political case,&quot; a livid Chautala said.

&quot;Mr Goel has failed in his responsibility as a sports minister. I would advise him to fulfil his responsibility as sports minister because if he does that, our medal count will increase manifold and he will get credit for that. Instead of getting into a controversy without knowing full facts, he should focus on his job,&quot; he added.

Chautala also said that he had done enough for Olympic sports in India to deserve the IOA life president&#39;s post.

Maken, meanwhile, also questioned BJP MP Anurag Thakur, BJP-ally Shiromoni Akali Dal MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and IOA sitting vice-president Tarlochan Singh for not opposing the appointments being a part of the AGM.

&quot;Today when we are talking about eradicating corruption and graft from the country we are bringing back such tainted individuals. What is the message the IOA is giving?&quot; he asked.

&quot;Anurag Thakur, Dhindsa and Tarlochan Singh were all part of IOA Executive Committee and were there at the meeting yesterday. I request them all to take back the decision for the image of the country,&quot; Maken added. 
 
(PTI)

The IOA's decision, which was criticised by sports minister Vijay Goel in a hurriedly-called press conference last night, gained in intensity today

A defiant Indian Olympic Association (IOA) sought to brazen it out even as the clamour for a rollback grew louder today after the scam-tainted duo of Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala were elevated to life presidents of the sporting body. The aftershocks of the IOA's decision, which was heavily criticised by sports minister Vijay Goel in a hurriedly-called press conference last night, became stronger in intensity today. The IOA top brass could not be reached after the shocking move even as Chautala came out to defend himself by launching an attack on Goel. However, that did little to douse the fire and Goel was joined by Ajay Maken, the sports minister in the previous government, who also criticised the move and called it "sad and painful." "As a former sports minister and sports enthusiast, the IOA's decision to appoint Kalmadi and Chautala as life presidents of IOA is sad and very painful. This decision is not good for sports and India's image," Ajay Maken told the press today. "I request the sports minister not only to convey his reservations but take strong actions to reverse the decision. All the national sports federations are funded by the sports ministry, so the government should exercise its full powers to reverse the decision. If they do so there is no reason the matter can't be resolved," he added. Chautala, on the other hand, wondered what the fuss was all about, going to the extent of ridiculing Goel for expressing pain on his appointment. "I was surprised by the reaction of sports minister Vijay Goel. He was claiming that there are criminal and corruption cases against me. The case against me is not a criminal case, it is a political case," a livid Chautala said. "Mr Goel has failed in his responsibility as a sports minister. I would advise him to fulfil his responsibility as sports minister because if he does that, our medal count will increase manifold and he will get credit for that. Instead of getting into a controversy without knowing full facts, he should focus on his job," he added. Chautala also said that he had done enough for Olympic sports in India to deserve the IOA life president's post. Maken, meanwhile, also questioned BJP MP Anurag Thakur, BJP-ally Shiromoni Akali Dal MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and IOA sitting vice-president Tarlochan Singh for not opposing the appointments being a part of the AGM. "Today when we are talking about eradicating corruption and graft from the country we are bringing back such tainted individuals. What is the message the IOA is giving?" he asked. "Anurag Thakur, Dhindsa and Tarlochan Singh were all part of IOA Executive Committee and were there at the meeting yesterday. I request them all to take back the decision for the image of the country," Maken added. (PTI)

BJP calls for Suresh Kalmadi, Abhay Singh Chautala's removal as IOA life presidents

The India minister of youth affairs and sports, Vijay Goel, has constituted a two-member committee to look into the allegations made by Indian long-distance runner OP Jaisha who fainted at the end of the marathon run in Rio Olympics 2016. Jaisha has alleged that there were no Indian officials to provide her water or energy drinks at the Indian refreshment points. 
 
She also said that special arrangements were made for athletes from other countries at every 2.5 km but no arrangements were made at the designated points for Indian runners. 
 
The committee will submit its report in seven days,

According to rules, India should have assigned four officials at four points to provide participants&nbsp;water and refreshment. But Jaisha had to rely on common stations, which were placed 8 km apart, for the same.

Jaisha had to be rushed to a hospital after she collapsed. She finished 89th in the marathon of 157 participants but insisted that she would have made a better finish had she received water and refreshments on time.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Indian runner, who fainted at the end of the Rio marathon, has alleged there were no officials to give her water at designated points

The India minister of youth affairs and sports, Vijay Goel, has constituted a two-member committee to look into the allegations made by Indian long-distance runner OP Jaisha who fainted at the end of the marathon run in Rio Olympics 2016. Jaisha has alleged that there were no Indian officials to provide her water or energy drinks at the Indian refreshment points. She also said that special arrangements were made for athletes from other countries at every 2.5 km but no arrangements were made at the designated points for Indian runners. The committee will submit its report in seven days, According to rules, India should have assigned four officials at four points to provide participants water and refreshment. But Jaisha had to rely on common stations, which were placed 8 km apart, for the same. Jaisha had to be rushed to a hospital after she collapsed. She finished 89th in the marathon of 157 participants but insisted that she would have made a better finish had she received water and refreshments on time. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian sports minister constitutes committee to inquire into allegations of marathon runner Jaisha

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