Yechury meets Sonia for 'talks over common prez candidate'

April 21, 2017

New Delhi, Apr 21: CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and is learnt to have discussed the possibility of "like-minded" opposition parties fielding a common candidate for the presidential poll.

Yechury met Gandhi yesterday at her official residence here. The meeting followed a discussion between Gandhi and Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar on the issue yesterday, sources said.

"Yechury and Gandhi discussed the possibility of fielding a candidate acceptable to all secular opposition parties. Gandhi responded positively to a suggestion in this connection by the CPI(M) leader," a source in the Left party said. The CPI(M) has also held informal discussions on the issue with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad.

"The opposition leaders are likely to meet shortly to discuss the issue formally," the source said. Asked if President Pranab Mukherjee, a Congress veteran, could be fielded as the common candidate by the opposition parties, the source said "he maybe ... if all parties agreed (to the proposal). But again, it is subject to whether Mukherjee wants to continue as President."

Mukherjee's tenure as President is coming to an end on July 24. He had taken over the post in July 2012, defeating the NDA candidate, late PA Sangma. Mukherjee had secured 7.13 lakh votes as against 3.15 lakh polled by Sangma.

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

PM Modi, King Abdullah II share 8-point vision to deepen India-Jordan ties

News Network

December 16,2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Amman, during which the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, with the Prime Minister outlining an eight-point vision covering key areas of cooperation.

Describing the meeting as “productive”, PM Modi said he shared a roadmap focused on trade and economy, fertilisers and agriculture, information technology, healthcare, infrastructure, critical and strategic minerals, civil nuclear cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister praised King Abdullah II’s personal commitment to advancing India–Jordan relations, particularly as both countries mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year.

“Held productive discussions with His Majesty King Abdullah II in Amman. His personal commitment towards vibrant India-Jordan relations is noteworthy. This year, we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of our bilateral diplomatic relations,” PM Modi said.

The meeting took place at the Al Husseiniya Palace, where the two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, defence and security, counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation, fertilisers and agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, and heritage.

The MEA said both leaders reaffirmed their united stand against terrorism.

PM Modi arrived in Amman earlier on Monday and was received by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, who accorded him a formal welcome. Following the talks, King Abdullah II hosted a banquet dinner in honour of the Prime Minister, reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties.

Jordan is the first leg of PM Modi’s three-nation tour. From Amman, the Prime Minister will travel to Ethiopia at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, marking his first official visit to the African nation. The tour will conclude with a visit to Oman.

Comments