Shigeru Ishiba elected as Japan’s new Prime Minister
Tokyo: Shigeru Ishiba, 67, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has been elected as the new Prime Minister by the House of Representatives. Ishiba, who secured the LDP presidency last week, was endorsed by the ruling coalition-controlled lower house and is set to replace Fumio Kishida, who decided not to run again amid a slush fund scandal that has tarnished the party’s image.
This marks Ishiba’s fifth attempt at the LDP leadership, where he emerged victorious by defeating Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi in a closely contested runoff. Ishiba garnered 215 votes, surpassing Takaichi's 194. His tenure begins amid significant challenges, with a pressing need to restore public trust in the LDP.
In his first announcement as party leader, Ishiba declared plans to dissolve the lower house on October 9, with general elections scheduled for October 27. This move has been criticised by opposition parties, who described it as "disrespectful" and "unconstitutional" since it came before Ishiba’s formal election as Prime Minister.
Ishiba’s rise to the highest office has been marked by a steady ascent through various roles within the LDP. His political career began in 1986 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. Over the years, he has held positions such as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, and Minister of Defence. Known for his independent stance and policy expertise, Ishiba has often been at odds with party leadership, notably during his rivalry with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
With a focus on transparency and accountability, Ishiba has pledged to rebuild the LDP’s image and prioritize national security. "I will dedicate myself to making Japan a safer country," he said following his election.
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Cong 'pocketed' Rs 150 cr per annum from Assam healthcare budget during 15 yrs of rule: Shah
Guwahati (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday alleged that the Congress, during its previous 15 years of rule in Assam, "pocketed" Rs 150 crore per annum from the state healthcare budget.
Inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for healthcare projects worth Rs 2,092 crore in Assam, Shah said the BJP works for affordable healthcare for all sections of society and lauded Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for bringing the state's medical facilities at par with states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
"Assam's healthcare was in shambles 10 years ago as Congress worked only for the financial health of its leaders' families," he said.
Attacking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said that no Indian supports his acts of "defaming" the country in his bid to oppose the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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He lambasted the Congress for its "shirtless" protest at the recent AI summit in New Delhi and Gandhi for having 'chai-pakora' on the stairs of Parliament House.
"We were also in the opposition and staged protests against the government, but there is a right platform for it," he said.
"Parliament is a sacred seat of democracy. Its stairs should not be used for even dharnas. And Rahul Gandhi was having 'chai-pakora' there. Doesn't he know where to have his breakfast?" asked the Union minister.
Shah inaugurated the Rs 675-crore Pragjyotishpur Medical College and Hospital in Guwahati, at a programme held on its premises.
He also virtually inaugurated two cancer centres at Golaghat and Tinsukia, both under Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), constructed at a cost of Rs 135 crore each.
Shah virtually laid the foundation stone for super-speciality hospitals at Diphu Medical College and Hospital (Rs 220 crore), Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (Rs 310 crore), and Barpeta Medical College and Hospital (Rs 284 crore).
The foundation stone for a Rs 218-crore Swasthya Bhawan in Guwahati, and the Abhayapuri District Hospital (Rs 115 crore) were also laid by the Union home minister.
Shah arrived here on Saturday evening on a two-day visit to Assam, his fourth visit to the northeastern state in four months.
