Percept H set to unveil campaign on Bharat Nirman
By IANS
New Delhi : The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's multi-media advertising blitz for its flagship Bharat Nirman programme is expected to be complete next week.
"We will present the campaign to the secretaries in the government on Oct 29 and after that will make a formal announcement and talk to the media," Shailendra Singh, managing director of Percept Pictures, told IANS Wednesday.
Percept H, an arm of Percept Holdings, has been appointed the creative agency, for the information and broadcasting ministry's almost Rs.800 million campaign.
Chhattisgarh BJP dissidents get minister-rank posts
By IANS
Raipur : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Wednesday appointed five dissident tribal legislators of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to key posts and gave them all the minister of state rank.
Singh appointed four legislators - Devlal Dugga, Subhau Kashyap, Sanjeev Shah and Ramsheela Sahu - as parliamentary secretaries.
Despite Vigilance case, Minister’s personnel staff goes nasty
By News Agency of Kashmir
Srinagar : The repeated assertions of chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad about providing a corruption free, accountable and transparent government, notwithstanding, the ministers and their private staff is neck deep into corruption charges with senior and junior officers becoming the milching cows.
Qazi stays away from cabinet meeting; Qarra stages walkout
By News Agency of Kashmir
Srinagar : Former Forest Minister and Minister for Housing and Urban Development( under suspended animation) Qazi Muhammad Afzal today stayed away from the cabinet meeting, which also witnessed some heated arguments between Finance Minister Tariq Hameed Qarra and Health Minister Mangat Ram Sharma, forcing the former to leave the meeting midway.
Subramanian Swamy’s plea on Sethusamudram dismissed
By IANS
New Delhi : The Supreme Court Wednesday dismissed a plea by Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy seeking dismantling of the 10-member experts' committee on the Sethusamudram canal project for its alleged "anti-Hindu" and "anti-Ram Sethu bias".
"Whatever objections you have, go and raise them in the committee," the bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justices R.V. Raveendran and Dalveer Bhandari said.
"You come to us when you have objections to the findings and recommendations of the committee," the judges said.
JD-S/Congress government in Karnataka? The speculation mounts
By IANS
Bangalore/New Delhi : Senior JD-S leader M.P. Prakash Wednesday said his talks with the Congress over government formation in Karnataka were positive, lending credence to the buzz that the two parties would come together to govern the state once again.
The former home minister of the state landed in the Karnataka capital Wednesday after an unannounced visit to Delhi where he met union Home Minister Shivraj Patil for an hour Tuesday, reportedly to discuss the contours of the new arrangement.
President Patil to get rousing welcome in Kerala
By IANS
Thiruvananthapuram : President Pratibha Patil is set for her first state visit to Kerala next month and Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan Wednesday said she would get a rousing welcome in the southern state.
"The president is arriving Nov 1 and will take part in a few functions. We will give her a public reception," Achuthanandan told reporters here after his weekly cabinet meeting.
Split in Gujjar ranks – rally and meeting on same day
By IANS
Jaipur : Indicating a division in their ranks, Gujjar leaders have planned two separate events on Nov 3 -- a rally in Delhi and a meeting in Jaipur -- to intensify their demand for tribal status for the community.
Over 1.5 million Gujjars from 15 states will be in the national capital to attend the 'swabhiman' (self-respect) rally, said Sukhbir Singh Jaunpuriya, national head of Akhil Bhartiya Gujjar Sangarsh Samiti.
About 300,000 Gujjars from Rajasthan are expected to participate in the rally, he said.
TDP chief meets CPI leaders in effort for common platform
By IANS
New Delhi : With the government clearly indicating an early winter session of parliament, third front parties Wednesday intensified their attempts to build a common platform with the Left parties against the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), particularly on the India-US nuclear deal.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu met Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary A.B. Bardhan and deputy leader D. Raja at the CPI headquarters here.
Pointless for ISRO to insist on Ponmudi land: Achuthanandan
By IANS
Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan Wednesday said it was pointless for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to insist on the land in Ponmudi bought from a businessman for its space institute.
"It is pointless to insist on that land alone because the government has already announced that we will give them 200 acres of land free to build the proposed space institute," Achuthanandan told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting.
Dissent to the fore as Moily arrives in Hyderabad
By IANS
Hyderabad : Differences in Andhra Pradesh's ruling Congress once again came to the fore Wednesday when central leader M. Veerappa Moily landed here on his first visit after being appointed party in-charge of the state.
Supporters of Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and dissident legislator P. Janardhan Reddy jostled and shouted slogans against each other as Moily arrived at the airport.
Amarmani, wife get life terms for poetess murder
By IANS
Dehradun : Uttar Pradesh legislator and former state minister Amarmani Tripathi and his wife Madhumani were Wednesday awarded life sentences by a special court here for the controversial murder of poetess Madhumita Shukla.
The court awarded life terms to the Tripathis, their nephew Rohit Chaturvedi and an acquaintance Santosh Roy. District and Sessions Judge V.B. Roy also imposed a fine of Rs.50,000 each on the convicts.
Nandigram still on the boil, three injured in clashes
By IANS
Kolkata : At least three villagers were injured in fresh clashes between Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) supporters and the anti-land acquisition group, Bhumi Uchched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), in West Bengal's Nandigram area, police said Wednesday.
The groups were involved in a violent clash that started Monday night at Takapura and Satangabari areas, near Nandigram and adjoining Khejuri border, in the trouble-torn region of East Midnapore district, about 150 km from here.
‘Gujarat election is all about Modi’
By Rajeev Khanna, IANS
Ahmedabad : No person has dominated Gujarat politics as much as Chief Minister Narendra Modi, and the coming assembly elections will be focussed on his persona, says scholar and Gujarat expert Ghanshyam Shah.
Ironically, if Modi were to lead the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to an electoral win, it would only prove that economic forces can overcome the emotive appeal of Hindutva, which he once openly championed, Shah said in an interview.
BJP, Congress spar on PM again
By IANS
New Delhi : The Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) once again traded words Tuesday with the latter terming the prime minister as a "sad and helpless leader" and the Congress retorting that Manmohan Singh had achieved in three years what the previous BJP-led government hadn't managed in five.
Poll panel deputes observers for Himachal elections
By IANS
New Delhi : The Election Commission Tuesday deputed observers for the three high-altitude assembly constituencies of Himachal Pradesh that go to polls on Nov 14.
It has deputed three general and three expenditure observers for the constituencies of Bharmour, Kinnnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
Polling for the three reserved Scheduled Tribes constituencies is being held ahead of the elections to the remaining 65 constituencies because these areas get land locked in the winters following heavy snowfall. The passes to these areas are officially closed on Nov 15.
Karnataka governor meets president, PM and home minister
By IANS
New Delhi : Karnataka Tuesday appeared to be heading for a long stint of President's rule with Governor Rameshwar Thakur meeting President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Shivraj Patil to discuss the future of the state.
Thakur, who arrived here late Monday and is likely to stay till Thursday, will Wednesday meet Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and others as well to discuss various projects concerning the state.
Karat meets Third Front leaders on N-deal
By IANS
New Delhi : A day after reiterating his opposition to the India-US nuclear deal, CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat Tuesday met Third Front leaders in what is seen as a move to gather support for the Left's stance on the controversial pact.
Left sources said Karat met Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader K. Yerran Naidu to discuss a joint strategy to oppose the deal in the wake of the government's reported plans to call a special parliament session to discuss it.
B.R. Kundal to become Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary
By IANS
Srinagar : The Jammu and Kashmir government Tuesday appointed Additional Chief Secretary (Home) B.R. Kundal as the state's new chief secretary.
Kundal was chosen for the top bureaucratic post of the state during a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.
An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1972 batch, Kundal will be taking over the post from C. Phonsung who retires Oct 31.
Kundal is the first scheduled caste officer to make it to the top administrative post in the state.
BSP wooing angry Himachal Congress legislator
By IANS
Shimla : Raghbir Singh, the sitting Congress legislator from Himachal Pradesh's tribal seat of Lahaul and Spiti, decided to contest the upcoming assembly elections as an independent after he was denied a party ticket. And the buzz now is that the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is trying to rope him into its fold.
The Congress fielded Phung Chuk Rai from Lahual and Spiti instead of Singh. The move angered Singh and he soon announced he would contest as an independent.
Disillusioned by Left, Congress not to give up
By IANS
New Delhi : The ruling Congress had its fingers crossed Tuesday over the Indo-US nuclear deal after failing to persuade its communist allies to go slow on their uncompromising opposition.
After the four Left parties backing the government remained glued to their no-deal-no-talks-with-IAEA stand Monday, Congress leaders said they would continue to work on the communists.
No threats by Indian PM to resign, says Congress
By NNN-PTI
New Delhi : Congress Monday dismissed as "baseless" the speculation that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has threatened to quit over the nuclear deal controversy.
"I don't respond to baseless speculation," Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said when asked about reports that Singh has threatened to quit earlier in the day during a meeting with leaders of some allies.
The assertion came amid reports that the Prime Minister had told the meeting that he had felt let down by the allies over the nuclear deal and was feeling embarrassed.
PM upset with allies, Left’s another ‘no’ to talks with IAEA
By IANS
New Delhi : Indian communists Monday rejected the government's desperate pleas for a compromise to save the Indo-US nuclear deal but agreed to meet again Nov 16 for a final decision, even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh openly voiced disappointment with his allies for not standing by him.
Karnataka governor to visit Delhi, consult centre on his advisers
By IANS
Bangalore/New Delhi : Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur is headed for New Delhi to discuss with the central government and decide on advisers to run the administration of the state, which is now under President's Rule.
According to sources, the governor is expected to call on President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and meet union Home Minister Shivraj Patil during his stay in the capital.
The state was placed under President's Rule on Oct 9 following the resignation of H.D. Kumaraswamy as chief minister.
PM upset with allies, Left’s another ‘no’ to talks with IAEA
By IANS
New Delhi : Indian communists Monday rejected the government's desperate pleas for a compromise to save the Indo-US nuclear deal but agreed to meet again Nov 16 for a final decision, even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh openly voiced disappointment with his allies for not standing by him.
BJP asks government to cancel Sethu project
By IANS
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday asked the government to abandon work on the controversial Sethusamudram shipping canal project in the sea dividing India and Sri Lanka.
"The BJP condemns the wilful and outrageous statement made by Union Shipping Minister T.R. Baalu on Vijaydashmi (Sunday) about the completion of the Sethusamudram Project by blowing up the Ram Sethu. This is not only a gross insult to the national sentiment but is also a deliberate attempt to hurt the faith of the entire nation," BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar said.
Election Commission orders four Gujarat appointments
By IANS
New Delhi : The Election Commission Monday ordered four more appointments to senior administrative and police posts with a view to conduct free and fair elections to the state assembly in December.
According to the Commission sources, M.V. Joshi has been appointed the collector in the southern district of Valsad.
Wabang Zamir has been appointed the superintendent of police (SP) in the northern district of Patan, Archana Shivhare as the SP for Rajkot (Rural) and Amit Vishwakarma as the SP of Vadodara (Rural).
UPA, Left to meet again over nuclear deal
By IANS
New Delhi : India's ruling coalition and its communist allies met Monday to discuss their differences over the Indo-US nuclear deal and decided to meet again Nov 16.
A statement issued at the end of the meeting said the discussions took place in a "constructive and cordial atmosphere".
Leaders of the Congress and its allies in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and of the four Left parties backing the government discussed the implications of the Hyde Act on India's nuclear policy and the country's pursuit of an independent foreign policy.
PM disappointed with allies over N-deal
By IANS
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday expressed disappointment with his allies for not fully standing by him when he came under attack from the Left over the Indo-US nuclear deal.
The prime minister bared his heart at a meeting of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), including top leaders of the major Congress allies, at his residence, informed sources told IANS.
"The prime minister voiced his disappointment to Lalu Prasad, Sharad Pawar and T.R. Baalu over their public statements against the nuclear deal," the source said.
Congress slams CPI-M for Bengal food riots
By IANS
New Delhi : The Congress Monday attacked the CPI-M led government in West Bengal for food riots in the state and said this reflected the enormous deficiencies in the state's food distribution system to the poor.
In a hard hitting statement, the Congress said: "Those who profess concern for the poorest of the poor should immediately set their own house in order. They have to urgently address the legitimate concern of the deprived and the needy."
Modi alleges foul play after fire near rally
By IANS
Surat : Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has alleged foul play after a fire broke out near the venue of his rally in this south Gujarat city.
Soon after Modi ended his speech at the meet Sunday night, organised by the Nagrik Abhivadan Samiti, a group of business people from the Patel community, the fire broke out in the parking stand and 37 two-wheelers were gutted.
Talking to reporters after the incident, Modi described the incident as "foul play", adding that in a democracy resorting to violence was totally "condemnable".
Sonia to visit China, to meet Hu
By IANS
New Delhi : Signalling the strengthening of Sino-Indian ties, Congress president Sonia Gandhi Thursday leaves for a five-day visit to China during which she is scheduled to meet President Hu Jintao, who has just been named head of the ruling party for a second term.
JD-S again puts off decision on Karnataka
By IANS
Bangalore : The Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) has again put off a decision on early polls to the Karnataka assembly or forming a government with the Congress, apparently waiting for a clear signal from the Congress high command on its intention.
"The decision will be known in three to four days," JD-S spokesperson Y.S.V. Datta told IANS Monday.
Last week the party announced that a final decision would be made public on Oct 22 after a meeting of former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and other senior party leaders with JD-S president H.D. Deve Gowda.
UPA allies meet ahead of nuclear meeting with Left
By IANS
New Delhi : India's ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) met Monday at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence to chalk out a strategy for a later meeting with the Left on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Surface Transport Minister T.R. Baalu (DMK) were the leaders of the Congress allies in the coalition who attended the meeting.
Thackeray targets government for reneging on n-deal
By IANS
Mumbai : Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray Sunday criticized the Manmohan Singh government for reneging on the India-US nuclear deal and wondered why such a hue and cry was being made about it since "it would not affect the common man directly".
Addressing his annual Dussehra rally at the Shivaji Park in central Mumbai, he also targeted the Congress-led governments in centre and Maharashtra for not showing concern for the common man.
UPA-Left panel report on n-deal after Diwali: Yechury
By IANS
Bangalore : The UPA-Left committee on the India-US civil nuclear deal would give its report after Diwali, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) politburo member Sitaram Yechury said here Sunday.
"We expect the UPA-Left panel to come out with its findings after Diwali next month (Nov 9). Consensus on the nuclear deal is not possible unless the government first addresses our concerns," he told reporters here on the sidelines of a function.
Jaya, Baalu differ on Sethu project
By IANS
Chennai : Union Shipping and Surface Transport Minister T.R. Baalu said Sunday that the Sethusamudram canal project would be completed by November next year, even as AIADMK chief J. Jayalalitha demanded that the review panel on the project be scrapped.
"The project will be completed in November next year and the first ship will be flagged off by UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi," Baalu said here.
Kerala church to drop CPI-M members from panels
By IANS
Kottayam (Kerala) : The war of words between the Syro Malabar Church and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has intensified with the diocese of the church deciding to bar card-holding CPI-M members from all church committees.
The decision was taken at the pastoral council of the Changnacherry diocese, headed by Archbishop Joseph Mar Perumthottam Saturday.
Speaking to IANS, spokesperson of the Syro Malabar Church, Father Paul Thelekat said that each diocese of the church is independent and they are free to take their own decisions.
Advani writes to PM on paddy growers’ problems
By IANS
New Delhi : Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani has written to the prime minister airing the unhappiness of paddy growers over the Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed for the crop, which is lower than for wheat, and urged for parity in the prices of both crops.
In his letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the BJP leader has also voiced the problems of sugarcane farmers of Andhra Pradesh.
UPA shelved n-deal due to poll fear, says RSS
By IANS
New Delhi : The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has said the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government "chickened out under pressure" and shelved the Indo-US civil nuclear deal for fear of facing early elections.
Spell your stand on N-deal, Left to tell UPA Monday
By IANS
New Delhi : The fifth meeting of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-Left nuclear committee Monday is expected to give a clear idea where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government stands on the Indo-US nuclear deal. This is the Left's hope.
Although the poll clouds have faded away following public statements by the prime minister and Congress president Sonia Gandhi that they are against early elections, tensions between the ruling Congress and its communist allies have not subsided over the civil nuclear deal.
Indian Ministry for strict rules to curb misuse of SIM cards by terrorists
By NNN-PTI
New Delhi : In the wake of reports that mobile phones were used to trigger the blasts in Hyderabad and Ajmer, the Union Home Ministry is working on stringent guidelines to prevent misuse of SIM cards for terror attacks.
The MHA is working on a fresh set of rules to be adhered to by the mobile service providers on whether the SIM cards were in the hands of genuine users, sources said today.
Gujarat in festive mood, politics can wait
By Rajeev Khanna, IANS
Ahmedabad : It was not long ago that the Gujarat assembly election schedule was eagerly awaited here, but as soon as the announcement was made the state seems to have put politics aside and picked up dandiyas as the festival season has overshadowed poll preparations.
People and party workers alike are engrossed with the Navaratri festivities that will culminate on Dussehra Sunday, only to pave the way for Diwali next month. Politics will pick up only a week after the festival of lights.
Karnataka political parties begin emotional campaigning
By V.S. Karnic, IANS
Bangalore : Although elections to the Karnataka assembly, now in suspended animation, are not on the horizon, the state is already witnessing a high-pitched emotional campaign for the people's mandate.
Sarcasm, shedding of tears in public, visits to holy places, special pujas, seeking blessings and support of religious heads have begun in earnest as the three main contenders for power in the state pull out every trick in the electoral trade to beat their rivals.
BJP leader J.P. Mathur dead
By IANS
New Delhi : Former vice president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J.P. Mathur died of a protracted illness early Saturday here. He was 86.
A former member of the Rajya Sabha, Mathur was cremated at the Lodhi Road crematorium in the afternoon amid chanting of Vedic `shlokas'.
Achuthanandan turns 84, wants tarred roads as birthday gift
By IANS
Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan turned 84 Saturday and as a birthday gift wanted people with the expertise of tarring roads during rains to share their knowledge with him.
On his birthday, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader was busy attending public functions in Kozhikode, about 500 km from the state capital, where he appealed to people with expertise in tarring roads during rains to come forward and offer their services to the government.
Mayawati plan to split Uttar Pradesh starts chain reaction
By IANS
Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's signal for the state's trifurcation has led tribals of the state's Vindhyachal region to demand a separate state too.
Tribal bodies of the region, bordering Bihar, plan to stage a dance demonstration in front of the state assembly building here Oct 31 to press their demand for what they have christened 'Sonanchal' state.
Agitated Modi walks out of Karan Thapar TV interview
New Delhi, Oct 20 (IANS) Not willing to talk about the Gujarat riots of 2002, an agitated Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi walked out of an interview with senior journalist Karan Thapar after just four minutes when he was asked if he had an "image problem".
Modi walked out of the interview meant for the "Devil's Advocate" programme to be aired on CNN-IBN Saturday evening.
BJP leader J.P. Mathur dead
By IANS
New Delhi : Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vice president J.P. Mathur died here early Saturday of a protracted terminal illness. He was 86.
Mathur, who was a bachelor, was also a former member of the Rajya Sabha.
He used to live in the bachelors' quarters next to the BJP headquarters at 9, Ashoka Road, since the BJP shot into prominence in the late 1980s.
His body was kept in state at the party office and there was a steady stream of BJP members and leaders who arrived to pay their homage Saturday morning.
Government mulls Hyde Act-like law to salvage n-deal
By Manish Chand, IANS
Johannesburg/New Delhi : In a last-ditch effort to salvage the India-US civil nuclear deal, the government is considering a law similar to the Hyde Act that will address Left's concerns on India's strategic autonomy and reiterate the government's commitment to an independent foreign policy.
The government is open to the idea, but it is for the Left parties to first propose it, a highly placed official source told IANS ahead of the UPA-Left meeting on Oct 22.
Governmenat must make clear final stand on n-deal: Yechury
By IANS
Chennai : Communist leader Sitaram Yechury Friday said the Manmohan Singh government should "make clear" its "final position" on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
Yechury, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader, told the media here that the Left parties were "expecting" the government to give the final word on the deal on Oct 22, when the ruling United Progressive Alliance(UPA)-Left panel meets again for talks.
Prohibit participatory notes: CPI-M tells government
By IANS
New Delhi : The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Friday demanded a complete ban on participatory notes (PNs) in the capital market, saying that through it unregistered entities were pushing in huge funds leading to unprecedented fluctuations.
"The CPI-M is of the firm opinion that PNs should be prohibited, as has been recommended by the RBI (Reserve Bank of India)," a statement issued by the party politburo said.
KP’s at the verge of losing right to vote: NDF
By News Agency of Kashmir
Jammu : Jammu and Kashmir National Democratic Front has demanded immediate revision of electoral rolls - already announced by the Election Commission – so that the Kashmiri Pandit community can exercise their constitutional rights.
The Front stresses that illegible voters of the community should be given election photo identity card in terms of Rule 27 A of J&K Registration of Electoral Rolls and on that basis allowed to cast their votes without insisting for verification, production of D Forms etc.
PDP threatens to pull out of government
By IANS
Jammu : The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have to rethink about its continuation in the Jammu and Kashmir ruling coalition if the government did not improve its performance, former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said Friday.
It is for the second time in the past three days that PDP has heightened its campaign against the Azad government.
PDP with 18 legislators is the second largest partner in the ruling coalition after Congress with 20 MLAs. The Congress also has the support of 11 associate members.
Congress to seek Muslim vote on UPA report card
By IANS
Ahmedabad : The Congress party will be trying to garner the votes of the minority community in the forthcoming Gujarat assembly elections by highlighting the steps the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government has taken at the centre for the welfare of the minorities.
Advani ‘aghast’ over attack on Bhutto convoy
By IANS
New Delhi : Indian opposition leader L.K. Advani Friday said he was "aghast" over the terror attacks on the convoy of former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto that killed at least 165 people.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said he was relieved Bhutto, 54, had not been injured or killed in the Thursday midnight carnage on the streets of Karachi.
DK wants Mayawati to see film on Periyar
By IANS
Chennai : The Dravida Kazhagam wants Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati to watch the Tamil film "Periyar".
The film, funded by the DMK government here, depicts the life and times of E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar. He is credited to be the father of the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu.
The film has been selected to be among 21 films to be screened at the Goa International Film Festival. They were chosen from 119 entries.
Manmohan rules out resignation, attacks BJP
By Manish Chand, IANS
On Board Air India One : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday ruled out resignation from the post over the setback to the India-US nuclear deal as he launched a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of creating a "holocaust" in Gujarat in 2002 and "sleeping" when the Kargil conflict took place years ago.
The prime minister stressed that his government was still working hard to mobilise political consensus over nuclear deal and he was hopeful that the deal can still be operationalised.
BJP alleges shabby treatment to Pranab in Moscow
By IANS
New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee was given a shabby treatment in his recent visit to Russia and demanded an explanation from the government.
BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar referred to a media report saying that Mukherjee was frisked at Moscow airport during his visit last week and that his Russian counterpart did not meet him while he was in the Russian capital.
I don’t mind naming Sethu project after Ram: Karunanidhi
By IANS
Chennai : Defending the Sethusamudram shipping canal project, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Thursday said his government would have no problem in naming it after Hindu god Ram to ensure its completion.
Responding to Leader of Opposition J. Jayalalitha's criticism, Karunanidhi told the assembly: "Now she is saying that I dislike Lord Ram implying that the DMK regime is against Hindu beliefs.
"We have no problem in naming the (Sethusamudram) scheme after Lord Ram because we only want its completion and, through it, the prosperity of the Tamils."
BJP presses for Rs.1,000 per quintal of paddy
Kerala gets new public works minister
By IANS
Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala Congress-Joseph legislator Mons Joseph was Thursday sworn in as the state's new public works minister even as the entire opposition boycotted the swearing-in ceremony.
Joseph's elevation has been marred by allegations that his selection was done through a draw of lots at the party's meeting earlier this month.
The manner of his selection has been termed as "undemocratic" by the opposition.
AIADMK members suspended from Tamil Nadu assembly
By IANS
Chennai : All legislators of the opposition AIADMK were suspended from the Tamil Nadu assembly for the rest of the session following scuffles over Leader of Opposition J. Jayalalitha's statement that her life was in danger.
The assembly witnessed noisy scenes after Local Administration Minister MK Stalin raised a privilege issue against Jayalalitha for her remarks implying he was plotting her murder.
Dussehra puts pause in Karnataka power play
By IANS
Bangalore : Only after the Dussehra festival concludes on Sunday will a clear picture emerge on whether the Karnataka assembly faces dissolution or a coalition government of the Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) will be formed in the state.
Both parties were waiting for a signal from their central leaders on early polls or an alternative government to take the place of the JD-S-Bharatiya Jantata Party (BJP) coalition that collapsed early this month over the power transfer row.
Vijayan attacking Church to divert attention: Congress
By IANS
Thiruvananthapuram : Pinarayi Vijayan, the Kerala secretary of Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), was attacking the Church to divert attention away from the probe he was facing in the irregularities in the SNC-Lavlin contract, the Congress said Thursday.
"The Central Bureau of Investigation is soon to question him in the SNC-Lavlin case. To soften the impact of that and to raise passion in his party, he attacked a Catholic bishop last week. The attack was planned well by Vijayan," Congress spokesperson M.M. Hassan told reporters here.
Early Himachal polls means constitutional crisis: Virbhadra
By IANS
Shimla : The Election Commission's decision to hold Himachal Pradesh assembly polls about three months earlier will cause a constitutional crisis, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh claimed Thursday.
"The state is definitely heading for a constitutional crisis as the constitution does not envisage two Vidhan Sabhas (assemblies)," Singh told reporters here.
PDP eyeing Jammu constituencies for next polls
By IANS
Jammu : With elections to the Jammu and Kashmir state assembly less than a year away, the Congress's ruling coalition partner - the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) - has started focussing its attention on Jammu region to bolster its poll prospects.
"Things have changed and we are sure of winning some seats this time (in Jammu)," PDP patron and former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed told his party workers in Jammu Thursday.
Karunanidhi’s effigy to be burnt with Ravana’s on Dussehra
By IANS
Lucknow : An effigy of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi is to go up in flames, along with that of mythological demon king Ravana to mark the Hindu festival of Dussehra in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Oct 22.
A decision for this was taken by a few Dussehra committees in Allahabad, the city known for the 12-yearly Kumbh Mela, about 200 km from here.
MP Cong & NCP flay BJP Govt. for failure to address public grievances
By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, (MPCC), and Nationalist Congress Party, (NCP), have flayed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, (BJP), Government in the State for letting down the "Aam Aadmi" (common man) and failing to redress his grievances.
AIIMS suspends surgeon, apparently for proximity to Ramadoss
By IANS
New Delhi : The bitter tussle between Health Minister A. Ramadoss and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) director P. Venugopal escalated further Thursday after the latter suspended head of Cardio Thoracic department Sampath Kumar for alleged medical negligence.
Venugopal reportedly "dug out" a March 2007 medical case record, charged Kumar with negligence in the death of a boy, and placed him under suspension. The director and a group of senior doctors alleged that the 12-year-old boy had died after Kumar performed heart surgery on him.
CPI-M lauds Chinese communists for economic growth
By IANS
New Delhi : Indian communist parties have congratulated the Communist Party of China (CPC), which is holding its 17th National Congress to choose a new leadership and policies for the country, for China's economic growth, and stressed that stronger ties between the two countries would bring peace and stability in the region.
In separate messages, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) have lauded the Chinese government for "impressive economic advances" and the "tremendous achievements in various fields".
Congress needs to make huge gains in Gujarat polls
By IANS
Ahmedabad : The Congress party, out of power for 12 years in Gujarat, needs to do well in some key regions, especially Saurasthra as well as the tribal belt, if it is to win the assembly polls in December.
An analysis of the 2002 results - in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 127 seats to the Congress' 51 - shows that the latter needs to add at least 42 seats to win a simple majority in the 182-member legislature.
N-deal on pause, but government to roll out sops
By Liz Mathew, IANS
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's coalition government is poised to unveil a string of welfare measures which some Congress sources say may be a way of preparing for elections despite announcements to the contrary.
After extending the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme that ensures 100 days of work in a year to rural households all over the country, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government is set to launch a new Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme.
Jayalalitha rebukes Karunanidhi for seeking Rajni’s help
By IANS
Chennai : Tamil Nadu's Leader of Opposition J. Jayalalitha termed as shameful Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's request to movie icon Rajnikant to "convince his saint-friends" to desist from opposing the Sethusamudram project.
"Despite his experience of being the state's chief minister for several times, it is shameful on the part of Karunanidhi to request this kind of endorsement," the AIADMK chief told journalists.
J&K govt. losing interest in the peace process: Mufti
By News Agency of Kashmir
Srinagar: Launching an indirect attack on his successor, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and chief patron Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Muhammad Sayeed today said that Congress led state government seems to have lost his interest in the peace process and confidence building measures.
Sources said that People's Democratic Party (PDP) held an emergency meeting, here today, to decide whether to pull out of coalition or not. The meeting was taken in view of the recent controversies between the two alliance partners over some issues.
BJP alleges FM’s hand in market crash, demands JPC probe
By IANS
New Delhi : Accusing Finance Minister P. Chidambaram of engineering Wednesday's record crash in the stock market before a substantial recovery, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded a probe by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC).
BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar charged that Chidambram had manipulated the market to help out his son.
Mayawati inducts six new faces
By IANS
Lucknow : Keeping the possibility of early Lok Sabha polls in mind, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Wednesday inducted six new faces in her council of ministers, taking its strength from 47 to 53. Four ministers of state were elevated to the cabinet rank.
The new entrants are: Nand Kumar Gupta, Kamla Kant Gautam, Chandradev Ram Yadav, Bhagwati Prasad Sagar, Ashok Kumar and Jaiveer Singh.
Himachal Congress demand for new poll dates rejected
By IANS
Shimla : Chief Election Commissioner N. Gopalaswamy Wednesday rejected the demand of Himachal Pradesh's ruling Congress to reschedule the assembly elections.
"Elections will be held in the state as per schedule," Golpalaswamy said when asked if the Election Commission was considering the Congress demand.
The polls are to be held in the state Nov 14-Dec 19.
My life is in danger: Jayalalitha
By IANS
Chennai : AIADMK chief and Tamil Nadu's Leader of Opposition J. Jayalalitha Wednesday alleged a plot to murder her after trespass by an unidentified intruder into her high-security Poes Garden residence.
Jayalalitha said she would write to the president, the prime minister, the union home minister and file a writ mandamus before the Madras High Court to expose "diabolical designs" on her life.
Achuthanandan joins Vijayan in criticising bishop
By IANS
Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has joined his arch rival and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan in attacking a Syro Malabar Church bishop.
Tamaraserry Bishop Mar Paul Chitilapally has come under attack from the CPI-M for his disclosure that Mathai Chacko, a CPI-M legislator who passed away last year, took the last sacrament just before he died.
Achuthanandan told reporters here Wednesday that the bishop's statement was in bad taste and he should not said such things.
Gujarat BJP dissidents to float Sardar Patel Samiti
By Faraz Ahmad, IANS
New Delhi : Rebels in Gujarat's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by former chief ministers Keshubhai Patel and Suresh Mehta are set to float a new body, the Sardar Patel Utkarsh Samiti.
But it is unclear what, if any, kind of tie up the Samiti will have with the Congress during assembly elections in December or whether the rebel leaders and their supporters will end up joining the main opposition party in the state.
Mayawati to expand council of ministers
By IANS
Lucknow : Eight new faces are likely to be inducted into Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's council of ministers Wednesday evening.
A reshuffle is also being speculated along with the expansion.
"The expansion is to take place at 5 p.m. at the Raj Bhavan where Governor T.V. Rajeshwar will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the new incumbents," according to an official spokesman.
Rizwanur fire singes Buddhadeb Bhattacharya
By Sujoy Dhar
Kolkata,(IANS) A frail mother's voice pleading for justice from a rundown house in Kolkata's Muslim ghetto Park Circus is singeing West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya and has plunged the ruling communists into a crisis.
He has braved the protests of Singur and weathered the uprising and police atrocities in Nandigram, but Bhattacharya is finding it hard to cope with the controversy and public fury generated in the Rizwanur Rehman case.
Congress bigwigs, high-pitched campaign to take on Modi
By Liz Mathew, IANS
New Delhi : Determined to unseat Narendra Modi, the Congress in Gujarat is pumping in an army of leaders backed by a slick campaign blitz to take on the chief minister, knowing well that the December assembly election could determine the timetable of the next parliamentary polls.
And the Congress is hoping that the growing disaffection in Gujarat's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will add to the advantages of an opposition eager to pounce on the apparent discontent caused by seven years of Modi regime.
Development, security key Gujarat poll issues
By Rajiv Khanna, IANS
Ahmedabad : Unlike five years ago when communal tensions were at their peak, the Gujarat elections in December would be fought mainly over issues concerning the state's development, analysts say.
Although the opposition and rights group continue to harp on Chief Minister Narendra Modi's record during the 2002 communal violence, the attraction for the voters is mainly economic and social issues.
AUDF to go national
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
Mumbai: The Eid message released by Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) to its supporters declares party's intention of going national.
Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, president of AUDF is in Mumbai these days and making plans for repeating his successful experiment of Assam elsewhere in India.
The Eid message released on behalf of Maulana Ajmal and mailed to their supporters talks about their plans to contest next Parliamentary elections from other states too. How many and which are the states is not mentioned.
Conference on registration of births and deaths
New Delhi, (IANS) A two-day conference to review the current status of registration of births and deaths across the country begins here Tuesday to discuss ways and means to make registration mandatory.
The National Population Policy has mandated to achieve 100 percent registration of births and deaths by the year 2010 while current levels show 64 percent registration for births and 58 percent for deaths.
Kerala stood first in the country with 100 percent birth and death registrations, followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka stood fourth with 87 percent registration.
Rahul Gandhi inspects Congress headquarters
New Delhi, (IANS) Known for his professionalism and eye for detail, newly appointed Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Monday visited the party headquarters to inspect the condition of the offices and see first-hand how it functions.
Rahul, who is general secretary in charge of the youth wing of the ruling party, reached the office around 1.40 p.m. and spent almost two hours going through the offices of the Mahila Congress and the Seva Dal.
He also supervised the construction work going on in the AICC complex, which is being readied for the new general secretary.
Nuclear deal on ‘pause’, PM to speak to Bush
New Delhi,(IANS) The India-US civil nuclear deal is in a "state of pause", and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to convey this to US President George W. Bush soon, a senior minister said Monday.
"The nuclear deal is not off, but is on a state of pause. It is in suspended animation, like the Karnataka assembly," the minister said here, not wanting to be quoted on this sensitive issue without proper authorization.
Delhi to procure 4,500 CNG buses
New Delhi, (IANS) Concerned over the never-ending series of fatal accidents involving Blueline buses, the Delhi government Monday decided to purchase 4,500 fully furnished CNG buses.
Days after telling people and media that she should not be put under pressure over Blueline accidents, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said her government was committed to bring modern buses to overcome difficulties faced by the commuters.
Hindutva: terrorism’s new signature
By Subhash Gatade
May it be the suicide bombers of LTTE or the jihadists of Al Qaeda or ET guerillas working for a Basque region or the remnants of the Khalistani terrorists or for that matter terrorism unleashed by groups owning allegiance to the Hindutva brigade, the phenomenon of terrorism could be said to span every community or country in different measures.
India, has also of late witnessed a spurt in terrorist attacks. Recently we were told India stands among the top five countries of the world which are susceptible to a terrorist attack.
Intelligence agencies must uncover terror groups: CPI-M
New Delhi, (IANS) Intelligence and security agencies must gear up to prevent the growing number of terror attacks and not just try track down the guilty after an incident has occurred, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said Monday.
Condemning the blast in a multiplex in Ludhiana Sunday evening in which six people were killed and 25 injured, the CPI-M's politburo said: "It is not sufficient to try and track down the culprits after such attacks are mounted.
Left to decide on government support after Oct 22
New Delhi,(IANS) The Indian communists will decide whether they need to keep supporting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government or not after their Oct 22 meeting with the ruling coalition, a Left leader said Monday.
Communist Party of India (CPI) deputy leader D. Raja said the India-US nuclear deal was not the only issue on which they differed with the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
"The nuclear deal is not the only issue on which we have strong differences. There are lots of other anti-people policies we have been protesting against," Raja told IANS.
Karnataka parties in suspended animation over power strategy
By V.S. Karnic
Bangalore, (IANS) Political parties in Karnataka are in a state of suspended animation, just like the state assembly, with confusion persisting on what they can do next.
Of the three major contenders for power in the state - the Congress, the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), only the BJP hopes to benefit from the collapse of its coalition with the JD-S last week.
BJP protests early imposition of poll code
By IANS
Ahmedabad : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat Thursday protested imposition of the moral code of conduct 46 days ahead of the assembly polls.
Making a representation before an Election Commission team, on a two-day visit here to oversee election preparations, the BJP said the 46-day code of conduct was "harsh" on the state and pointed out that the maximum period was not more than 33 days in polls conducted in other parts of the country.
We will show our strength: Gujarat BJP rebels
By IANS
New Delhi : Rebels of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat said Thursday they would show their strength in the assembly polls to be held in December.
Meeting at former chief minister and Rajya Sabha MP Keshubhai Patel's residence here, the dissident leaders discussed their strategy a day after the Election Commission announced dates for assembly polls.
Former chief minister Suresh Mehta, former state home minister Gordhan Zadaphia and Vallabhbhai Kathiria, MP from Rajkot, attended the meeting that lasted for more than three hours.
No threat to UPA government, no early poll: Lalu Prasad
By IANS
Patna : Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Thursday ruled out any possibility of early general elections, saying there was no threat to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) central government despite differences with the Left allies.
"There is no threat to the UPA government. It is running smoothly despite differences on some issues with Left parties. So, there is no chance of a mid-term poll," Lalu Prasad, who is also chief of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, said here at a function to mark the birth anniversary of socialist Jayaprakash Narayan.
Early Himachal poll catches politicians unawares
By Baldev S. Chauhan, IANS
Shimla : Political parties in Himachal Pradesh, particularly the ruling Congress, have been taken by surprise over the announcement of assembly elections -- over three months before they were due.
With the poll code coming into effect from Wednesday, the announcement has put paid to the ruling party's hopes of announcing sops to woo voters.
Congress helping BJP to form government in Karnataka: JD-S
By Faraz Ahmad, IANS
New Delhi : The Congress has given the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) an opportunity to form its first government in Karnataka on a platter, says the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), furious with the Congress for not backing it in the state and then recommending President's rule without dissolving the assembly.
Former Karnataka chief minister Bommai dead
By IANS
Bangalore : Former Karnataka chief minister S.R. Bommai died here late Wednesday after a prolonged illness, his family sources said. He was 84.
The Janata Parivar stalwart breathed his last at the Wockhardt hospital where he was admitted recently.
Somalingaiah Royappa Bommai was the chief minister for a short term of eight months from Aug 13, 1988 to April 21, 1989.
Next general election unlikely before April
By Rajeev Khanna
New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) India's next parliamentary election cannot be held before April 2008 because the Election Commission will not be ready until then to conduct the gigantic exercise, according to experts.
Politicians are already getting into election mode as tensions between the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the Left over the India-US nuclear deal show no signs of abating, making an early election inevitable.
Karnataka brought under President’s Rule
Bangalore, (IANS) Karnataka was brought under President's Rule late Tuesday, a day after the chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy resigned when his Janata Dal-Secular ministry was reduced to a minority. President Pratibha Patil signed the proclamation in New Delhi placing the state under central rule.
The cabinet in New Delhi had earlier accepted the recommendation of Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur for imposing President's Rule.
Cabinet recommends President’s rule in Karnataka
New Delhi,(IANS) The union cabinet Tuesday evening recommended the president's rule in Karnataka, a day after the state's chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy resigned when his Janata Dal-Secular ministry was reduced to a minority.
The cabinet, presided by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recommended to the president to impose central rule in the state and keep the state assembly in suspended animation, said union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram after the meeting.
Government gets reprieve, but fresh nuke trouble arises
By IANS
New Delhi : Despite the 13-day reprieve its government got from the Left, the ruling Congress party Tuesday plunged into deeper dilemma with the communists telling it bluntly to take a "political decision" on the India-US civil nuclear deal.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government received a temporary reprieve Tuesday with its Left allies agreeing to continue discussions over the deal on Oct 22, apparently after being assured that there would be no formal talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) before their next meeting.
Mayawati remembers Kanshi Ram – but doesn’t forget elections
By IANS
Lucknow : The launch of the Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP) pre-election campaign? Or a rally to mark mentor Kanshi Ram's first death anniversary? It could have been both Tuesday as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati addressed a million supporters here and asked them to usher in BSP rule at the centre.
Time UPA spared India and quit: BJP
By IANS
New Delhi : Terming the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) as 'Ulta Pulta Alliance' or topsy-turvy alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday asked it to "go and spare India".
"The nation is tired and indeed fatigued by the farce, which goes in the name of UPA. It is now finally evident that an alliance of mutually hostile and antagonistic elements like the Congress and the Left based solely upon their common hatred against the BJP is inherently unstable," party spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters here.
No formal talks with IAEA, UPA assures Left and gets reprieve
By IANS
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government appeared to have received a temporary reprieve Tuesday with its Left allies agreeing to continue discussions over the India-US nuclear deal, apparently after being assured that there would be no formal talks with the IAEA.
Cabinet set to recommend president’s rule in Karnataka
By IANS
New Delhi : The central government is likely to approve the imposition of the president's rule in Karnataka later Tuesday following the recommendation of state Governor Rameshwar Thakur.
An urgent meeting of the union cabinet has been scheduled to consider the governor's report on the political situation in the state.
Thakur sent in his recommendation for the president's rule after chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy sent in his resignation Monday evening.
All quiet on Karnataka front, all eyes on centre
By IANS
Bangalore : Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) and Congress political leaders in Karnataka spent a quiet day Tuesday expecting central government's approval to the governor's recommendation to place the state under the president's rule after the collapse of the coalition ministry.
Senior leaders of the third major party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), were away in districts addressing rallies to expose the 'betrayal' by H.D. Kumaraswamy and his party JD-S as he last week refused to hand over the chief ministership to it as agreed 20 months back.
Karnataka awaits president’s rule
By IANS
Bangalore : Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur was Tuesday waiting for the central government's approval to bring the state under the president's rule after the collapse of the coalition ministry Monday amid high political drama.
Raj Bhavan sources told IANS here the state would come under the president's rule in a day or two after the union cabinet approves the governor's recommendation for it and forwards it to President Pratibha Patil for formal proclamation.
Congress in Kerala says it’s ready for early polls
By IANS
Thiruvananthapuram : The Congress party in Kerala seems upbeat over the prospect of early parliamentary elections as the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in the state is currently riddled with factionalism and there are inter-party problems within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) as well.
"We have no problems at all and we are ready for a poll anytime," said state Congress president Ramesh Chennithala.
Left-UPA panel discusses n-deal, to meet again on Oct 22
By IANS
New Delhi : The Manmohan Singh government has got a 13-day breather with the Left-UPA committee on the India-US civil nuclear deal deciding to meet next on Oct 22 after an inconclusive discussion Tuesday.
The fourth meeting between the Left parties and the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) on the contentious nuclear deal went on for two-and-a-half hours at the South Block.
Priyanka Gandhi awaits consent for house near Shimla
By IANS
Shimla : Priyanka Gandhi has sought permission from the union home ministry to build a house in a high security zone near Shimla.
Priyanka wants to build a house near The Retreat, the summer residence of the president at Wildflower Hall, some 15 km uphill from Shimla.
She is learnt to have discussed several building plans at the proposed construction site and is keen to build the house in the local traditional Himalayan style to blend with area.
Lovely Anand gets bail in IAS officer’s killing
By IANS
Patna : The Patna High Court Tuesday granted bail to former MP and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Lovely Anand, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for her role in the brutal lynching of IAS officer G. Krishnaiya in 1994.
A division bench of the Patna High Court comprising Justice Shiva Kirti Singh and Justice Mahfooz Alam granted bail to Lovely "on the basis of the records of the trial court", official sources said.
The court also stayed a fine of Rs.25,000 slapped on Lovely by the trial court.
Many thousands pour into Lucknow for BSP rally
By IANS
Lucknow : An estimated one million Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supporters swarmed the Uttar Pradesh capital Tuesday to commemorate the first death anniversary of party founder Kanshi Ram, an event Chief Minister Mayawati is hoping will enter the record books as the biggest rally ever.
The launch of a dozen projects named after Kanshi Ram - with an allocation of nearly Rs.250 billion - will be the highlight of the mega event that has seen the city being coloured a virtual blue with buntings, hoardings and posters. Blue is the colour of the BSP party flag.
Kumaraswamy quits, governor for President’s Rule
By IANS
Bangalore : H.D. Kumaraswamy quit as Karnataka chief minister Monday evening, and the governor is learnt to have recommended President's Rule in the state late in the night.
Kumaraswamy of the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), who lost majority as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pulled out of the 20-month-old alliance after his refusal to honour word on power transfer to it, met Governor Rameshwar Thakur late Monday evening and submitted his resignation.
Congress core group meets to discuss nuclear deal
By IANS
New Delhi : Senior Congress leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party president Sonia Gandhi, met late Monday night to discuss the Indo-US nuclear deal and the Left parties' objections to it, and are believed to have decided to go ahead with talks with the UN atomic agency.
Last ditch attempt to save JD-S-BJP coalition fails
By IANS
Bangalore : In a desperate attempt to prevent Karnataka coming under President's rule, the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) offered to hand over chief ministership to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after three months but failed to convince its estranged coalition partner, it was revealed late Monday night.
"The efforts failed because of technical reasons," N. Cheluvarayaswamy, who was transport minister and the JD-S leader involved in the efforts for a patch up, told reporters Monday night.
Kumaraswamy quits, speculation of BJP-JD-S tie-up again
By IANS
Bangalore : H.D. Kumaraswamy quit as Karnataka chief minister Monday evening amid intense speculation that his Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) party might back a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government to prevent imposition of President's rule.
Kumaraswamy, who lost majority after the BJP pulled out of the 20-month-old alliance over his refusal to honour his word on power transfer to it, met Governor Rameshwar Thakur late Monday and submitted his resignation.
Kumaraswamy resignation: a swift end after prolonged drama
By V.S. Karnic, IANS
Bangalore : H.D. Kumaraswamy's last day as chief minister began Monday amid intense speculation that the Congress may prop up his minority ministry for some months.
The speculation got additional fodder early in the morning as Congress general secretary Prithviraj Chavan drove to the governor's residence around 10 a.m.
Chavan reached here only late in the evening Sunday and it was generally expected that he would meet Governor Rameshwar Thakur in the afternoon as he would need time to consult party leaders.
Poll clouds darken as Karat rejects government plea
By Liz Mathew, IANS
New Delhi : India Monday appeared headed for an early parliamentary election with the government and the communist leadership exchanging sharp words over the proposed talks with the UN atomic energy agency on the contentious India-US nuclear deal.
Tamil Nadu alliance intact, says Ramadoss
By IANS
Chennai : PMK chief S. Ramadoss Monday said that the seven-party coalition in Tamil Nadu, the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA), would remain intact.
Ramadoss said that even if there were mid-term polls for parliament, there would be no mid-term assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
"The assembly elections will be held only in 2011 and we will continue to support the DMK government till then", Ramadoss said.
Kumaraswamy resigns as Karnataka chief minister
By IANS
Bangalore : H.D. Kumaraswamy Monday evening resigned as Karnataka chief minister. He submitted his resignation to Governor Rameshwar Thakur.
Kumaraswamy lost majority when coalition partner Bharatiya Janata Party Sunday pulled out of the 20-month-old alliance after he refused to vacate his post and hand over power to the BJP as agreed to between the two parties in February 2006.
Poll officers asked to publish rolls by mid-Jan
By IANS
New Delhi : The Election Commission of (ECI) India has directed the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states to get the electoral rolls published by middle of January next years. The qualifying date for the rolls has been set at January 1, 2008.
This direction was given in a review meeting of the CEOs of 14 states and union territories held here on Monday. These CEOs were from south and western India.
Polls seem imminent as Congress-Left spat intensifies
By Liz Mathew, IANS
New Delhi : Early parliamentary elections in India seemed imminent Monday with the ruling Congress and its communist allies sparring afresh on the India-US nuclear deal as the Election Commission ordered the publication of electoral rolls by mid-January 2008.
BJP rallies to protest ‘betrayal’ in Karnataka
By IANS
Bangalore : Even as the beleaguered Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy readied to call it quits, an upbeat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday launched its weeklong protest rally against the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) for refusing to hand over power in accordance to their agreement.
The rally, christened 'dharma yuddha' or war for justice, began from Tumkur, about 70 km from here, after BJP leaders led by former deputy chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa took the blessings of century-old pontiff Shivakumar Swami of the Siddaganga mutt.
Congress denies PM called Kumaraswamy
By IANS
New Delhi : The Congress party Monday denied media reports that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had a telephonic conversation with Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy appreciating the work done by his government and asking him not to "act in haste".
The prime minister did not speak to Kumaraswamy, whose ministry has been reduced to minority as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) withdrew support to it last week, a statement issued by the All India Congress Commmittee Monday evening said.
Kerala to get new minister by Friday
By IANS
Thiruvananthapuram : The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala Monday said it had given its ally Kerala Congress-Joseph an ultimatum to nominate a minister on or before Friday in place of T.U Kuruvilla who resigned in August.
"We have asked the party to see that they nominate a minister and at the moment I am unable to see whether it would be P.J. Joseph or not," LDF convenor Vaikom Viswom told reporters after a meeting of the Front here.
Kumaraswamy may quit by evening
By IANS
Bangalore : Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy is likely to quit as chief minister Monday evening, a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pulled out of the 20-month alliance, Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) sources said.
Kumaraswamy has been left with no option as the Congress has also refused to support him and told Governor Rameshwar Thakur that he should be sacked if he does not quit on his own, party insiders said.
Rulers fear the ruled as election tempo builds up
By V.S. Karnic, IANS
Bangalore : Karnataka's three main parties - Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) - have one thing in common as they ready for a mid-term poll. It is not, for a change, hunger for power, but fear of the electorate that just over three years ago found that none deserves their mandate.
CPI-M ready for early polls: Basu
By IANS
Kolkata : A day after Congress president Sonia Gandhi hit out at the Left over the Indo-US nuclear deal, Marxist leader Jyoti Basu said Monday that his party was ready for early polls.
The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) was fully geared to a snap election, Basu told reporters at his Indira Bhavan residence here.
But he added that he was personally against early polls.
Kumaraswamy days numbered as Congress refuses support
By IANS
Bangalore : President's rule appeared imminent in Karnataka Monday with the Congress refusing to prop H.D. Kumaraswamy's minority ministry and conveying to the governor in writing that it would not back him in a floor test in the assembly.
A Congress delegation led by Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office and state in-charge Prithviraj Chavan met Governor Rameshwar Thakur to present the party's stand and submit a letter written by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Sonia’s Sharp But Veiled Attack On Left On Nuclear Deal
JHAJJAR , Oct 8 (Bernama) -- In a sharp but veiled attack on the Left, Congress President Sonia Gandhi Sunday strongly defended the Indo-US nuclear deal and said that "elements" opposed to the country's progress were enemies not only of the Congress but also of the nation's development, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
Congress asks governor to sack Kumaraswamy ministry
By IANS
Bangalore : Karnataka's main opposition Congress party Monday demanded that Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's ministry be sacked if he did not resign on his own.
In a meeting with Governor Rameshwar Thakur, the Congress delegation stressed that the Kumaraswamy government had lost majority support in the assembly.
Kumaraswamy, who met the governor shortly thereafter, sought an opportunity to prove his majority on the floor of the house.
The ‘reincarnation’ of Kanshi Ram colours Lucknow blue
By Sharat Pradhan, IANS
Lucknow : His followers cast him as a Mahatma, slogans deify him and his death anniversary is being observed as reincarnation day with a holiday declared in the entire state... The Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh is pulling out all the stops to ensure Kanshi Ram is venerated as a demigod a year after his death.
Chief Minister Mayawati is personally supervising every detail of the day Tuesday in her effort to cast the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in a new mould - a larger than life Dalit icon next only to B.R. Ambedkar.
V.C. Shukla’s statement stirs controversy
By IANS
Raipur : Senior politician Vidya Charan Shukla's statement that he will work to stop the Congress party's unwanted elements grabbing power if the party wins the assembly polls has created a stir in the Congress fold with three party legislators rushing to Delhi to report the matter to the central leadership.
Left hits backs at Gandhi over nuclear deal
By IANS
New Delhi : The Left parties Monday hit back at Congress president Sonia Gandhi over the Indo-US nuclear deal, saying that India was capable of developing nuclear energy "primarily on a self-reliant basis".
Speaking a day after Gandhi alleged that critics of the nuclear deal were against the country's development, the Left parties said there was no need to "surrender our vital interests to America" on the plea of nuclear energy.
Apex court order on forest land dampener for all parties
By P.S. Anantharaman, IANS
Ahmedabad : The Supreme Court's recent order restraining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat from vesting ownership rights over forest land to tribals can also impact the state's opposition Congress amid a tussle for votes in the state's forest belt.
Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Oct 2 handed over pattas or ownership rights to 30 tribals in a symbolic move pre-empting the central government, but the apex court Friday directed the state to immediately cancel the pattas as the announcement violated its orders.
Leicester campaign for Gandhi statue gets MP backing
By Prasun Sonwalkar, IANS
London : Leicester, a bustling town in the east Midlands with a large minority of people of Gujarati origin, has launched a campaign to install a statue of Mahatma Gandhi as a symbol of the city's multiculturalism.
The location of the statue is suggested to be a corner near Belgrave Road, the nerve-centre of Asian business and cultural activities. Several Indian banks have offices on the road, apart from Indian restaurants, shops selling saris, jewellery, and Bollywood music.
BJP says it will sue Karunanidhi
By IANS
Chennai : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sunday said it will sue Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi for his remarks against Hindu lord Ram.
Karunanidhi made controversial remarks on Ram last month while defending the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project.
Kumaraswamy ambivalent on floor test
By IANS
Bangalore : Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, whose government was Sunday reduced to minority after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) withdrew support, appeared to be in a dilemma over seeking a floor test to prove his majority.
He told reporters at one point Sunday that he would request the governor to give him an opportunity to prove his majority on the floor of the assembly.
BJP withdraws support, Kumaraswamy seeks floor test
By IANS
Bangalore : Karnataka Sunday appeared headed for elections after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formally ended its 20-month alliance with the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) and sought immediate polls even as Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy appealed to the governor to allow him to prove his majority.
Nuclear deal is against India’s interests: Yechury
By IANS
Raipur : The nuclear deal with the US is against India's interest as it would affect the country's sovereignty, Sitaram Yechury, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) politburo member, said Sunday.
Reiterating his party's non-compromising stance on the controversial pact of New Delhi with Washington, Yechury termed the deal as "dangerous".
"The US has been continuously maintaining pressure on India for making the deal through," the Left MP told reporters here.
Congress in poll mood, Left defensive
By IANS
New Delhi : Congress president Sonia Gandhi Sunday hit out at the government's Left allies for opposing the India-US civil nuclear deal - signalling a parting of ways with them and possible early polls - while the communists went on the defensive, saying the onus for calling early polls would lay with the ruling coalition.
In remarks bound to further strain ties between the Congress and the Left, Gandhi told a massive rally in Haryana's Jhajjar town that the nuclear deal with the US was "necessary for the country to keep the pace of development going".
Congress favours central rule, polls in Karnataka
By IANS
Bangalore : The Congress favours the president's rule in Karnataka and early polls to the assembly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) withdrew its support to the H.D. Kumaraswamy government, a senior party leader said Sunday.
"The only alternative is imposition of the president's rule and go for elections," Congress spokesperson V.S. Ugrappa told IANS after a meeting of senior party leaders ahead of the arrival of Prithviraj Chavan, AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs.
Mayawati now targets below-poverty-line list
By IANS
Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, after taking action against erring officials in a large-scale police recruitment scam, Sunday launched her next campaign: revising the "inaccurate" list of people below the poverty line (BPL).
Sonia assures farmers of wheat MSP hike
By IANS
Jhajjar (Haryana) : United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sunday assured farmers that the government would hike the minimum support price (MSP) for purchasing wheat from them.
Responding to a demand made by Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda for raising the MSP to at least Rs.1,100 per quintal, Gandhi assured all help from the central government.
Gandhi was here to lay the foundation stone for a thermal power plant and an educational institute.