Sri Lanka Government decides to hold other Provincial Council elections according to the original schedule

Colombo: Government of Sri Lanka has decided to hold the elections of the rest of the Provincial Councils as scheduled once their terms end as per the schedule prepared by the Election Commissioner.

However, it is also reported that a Presidential Election will be held soon prior to the general elections which is scheduled for 2010 April to secure the Government’s position in the local political arena.

Next Presidential election is supposed to be held at the end of 2011. With the war against terrorism becoming a success with an anticipated conclusion by 2009 May, the Government plans to conduct Provincial Council Elections for the Northern Province in December 2009.

Source : Colombo Page

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Govt favouring BNP- Jamaat: AL claims

Awami League has blasted the Emergency Government for favouring corrupts belonging to the erstwhile BNP-Jamaat government. It questioned the neutrality of the incumbent government's anti-corruption drive terming it an eye-wash and an activity to pull BNP and their alliance(The Bangladesh Today)

out of the deep hole they had plunged into before one-eleven.

"The government amid its controversial activities further proved that they were not sincere and impartial against widespread corruption. Their anti-corruption drive was merely an eye-wash and ill-motivated. The main aim of the interim government is to bring BNP-Jamaat to the same level as us," stated acting Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam posing a question, "If a world champion corrupt individual like Tarique Zia can get released from jail, why should other prisoners belonging to different political parties be behind bars?"

He briefed the newsmen at Gulshan in the capital on Saturday after coming out from the party Presidium meeting with the acting AL President Zillur Rahman in the chair.

Referring to Tarique's bail on different graft cases, Syed Ashraful said, "If the release of Tarique is ensured, the government has no legal as well as moral right to keep other detainees, arrested earlier on charges of so-called corruption cases, in jail at all."

He strongly condemned the activities of the authorities concerned to allow detained BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to hold a meeting with BNP Secretary General Khandoker Delwar Hossain and Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammed Mojaheed inside the jail.

Terming the three-hour meeting in the makeshift jail in the Parliament Complex on Thursday the worst-ever unlawful incident, Ashraful said, "The erstwhile BNP-Jamaat government destroyed all the institutions one after another and later this incumbent government has driven the last nail in the coffin of rule of law in the country."

"The meeting would have been allowed after releasing BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia either finally or on parole. This has raised a question of the neutrality of the government in its activities," he added.

About the outcome of the Presidium meeting, acting AL General Secretary said, the polls to Upazila Parishad, lifting of the State of Emergency, Representation of People's Order (RPO) Ordinance -2008 and prevailing political situation dominated the discussion and the decision would be finalised in the AL Working Committee meeting today (Sunday).

"As per the letter of the Election Commission, AL would sit for discussion with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on September 4 and subsequently on September 9. On the first day we will highlight our logics, merits and demerits of the Upazila polls before those of Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament). On the second day, we want to discuss RPO provisions like 'No' vote system, scrapping of front organizations and foreign chapters of the political parties, and timeframe for party registration," he said hoping that all debate would be ended through an open conversation with EC and the government.

He further proposed the government and the EC to resolve the crises of the country through dialogues with all political parties across the country which would bring good for the country, elections and democracy.

Replying to a query, he said, "Before taking the oath, the AL-backed mayors-elect would resign from their party's portfolios abiding by the law of the Election Commission."

The AL General Secretary said, "We hope to sit with the representatives of the Caretaker Government to discuss the above mentioned issues at convenient time any day after September 9."

Amir Hossain Amu, Suranjit Sengupta, Motia Chowdhury and BM Mojjammel Haque were present in the two-hour meeting while Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Abdur Razzak, Tofail Ahmed and Ataur Rahman Khan Kaiser failed to attend due to their illness.


Source : News from bangladesh

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BJP demands removal of Paswan from Union cabinet

JAIPUR : Alleging that Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan is supporting terrorism in the country by giving protection to SIMI activists, BJP has demanded an immediate removal of Lok Janshakti Party Chief from the Union Cabinet.

In a press release here, BJP state spokesman Mohan Lal Gupta said that the Union Minister is supporting SIMI that is allegedly involved in terrorist activities.

He ridiculed Paswan for comparing RSS and other Hindu outfits with SIMI and said they are working towards maintaining unity in the country as against the works of the banned organisation.

Source : Times Of India

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Chiranjeevi faced several obstacles ahead of party launch

TIRUPATI: From legal wrangles to loss of a close friend, Telugu film star Chiranjeevi overcame several hurdles for the launch of his party from this temple town.

A row over his party's name "Praja Rajyam" was resolved on Friday after a claimant to the name withdrew his objection.

Advocate V Channakrishniah from Lakkireddy Palli in Kadapa District had agreed to withdraw his application with the Election Commission posted for the registration of the party's name three months ago.

A letter for withdrawal of the application signed by Chennakirshniah was submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner, Praja Rajyam Party sources said.

Chiranjeevi's plans for a grand political entry first ran into trouble when the Tirupati Urban Development Authority refused to grant permission for the public meeting to announce the launch of the party, citing a 2006 Supreme Court order.

However, the issue was resolved after the organisers approached the District Collector, who granted the permission.

Then came a PIL by a Tirupati-based NGO seeking a ban on the August 26 meeting here, where he eventually announced the launch of his party.

When the arrangements were in full swing at the meeting venue, the NGO, Intellectual Forum, sought the ban on the event on the grounds that the venue Avilata Tank area at the foothills of the historic temple town was a protected area.

However, the 53-year old Cheeranjeevi had the last laugh when the Supreme Court refused to stay the meeting.

He also faced a personal loss when his long-time friend and actor, Hari Prasad died on August 17, the day when Chiranjeevi made announced his much-awaited political entry.

Prasad, 55, died of heart attack when he was reportedly talking about his friend Chiranjeevi's political entry at a TV news channel office.

Source : Times Of India

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Zardari quest for prez post gets boost

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People's Party chief Asif Ali Zardari's prospects for presidency brightened on Sunday with leaders of two prominent parties backing his bid, even as he claimed the 'establishment' is with him in his quest to succeed Pervez Musharraf.

Jamiat Ulema-e Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said his party's 48 members in Parliament -- National Assembly and Senate -- and provincial assembles of NWFP and Balochistan would vote for Zardari in the September six presidential poll.

Rehman said he took the decision after the government met the four demands of his party -- reopening of the 'Jamia Fareedia' madrassa, handing over of the Lal Masjid to 'ulema' or religious scholars, halting of the military operation in Bajaur tribal agency and promise to free radical cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz soon.

Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, a minister in the previous cabinet and the President of his own faction of PPP(S), announced his party's support to Zardari, as did a lawmaker of the pro-Musharraf PML-Q, Amir Muqam.

Zardari also sought to assert that the 'establishment' -- a euphemism for army in Pakistan -- has not opposed or expressed reservations over his candidature.

"The establishment has its own sensitivities which we keep in view while taking decisions," Zardari told The News .

Source : Times Of India

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SP, Congress leaders meet ahead of crucial seat sharing talks

NEW DELHI: A day ahead of the crucial seat sharing parleys between the Congress and Samajwadi Party, a six-member Coordination Committee of the outfits is meeting on Saturday to discuss key government policy issues.

Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and general secretary Amar Singh are expected to represent SP while Congress is expected to be represented by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, party president Sonia Gandhi, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherji and Defence Minister A K Antony.

The meeting, to be held in the evening at the Prime Minister's residence, comes in the wake of several media reports indicating SP's concern over issues related to spectrum allocation, windfall tax and matters pertaining to petroleum sector.

Source : Times Of India

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Congress leaders discuss revised NSG draft

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday held deliberations with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and some other senior colleagues over the nuclear issue ahead of the NSG meeting in Vienna.
The meeting, also attended by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Ahmed Patel, Political Secretary to the Congress president, is understood to have assessed the revised draft prepared by the US for consideration of the Nuclear Suppliers Group at its meeting on September 4-5.

The meeting is understood to have deliberated upon the situation in view of the original NSG draft waiver being amended because of concerns expressed by various countries.

The Congress leadership is believed to have weighed options available if things do not work out as desired at the upcoming meeting of the NSG.

Singh earlier held similar consultations with Mukherjee, National Security Adviser M K Narayanan and Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar on the issue amid the hope that 45-nation grouping will give a "clean" and "unconditional" waiver.

Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon, who is in the US and in touch with the American officials there, is also in constant contact with Mukherjee and Kakodkar over the issue.

Menon will be travelling to Vienna for the NSG meeting directly from the US.

The NSG failed to arrive at a final decision on the proposed India waiver at the August 21-22 meet after several countries raised non-proliferation issues and proposed around 50 amendments to the draft before it could be considered.

In the revised draft of the waiver, New Delhi is expecting "minimal changes" and hopes that it will have a language and "semantics which can be sold" to the people of the country without any problems, sources said.

Source : Times Of India

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Jaffna mc polls to be held soon

In the wake of the Eastern, North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council elections, the government is now planning to hold elections to the Jaffna Municipal Council to gauge public opinion in the northern capital, a Minister said yesterday.

EPDP leader and Social Services Minister Douglas Devananda told Daily Mirror the election would be conducted soon and the government was holding a series of discussions to work out the preliminaries. “We will be able to conduct it before the end of this year.

This is to test the waters in the peninsula,” Mr. Devananda who represents the Jaffna district as an MP said and added that this would be followed by elections to the Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas in the district.

He said in lighter vein that this election would be a battle between him and TULF leader V. Anandasangaree.

The elections to the Jaffna Municipal Council were last held in 1998 after the peninsula was liberated from the LTTE. The TULF won the elections at the time and took over the administration of the council.

TULF member Sarojani Yogeswaran was elected Mayor but she was gunned down allegedly by the LTTE soon after her election to office.

Her successor K. Sivapalan also died in a bomb blast in September 1998 that targeted a Jaffna meeting between the councilors and security officials. He was succeeded by parliamentarian N. Raviraj.

Meanwhile, EPRLF leader P. Sritharan said that he too had heard about government plans to hold elections.

“We will definitely contest if there is an election,” he said.

Source : Daily Mirror

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BNP will not make any deal with govt in releasing Begum Zia: Hannan Shah

BNP Chairperson's Adviser Brigadier ASM Hannan Shah on Friday said the party would not accept any government conditions in releasing Begum Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman. "If the government tries to set any condition for the release Begum Zia, BNP will not accept(The Bangladesh Today)

it and the party will go for tougher movement in order to free its Chairperson. Like Awami League, BNP will not make any secret deal with government in releasing its Chairperson. We want to free our Chairperson through legal process, not making any deal with the government," Hannan Shah told reporters at his residence in the city.

Replying to a query about the existing division in the BNP, he said everything will be settled after the release of Begum Khaleda Zia. "If any division exists in the party, it will be removed soon after the release of our party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia," Hannan Shah said.

Hannan Shah said if the government does not withdraw state of emergency to create congenial atmosphere for holding free, fair and credible election, BNP will compel the government to withdraw it through launching massive movement under the directive of Khaleda Zia.

Talking to reporters BNP standing committee member M K Anwar said the party will not take part in any election under the state of emergency. "The government has no alternative to lifting the state of emergency for holding free and fair election in the country," he added.

Echoing the same argument, he said BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia will be released through legal process. "BNP does not believe in holding any secret deal with the government, we will free our leader Begum Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman under legal process or democratic movement," M K Anwar said.

Meanwhile, BNP leaders and activists observed countrywide Milad Mahfil yesterday after Jumaa prayers for seeking recovery of ailing Tarique Rahman and quickening release of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Source : The Bangladesh Today

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Cong to seek waiver of road tax

JALANDHAR: As lakhs of devotees from Punjab would flock to Hazoor Sahib, Nanded, for Guruta Gadi Divas celebrations , Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee has decided to urge the Prime Minister that road tax of vehicles carrying devotees to Nanded be waived.

Stating this here on Friday, PPCC president Mohinder Singh Kaypee and former Adampur MLA Kanwaljit Singh Lalli said as buses and trucks carrying devotees would have to pass through nearly half-a-dozen states and the cumulative road tax would be very high per vehicle, it would burden the devotees.

Kaypee said he would meet the PM in the next few days and would raise the issue. '' We will urge Manmohan Singh to ensure that a decision was taken urgently in this regard,'' he said.

Lalli argued that as the state had exempted VAT on the commodities being supplied for langar in Golden Temple, Amritsar, on similar lines the Union government could take the decision for the next three months.

'' A mechanism can be worked out to ensure genuineness of such vehicles,'' Lalli said adding that public transport vehicles would be used by many not-so-well-off devotees and the government could facilitate their pilgrimage through this gesture.

Source : Times Of India

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Soren wins trust vote as Jharkhand CM

RANCHI: Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren has won the trust vote in the assembly with a margin of eight votes. A total of 76 legislators participated in the trust vote in the 82-member house.

Of the total votes cast, 42 were in favour of the trust motion and 34 against it. Three legislators abstained, and one seat is vacant. On Thursday, the Jharkhand Assembly speaker had suspended the voting rights of two suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators, Vishnu Bhaiya and Manohar Tekriwal.

The trust motion was moved at 11 am and the voting took place at 5.50 pm.

Participating in the debate ahead of the voting, the opposition parties levelled serious allegations against the ministers. "The Shibu Soren government is the outcome of the India-US nuclear deal. The impact is visible as Madhu Koda was removed and Shibu Soren made the chief minister," said Arjun Munda, former chief minister and Leader of the Opposition.

"Soren struggled for creating the state, but he has become the laughing stock in order to form the government," Munda said.

Replying to the trust vote debate, Soren said: "When I can create a separate Jharkhand state, then why cannot I develop the state."

"I will not say much, rather I will act for the development of the state," the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief said.

Soren took oath as chief minister on Wednesday along with 11 ministers.

Soren had withdrawn the support of his JMM party to the Madhu Koda government on Aug 17 in order to become chief minister. Koda, finding the numbers against him and heeding the direction of the central United Progressive Alliance leaders, resigned Aug 25.


Source : Times Of India

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EC preparing to hold UZ polls tentatively on Oct 23

The Election Commission (EC) is taking preparations with a tentative date on October 23 for holding the upazila polls as per its earlier announcement, but the EC is yet to finalise in how many upazilas the elections will be held.(The Bangladesh Today)

Talking to the reporters at the EC secretariat yesterday EC Secretary Humayun Kabir also said that the forthcoming upazila polls is also non-political like the other local polls, but the political leaders would be able to participate in election campaign as per the verdict of the High Court.

He said there should not be any doubt over holding the upazila polls before the national elections and the EC would finalize the list of upazilas after a few days as everything depends on the completion of final voter list of those areas.

"As per the CEC's earlier announcement to hold the upazila polls on October 23, the EC is taking all-out preparations and now we are discussing the matter. But I am not able to say the final polling date and the number of areas, where the elections will be held," he said.

He said the number of upazilas going to the elections fully depends on preparation of the final voter list and that's why the commission could not finalize the number of the upazilas at this moment.

Referring to the newspaper report published on Wednesday that the upazila polls will be held in two phases, the EC secretary said the commission did not finalize whether the polls would be held in the phases or not. "It will be immature to say about that," he said.

About the Dhaka City Corporation election, Humayun Kabir said the EC has a plan to hold the DCC election after finalizing the voter-list. "We are yet to finalize the date of holding DCC election, but we have a plan to hold the DCC election before the national elections".

Meanwhile, the EC yesterday called upon the political parties to be registered through a notification in the country's leading national dailies for participating in the forthcoming general elections. But on the very first day, no political party made any contact with the EC for registration.

About the registration of political parties, EC Secretary said, "the EC on Wednesday asked the political parties to be registered with the commission and we hope that they might start applying from the next week."

The mandatory documents to be attached with application for registration included the name of party and address of central office, constitution of the party, election manifesto and rules of party, party logo and picture of party flag, names of all members of central executive committee or equivalent and their designation, bank account number of the party and current balance, description of party funding source and a treasury challan with a certain amount as registration fee.

It may be mentioned that at present only six political parties out of around 160 have registration with the EC Secretariat. Without registration these political parties are enjoying the facilities given by the EC.

Source : The Bangladesh Today

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Shujaat sees possibility of understanding with PML-N

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Q Chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain Thursday said Pakistan Muslim League-N’s presidential candidate Justice (Retd.) Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui had contacted him in person and asked for PML-Q’s support in the upcoming presidential polls.

Addressing a press conference here, Chaudhry Shujaat said the possibility of a positive outcome could not be ruled out if the PML-N contacts his party.

He said the PML-Q will continue to keep its identity even if there is it reaches an understanding with any other party.

To a question, PML-Q President said he saw no harm in party to party contacts and termed it a normal phenomenon in the world of politics.

PML-Q’s presidential candidate Mushahid Hussain Sayed on the occasion said PPP’s Co-chairman is still facing charges of laundering 60 million dollars, which, he said, makes his (Asif Zardari’s) candidature questionable.

Source : The News

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BJP woos Chiru's 'Prajarajyam'

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gets set to roll out the red carpet for actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi who received a spectacular crowd response on the day (August 26) when he launched his party Praja Rajyam in Tirupathi.

Venkaiah Naidu, Senior BJP leader, reacting to the party's gameplan, tie-up with Praja Rajyam, and about the entry of the party said, "We are closely watching the things. We will decide when the appropriate time comes. We are awaiting Chiranjeevi to make public his policies. Let him announce his stance. Accordingly, we will take the decision."

No other politician in Andhra Pradesh other than Chiranjeevi has been able to whip the crowd into this frenzy since the NT Rama Rao era. Chiranjeevi's starry entrance to politics has set off speculations whether its the dawn of another NTR era.

While the current mainstays of Andhra Pradesh politics, Congress' YS Rajasekhara Reddy and TDP's Chandrababu Naidu, have been dismissing the Chiranjeevi phenomenon, the BJP senses the emergence of a regional player.

G Srinivas, AP Congress president, reacting to the entry of Chiranjeevi into politics, said, "We are doing what the people want. After all, people look forward to the government to look after their concerns. And speaking on the crowd the occasion generated, he said, "Crowd gathering is not important. The agenda that he talked about is nothing new."

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh political circles have been abuzz over the mass hysteria generated in Tirupati on Tuesday.

But, it's unlikely that this man would consider an alliance with any other party before proving his mettle at the hustings.

Source : Times Now

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Rifts in SP on representatives in committee with Congress

NEW DELHI: Differences within Samajwadi Party ranks over the number of its representatives to the Congress-SP coordination Committee have led to postponement of its first meeting this week.

Though names of party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and general secretary Amar Singh had been initially proposed informally as representatives to the committee, there is a feeling in the party that an old socialist hand should also be included to make it more broad-based as far as SP is concerned.

Since the committee will be political in nature, SP sources said the presence of a veteran party leader in it was desirable to grapple with key decisions including those relating to seat-sharing with Congress in coming elections.

SP leaders in Delhi and Lucknow maintained that at least one more senior functionary should be included in the committee. "There are several leaders who had been with the party for long. They should be given a chance to be in the committee," a party leader said.

"He (Amar Singh) knows most of the leaders from all parties. He is an asset but there is a feeling that a party veteran should also be part of the committee," the leader added.

Earlier, there were indications that besides Yadav and Singh, party's another national general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav, brother of Mulayam, would also represent SP in the committee.

SP leaders have indicated that a formal announcement of names of its representatives to the committee would only be made through a consensual decision.

Source : Times Of India

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Prachanda says his first 'political visit' will be to India

KATHMANDU: Amid criticism of his move to visit China first instead of India after assuming office, Nepal's new premier Prachanda on Wednesday said his maiden "political" trip will be to New Delhi and that it will take place "very soon."

Prachanda, who undertook a five-day visit to Beijing to attend the closing ceremony of the Olympics, was criticised in the political circle here for visiting China first in a sharp departure from tradition where India has been the first port of call for most of the previous Nepalese prime ministers.

"My first political visit will be to India," the Nepalese Prime Minister told reporters at the Tribhuvan International Airport here after arriving from China.

Prachanda, the chief of the CPN-Maoist party, said his visit to India will take place "very soon."

The former guerrilla leader also noted that Nepal-India traditional ties were characterised by religious and cultural similarities.

He said his CPN-Maoist's cooperation with India started when it reached a 12-point agreement with political parties of Nepal in Delhi, "which cannot be undermined."

Prachanda, who met Chinese President Hu Jintao and other political leaders during his stay in Beijing, termed his Beijing visit as "fruitful".

He, however, said he visited China merely to attend the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games.


Source : Times Of India

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No snap polls, next elections in 2010, Sri Lanka President says

Aug 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (26) said that there is no hurry to hold a snap poll and the mandate given by the people for the ruling party is valid until 2010.

Addressing a ceremony sponsored by the Finance and Planning Ministry to hand over appointment letters to 246 accountants recruited into the government services at Temple Trees yesterday, the President said although winning a general election at this stage is not a challenge to the United People's Freedom Alliance he would not go for it as it would be a waste of public money.

President said the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe is calling for a general election only because his leadership in the party is challenged and a snap poll would only benefit him to survive and retain his post.

"The post of Opposition Leader is in doubt. He wants to keep his supporters and party members in suspense, He wants to keep his supporters and party members in suspense and save his position as long as he is agitating for a general election," President Rajapaksa said.

President also highlighted the importance of strengthening the public sector service with an object-oriented vision and a mission to build and develop the nation.

“This government considers the public service as an important part of the country’s development process. Around 150,000 had been recruited to the public service in the past two and half years,” President Rajapaksa said. President pointed out that the policy of the present administration is to unite the country, defeat terrorism, and achieve economic progress by encouraging local farmers and local industry.

Source : Colombo Page

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EC to announce parliament election schedule on finalisation of voters’ list: Chief Adviser

DHAKA: Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the Election Commission is the legal competent body to announce the schedule for general election and observed that the schedule might not be annou-nced before finalisation of the voters' list across the country.(The Bangladesh Today)

Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Council of Advisors at Khulna Circuit House in the afternoon, he said it is the responsibility of the Election Commission to conduct all elections, including the parliamentary polls, and announce the schedules in time.

"So far I know, it may not be possible for the Election Commission to announce the schedule for general election until the voters' list is finalised throughout the country," he told a correspondent.

About the timeframe of the election to the ninth parliament, stalled following the January 11, 2007 changeover amid a political crisis, the Chief Adviser said since he had already stated about the timeframe (3rd week of December), he wouldn't repeat it.

The questions cropped up as major political parties are insisting on immediate announcement of the election schedule and advancing the polls to October by jumping the timeline set in the EC-set roadmap. About oath of the newly elected Mayors of the City Corporations, LGRD Adviser Anwarul Iqbal said usually, the elected Mayors are supposed to take oath after a month of the elections. He said the LGRD ministry sent a summary to the Chief Adviser with a request to him to administer the oath to the city Mayors, and his response is awaited. Besides, the Adviser said the Mayors-elect would have to submit the affidavit of their statements of wealth before taking oath of office. In reply to a question, Iqbal said, "The government would consider applications for parole to take oath by the elected Mayors now in jail." It was the fifth and last meeting of the Council of Advisers at the Divisional Headquarters. Today's meeting, chaired by Dr Fakhruddin, approved in principle the Upazila Parishad Ordinance 2008 subject to some improvements.

The meeting also endorsed a 37-point development plan for Khulna division.

Asked about the disbursement of money for buying jute for jute mills, the Chief Adviser said the funds are being released.

Last year, Tk 150 crore was released during the winter to buy jute as he said the government wants timely purchase of jute for the jute mills. However, he said the jute associations must be accountable on this account.

About the reopening of closed jute mills, Dr Fakhruddin said the government wants the jute mills to be in production under private management. "Since the public-sector jute industries incur losses, some mills in Chittagong were leased and the same policy could be adopted in Khulna." The Chief Adviser said the government paid off the outstanding wages of the workers and it needs to be monitored whether the money was properly distributed.

About the operation of Khulna airport, he said it is difficult for the government if it is not financially viable. He noted that airports in Barisal and Rajshahi were closed down on the same grounds. He posed a counter-question whether it is possible to run an institution by giving subsidy.

The 37-point development plan to be implemented at a cost of Tk 10,131 crore includes development of roads, education, health, modernisation of Mongla port, resolving problems of water-logging, electricity, rural infrastructure, forest and environment, and sports and culture.

Anwarul Iqbal, who briefed the press on the development plan, said the government decided to activate Mongla seaport, and fertilisers and reconditioned cars would be imported through this port to increase its economic activities.

He said steps would be taken to increase the navigability of the Mongla port. The Adviser said two projects with estimated costs of Tk 628.70 crore and Tk 342.18 crore with assistance of ADB are now under implementation to supply gas to 21 southwestern districts, including Khulna. Iqbal said production has started from 40MW rental power station in Khulna and the electricity problem here will be eased with the commissioning of the 34.5MW power station in Bhola.

The Adviser said the bridge over the Teesta River in Narail was completed. It will be named after renowned artist SM Sultan.

He said work on the Padma Bridge would start in July 2010 and its design would be submitted in 2009. Advisers, Cabinet Secretary and Press Secretary to the CA were present at the Council-of-Advisers meeting that lasted two and a half hours since 11:00 am.

Source : The Bangladesh Today

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PML-N, PML-Q not in presidential race from Sindh

Karachi : Two major political parties, the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Muslim League – Quaid (PML-Q), are not in the race for the presidential elections in Sindh. Neither party filed nomination papers for presidential candidates in Sindh. Meanwhile, the ruling coalition, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and the Awami National Party (ANP), filed nine nomination papers on Tuesday for their joint presidential candidate, PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) Acting Chief Justice, who is also the Returning Officer for these elections, Justice Azizullah Memon, received the nomination papers for Zardari and eight other independent candidates.

The election commission had issued 21 nomination forms from Sindh but no nomination papers were filed for the PML-N candidate, Justice (Retd) Saeeduzzaman Siddiqi, and the PML-Q candidate, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed. The PML-Q has nine MPAs in the Sindh Assembly and PML-N has no representation in the House, while ANP leader Shahi Syed said that the PML-N had no proposers or seconders for the nomination paper.

The ruling coalition held a joint meeting in the Sindh Assembly building before filing nomination papers, and decided to file nine nomination papers for Zardari.

Officials said that the PPP filed four nominations, while the MQM filed one nomination. One nomination paper each was filed jointly by the PPP-MQM and the PPP-ANP, while one each was filed by the women and minority members.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, his cabinet ministers, including ministers from the MQM and the ANP, were present in the court room when Zardari’s nomination papers were filed. PML-Q MPAs Dr Shajila Leghari, Ghalib Domki and Abid Sundarani was also present in the court room at the time.

Shah told journalists that Zardari was a suitable candidate for this office and he will get 100 percent votes from Sindh because no other candidate matched him. The chief minister said that the PPP still wants to bring all democratic forces together. He declared that the government did not believe in political victimisation, nor would it ‘force’ any votes because the PPP “wants to promote healthy democratic traditions in the country.”

MQM Minister Shoib Bukhari told journalists that Zardari is the candidate for the MQM as well, and MQM chief Altaf Hussain had been the first to nominate him.

Provincial ministers raised slogans of “Zinda hai BB” (BB lives) after filing Zardari’s nomination papers. A cordial and happy atmosphere was witnessed on the occasion and the coalition parties claimed the credit for proposing the PPP co-chairman as a presidential candidate.

Source : Daily News

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Soren takes oath as Jharkhand CM

RANCHI: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Shibu Soren was Wednesday sworn in as Jharkhand Chief Minister.

Governor Syed Sibte Razi administered the oath of office to Soren at a ceremony in the Raj Bhavan here in the afternoon.

Soren's party had staked claim to forming the government Monday, two days after Madhu Koda stepped down as chief minister.

Source : Times Of India

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Andhra Pradesh may see political realignment

HYDERABAD: With Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi launching a new political party, Andhra Pradesh appears to be heading for realignment of political forces before next year's elections.

The Praja Rajyam, launched by the actor at a mammoth rally at Tirupati on Tuesday, is likely to join hands with smaller parties to take on both the ruling Congress party and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

The priorities of the new party spelt out by Chiranjeevi and his stand on key issues indicate the possibility of an alliance before the simultaneous polls to the state assembly and the national parliament.

Political observers feel that the flexibility shown by Chiranjeevi on the issue of separate statehood to Telangana and his criticism of land acquisition for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) by the government all hint towards the possibility of pre-poll alliance(s).

While both the Congress and TDP dismissed Chiranjeevi's speech as dialogues from a film and the meeting as the first show of the star's movie, other parties want to adopt a wait and watch approach.

Both the major parties tried to put up a brave front by claiming that the new party would have no impact on their prospects.

"There is nothing new in the party and Chiranjeevi's speech. He wants to continue what Congress has been doing for the last four and half years," said state Congress president D. Srinivas.

The actor's stand on Telangana is being welcomed by parties fighting for separate statehood to the region. During his speech, Chiranjeevi promised to protect the self-respect of the region and remove sense of discrimination among people.

"Yet, if people conclude that parting between brothers is inevitable, we will assist in their amicable separation," he said.

However, both Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and Nava Telangana Praja Party (NTPP) want the actor to take a clear stand on the issue.

"He should make a promise to carve out a separate state of Telangana," demanded TRS leader E. Rajender.

As Chiranjeevi comes from coastal Andhra, he steered clear from making any promise as this would have an impact on his party's prospects in Andhra and Rayalseema regions.

The actor's criticism of the Congress government on the issue of SEZs and sale of government lands is likely to help him in finding friends in communist parties.

"In the name of budgetary support, the government is selling away lands. This amounts to selling away the future of our children. The government should act as a protector of people's land and not as broker," he said in a speech full of rhetoric.

Chiranjeevi also opposed acquisition of land, especially cultivable land, for SEZs and also indirectly criticised the government for corruption in construction of irrigation projects.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) have been opposing sale of government lands and acquisition of farmers' lands for SEZs.

However, the two parties want to wait for few days before saying anything on a possible alliance.

"There is a need for clarity on several issues. We hope that he (Chiranjeevi) will soon announce detailed policies and programmes," said CPI-M state secretary B.V. Raghavulu.

He feels that the actor, with his star appeal, would have tremendous impact on state politics.

Since Chiranjeevi declared that the Praja Rajyam would be a secular party, political observers feel that he would not join hands with the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).

State BJP president Bandaru Dattatreya, however, said his party shares many of the thoughts expressed by Chiranjeevi.

Both the communist parties and the TRS were electoral allies of the Congress party in 2004 elections. However, they have drifted apart due to differences on various issues.

The Lok Satta, a political party launched by former bureaucrat Jaiprakash Narayan, welcomed Chiranjeevi's entry into politics but said it would wait for the new party's policies and programmes before making any move.

Source : Hindustan Times

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Pak: Zardari, Siddiqui, Sayed file nomination papers

ISLAMABAD: The ruling Pakistan People's Party filed nomination papers for its chief Asif Ali Zardari for the September 6 presidential polls saying it had enough support to ensure his victory despite PML-N's decision to pull out of the government and field its own candidate.

PML(N) leaders filed nomination papers for Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui. PML-Q candidate Mushahid Hussain Sayed filed the nomination papers accompanied by his party leaders

Senior PPP leaders and federal Ministers Sherry Rehman and Khurshid Shah went to the Election Commission with leaders of the Awami National Party and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, both partners in the ruling coalition, and the opposition Muttahida Qaumi Movement and filed nomination papers for Zardari with Chief Election Commissioner Qazi Muhammad Farooq.

Information Minister Sherry Rehman Sherry said the PPP has a "comfortable number of votes" to ensure Zardari's victory despite the PML-N's decision to leave the coalition.

The PPP had been saddened by the PML-N's move but it would make every effort to take along all political forces to promote the culture of reconciliation, she said.

"We believe that Mr Zardari is the right candidate for this office because he truly represents the unity of the federation," said PPP leader and Law Minister Farooq Naek.

The presidential polls are going to be a three-way contest, with Zardari being pitted against former Supreme Court Chief Justice Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui, who is being backed by the PML-N, and opposition PML-Q secretary general Mushahid Hussain Sayed.

Source : Times Of India

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Chiranjeevi launches political party 'Prajarajyam'

TIRUPATI: Lakhs of supporters celebrated as megastar Chiranjeevi on Tuesday unveiled his political party and named it ‘Prajarajyam’. ( Watch )

Addressing a political meeting, where large numbers of fans had gathered to support their legend, the southern star said he is overwhelmed by the response of the people towards his decision of joining politics.

“The new party will have social justice as its main agenda,“ Chiranjeevi said.

Chiranjeevi added, “I firmly believe in youth power. I am hungry to serve the people of my state.”

He also said he knows the pulse of the public and thanked his supporters for gathering in large numbers at the party launch.

Fans turn out in large numbers

Excited over their matinee idol's political debut, fans of the Telugu superstar went out of control at the site of the public meeting in this temple town leading police to lathicharge on them.

Lakhs of Chiranjeevi fans, who poured in from all over Andhra Pradesh to listen to their star revealing the name and agenda of his party, swamped into the chamber which was alloted for physically challenged people.

Repeated appeals by Chiranjeevi's brother and actor Nagendra Babu to maintain calm during the public meeting, went unheeded among the jubilant fans.

Police resorted to lathicharge to control the crowd.

The organisers had claimed that traffic arrangements for Tuesday's meeting had been made in such a manner that pilgrims descending on Tirupati for darshan would not be affected in any manner.

In order to prevent traffic jams due to sudden influx of people for the meeting, the authorities had decided to curtail all train services at Renigunta itself and not allow it into Tirupati.

The eight-feet high huge dais, comprising big pictures of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, B R Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule and a digital screen at the centre, attracted hundreds of people.

Nine digital screens were installed at strategic places for the crowd to listen to a larger-than-life Chiranjeevi. And in a display of some order unlike many political meetings, first aid clinics, fire engines and water packets were arranged for the public.

Over 2,500 security personnel including bomb disposal squads and dog squads were pressed into service to maintain order.

Source : Times Of India

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Left has betrayed legacy of Surjeet: Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday accused CPM General Secretary Prakash Karat and other comrades of destroying the legacy of veteran Marxist H S Surjeet who had polarised the secular forces.

"The withdrawal of support to the UPA was the biggest step to give boost to the communal forces," said Congress spokesman Manish Tewari.

Tewari told reporters that the Left had done was to "betray the legacy of Comrade Surjeet".

He recalled that Surjeet was instrumental in bringing together all secular forces in the backdrop of the demolition of Babri Masjid.

Tewari alleged that this betrayal was shocking as the Left considered themselves the champions of secularism.

Source : Times Of India

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Soren told to prove majority by Sept 1

RANCHI: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren has been invited by Governor Syed Sibte Razi to form the government and told to prove his majority by September 1. Earlier, Soren met Governor Razi and presented a letter of support from 42 legislators.
The move came after outgoing chief minister Madhu Koda finally softened his stance and expressed support for him.

When Soren went to meet the governor, he was accompanied by Koda, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, central minister and Congress MP Subodh Kant Sahay and Independent, or unattached, legislators.

His letter named nine legislators of the Congress, seven of Lalu Prasad's RJD and eight Independents, apart from JMM's 17 legislators.

Koda, who was forced to step down Saturday to make way for Soren, took a U-turn and extended his support to the JMM chief after a meeting with him and Lalu Prasad in the afternoon.

"I have extended support to Shibu Soren. No one is above the UPA (United Progressive Alliance)," Koda had said.

Asked about joining the next government, he said: "I have not decided about it."

The Koda government was reduced to a minority in the state legislature after the JMM withdrew support to it on August 17. Koda stepped down following advice from the central UPA leadership.

While the Congress and the RJD announced their support to Soren, he managed to win over eight Independents, including Koda, one after the other.

On Monday, Stephen Marandi, deputy chief minister in the Koda government, also announced his support to Soren.

JMM supporters celebrated after Guruji, as they call Soren, met the governor. They distributed sweets and burst fire crackers.

Soren, who was chief minister of the state for 10 days in March 2005, had long dreamt of returning to the post. He got an opportunity when his party supported the Manmohan Singh government in the crucial trust vote of July 22.

Source : Times Of India

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Sharif pulls out of Pakistan coalition

ISLAMABAD: Nawaz Sharif's PML-N has pulled out of Pakistan's ruling coalition and has decided to sit in the Opposition, said Dawn Channel. This was decided in a meeting of top leaders of former premier Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N. ( Watch )

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has decided on former chief justice Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui as its presidential candidate.

The meeting of the PML-N's central working committee, chaired by Sharif, was held in the wake of comments by top party leaders accusing the Pakistan People's Party of not honouring commitments to reinstate judges sacked during last year's emergency by former President Pervez Musharraf.

"There is no need (for the PML-N) to be part of the coalition government if one party is taking decisions unilaterally," PML-N spokesman Siddique-ul-Farooq said.

The PML-N had on Sunday boycotted a meeting of a committee that was to draft a parliamentary resolution for restoring the deposed judges after PPP co-chairman refused to commit himself to Sharif's deadline for completing the process by today. Zardari has said that the judges will be reinstated but that he could not set a timeframe for this.

The PML-N has been angered by Zardari's comments that the PPP's agreements and declarations with the party on restoring the judges could be "altered or modified" to suit the evolving political scenario. Senior PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal pointed out that the latest pact between the two parties was signed by Zardari and Sharif before the holy Quran.

The PML-N has also been irked by the PPP's move to nominate Zardari as its candidate for next month's presidential polls without the scrapping of the President's controversial powers to dissolve parliament and dismiss the prime minister.

Source : Times Of India

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Zardari to be PPP's Prez candidate, coalition crisis deepens

ISLAMABAD: Heeding his party's wishes, PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday decided to contest the Sept 6 Presidential election, but the ruling coalition appeared to be heading for a deeper crisis over the issue of reinstatement of judges sacked by former President Pervez Musharraf.

"Mr Asif Zardari has accepted to contest the election for the office of president of Pakistan after the party unanimously drafted him to do so," PPP deputy secretary general Raza Rabbani told reporters.

Pakistan's ruling PPP leaders had overwhelmingly backed Zardari for the post of President on Friday.

However, the crisis in the government triggered by the second largest partner of the coalition PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif threatening to pull out over the judges issue, appeared to have deepened with Sharif cutting short the deadline from Wednesday.

At a press conference in Lahore, he demanded that the PPP should say by Saturday night whether the government would reinstate the sacked judges by Monday. Sharif also did not commit his party's support to Zardari's candidature for the Presidential post.

Asked about the PML-N's insistence on the restoration of the judges, Rabbani evaded a direct reply and said it was difficult to set deadlines for such a matter.

Rabbani described the restoration of the deposed judges as a "sensitive legal issue" and pointed out that the PPP would "fulfil all its promises" and find solutions to the problem.

He said the "judges will be restored" but added a timeframe would be announced at a later date.


Source : Times Of India

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Support after restoration of judges by Monday: Sharif

LAHORE: Taking a tough stand, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif on Saturday cut short by two days the Wednesday deadline for restoration of the deposed judges and linked the issue to his party's support to PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari's candidature in presidential polls in Pakistan.

"It will take Parliament 10 minutes to pass a resolution for reinstatement of deposed judges after which an Executive Order should be issued by the Prime Minister in the evening," the former prime minister told reporters here after a meeting with PPP leaders at his residence.

Sharif advanced to Monday the deadline set for Wednesday by him for restoration of the judges sacked during last year's emergency rule by former President Pervez Musharraf, who resigned from the post early this week.

All the deposed judges should now be reinstated by Monday in view of the announcement of the presidential election on September six, he said.

Sharif conditioned his party's support to candidature of Zardari for the Presidential polls with the repeal of the 17th amendment empowering a President to dissolve Parliament and dismiss an elected Premier as well as with the restoration of deposed judges.

"We have asked PPP to inform us by Saturday night whether the judges will be reinstated by Monday," Sharif was quoted as saying by ARY One channel, adding that his party would announce its strategy after PPP response.

His remarks came after a three-member PPP delegation led by senior leader Raza Rabbani met Sharif at his at his Raiwind farm house residence here and sought his support for Zardari's candidature for the post of President.


Source : Times Of India

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Northeast must 'agitate' with Centre for development: Aiyar

NEW DELHI: Noting that India's 'Look East' policy was yet to reap benefits for the country's northeastern region, Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has said these states must "agitate" with the Centre to seek development.

Aiyar, the minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DONER), said efforts were on to make the region a gateway to the prosperous South East Asian nations.

"Now we are focusing on linking the region to South East Asia on the basic assumption that South East Asia begins in North East India," he said.

There is an urgent need to link the markets of the eight northeastern states with the emerging economies of the South East Asian countries, he said.

"That's why I have been urging northeastern states to agitate much more with the Central government to argue their case before us, to factor in the importance of developing NE and determine what our strategy should be for development of the region," Aiyar said.

Contending that the Look East Policy had so far primarily benefited the southern and western India, he said the impact of the policy on Northeast has been negligible.

Aiyar, who took over charge of the ministry in 2006, said the economy of the region may look up as private sector has also evinced interest in investing in the region.

The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd has received investment proposals amounting to Rs 14,000 crore from the private sector, half of them in the last one year.

The DONER Ministry has organised a North East Business summit on September 15-16 to attract investment from the ASEAN and other neighbouring countries to the North East.

Source : Times Of India

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Chiranjeevi hosts tea party for filmstars

HYDERABAD: Actor Chiranjeevi, who has stepped into politics, hosted a tea party for the film fraternity at the Rama Naidu studios at Jubilee Hills on Saturday.

Amongst those who were present were actors Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Tarun, producer D Rama Naidu, Tammareddy Bharadwaja and others.

Interestingly, actor Mohan Babu who is known to have a running a feud with Chiranjeevi also came for the tea party. "He invited me with love and I came," Mohan Babu said.

Nandamuri Balakrishna and NTR Jr from the Nandamuri clan were conspicuous by their absence. Recently, TDP president Chandrababu Naidu has pulled in NTR family members into the active politics to try out their charisma against the Chiranjeevi factor.

Addressing the film fraternity, actor Chiranjeevi said that even in his political life, he will see to it that the film fraternity gets its due respect. He also explained why he was getting into politics.

Source : Times Of India

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Land-for-job: NDA team meets PM, demands Lalu's ouster

NEW DELHI: Keeping up the pressure on railway minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad, a delegation of Opposition NDA on Saturday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and demanded that he be sacked from the Cabinet in the wake of the alleged "land-for-jobs" scam that came to light after an expose telecast by a private TV channel.

Taking a dig at Prasad, who has been credited for his "management skills" for turning around the Indian Railways into a profit-making enterprise, BJP leader Muqhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the scam has exposed that the "management guru has turned into a corruption guru".

The NDA leaders claimed to have documentary evidence showing that people who got jobs in the railways had transferred their land to close family members of Prasad. They also accused the railway minister of giving jobs to those who had deposed in his favour earlier in the fodder scam.

Armed with documentary evidence like registration certificates of land that has reportedly been transferred to the names of Lalu Prasad's family members, the NDA members demanded an inquiry into the scam.

The delegation, comprising BJP vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav and his colleagues Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Shivanand Tiwari, said they submitted "proof" relating to the scam to the PM.

The PM, according to Naqvi and Yadav, assured the delegation that he would "look into" the matter. The leaders claimed that the documents proved the involvement of Prasad, Union ministers Prem Chand Gupta, Kanti Singh and Raghunath Jha in the scam. Hitting out at the UPA government over the issue, Naqvi said, "First we had the cash-for-vote scam and now land-for-job. These incidents signify the height of corruption."

"The Prime Minister should not maintain silence on the issue as this sends a wrong message that he is also hand-in-glove," he said, in an attempt to rope in Manmohan Singh into the issue.

Source : Times Of India

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Soren set to become Jharkhand CM

NEW DELHI: Shibu Soren is tantalizingly close to realising his aspiration to be the chief minister of Jharkhand — a state he helped form — with the UPA leadership successfully persuading incumbent Madhu Koda to step down for 'Guruji'.

Koda is expected to announce his resignation on Saturday. The agreement with Koda capped hectic parleys among UPA partners to facilitate Soren's ascension.

A power-sharing arrangement has been worked out which centres on maintaining the status quo with the significant exception of change at the helm.

All members of the Koda ministry — the two deputy chief ministers and the seven Independents who play 'kingmaker' — are proposed to be retained while the outgoing CM may be given charge of the UPA steering committee.

The committee will not be mere cosmetic as RJD, which was loath to support Soren and came around only at the instance of the Congress leadership, expects it to protect its interests in the state.

While Soren's decision to pull out of the coalition government had looked as ill-timed bravado, he managed to pull it off with the help of the Congress leadership which needs his five votes in the Lok Sabha and is keen to repeat the alliance with the JMM and RJD which helped it sweep all but one of the 14 seats Jharkhand has in the Lower House.

Stephen Marandi, who was till recently a Soren loyalist, remains a holdout, but the UPA managers are confident of bringing him around.

Fears of early assembly polls — a certain prospect if Soren is not made the chief minister — may prove the calculation right. The Koda government failed to perform and those associated with it are likely to pay a heavy price at the hustings. Jharkhand watchers don't expect the change to ring in anything different, but are apprehensive that the arrival of a new chief minister and the proximity of polls may lead to a fresh scramble for mining leases in the resource-rich state.


Source : Times Of India

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BJP calls Cong, SP, BSP 'cheerleaders of terror'

NEW DELHI: Opposition BJP on Friday lashed out at Congress, SP and BSP for sympathizing with Ahmedabad blast accused and SIMI activist Abu Bashar and accused them of playing the "minority appeasement" card, following the visit of MPs from the three parties to Bashar's village in Uttar Pradesh, from where he was picked up by Gujarat police.

BJP called the three parties "cheerleaders of terrorism" for coming out in support of the SIMI activist arrested in connection with Ahmedabad serial blasts. "The BJP's charge that the UPA and its allies are soft on terror now witnesses conclusive evidence with the visit of MPs Ram Naresh Yadav (Congress), Akbar Ahmad Dumpy (BSP) and Abu Azmi (SP) to the Azamgarh village of Mufti Abu Bashar, the terrorist responsible for blasts in Ahmedabad," BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy told reporters here.

The party was also critical of Syed Ahmad Bukhari, Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, for accompanying the MPs on their visit. "Congress, BSP and SP have become cheerleaders of terror organizations, groups and individuals who are mercilessly targeting and killing innocents," Rudy said. "Is this overt, disgusting, display of support to elements of terror an attempt to influence the judicial process?" he asked.


Source : Times Of India

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Polls in mind, Cong & SP form panel

NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party and Congress have set up a coordination panel aimed at providing a mechanism to regulate relations and sort out issues with both parties viewing each other as allies who will face the next general elections as part of the same political formation.

The coordination panel will have Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee and defence minister A K Antony while the SP will be represented by its chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and his associate and party general secretary Amar Singh. The panel is expected to meet when necessary.

To start with, the two parties will have to tackle the seat-sharing in Uttar Pradesh where Congress will have to leave a lion's share to the SP. But besides the numerical split, identifying constituencies will be a task as both eye favourite boroughs. With the two now committed to taking on BSP chief Mayawati and BJP, the newly aligned partners have to settle their claims.

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi and Amar Singh are scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss seat-sharing in UP. The two are also likely to discuss a pre-poll alliance that the new-found allies are keen to forge to counter Mayawati's threat.

There are policy issues regarding the government that may need to be sorted out as well. The SP has a definite laundry list that it will expect the government to respond to. The Samajwadis have not been shy of pointing out that they "need power" to oppose a rampaging Mayawati in UP besides also dealing with investigations launched by the courts against the SP leaders.

Source : Times Of India

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Advani using Kashmir to be PM: Yasin Malik

SRINAGAR: Yasin Malik, a Kashmir faction leader who has never supported the pro-Pakistan sentiments in the valley, says Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L K Advani has been "exploiting" the Amarnath land row to secure his vote bank and be the next prime minister of India.

"Advani, powered by other Hindu extremists in the Sangh Parivar, wants to be the next prime minister of India and he is exploiting the situation to come to power by giving a communal tone to the Amarnath land row," Malik said.

Malik, who advocates the Gandhian philosophy of non-violence for the "freedom" struggle in Kashmir, is chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), which he says is a secular separatist movement for an independent state.

The wave of unrest that has engulfed Jammu and Kashmir has killed at least 40 people, most of them in firings by police and paramilitary troopers, in almost three months since the government first allotted land to the Amarnath shrine board in May and then revoked the decision on July 1 - triggering protests first in Muslim-majority Kashmir and then in Hindu-dominated Jammu.

The row over the land for pilgrims headed to the shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in the valley has snowballed into a major controversy and re-ignited the separatist sentiment in the Kashmir valley that till some weeks ago was enjoying peace with hotels full of tourists and filmmakers too.

The Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave "has been going on for more than a century-and-a-half", Malik said, asking: "Why do we suddenly need land transfer in the name of the shrine board?"

"The pilgrimage," Malik said, "is a Muslim legacy and shouldn't have been tampered with."

The JKLF leader, who had been on a hunger strike for five days from Aug 5 onwards to protest the "economic blockade" by Jammu, said that the entire valley "was being used to enable Hindu pilgrims camp and Muslims would dutifully offer their services for the peaceful conclusion of the pilgrimage".

"Even during the current crisis the pilgrimage concluded peacefully," he said from his home in Maisuma near the city centre Lal Chowk.

Describing the Amarnath row as a "tip of iceberg", he said: "New Delhi is adamant to overlook the writing on the wall. Kashmiris are fighting for their rights and their identity."

Regretting the violence over the issue, he added that the issue needed to be looked at "from a conflict paradigm not just through the prism of statecraft".

"I had warned India and Pakistan that the anger in Kashmiris has not died. It was hidden there and now it has erupted like a volcano."

"The Indian government," he said, "mistook the silence in Kashmir as a return of peace."

Stressing that dialogue was the only way out, he asserted that the authorities avoided serious talks with the Kashmiris and now the result was before them.

"India and Pakistan sooner or later will have to talk to the Kashmiris and solve the dispute. Our aspirations have to be taken into consideration."

Malik had a round of talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2006 during which he advocated inclusion of Kashmiris in the India-Pakistan dialogue over the state, which is ruled in parts but claimed in full by the two South Asian nuclear-armed neighbours.

Source : Times Of India

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Mayawati's social engineering not worrying Cong

NEW DELHI: BSP making inroads into the Congress base in the national Capital does not seem to have shaken the grand old party with its leadership exuding confidence that Mayawati's social engineering will not cut much ice here.

Congress' Delhi unit chief Jaiprakash Aggarwal said his party has a "strong base" in the city and expressed confidence that the party-led government will return to power for the third successive term in the coming Assembly elections.

"BSP winning seats in municipal elections last year has not affected our strength. They have not won any seats reserved for Dalits. They won some seats in the MCD because we were a little weak then," he said.

"I see no threat from BSP and we are not disturbed by their rise. They will not be able to pose any threat to our traditional vote-bank," Aggarwal, also a Rajya Sabha member from Delhi, said.

He also made light of BSP announcing candidates for 66 Assembly seats in Delhi. "This is not going to help BSP. I am confident that we will emerge victorious for the third consecutive term in the polls," he said.

When pointed out that BSP garnered 9.9 per cent of the votes in the MCD election in April 2007, he said "it does not mean that BSP is powerful. The fact was that Congress was weak at that time. Now our party has strengthened itself."

The BSP has announced its intention to replicate the "social engineering", which helped them to win the 2007 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, in the national capital.

Of the 66 candidates whose names have been announced so far, over 20 belong to upper castes while about 20 are from the backward classes.

Source : Times Of India

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Informal talks for LS polls have begun: BJP

BJP has already begun informal talks with political parties in Tamil Nadu on the possibility of forging alliance for the coming Lok Sabha elections, party state president L Ganesan said on Thursday.

Barring Congress, DMK and Left, BJP has number of options to choose its ally or allies for the polls and final shape would be taken at the right time, Ganesan told reporters in Coimbatore.

Stating that both PMK and Left were 'vulnerable,' due to recent developments--PMK going out of DPA and latter withdrawing support to UPA government, he said "BJP is open and made its stand clear that it would welcome the parties, which supported candidature of LK Advani for Prime Minister's post.

There was political compulsion for not allying with Congress, ideological compulsion with Left parties and 'the situation in Tamil Nadu' for not allying with DMK, he said.

He lashed out at the Congress-led UPA government for the "neglect of Hindus" in Jammu & Kashmir and said that there was nothing communal in the Amarnath issue.

Source : Hindustan Times

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Battle for Jharkhand enters its last stage

The battle for Jharkhand entered a decisive phase on Thursday with Congress president Sonia Gandhi stepping in to break the impasse over government formation.

She conferred with her party colleagues and Rashtriya Janta Dal’s (RJD) Lalu Prasad and then met Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren who is seeking her intervention to have him installed as chief minister.

Incumbent Madhu Koda has been asked to come to New Delhi for consultations on Friday.

Koda, along with the other Independents, has been holding on reportedly with Lalu’s blessings.

The final decision on the Jharkhand imbroglio would be taken after Koda's arrival.

"We are discussing among ourselves and everybody will have the same stand. Any decision taken will be a collective one," said Ajay Maken, AICC leader in charge of Jharkhand.

But the Soren camp claims the JMM chief's chances of becoming CM have improved with Lalu reportedly softening his anti-Soren stand. The JMM leader reportedly managed to get the backing of BJP’s two suspended members, Manohar Tekriwal and Vishnu Bhaiya, and the promise of support from two JD(U) MLAs.

A section in the UPA feels Koda may step down before his trust vote on August 26 to pave the way for Soren. However, it would be left to the JMM leader and his 17 MLAs to secure 42 votes in the 81-member House.

Unwilling to annoy Lalu, the Congress has repeatedly said that its nine MLAs would back Soren but it was for him to get the numbers.

While Independents Stephen Marandi, Bhanu Pratap Shahi and Chandra Prakash Choudhary are with Koda, Joba Majhi, Enos Ekka, Hari Narayan Rai and Kamalesh Singh are keeping their cards close to their chests.

Only Bandhu Tirkey is backing Soren, who believes he has the numbers with support of JD(U) and suspended BJP members.

The JMM chief is now hoping that MLAs wanting to avoid President's Rule and early assembly polls would back him.

The Congress has stepped in now to take the steam out of the four Independent ministers not aligned with the UPA and to ensure the JMM supports the Manmohan Singh government till the nuclear deal is through.

Besides, it knows that just as it needs the RJD in Bihar, it needs the JMM in the state and Lok Sabha polls in Jharkhand.

Source : Hindustan Times

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JMM chief Shibu Soren claims RJD support for CM post

NEW DELHI: Shibu Soren's hopes of making a comeback as Jharkhand chief minister by replacing incumbent Madhu Koda received a boost on Thursday with the RJD assuring the JMM supremo of its support.

Soren said after his meeting with RJD supremo Lalu Prasad that the Railway Minister had not only promised his party's backing but also assured him help in securing the support of independents.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) General Secretary Hemlal Murmu was with Soren when he met Prasad.

The development is expected to help Soren in a big way as Congress has already assured him support.

"We are behind Soren like a rock. Not only will our (nine) MLAs support him on the floor of the House but we will also make efforts to make him the chief minister," AICC secretary Abdul Manan had said in Ranchi yesterday.

Two suspended BJP MLAs -- Vishnu Bhayya and Manohar Tekriwal -- have also favoured the JMM leader's bid for chief ministership.

Both Bhayya and Tekriwal had been suspended for siding with former chief minister Babulal Marandi.

Source : Times Of India

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Jammu: Protesters attack Congress leader

Jammu, Aug 21 (IANS) Senior Congress leader and former deputy chief minister Mangat Ram Sharma had a narrow escape when angry protesters attacked him amid violent protests after curfew in Jammu was relaxed for 12 hours from 5 a.m. Thursday

Sharma was on his way to a doctor's house in Bhagwati Nagar here, when a group of youth attacked his car with stones. Security guards were unable to bring him out of the vehicle.

However, a guard on a bike saved Sharma who took a ride on his bike to escape the mob.

The word of the Congress leader's presence brought more crowds who damaged cars parked in the area and set on fire some vehicles.

Sharma was health and medical education minister in the Ghulam Nabi Azad government, which had July 1 cancelled the allotment of forest land to the Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) - triggering violent protests in Jammu region.

There were protests and clashes in many parts of Jammu Thursday.

On Wednesday, over 50 people were injured in clashes that saw several police posts and vehicles damaged and government buildings attacked, leading to curfew which was relaxed Thursday morning.

"There was need to impose curfew Wednesday because the Jammu agitators had threatened to bring children on the streets," an official said. People in large numbers, including children, still came out on the streets despite curfew.

Police and paramilitary forces have taken vantage positions to keep a watch on the situation, the official said.

National Security Adviser M.K. Naryananan, who had reviewed the situation in the state in Srinagar Wednesday, had voiced his concern over the law and order situation in the region. In Jammu, the nearly two-month-long agitation with consecutive days of shutdowns has left 12 people dead, more than 1,000 injured and massive economic losses.

The genesis of the trouble lies in the state government's decision to transfer a 40-hectare plot of land in the Kashmir valley to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board but later withdraw this following protests in the Muslim-dominated valley. The revocation July 1 ignited an agitation in the Hindu majority Jammu region.

The Shri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti that has been spearheading the protests had given a call for a three-day programme of "jail bharo" or fill-the-jails, and Wednesday was the turn of children after men courted arrest Monday and women Tuesday.

The death toll in the entire state in the waves of protests and counter-protests now stands at around 40.

--Indo-Asian News Service

NEW DELHI- Pro-shrine protesters have attacked the police station and torched vehicles in Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu district. ( Watch )

Police have fired teargas to quell the agitation by the protesters.

In Delhi, National Security Advisor MK Narayanan briefed the Cabinet on the Jammu and Kashmir situation.

Earlier in the day, curfew was lifted in Jammu and Udhampur districts, while it was relaxed for varying periods in other areas of Jammu province, which was reeling under massive protests over the Amarnath land row.

Curfew, which was reimposed in Jammu on Wednesday on the third and final day of ' Jail Bharo Andolan ' of Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti (SASS) was lifted for the day from 5 am to 8 pm on Thursday, official sources said.

Day curfew was also lifted in Udhampur district from 5 am to 10 pm, they said.
In Kishtwar town, the authorities gave three-hours curfew relaxation from 9:30 am on Thursday, the sources said adding that it was also relaxed on Wednesday for three hours initially and later extended in phases to 12 hours.

The town was rocked by communal clashes on August 12 resulting in the death of two persons and injuries to several others. Some shops and houses were also gutted during the clashes.

In Samba town, the curfew relaxation period has been given for 11 hours from 5 am, they said.

Samiti convenor Leela Karan Sharma had alleged that governor N N Vohra is supporting such activities in Kashmir in order to divert the attention of the national and international community from the demand of Jammu people.

The Samiti has also given programme of agitation from Thursday to August 25 and called for civil disobedience against the state government.

Source : Times Of India

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PPP backs Zardari for Presidency

Islamabad: Asif Ali Zardari may be the next president of Pakistan as the Pakistan People's Party has backed their party chief for the post of President.

Zardari has said that a decision will be made only after consulting ruling coalition partners. However, Zardari rules himself out for the post of President.

But the big question is whether Zardari as President would be acceptable to Nawaz sharif of the PML-N. There is already tension between the two leaders with still no agreement over the reinstatement of the deposed judges.

Source : NDTV

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AGP seeks photo I-cards for Indians

GUWAHATI: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) today demanded that photo identity cards should be provided to all genuine Indian citizens to remove feeling of apprehension from their minds in order to avoid clashes like the ones in the districts of Udalguri, Darrang and Sonitpur. A delegation of the regional party visited the affected areas of the three districts yesterday to take stock of the situation and appealed to all sections of people not to allow themselves to be instigated by anyone.

Talking to this correspondent, AGP president Brindaban Goswami said that as all the political parties and organizations of Assam have accepted March 25, 1971 as the cut off date for detection and deportation of foreigners, the Government must expedite the process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and provide photo identity cards to all genuine Indian citizens within a specific time frame to remove apprehension from the minds of all sections of people.

Goswami expressed the view that the feeling of apprehension in the minds of the people is one of the main reasons for the tension, while, “certain forces also tried to take advantage of the situation by instigating the people for their own gain.” He appealed to all sections of people of Assam to maintain the bond of unity and not to pay heed to any rumour.

The AGP president said that there was no record of any discord between different sections of people in the areas where clashes broke out and the people told the AGP delegation that they were living peacefully for years. But now tension prevails in the area after the clashes and the Government also failed to take adequate precautionary measures on time to prevent such unfortunate incidents.

However, Goswami said that the possibility of such clashes in other parts of the State cannot be ruled out till a permanent solution to the problem of infiltration of foreigners is found. He demanded that the Government should expedite the process of sealing the international border with Bangladesh to prevent fresh infiltration and the foreigners who came to Assam after March 25, 1971 must be detected and deported under the provisions of the Assam Accord to instil sense of security among the indigenous people. He said that a strong political will is required to solve the problem and the loopholes in the laws should be plugged to make the process of detection and deportation of foreigners more effective. He also asserted that no one should be allowed to give communal colour to the problem of infiltration of foreigners.

The members of the AGP will observe hunger strike in all the district headquarters on August 22 in support of the demand for permanent solution to the problem of infiltration. The party will also launch a signature campaign all over the State from August 26 to put pressure on the Government for implementation of the Assam Accord for a permanent solution of the problem and to provide identity cards to the Indian citizens on the basis of updated NRC within a specific time frame.

Source : Assam Tribune

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Sharif threatens to quit Pakistan coalition: Report

SINGAPORE: Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has threatened to pull his party out of Pakistan's ruling coalition if it does not decide by Friday to reinstate judges purged by former president Pervez Musharraf, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The deadlock over the judges opened up cracks in the coalition led by slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) soon after Musharraf, faced with the threat of impeachment, resigned on Monday.

Sharif told the newspaper that the sacking of the judges last year had shaken the foundations of the country and it was necessary to restore them to their jobs.

"We will not try to bring the government down," Sharif said in remarks published on Thursday. "But of course we then have no choice but to sit in the opposition."

The PPP led by Bhutto's widower Asif Ali Zardari, has wavered over restoring the judges, partly because of concern the deposed chief justice might take up challenges to an amnesty from graft charges granted to party leaders last year, analysts say.

Leaders of two small parties in the four-party alliance have played down the dispute but said they had been given three days to resolve the problem between the big parties. Sharif said Zardari had earlier assured him that the judges would be reinstated within 24 hours of Musharraf's impeachment.

"We supported him on impeachment. It's now his turn to support us on the reinstatement of judges." The departure of Sharif's party from the coalition would not force an election, analysts have said, adding that the PPP, the biggest in parliament, should be able to gather enough support to remain in government.

With Sharif winning much popular support for his tough stand on the unpopular Musharraf and the judges, an election is the last thing Bhutto's party wants, Rasul Bakhsh Rais, professor at the Lahore University of Management Sciences said on Wednesday.

"If elections are held, I don't think the People's Party can survive. It will be wiped out," Rais said. The coalition leaders are also divided over Musharraf's future. There has been no announcement since his resignation on whether he would get immunity from prosecution and be allowed to live freely in Pakistan. Sharif, the prime minister Musharraf ousted, said he bore no grudges toward the former military ruler but he must be held accountable for his actions.

"I'm not a man who believes in revenge. Although he mistreated me, I don't have any score to settle with him. But somebody who dismisses the parliament, subverts the constitution, arrests the judges must tell the people why he did that. He must answer these questions under whatever forum the law provides." he said.

Source : Times Of India

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Deregister parties backing terrorists, separatists: BJP

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday urged the Election Commission to “deregister” political parties which were openly siding with “banned terrorist outfits” and those supporting “separatists” in Jammu and Kashmir.

A party delegation submitted to the Commission a two-page memorandum, signed, among others, by Yashwant Sinha, Prakash Javadekar, Vijay Goel and Arun Shourie.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi later told journalists that the delegation “verbally” told the Commission that it should take “suo motu notice” of the parties which expressed themselves against the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India and “others” that openly sided with separatists supporting their call to march to Muzaffarabad (in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).

While the names of the parties were not mentioned, Mr. Naqvi admitted that the BJP had in mind the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Lok Jan Shakti Party and the People’s Democratic Party.

A senior functionary said the BJP could consider filing a petition before the Commission seeking that the PDP be deregistered for its “pro-separatist” role in Jammu and Kashmir.

“If Congress leader Arjun Singh could ask for deregistering the BJP on the basis of L.K. Advani’s Somnath to Ayodhya ‘rath yatra,’ arguing that the party was misusing religion, why could not the Commission consider deregistering the PDP for its recent utterances,” the functionary asked.
‘Avoid mistakes’

The memorandum stressed the need to avoid “mistakes” in the preparation of photo electoral rolls. It pointed out that a large number of voters were not able to include their names on the rolls as many areas were under flood waters.
“Sensitive booths”

The BJP asked that “sensitive booths” be identified and that “unnecessary restrictions” on regular and legitimate means of campaigning and holding of meetings be lifted. When the campaign got pushed back, money and muscle power would take centre stage, the party argued. The Commission should put in place a code of conduct which allowed the parties to reach out to voters without undue restrictions.

Source : The Hindu

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JMM Soren likely to meet Sonia Gandhi today

NEW DELHI: In a last ditch effort to persuade the UPA leaders here to help him gather the magic number to form his government in Jharkhand, JMM chief Shibu Soren accompanied by all 17 MLAs of the party is reaching here today evening.

Highly placed sources in the party claimed that JMM has managed to secure support of all independents barring Chief Minister Madhu Koda and Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi.

"Besides party MLAs, some independents, too, might accompany Soren who will reach the national capital today evening," a senior party leader said.

Sources claim that the independent ministers apart from Marandi and Koda decided to throw their weight behind Soren in a meeting last night in Ranchi.

JMM General Secretary Hem Lal Murmu told PTI that the party has already solicited the support of independents.

The party is now banking on "active support" from Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for persuading others including the RJD chief Lalu Prasad to fully back Soren.

There is a realisation among senior JMM leaders that Prasad is not quite keen on backing Soren.

Regarding RJD's stand over the matter, Murmu however claimed that Prasad had before and after the trust vote assured JMM of RJD's backing on Soren's claim to Chief Ministership.

Murmu said JMM leaders had two meetings with Prasad in which the matter was discussed.

Interestingly, Prasad two days back denied that the UPA made any promise to make Soren the CM of Jharkhand.

JMM sources said Soren planned to meet Gandhi over the matter.


Source : Business Standard

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Biharis are not beggars, says Nitish Kumar

PATNA: A Goa minister's remark that there will be more beggars in the coastal state if trains linking it to Patna are introduced triggered an outrage in Bihar with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar demanding an apology.

Denouncing as unwarranted the remarks made by Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik on Tuesday, Kumar said it had hurt the sentiments of the people of Bihar.

"Coming from a person occupying the responsible post of a minister in a state the remark is deplorable and should be condemned by all. The remark should be withdrawn immediately and the minister should tender an unqualified apology to the people of Bihar," Kumar said while denouncing anti-Bihari remarks.

Opposing the proposed introduction of a train from Patna to Panaji, Naik reportedly said it would create a problem as "beggars from Bihar" will start visiting Goa.

"Though the minister's unwarranted remark has not not lowered our respect for the state or its people, it merits to be denounced and an apology from Naik would be in place. Biharis are not not beggars, but have earned respect and status and done our state proud through sheer merit and hard work," Kumar said while reacting to the remarks.

He also demanded that the Congress, the party to which Naik belongs, also clarify the situation.

Naik had made the controversial remarks while participating in the discussion during the ongoing Goa Legislative Assembly session.

The opposition benches had attacked the Home ministry for adopting a lethargic attitude in getting rid of beggars, who, they said are causing nuisance for tourists and locals alike. Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar said the beggar population in the capital city of Panaji was on the rise.

Source : Times Of India

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I will not leave 'first love' Pakistan: Musharraf

ISLAMABAD: Amid intense speculation about his future after stepping down, former President Pervez Musharraf has denied reports that he would leave his "first love" Pakistan and settle in another country, saying his resignation did not reflect a "defeat".

"My resignation as President does not reflect my defeat as I resigned in the interest of Pakistan and its people," Musharraf was quoted by Geo News channel as saying to several delegations that met him on Tuesday.

Musharraf, who quit on Monday to avert his impeachment by the Pakistan People's Party-led ruling coalition, told the delegations that he did not intend to leave Pakistan as it was his "first love".

He said he would soon issue a white paper on the economy as he had promised in his last address to the nation on Monday. The channel reported that he would meet some politicians today.

Musharraf described as "baseless" the media reports that said he would move to the US, where his son runs a well-established business, after travelling to Saudi Arabia in the near future to perform Umra, a pilgrimage to Mecca.

The delegations met Musharraf at the President's camp office or lodge, the name given to the former army chief's residence in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Musharraf did not vacate the army chief's residence even after doffing his military uniform late last year.

Observers believe Musharraf's resignation was the result of a deal that assured "safe passage" for him in return for a promise that he would not restore the judges he had deposed during last year's emergency or repeal the National Reconciliation Ordinance, the controversial law that dropped graft charges against slain PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto, her widower Asif Ali Zardari and other leaders of the party.

PML-Q leaders had reportedly advised Musharraf to reinstate the deposed judges and revoke the NRO before resigning but he did not act on their suggestions. However, Law Minister Farooq Naek has said that there was no deal with Musharraf, who had "resigned of his own will".

Meanwhile, the government has decided to provide security in accordance with protocol to Musharraf.

"We have received a request from the former President regarding security and we will provide him the best possible security according to the standard operating procedure," Rehman Malik, who functions as Interior Minister, said.

Malik said Musharraf had demanded that one of his close aides, Colonel Ilyas, should be made in-charge of his security. "The former President will be provided the kind of security he is demanding," he said.

The interior ministry had said last night that Musharrraf would be provided the security cover of a VVIP as he was facing serious threats. It also said there were no restrictions on Musharraf travelling abroad.


Source : Times Of India

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UPFA victory ensures country’s prosperity - Minister Gunawardane

Urban and Sacred Areas Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardane yesterday appealed to the voters in Kegalle, Ratnapura, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to vote for the UPFA so that the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government’s efforts to safeguard the Motherland and create a prosperous Sri Lanka could be ensured.

“Within two years the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government could reverse the terrorists’ advance, as conceded by everybody.”

The Minister in a statement yesterday said the East has been liberated and parts of the North are being retrieved from the terrorists.

The local and international reactionary forces are at work to cripple the efforts to build a country under one flag, he said.

The operation headed by the UNP represents these anti-patriotic interests and your vote ought to be used to overthrow such reactionary forces.

Priority should be given to vote the UPFA to power to enable the Government to successfully implement its self-sufficiency programmes through completion of electricity, highways, drinkable water supply, education, health development project in Kegalle, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura and Polonnaruwa districts and defeat of terrorism in the country.

“I appeal to the voters of NCP and Sabaragamuwa to vote the UPFA to power in the NCP and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council elections in order to ensure the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government’s efforts to defeat the efforts to bifurcate the Motherland and build the country, he said.

Source : Daily News

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Uncertainty looms large as major parties oppose UZ polls before national one

DHAKA: The BNP has been terming this government move as unconstitutional.
Country's political horizon has been clouded with uncertainty as government is determined to hold upazilla polls first and the major political parties are opposing the government move to hold upazilla elections before the national one.(The Bangladesh Today)

In spite of growing demand from the major parties including AL and BNP to hold the general election at first, the caretaker government is still determine to hold the Upazilla polls in October next and EC is taking all preparations towards the Upazilla polls scheduled to be held before the long stalled general election.

Centering the issue, tension has developed between the major parties and the emergency government. On the other hand, different development partners have been watching the situation closely and keeping silent on the issue, but they want to see an acceptable and fair parliamentary election by the end of this year as per the schedule.

A question has been raised among the political parties as to whether the government is planning to hold the upazilla elections to delay the transition of power to an elected government. Political parties including AL and BNP are considering this government move nothing but a conspiracy to hold on to power for an indefinite period and they also said that it would hamper the general election as per the road map.

Talking to this correspondent, AL presidium member Suranjit Sen Gupta said the CG will have to hold the general elections at first. AL will take part in the upazilla polls but not before the parliamentary polls.

Another AL leader who does not want to be named alleged that the government is striving to hold upazilla polls first to create a local power base to perpetuate power for a longer period.

AL sources said that they would make their stand clear in the upcoming dialogue with the government scheduled to be held in the next week.

On the other hand, the BNP has been terming this government move as unconstitutional.

BNP joint secretary general Nazrul Islam Khan said according to the constitution, we want to see the national elections first. "Through holding the parliamentary elections at first, the CG should handover the power to the people's government. After the national poll, the elected government will hold the upazilla polls later," he said.

He also urged the government to hold a successful dialogue between the government and political parties to end the crisis.

Another Joint Secretary General Selima Rahman said BNP has been demanding the release of its detained chairperson at first. After freeing Khaleda Zia, the party would decide whether the party will join the upazilla polls or not before the parliamentary elections.

It may be noted that the Election Commission (EC) has made a list of 300-350 upazillas for holding the polls of those as final voters list of those areas have already been completed.


Source : Bangladesh Today

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