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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RJD alleges rly irregularities under Nitish

PATNA: Railway minister Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Tuesday released what it said the first episode of its promised "25-episode serial" on alleged irregularities in the railways when Nitish Kumar was at the helm as it came out with a list of 231 appointments and sought an explanation for these.

RJD leaders Shakeel Ahmad Khan and Shyam Rajak said all these grade D appointments were made without advertising the posts or holding interviews. "Most of the beneficiaries belong to Nalanda, the home district of Kumar," RJD's national spokesperson Rajak said.

Kumar, now the Bihar CM, should explain under what circumstances and which rules were these appointments made, Rajak said and added this is the "first episode" and more episodes are to follow.

However, the RJD leaders did not make any direct charge against Kumar and took the pain to explain that they were just demanding an explanation. Nor was any document produced.

The "25-episode serial" was promised in retaliation to the land-for-job charge levelled by Kumar's Janata Dal (U) at a press conference earlier this month. The JD(U) had then released land transfer documents running into 500 pages.

A furious RJD had subsequently come out with an explanation that money for the land was paid by cheque and there was no relationship between jobs and the land.

"Though the land-for-job charge was made by JD(U) MPs Rajiv Ranjan alias Lallan Singh and Shivanand Tiwari, the actual director of that show was Kumar," Khan said and challenged the CM to "come on the stage himself"


Source : Times Of India

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Will Chiranjeevi's dream run continue?

Three decades after Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad pursued a dream and realised it too, he is now walking in an unusual territory only this time he is unsure if this too would be a chart buster he has become habitual of delivering.

Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad, fondly and popularly known as Chiranjeevi has demonstrated that he is a meticulous planner, executing his plans gradually, but certainly, his eyes fixed on his goal.

But just who is this man who has a mega fan club devoted to him, who has caused scores of young hearts miss multiple beats with his antics on the silver screen and is now making political bigwigs wonder if he is a threat to them, their popularity.

The Wonder Years

Well, for starters, Chiranjeevi was born in a lower middle class family to Konidela Venkat Rao and Anjana Devi, the oldest child of this humble middle class family, his father a lower-level functionary in the excise department. Born in Mogalthur village in West Godavari district on August 22, 1955, Chiranjeevi (it is said that he changed his name to Chiranjeevi after he dreamt of somebody addressing him by that name) moved several towns in his childhood as his father's job was a transferable one. And it was while he was in school that he was bitten by the acting bug. But he wasn't in a hurry to realise his starry dreams. After completing intermediate at P R Sharma Junior College at Ongole, he studied for a commerce degree at Y N College at Narsapur.

Soon after, he moved to Chennai (then Madras) but did not try his hand in big bad world of films right away. Much like his preparation to join politics, a young Chiranjeevi then enrolled for a course in acting. With an acting diploma under his belt, he soon signed his first film in 1978. For the next three decades Chiranjeevi only grew to such dizzy heights that even as he dreams the CM's role, nobody is quite calling him presumptuous.

Chiranjeevi married Surekha, daughter of Allu Ramalingaiah, an actor subscribing to the left ideology, in 1980.
Chiranjeevi has perhaps had things not too difficult, so far. He became a star overnight after the release of Pranam Khareedu . He was on a signing spree and gave up the life that existed outside the film industry. "I got completely sucked into films. The going was both good and tough but I could not let down the guard," Chiranjeevi often said.
A smart planner, Chiranjeevi wanted to carve out a niche for himself. And thus was born the ‘dancer' star. If certain ‘exercises' of some big stars then had passed off as dances, Chiranjeevi changed the rules of the game.

He was the producers' dream star package: acting talent, dance with a dash of humility and availability. Here was their hero.

From Hero To Megastar

A string of hits catapulted the five-feet-nine-inches tall Chiranjeevi to superstardom. The chemistry he shared with his heroines and the attitude that he displayed on screen earned him accolades and offers. Khaidi was a huge hit and so were movies like Challenge . His swelling fan numbers started calling him supreme hero. But soon he outgrew himself. There were hits in the form of Gang Leader and Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari .

Around the time some magazine referred to him as a ‘Megastar' and that adjective stuck.

When the movie Marana Mridangam was released, Chiranjeevi was projected as the ‘megastar'. Not that he liked being showered with such titles but Chiranjeevi had to give in to requests of producers to tag megastar to his name.
However, the ‘megastar' tag didn't do wonders to the fate of his releases. His fans, now in lakhs, were disappointed with many of his films bombing.

In what was hitherto unknown, Chiranjeevi took the bold step of not signing any film for a year. "I just sat at home and whiled away my time. I needed time to think and come to terms with myself. Mistakes could not be repeated," the actor told a huge gathering of fans at the Annapurna Studios during the launch of Hitler after a break in 1997.

Chiru was back with a bang with a spate of hits, many in recent years such as Indra , Tagore and Shankardada MBBS .

After his last film Shankardada Zindabad in 2007, Chiranjeevi once again took a break.

He has not launched another film. With politics on his mind, Chiranjeevi had started scripting a new role for himself.
Father of two daughters, Sushmita and Srija, and one son, Ram Charan Tej, who was launched as a hero in 2007, Chiranjeevi has two brothers, Nagendra Babu and Pawan Kalyan, are also actors.

Source : Times Of India

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BJP accuses Cong of partisan politics

NEW DELHI: BJP latched on to Congress's comparison of the Hurriyat and the Amarnath agitators as "two sides of the same coin" to criticise the ruling party for "partisan" politics that had encouraged growth of separatism in Kashmir while breeding resentment in Jammu.

Speaking to the media, BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Tuesday that there was no case for equating the stir in Jammu, where people were turning out holding the Indian flag, and separatists in Kashmir who were denouncing India and raising slogans in favour of Pakistan.

This comparison was at the root of Congress’s vote bank politics. "Hurriyat is demanding azadi, its supporters hoist the Pakistani flag, many of the elements under its banner talk the language of ISI and do not even recognise India," said Prasad. He pointed out that Congress's statement implied that it was weighing in on behalf of separatists who had propagated an anti-India agenda for decades now.

The BJP said the Hurriyat campaign was based on several falsehoods, beginning with the canard that land being transferred to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board was to be used to settle "Hindu" populations and change the demographic profile of the Valley. The land at Baltal was not only quite inhospitable, it was to be used to set up temporary huts and sanitary facilities. For the time when it was not pilgrim season, there were plans to build bunds that would protect some facilities like stores and cabling from heavy snow drifts.

BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley pointed out that the party had been the first to "expose" the claim that the highway to Srinagar had been blockaded. This was simply not true but the separatists had nonetheless launched the second phase of their agitation on this basis. In contrast, the Jammu agitationists had been peaceful and were demanding implementation.
of a High Court order on facilities for pilgrims.

Source : Times Of India

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Pak Parliament to set up panel for J&K

ISLAMABAD: Ignoring India's assertions that Islamabad should not interfere in its affairs, Pakistan's Parliament has decided to set up a panel to monitor human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir and mobilise world opinion in support of the "right of self-determination" for Kashmiris.

Ruling Pakistan People's Party leader and Law Minister Farooq Naek moved a motion for setting up a special panel on Kashmir comprising parliamentarians in the National Assembly and it was passed unanimously by the lower house.

The motion said the committee will "monitor human rights violations" and "mobilise world opinion in support of the cause of right of self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir".

The panel will also "increase awareness within as well as outside the country about the Kashmir issue" and "solicit and provide political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir".

The committee will "monitor the performance of the organisations working on Kashmir" and "provide guidance whenever required". It will "consider and decide such other issues and matters" that would be referred to it by the National Assembly.

The motion came close on the heels of a war of words between India and Pakistan on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which has witnessed violent protests in recent weeks.

India has rejected comments by Pakistani leaders and officials on the situation in the northern state as a "clear interference" in its internal affairs.


Source : Times Of India

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Is Musharraf heading for London?

LONDON: Pervez Musharraf, who stepped down as Pakistan's president to avoid impeachment, could seek refuge in the British capital, a newspaper here reported on Tuesday.

Citing an unnamed senior western diplomat in Islamabad, The Daily Telegraph reported that Musharraf could first head to Saudi Arabia on a pilgrimage, but that London could be his ultimate destination. Facing an imminent impeachment, 65-year-old Musharraf, who grabbed power in a bloodless army coup in 1999, resigned on Monday after a nine-year rule.

His resignation came amidst speculation that he could leave the country and seek refuge in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh, however, denied reports that one of the Saudi planes was waiting in Islamabad to transport Musharraf to the kingdom where he could be offered asylum.

Source : Times Of India

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