Indo-Russia talks to begin today
New Delhi, February 2
The government is going to undertake a thorough review of the ongoing military stand-off with Pakistan after crucial Indo-Russia talks beginning tomorrow which are going to focus on defence cooperation and supply of strategic weapons, including nuclear submarines.

Ayodhya: BJP stands by NDA agenda
Lucknow, February 2
The BJP today stood by the NDA agenda on the Ayodhya issue favouring a solution through a mutual dialogue among the parties concerned or a speedy court settlement acceptable to all. The election manifesto released by the BJP for the UP Assembly elections promises to bring a POTO-type law in the state and take steps to identify the illegal Bangladeshi migrants and for their deportation.

CPM’s tacit support to Cong
Verka (Amritsar), February 2
In a significant development, Mr Harkrishan Singh Surjeet, CPM General Secretary, today extended “indirect” support to the PPCC which has reached an alliance with the CPI. In a categorical statement, Mr Surjeet appealed for votes for Left candidates.

Manifestoes: SAD tough on SYL, BJP cautious Chandigarh, February 2 The ruling partners, SAD and BJP, today separately released their respective election manifestos. The texts are woven around the same issues in the two documents but are different in syntax and idiom.  SAD President Parkash Singh Badal releases his party’s manifesto in Chandigarh on Saturday. — Tribune photo Morcha dares SAD, Cong to debate Punjab page