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Feel-good factor
a hoax: Sonia Ignoring the Election Commission’s advice, the NDA government has lined up a series of advertisements on its “India Shining” theme for insertion in audio-visual mediums across the country.
NCP factions
claim majority support The Pawar and Sangma factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today claimed before the Election Commission that they enjoyed majority support and that the party flag and 'Clock' symbol should be given to them. Krishna being pushed into Assembly poll |
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SC notice to TN
on misuse The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Tamil Nadu Government on a petition accusing it of “misusing” the anti-terrorist law POTA by making it applicable to the entire state with respect to the recovery of unlicenced arms. Maharashtra moves
SC against HC order The Maharashtra Government today moved the Supreme Court to challenge a Bombay High Court order striking down the provision of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) authorising the police to tap the telephones of any person. Verdict on Jaya
case transfer reserved The Supreme Court today reserved its verdict on an application of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa for the modification of its order transferring two Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate assets cases against her for trial to Bangalore from a Special Court in Chennai. Mumbai, February 9 Thespian Dev Anand, who was recently honoured with the Dada Saheb Phalke award, was felcitated here yesterday with the who’s who of the industry present to greet the ‘evergreen hero’. Dev Saheb was presented with a shawl and memento by Shiv Sena working president Uddhav Thackeray at a function where Dharmendra, Yash Chopra and Yash Johar, Amisha Patel and Amrish Puri were among those present. Veteran Bollywood star Dev Anand at a felicitation function in Mumbai on Sunday night. — PTI photo
247 cr spent,
lakes still dirty An amount of Rs 247 crore has literally gone down the drain as the Madhya Pradesh Government has failed to prevent sewerage from pouring into the Upper Lake here, for which Japan had loaned the amount over eight years ago. Army officer
burnt alive in tent fire An army officer was burnt alive and three others injured when a tent in which they were sleeping caught fire on the Indo-Pakistan border, the police said here today.
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Feel-good factor a hoax: Sonia
Gorakhpur, February 9 “The feel-good factor is nothing but an election gimmick and a hoax,” Ms Gandhi, who started a three-day tour of the Gorakhpur and Basti areas, said addressing a meeting at Kauriram, about 30 km from here. Launching a scathing attack on the NDA government, Ms Gandhi alleged that it was “incompetent and corrupt”. Claiming that the “Congress alone can ensure development, safeguard unity and preserve democratic values,” she appealed to the people to support and vote for the party. The AICC President accused the successive non-Congress governments in Uttar Pradesh of being responsible for the present plight of the state, which lagged behind other states in all sectors. Accompanied by senior party leaders, including UPCC chief Jagadambika Pal, Ms Gandhi later proceeded to Barhalganj and Deoria after taking rounds of Rudrapur and Kakraghat. On her way to Barhalganj, she stopped at several places and interacted with people and listened to their grievances. She was stopped at many places by party workers, who offered her bouquets and showered flower petals. A large number of people including women, lined up on both sides of the road to have a glimpse of the Congress President, who made it a point to stop wherever a crowd gathered. The gurdwara parbandhak committee of Mohaddipur, near here, also felicitated Ms Gandhi when her entourage passed through the area. Earlier in the day, she garlanded the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Padleyganj. She was also scheduled to garland a statue of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at Golghar, but her programme was changed at the last minute owing to security considerations. After halting for the night at Padrauna, she is scheduled to visit Maharajganj, Siddharthanagar and Basti tomorrow. During her three-day campaign, Ms Gandhi would cover 11 parliamentary constituencies and interact with local people.
— PTI |
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Waste of taxpayers’ money immoral: Cong New Delhi, February 9 Asking the NDA government to desist from "this perverse practice", Congress spokesperson S. Jaipal Reddy said as the model code of conduct was deemed to have come into force the day the Cabinet decided to dissolve the Lok Sabha. He said in a normal election which was held on schedule, the model code of conduct come into operation after the announcement of the poll schedule. But in this case when the Cabinet had decided to dissolve the Lok Sabha in advance and hold an early election, the code should be deemed to have come into affect from the day the House was dissolved. Mr Reddy maintained that according to one estimate, more than Rs 500 crore of public money was being pumped to refurbish the government's image through this ad campaign. He said even the Planning Commission had come out with several advertisements, stating that this was nothing but a "plunder of taxpayers' money". In this connection, Mr Reddy said the Congress welcomed the new Chief Election Commissioner's appeal to political parties to follow the model code of conduct, adding that those in power must know that people did not get impressed by mega advertisements on election eve. |
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BJP takes exception to Sonia’s remarks New Delhi, February 9 In a written statement, party spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the country did not need any certificate from Mrs Gandhi as the “feel good” was the result of overall development of the country under the NDA government. Undoubtedly, the Congress had dreamt of making India self-reliant in the 21st century but this remained a distant dream, Mr Naqvi pointed out, adding that while the Congress exploited the sentiments and emotions through this hope in the form of votes for decades, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee brought the “feel good” for millions of Indians by taking the country on the road to self-reliance and prosperity. Mr Naqvi further said as part of BJP’s preparations for the Lok Sabha elections, the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, and party President M. Venkaiah Naidu would have a series of meetings tomorrow with the party’s central ministers and the five committees of the party set up for the poll build-up. The meetings with central ministers would review the programmes undertaken by the ministries concerned and how much these had benefited the common man and what steps could be taken to accelerate these programmes to broaden their reach, the spokesperson said. The party leaders would also discuss the steps to be undertaken to tone up the election campaign and the role to be played by the five committees set up for this purpose, including those relating to publicity, Mr Naqvi said. |
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Govt ignores EC advice on ads New Delhi, February 9 One such advertisement prepared by the Directorate of Audio Visual Publicity (DAVP), featuring Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is likely to be inserted in all national and regional television and radio channels across the country, beginning tomorrow, sources said here. The new Chief Election Commissioner, Mr T.S. Krishna Murthy, in his maiden press conference yesterday, advised political parties to observe campaign rules even before dates for the elections were set and said: “As far as possible, the taxpayers’ money should not be used for electoral advantage.” The CEC’s observation was with regard to the series of advertisements, highlighting the performance of the NDA governments, being pumped into by the Central Government departments in the print media on the eve of Lok Sabha elections. Asked to react on the CEC’s observation, BJP General Secretary and spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi asserted that the NDA government was well within its “rights” to publish such advertisements. “It is the right and responsibility of the government to inform the people about the various welfare measures undertaken by it,” Mr Naqvi said, adding that the BJP held the Election Commission in high esteem and that it always believed in observing the Model Code of Conduct of the EC in letter and in spirit. Significantly, Mr Naqvi had a telephonic conversation with the Election Commission authorities this morning apparently to clarify whether Mr Krishna Murthy’s observation was merely an advice or a direction, party sources said. Meanwhile, former Chief Election Commissioner M.S. Gill supported Mr Krishna Murthy’s observations and said “the CEC was absolutely right in advising political parties not to use the taxpayers money for electoral gains.” “When Parliament has been dissolved and the entire country is in election mode, it is essential that in a good democracy like ours political parties exercise self-restrain”, Dr Gill told The Tribune. “We follow the British system in which the ruling party even after the dissolution of Parliament, has resources — both financial and administrative — at its command and it tends to use it, which has a direct bearing on the level-playing ground,” Dr Gill said. Describing the series of full-page advertisements as the “biggest gift” for newspapers, Dr Gill apprehended that this could affect the “critical faculty” of the media. |
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NCP factions claim
majority support New Delhi, February 9 The commission would hear both factions on February 13 to decide on the issue. The Sharad Pawar led group claimed that it had "overwhelming" support of MPs, MLAs and office-bearers as against the faction led by P.A. Sangma and submitted supporting documents. The general secretary of the Pawar-led faction T.P. Peethambaran Master told reporters that it had submitted affidavits of seven out of eight Lok Sabha members, two out of three Rajya Sabha members and all 57 MLAs and 18 MLCs in Maharashtra in support of its claim. Lawyers representing the Sangma group said it enjoyed majority in the state units and that the ideology of the party stood in favour of it. They also gave "supporting" documents to buttress their claim. |
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Krishna being pushed into Assembly poll New Delhi, February 9 The elections in Karnataka are due in September, but Mr Krishna is under tremendous pressure from his own party leaders and cadres to opt for a simultaneous poll. Mr Krishna was in Delhi today when he met the Chief Election Commissioner in this connection. Confirming that Mr Krishna's meeting with the CEC was connected with the possibility of an advanced Assembly poll, Congress spokesperson S. Jaipal Reddy said the Chief Minister would take a final view after consulting the party leaders concerned. Mr Krishna, it is learnt, does not want the Assembly elections to be advanced, while the MPs and the state party unit are keen on a simultaneous poll. The Congress had won 17 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the last General Election. The Chief Minister believes the Congress would be at a distinct disadvantage if the elections were clubbed as he would then have to counter the "Atal factor," which is gaining currency in the state, giving the BJP an edge in the Assembly poll as well. In addition, it is argued, the anti-incumbency factor would impact the Lok Sabha poll. Mr Krishna also does not want the Assembly elections advanced as the election to the Rajya Sabha is due in April and given the present Congress strength, it can get three members elected to the Upper House. In case the Assembly poll is held earlier, the Congress may loose this opportunity. On the flip side, it is stated that advancing the Assembly elections is economical. It also ensures greater cooperation from the local MLAs. "Both the sides are right in their own way. But it appears that the Chief Minister will not be able to avoid a simultaneous poll given the pressure from party men," said a senior Congress leader. Those arguing against a combined election point to past precedents, stating that de-linking the two elections will work out better. |
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Karnataka CM meets CEC New Delhi, February 9 Asked about the possible dissolution of the Assembly, he told reporters that the Budget session of the Assembly was on and at appropriate time as and when we take a decision either way we would inform you. The term of the Karnataka assembly ends on October 24, 2004. While Mr Krishna remained cautious on the issue of simultaneous poll, state PCC president Janardhana Poojary had repeatedly stated that the Assembly elections would be held with the Lok Sabha elections. When asked why the government was delaying a decision on dissolving the Assembly as the conditions were favourable for the ruling party and virtually there was no opposition, he said "that will be oversimplifying the matter. I will not like to speculate as to what future holds out." He said the meeting with the CEC was a "normal courtesy call". |
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SC notice to TN on misuse of POTA New Delhi, February 9 A Bench of Mr Justice S. Rajendra Babu and Mr Justice G.P. Mathur sought the state government’s reply to a petition, filed by Tamil magazine editor R.R. Gopal, who was booked under POTA for allegedly possessing an unauthorised gun last year. Gopal’s counsel submitted that it was a clear case of misuse of POTA even if allegations of the recovery of gun from his client was correct as the case should have been dealt with under the Arms Act. Gopal, who was granted bail recently by the Madras High Court, had alleged that he was being victimised for writing stories in his magazine on elusive forest brigand Veerappan and his alleged links with certain politicians, which was not liked by the state establishment. |
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Maharashtra moves SC against HC order New Delhi, February 9 The Maharashtra Government filed an appeal against the high court order, which was passed on the petition of Bollywood film financer and producer Bharat Shah, who had faced trial under the Act for his alleged links with underworld. A Bench of Mr Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Mr Justice B.N. Srikrishna issued notice to Bharat Shah, seeking his reply to the Special Leave
Petition (SLP) filed by the state government against high court’s March 5, 2003, order. Though the high court had upheld the validity of the Act, it had struck down the provision under the Act empowering the state police to intercept telephonic conversations of suspects involved in the organised crimes. |
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Verdict on Jaya case transfer reserved New Delhi, February 9 A Bench of Mr Justice S.N. Variava and Mr Justice H.K. Sema, which had ordered the transfer earlier because Ms Jayalalithaa allegedly was trying to influence the witnesses and the prosecution, reserved its order on her petition claiming that she would not get fair trial and full security in Karnataka. Senior advocate K.K. Venugopal, appearing for the Chief Minister, contended that due to the Cavery water issue there was a lot of “hostility” against Tamilians in Karnataka. Ms Jayalalithaa had pleaded that the case should be transferred to either the neighbouring Union Territory of Pondicherry or Andhra Pradesh or Kerala. The Karnataka Government in its reply had stated that the state administration was capable of providing adequate security to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, dismissing her allegations of hostility towards Tamilians in the state. It had also taken objection to Ms Jayalalithaa casting doubts over the judicial system in Karnataka. |
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New Addl Judge for HP High Court New Delhi, February 9 His appointment was made by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for a period of one year, which would be effective from the day he would assume the charge of the office, an official statement said. |
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Dev Anand felicitated Mumbai, February 9 Dev Saheb was presented with a shawl and memento by Shiv Sena working president Uddhav Thackeray at a function where Dharmendra, Yash Chopra and Yash Johar, Amisha Patel and Amrish Puri were among those present. Speaking at the function, organised by Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Nirupam, Mr Uddhav Thackeray
said it was an honour to felicitate the octogenerian actor. In a message, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who could not make it to the function, said Dev Anand was a true and great Mumbaikar. As producer-director Vijay Anand, Dev Anand’s younger brother, spoke of early years of his association with Dev when both of them worked on many a cinematic gems like “Guide” and “Tere Mere Sapne”, the ‘debonair’ actor turned emotional, with tears rolling down his cheeks.
— UNI |
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Ghulam Ali to sing at heritage festival New Delhi, February 9 Matches between the two countries have always evoked extraordinary interest of cricket lovers. The festival is being organised in Patiala for the second time by the Punjab government and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). It is supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of India, the Development Commissioner, Handicrafts, and the Development Commissioner, Handlooms. The festival, aimed at celebrating heritage, was first held last year. It was followed by a similar festival in Kapurthala. Already, this year the festival has been held in Amritsar. The Vice-Chairman, INTACH, Mr S.K. Mishra, who conceptualised the Surajkund Crafts Mela as Secretary, Tourism, says they are trying to get some Pakistani present and former Test players with the help of Zaman, a premier cricket club in Pakistan. Explaining the purpose of organising a cricket match, Mr Mishra says: “We are trying to cater to different sections of society. Cricket is a very popular sport and evokes a lot of interest. Last time, the heritage festival hosted a cricket match between two Indian teams. Patiala has a very rich tradition in cricket. It was the first place where foreign cricket teams came and it has produced a lot of cricketers. “The names of the cricketers from
Pakistan will be known only after the Chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya, returns from Pakistan. From our side, Kapil Dev, Mohinder Amarnath, Navjot Sidhu and Yuvraj Singh will take part in the match.’’ The Deputy Commissioner, Patiala, Mr Tejveer Singh, told mediapersons here today that they had got the necessary
clearance from the Indian government for the match. “We have received informal
confirmation from the Pakistan Punjab Government. A tentative list of Indian players is being drawn and confirmation has been received from Navjot Sidhu and Kapil Dev. The final composition of the Pakistani team is yet to be worked out. Punjab Cricket Board President I.S. Bindra will shortly be visiting Pakistan to work out all the details,’’ he said. The festival will also be charmed by the
mellifluous voice of Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali at the Moti Bagh on February 20. The festival will begin with a golf tournament at the Chandigarh Gold Club as the Army Golf Club in Patiala has restricted entry. The inauguration of the crafts mela at Sheesh Mahal will be marked by a flute recital by Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia. This will be followed by the performance of vocalists Rajan-Sajan Mishra at Qila Mubarak. The festival will also feature performance by Bharatnatyam danseuse Yamini Krishnamurthi and Kathak dance by Shovana Narayan. There will be something for theatre and music lovers as well — a play, “Charandas Chor” by Habib Tanvir, and traditional thumri, geet and ghazal by Zila Khan besides sitar and sarod jugalbandi by Imrat Khan and Wajaht Khan. A performance by Jawad and Mazhar Ali Khan of the Patiala Gharana will also add to the prestige of the festival. Mr Mishra says the festival has been patterned on the line of the Surajkund Crafts Mela of the Haryana government. “Nearly 250 craftspersons will participate in the festival. The guest states are Uttaranchal and Kerala.’’ According to the calendar of events prepared by the organisers, a fashion show will be coordinated by Harmeet Bajaj. The festival will conclude on Sunday with a dog show, the final of a polo tournament and bhangra dance and a pop music concert. |
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247 cr spent, lakes still dirty Bhopal, February 9 The Upper Lake, said to be a 1,000 years old, continues to be a major source of drinking water for the residents of Bhopal. The Bhojwetland project was started in 1995 with a loan provided by Japan. The project was aimed at, among other things, desilting and dredging, deepening and widening of the Upper and Lower Lakes and the prevention of sewerage from pouring into the lakes. While some desilting and deepening of the lakes has been done, the sewerage drains of the city are still flowing into the lakes at various points. The Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Udyog Sangathan convener, Mr Abdul Jabbar, today resigned from the Bhojwetland Advisory Committee over the issue. Mr Jabbar alleged today that most of the money had been used in the construction of roads and bridges and laying out fountains for residents of affluent localities. |
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Army officer burnt alive in tent fire Jaisalmer, February 9 The incident occurred near Sonu village in the desert district last night when the tent, in which four officers, belonging to the Army’s Medical Corps were sleeping, caught fire killing Major Murali. The other three officers have been taken to army hospital. The Army has started an inquiry into the incident but the cause of fire is yet to be established, official sources said.
— PTI |
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