Opinion poll ban will violate law
Attorney-General sends ball back in EC court
New Delhi, April 9
The Election Commission’s suggestion that the BJP-led NDA government promulgate an Ordinance banning opinion and exit polls fell by the wayside with Attorney-General Soli Sorabjee shooting it down on the ground that it violates the fundamental right of free speech and expression.

J&K page Reports suggest more terrorist attacks on poll rallies Policemen stand guard as Kashmiri women watch an election campaign rally by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Surasyar, 40 km west of Srinagar, on Friday. — Reuters

Vajpayee should apologise, says Cong
New Delhi, April 9
An angry Congress today demanded an apology from Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his statement that the CBI will look into the fresh evidence on the Bofors gun deal involving its party President Sonia Gandhi.

Nation: BJP questions Sonia’s silence on Bofors

First civil flight lands Vinod Khanna in controversy
Pathankot, April 9
Landing of civil flight of Mr Vinod Khanna, Minister of State for External Affairs, at the Air Force base here and unscheduled inspection of the adjoining Civil Airport which is near completion today landed him in a controversy. Mr Khanna, who was received by certain officials of the Civil Aviation authority and a number of BJP workers and leaders after his landing denied that he had violated any code of conduct on the pretext that it was a chartered flight on the Air Force station.

Mr Vinod Khanna, Minister of State for External Affairs, is received by BJP leaders and Civil Aviation officials at Pathankot on Friday. — Photo by Rajiv Sharma

Samajwadi Party out to woo Muslims

Manifesto stresses on rural development Lucknow, April 9 In the light of reports that Muslims were “confused” as whom to vote for in the in coming Lok Sabha election, the Samajwadi Party today released its election manifesto with a desire to woo back Muslims back to its party fold.	Samajwadi Party President and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav (right) has a word with party general secretary Amar Singh during a press conference at the party office in Lucknow on Friday. — PTI photo
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Haryana submits DA merger plan to EC
Chandigarh, April 9
The Haryana Government seems to be on a climb down spree vis-a-vis the Election Commission of India. It is believed to have sent a proposal for merging 50 per cent dearness allowance with the basic pay for reconsideration to the commission.

Patna HC issues notice to Yashwant Sinha in UTI scam
New Delhi, April 9
The Patna High Court has issued notices to External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and the Union Finance Secretary on a petition seeking a CBI probe in the UTI scam, which had come to light during Mr Sinha’s tenure as the Finance Minister.

EC’s order boon for physically challenged New Delhi, April 9 In a move to enable the physically challenged persons to exercise their franchise in a smooth and dignified manner, the Election Commission has directed the states and Union Territories to make special arrangements in the ensuing polls.