Soren is Jharkhand CM
Governor’s action triggers protests
Ranchi, March 2
A seven-member UPA ministry headed by JMM chief Shibu Soren was today sworn in as the Jharkhand Chief Minister following Governor Sibtey Razi’s controversial decision to invite him to form the government, triggering a storm of protests by the BJP-led NDA which dubbed it a “constitutional outrage.”

Nation page: NDA seeks Kalam’s intervention in Jharkhand Cong defends Jharkhand Governor’s action In video (28k, 56k) JMM chief Shibu Soren shows victory sign after being invited by the Governor to form the new government in Ranchi on Wednesday. — PTI photo

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NDA to stall Budget session
New Delhi, March 2
By inviting JMM chief Shibu Soren to form the government in Ranchi, Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibte Razi has provided the necessary lever to the BJP and its allies in the NDA to launch a frontal attack against the Manmohan Singh government. In video (28k, 56k)

Nation page: Oppn stalls Parliament

Cong to back RJD in Bihar
Paswan looks the other way
Patna, March 2
Ignoring its ally Lok Janshakti Party’s reservations, the Congress today pledged its support to the RJD in the formation of government in Bihar.

Sonia to name Haryana CM today
Chandigarh, March 2
The heartbeat of Haryana Congress leaders has the dangerous level following the submission of their report by the observers appointed by the high command for the first meeting of the Haryana Congress Legislature Party held here yesterday to elect its leader, to the AICC President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi.

Editorial: Women in the House

Cong triumphs in Ajnala Harpartap defeats Bonny by 19,246 votes Ajnala, March 2 Congress candidate Harpartap Singh today won the Ajnala byelection by defeating Shiromani Akali Dal candidate Amarpal Singh Bonny with a margin of 19,246 votes. Mr Harpartap Singh
Punjab page: Amarinder asks Badal where he stands now A jolt for Badal

One-year jail for Maj-General
Chandigarh, March 2
A General Court Martial  today sentenced Major-Gen P.S.K. Choudhary to one year’s rigorous imprisonment besides being cashiered from service for his alleged involvement in the Tehelka scam.

FM may revisit fringe-benefit tax proposal
New Delhi, March 2
Finance Minister P. Chidambaram today hinted that the limit of tax-free cash withdrawal from banks may be enhanced and was open to look at “alternative” ways to check transactions in black money. (Details on Business page)

First Sikh school in France by Sept New Delhi, March 2 Even as the Sikh community living in France continues to mobilise international opinion against the ban on wearing of turbans in educational institutions, the apex body of gurdwaras there has decided to set up a school funded and managed exclusively by the Sikhs.