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Vijay Sankalp Rally LK Advani waves to the crowd during the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Dehradun on Sunday. Tribune photo: Vinod Pundir
State’s Muslims get another forum |
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Mahila Congress has
12-point agenda
Abhimanyu Academy are district champs
Abhimanyu Cricket Academy players with the winner’s trophy of the 57th District Cricket League
in Dehradun on Sunday. A Tribune photograph
Former Uttarakhand Women Commission chief Santosh Chauhan speaks at a function in Haridwar on Sunday. A Tribune photograph
Worker killed in factory blaze
Congress holds Holi Milan
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Advani: Cong, Left fooling masses
Umesh Dewan Tribune News Service
Dehradun, March 8 Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Rally organised to kick off the election campaign in Uttarakhand here today, Advani said that he had been witness to the functioning of all governments since 1950 and the UPA is the worst that the people of the country has ever had. “Whether it is the issue of the nation’s security, economy, employment or development, the UPA has been a big failure. Dr Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister but actually, it is a government run from 10, Janpath, by Sonia Gandhi,” he said. Notably, today’s rally also marked the completion of two years of the Khanduri government. BJP’s national president Rajnath Singh, however, didn’t turn up at the rally because of some important meeting in New Delhi. Launching scathing attacks on the UPA government, Advani told the gathering that the UPA and Left parties have an “unsigned” agreement to support each other. “You enjoy power in Delhi and let us rule West Bengal. This is the agreement between the Communists and the Congress,” he said while adding that the Congress is the CPM’s team B in West Bengal and the Communists are the Congress’ B team in other parts of the country. “Both the Congress and Communists are fooling the masses. These parties will again join hands after the election,” he said. Advani also accused the UPA government of being the government of the ‘khaas aadmi’ (rich and mighty) and completely overlooking the ‘aam aadmi’ (common people) of this country. “The common man is suffering because of sky-rocketing prices but this government was bothered only about the interests of the capitalistic society,” he rued. Advani also claimed that even after the imposition of economic sanctions by the USA after India conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran, the then NDA government ensured that prices of household goods, grocery items and other essential commodities do not shoot up. Continuing his attacks on the Centre, the Leader of Opposition accused the government of failing to secure the nation. He alleged that it was soft on terrorism. Indirectly accusing the UPA of endangering national security at the cost of vote bank politics, Advani claimed that the UPA government is delaying the execution of the death sentence awarded to Afzal Guru for his role in the Parliament attack case just because he is a Muslim. “The terrorist has not been hanged because his name happens to be Afzal Guru. Had he been some Anand Singh or Anand Mohan, he would have been hanged,” he said. Advani asserted that in order to prevent the recurrence of Mumbai attacks, the government has to adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards terrorism. Advani appealed to the masses to punish the UPA for its “bad governance” by casting their votes in favour of the BJP. Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Shanta Kumar in his speech said that the gap between the rich and the poor is increasing rapidly. “The poor are becoming poorer and rich are becoming richer and this is a dangerous trend. “Though India figures among the top 12 richest countries in the world, a whopping 26 crore persons in India live below poverty line. And from among those 26 crore, around 12 crore people survive on a mere Rs 8 daily. “This kind of disturbing figures itself speaks about the concern of the UPA government for the economically weaker sections,” he said. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Maj Gen BC Khanduri (retd) termed the NDA regime as the golden era of Indian politics. He urged the electorate of the state to bring the NDA back to power. On the occasion, the Uttarakhand unit of the BJP also handed over a cheque of Rs 3,01,25,000 to Advani. BJP state president Bachi Singh Rawat and former Uttarakhand CM and MP, Rajya Sabha, Bhagat Singh Koshiyari also addressed the gathering. Prominent among others present at the rally included former Uttarakhand CM Nityanand Swami, Uttarakhand BJP incharge Krishan Murari Moghe, co-incharge Dr Anil Jain and the party’s candidates for the five parliamentary constituencies.
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A damp squib: Cong
Dehradun, March 8 “The low turnout at today’s rally is testimony to the fact that people have dumped the BJP. Even the statement of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Lal Krishan Advani was without any substance,” he said, adding that the rally was a big flop. He said despite misusing the official machinery for making the rally a success, the BJP has miserably failed to manage a decent gathering. |
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Retired cop Kuli Ram, belonging to Arjun Nagar in Haldwani (Nainital), was arrested today after a revolver was found from his possession while he was trying to enter the Parade Ground to attend the rally. The revolver was found during checking at the entry point. Kuli Ram, however, claimed that he had recently joined the BJP and had a license for the revolver. * * * From the past many days, BJP leaders were maintaining that the party would be handing over a purse of Rs 3 crore to LK Advani during the rally. But instead of the purse, party leaders today presented a cheque of Rs 3,01,25,000 him. * * * As the police did not allow anyone to take tobacco products inside, heaps of cigarettes and bidi packets, along with matchboxes could be spotted at the entrance point. * * * Referring to Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Bhagat Singh Koshiyari said, "Now the Americans will call our kids residing in 'jhopris' as 'jhopri ka kutta'. This is too much." In an oblique reference to the All-India Congress Committee president Sonia Gandhi, Koshiyari asked the gathering at the rally that it was up to the electorate t whether they want Rome Raj or Ram Raj. * * * Prior to the rally, BJP leaders had announced that food packets would be given to those coming for the rally. BJP state spokesman Vishwas Dawar had categorically announced that activists would get home-cooked food packets. However, there was no such arrangement at the rally today.
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State’s Muslims get another forum
Dehradun, March 8 To be held under the aegis of the Uttarakhand Muslim Minority Welfare Unity Front, which comprises Muslim leaders from across the state, the convention aims to deliberate on the challenges confronting the community in the state. The convention will also prove an ideal platform to issue an appeal to them over realising their electoral importance. “Muslims in Uttarakhand needed a platform to air their views and the front has tried to bring them together to put forward their concerns,” Abdul Razzak, convener of the front, said during a press conference. He said the Muslim community stood far behind on social, educational and political fronts and argued that separate reservation for the community on the lines of Kerala and Andhra Pradesh was an answer to the community’s uplift. While Muslims in the state have been, for quite some time, searching for a platform to air their views, the platform provided by the front could not come at more appropriate time. Being apolitical, it certainly provides opportunity to the Muslims from across the length and breadth of Uttarakhand to air the views independently. While seeking the constitution of the Minorities Welfare Directorate in Uttarakhand, the front has welcomed the constitutional status of the State Minorities Commission. Increasing the Haj quota for the state, inclusion of Dehradun and Nainital districts as minority dominated districts and rendering them the benefit of the Sachar Committee recommendations and, foremost, waiving off compulsory affiliation for minority institutions have been taken up the front in a big way. Yakub Siddiqui, a key participant in the front, demanded Scheduled Tribe status for Muslims living in Chakrata region of Dehradun. He pointed that the condition of Muslims were no better than Dalits. Policies and programmes that could lead to their betterment was the need of the hour, he said. The construction of Unani Medical College for the revival of the Unani system of medicine in the state, speedy modernisation of ‘madrasas’, filling of vacant posts of Urdu teachers and restoration of schemes initiated by the Uttaranchal Minority Welfare and Waqf Development Corporation are other issues which will be raised by the front in tomorrow’s convention at Gandhi Park.
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Rudraprayag girl 2nd in TV dance show
Dehradun, March 8 After Kapil, who was adjudged second in ‘Indian Idol’ singing reality show on Sony Television, Mrigya Saklani, a girl from Uttarakhand, stood second in the dancing reality show ‘Dancing Queen’ on Colors channel. Banaras’ Shamayal and item girl Sambhavana Seth were declared winners on Saturday night. She comes from Chopta, a small village in Rudraprayag district. Her father Gopal Krishna Saklani is a principal who wanted her to be an engineer. Seeing her interest, he did not stop her from going to the audition of Dancing Queen held in Mumbai. Mrigya also has an inclination towards modelling. She was appreciated by star judges Jitendra and Hema Malini but due to less number of votes she could not make to the top. The winners of Dancing Queen were awarded a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh and for the final, Bollywood’s dancing queen Helen was the guest of
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A Salute to Womanhood
Dehradun, March 8 UMA is being facilitating women who are contributing to the welfare of society from the year 2003. “This day holds a lot of importance in our lives, and by recognising the efforts of women in various fields we are motivating them to work hard for the betterment society,” said Sadha Sharma, president UMA. The programme began with a patriotic song Vande Matram, following which Shweta Rai Talwar, a social worker presented a report on gender issues and renowned bharatnatyam dancer Bina Aggarwal also presented a stunning dance performance. The attraction for the evening was a play called ‘Beti ka Manchan’ Krishna Lila and garhwali folk songs. At the end UMA awarded nine women for their outstanding contribution in different fields. “Women’s day is a special day for us, but women can only perform well if they realise and work hard towards their goals,” said Raj Rawat, president state women commission. “Without self-realisation nothing big can be achieved, as still there are large number of women who are suffering due to accountable reasons,” said Shweta Rai Talwar, a social worker. Haridwar: Meanwhile, following a unique concept, the International Academy of Fashion Technology put up a doll exhibition in which designers put forth their doll creations. The best doll of the exhibition will compete with Barbie Doll, which is completing its hundred years. Suman Lata president of the academy said in the countries like USA and China dolls represent the women of these nations. Therefore, the Design Council of Uttarakhand has taken the initiative to give Indian women an identity through dolls. Art of Living, held a seminar in which participants stressed on the real status of the women in the society. Former Uttarakhand Women’s Commission chief Santosh Chauhan said the half of the fault lies on women itself for not recognising their own rights. Tejender Kainth from Art of Living put light on the plummeting ratio of the girl child. Geeta Joshi, a teacher in a local womens’ college said the modern women think differently and they are capable of bringing a revolution in women’s role in the society. After the industrial revolution and IT boom, there are lot job opportunities available for women in the market. Meanwhile, in another function participants focused on eradicating gender bias and dowry practices. Uttarakhand Samaj Kalyan Board president Nirupama Gaud said the state government is bent on improving the status and is taking several steps to improve the condition of the women. Amongst others who voiced their concern were All India Women Conference secretary Neeru Jain, Kusum Gandhi, Kamla Joshi, Meenakshi Chaubey, Dr. Manju Agnihotri, Suman Aggarwal. |
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Mahila Congress has
12-point agenda
Dehradun, March 8 “Uttarakhand Mahila Congress Committee is working hard to provide women an environment where they feel secure and independent,” said Kamlesh, spokesperson of the
committee. —
Kamlesh, Committee spokesperson The major highlights of the draft were a demand for 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha as well as in government jobs. Further, under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, special programmes should be started for would-be mothers; pension for widows and senior citizens should be increased; women who are victimised by any act of violence including rape and dowry should be taken special care of; and camps should be held to generate awareness among the masses. “We also want that women who suffer due to societal pressures and are mistreated should not be looked down upon,” said Kamlesh. Meanwhile, in another programme as many as 20 organisations of north India working for the uplift of women assembled to discuss various issues related to women. The chief guest on the occasion, Deputy Speaker, state legislative assembly, Vijaya Barthwal, felicitated four women for having done a commendable job for the uplift of women. Shailendra David, director, Serve and Share Association (SASA), condemned heinous acts like foeticide. Social development specialist Rajaul Pant discussed issues related to women empowerment. “The main motive behind organising this event was to discuss issues that are important for the welfare of women in our nation,” said Shailendra David, director of
SASA. |
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Abhimanyu Academy are district champs
Dehradun, March 8 ACA bowlers demolished DRCA at a small total of 111 runs in allotted 40 overs. It was a disastrous start for the DRCA team as their first five wickets fell at the score of 24 runs only in five overs. DRCA’s first wicket fell at the score of four runs; the second fell at eight runs. After a bad start the team could not make a comeback in the game and kept losing their wickets at regular intervals. The resistance came only for from lower order batsmen who help their team cross the 100 runs mark. Lower order batsman Ravinder and Sumit put up a brave front to make 25 and 31 runs respectively. The ACA team bowlers created damaged DRCA batting line-up, Himanshu was the highest wicket taker for ACA who claimed four wickets in his seven over spell. Ravindra and Harsh took two wickets each for ACA. ACA reached the target in just 14.2 overs. Opening batsman Paritosh was the highest scorer for his team. He smashed 79 runs and hit eleven fours and five sixes in his inning. First down batsman supported him well on the other end to make 16 runs in 29 balls. The ACA team reached the target with eight wickets in hand.
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Turning a deaf ear won’t do: Advocate
Dehradun, March 8 Chandra Supriya, a High Court advocate from Hyderabad, gave information on various laws relating to domestic violence, exploitation, lack of education, and abusive language etc. Arun Rao coordinated the programme through
sign language. |
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Worker killed in factory blaze
Dehradun, March 8 According to the fire officials, fire broke out due to the short circuit in the factory. Six fire tenders reached the spot to get the situation under control. “Fire spread in quick succession of time and
a worker died of suffocation while trying to escape from the factory,” said fire officer CS
Jeena. |
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Congress holds Holi Milan
Dehradun, March 8 Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) media in charge Suryakant Dhasmana said Holi is not just a Hindu festival but it also develops the feeling of the brotherhood among various sections of the society. UPCC vice-president and former minister Hira Singh Bisht said people from all religions should participate in such programmes. Cultural programme and poetry recitation were the main highlights of the function. |
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Negi bags badminton title
Dehradun, March 8 |
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Another pvt school in Nehru area
Dehradun, March 8 |
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government”
independent India had ever got, BJP leader and the party’s prime ministerial candidate LK Advani has exhorted the people of Uttarakhand to wipe out the Congress from the state in the coming general elections.
Abhimanyu Cricket Academy (ACA) lifted the trophy of the 57th District Cricket League here at Survey Stadium, here today. ACA registered a thumping 8 wickets victory over Dinesh Rawat Cricket Academy
(DRCA). ACA bowlers demolished DRCA at a small total of 111 runs in allotted 40
overs.
