Crisis deepens in Andhra
65 MLAs quit; protesters damage 57 buses
Hyderabad, December 24
The Congress government in Andhra Pradesh hurtled towards fresh political crisis today with a majority of ministers from Telangana region deciding to quit in the wake of the Centre’s move to put the statehood issue on the backburner.

11 MPs quit; claim assurance from Sonia
Nation page: Prez rule in AP?
Editorial: Andhra still in crisis

Political uncertainty revisits J’khand
Political uncertainty has gripped Jharkhand once again following a fractured mandate in the just concluded Assembly elections. As no political party or alliance is in a position to form the government, they are exploring the possibilities of a suitable or workable alliance to stake the claim for government formation. But it does not seem to be an easy exercise and it may take time for the opponents till the other day to come together.

Nation page: Soren hopes to be third time lucky

Finally, special kids too have Right to Education
New Delhi, December 24
Four months after it was enacted, the ambitious Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009, which guarantees free and compulsory education to children between six and 14 years, is ready for an amendment to address the concerns of differently-abled students and minorities.

Chautala shielded Rathore, says Ruchika’s father
Panchkula, December 24
Breaking his long, painful silence, Subhash Chander Girhotra, father of Ruchika —who committed suicide after being allegedly molested by a top cop SPS Rathore — today alleged that the then Chief Minister OP Chautala had shielded the accused and even other successive governments did nothing to bring him to justice.        Subhash Chander Girhotra

Nation page: Sexual harassment guides still on paper
Sports page: Sports not ‘healthy’ for girls?

Vindictive side of ex-DGP
Chandigarh, December 24
Former Haryana DGP SPS Rathore, convicted for molesting a 14-year-old budding tennis player Ruchika, was in the habit of browbeating all those who stood up for the poor girl. From the media to complainants, from the victim to her family, all had the bitter taste of his power.