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with general election 2014 only a few months away...
CM banks on infra to get 4th term
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SAD names four for Delhi
Over 2,800 candidates file nominations
Lack of development forcing people into Naxalism: Sonia
Modi may visit Bihar again
PC slams CBI, CAG for overstepping limits
Coastal security still a ‘work in progress’
High-profile cases
Gen VK Singh
Assembly polls were a factor, says Khurshid
Verdict in Aarushi murder case on Nov 25
Release of movie
Ram-Leela
Snow leopard conservation efforts set to get a boost
BMC retreats after stand-off with residents of illegal building
INS Vikramaditya to be based in Karwar
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with general election 2014 only a few months away... Girja Shankar Kaura/TNS
Jaipur, November 12 Hoping to see a new wave of younger candidates under the leadership of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, the younger brigade of the Rajasthan Congress is very disappointed as their leader's formula has not been implemented in the ticket distribution in the state. According to some of the Congress workers here, Rahul Gandhi on one of his visits to the state and in his discussions with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had repeatedly stressed on the need for projecting the younger face of the Congress and that the candidates above the age of 70 years would not be considered. But it seems that the diktat of the powerful and seasoned politicians of Rajasthan has had its way in ticket distribution rather than the desire of the Congress vice-president. Congress workers here point out that despite Rahul Gandhi staying in constant touch with the state Chief Minister, and state in-charge Mukul Wasnik, the state Congress has gone ahead and given tickets to not only some candidates who are over 80 years of age but some others who have a criminal background and are involved in criminal cases here. Among those who have been named in the Congress list of candidates is 84-year-old Harjiram Burdak from Nagaur and 82-year-old Ameri Devi, who is the mother of legislator Malkhan Singh Bishnoi, who is the main accused in the infamous Bhanwari Devi abduction and murder case. Party workers point out that Ameri Devi, who cannot either hear or walk would be contesting from Luni assembly constituency. They say that the strong hold that Malkhan Singh has in the state Congress has resulted in the party giving a ticket to a person, who would not be able to campaign either. Malkhan, on the other hand is behind bars. Ticket has also been given to the brother of Babulal Nagar, also involved in the same case. His brother Hazari Lal would be contesting elections from Dudu (SC) constituency. Party workers point out that even though Rahul Gandhi had insisted on leaving out candidates with criminal background, two former ministers, forced to quit the state cabinet on allegations of sexual harassment and illegal mining. They are Ramlal Jat and Bharosi Lal Nagar.
Young brigade upset
*
Among those who have been named in the Congress list is 84-year-old Harjiram Burdak from Nagaur and 82-year-old Ameri Devi
(pic) * Ameri Devi is the mother of legislator Malkhan Singh Bishnoi, who is the main accused in the infamous Bhanwari Devi abduction and murder case
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CM banks on infra to get 4th term
New Delhi, November 12 The state government is contesting on the main card of development taken place in the National Capital in past 15 years. Asking the people to vote for the Congress, the Delhi CM said that there still needs to achieve a lot on the infrastructure front. Though, the party is yet to release its manifesto, the CM said shelter homes for
labourers, end of multiplicity of authorities and regularisation of unauthorised colonies will remain its main poll issues. She pointed out that work for the construction of double-decker flyovers, monorail and study on laying of trams would be taken up with an aim to decongest roads and restrict plying of private vehicles, she said. “Delhi would be turned into a hub of knowledge and skill. Labour shelter homes, ‘Shramik Ashray Kendra’ would be constructed for the workers,” she said. Hitting out at the opposition
BJP, which is ruling the three municipal corporations of Delhi, Sheila said since the BJP has failed to provide facilities like public conveniences to the public, the Congress has planned to construct 30 public utilities in every assembly segment out of which 20 would be constructed exclusively for women. The Congress has also projected to bring one ‘Single Common Command’ to replace the multiplicity of authorities causing delay in implementation of the programs and schemes of development and welfare.
Dikshit charged the BJP of politicising the issue of over 1,600 unauthorised colonies in Delhi. “During the BJP rule, not even a single colony was regularised and not a single penny was spent on development in unauthorised colonies. We regularised 895 unauthorised colonies in one go and spent over Rs 4,000 crore on developmental works,” she said. Announcing sops ahead of election, Sheila said under ‘Kabil
Laadli’ programme, an additional amount of Rs 50,000 would be spent on skill development of the girl child after she clears school education. “Another amount of Rs 645 crore is to be utilised during current financial year. The Congress government has started conferring ownership rights in 45 resettlement colonies,” she added.
Infrastructure pill
* Promises to work for the construction of double-decker flyovers and monorail. Study on laying of trams will be taken up with an aim to decongest roads and restrict plying of private vehicles *
Plans to construct 30 public utilities in every assembly segment out of which 20 will be constructed exclusively for women *
Promises to bring one ‘single common command’ to replace the multiplicity of authorities causing delay in implementation of schemes *
Labour shelter homes, ‘Shramik Ashray Kendra’ will be constructed for the workers
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SAD names four for Delhi
New Delhi, November 12 SAD in charge, Delhi elections, BS Ramoowalia said Manjinder Singh Sirsa would contest from Rajouri Garden, Shyam Sharma from Hari
Nagar, Harmit Kalka from Kalkaji and Jatinder Singh Shanty from the Shahdara Assembly
constituencies. Manjinder Singh Sirsa is a former municipal councillor from Punjabi
Bagh. He had to leave the seat after it was declared reserved for women. Now Punjabi Bagh is being represented by his wife. Sirsa is the DSGMC general secretary. He won the Punjabi DSGMC ward in the gurdwara panel elections, defeating former DSGMC president Paramjit Singh
Sarna. Shayam Sharma is at present councillor from Hari Nagar. He had contested councillor’s election twice. First he won with a margin of 3,300 votes and then with a margin of 7,000 votes on the BJP
ticket. Shyam is considered close to Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma
Swaraj. Sushma had approached Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for the ticket for
him. Harmit Singh Kalka, who has been given the ticket from the Kalkaji Assembly constituency, is a member of the DSGMC and close DSGMC president Manjit Singh
(GK). Jatinder Singh Shanty, who is contesting from Shahdra, has won councillor’s election twice as an Independent candidate. In 2008, he contested Assembly elections as a SAD candidate, but had lost. Of the four seats, Rajouri Garden and Hari Nagar will be contested on the election symbol of SAD, while Kalkji and Shadra would be contested on the BJP symbol.
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Over 2,800 candidates file nominations
Jaipur, November 12 Filing of nomination papers began on November 5. Out of 2,847 candidates, 255 candidates put in papers mentioning BJP as the party, 244 Congress, 208 BSP, 160 National People's Party (NPEPT), 40 CPI(M), 23 CPI and 1,367 Independents. Tally of other parties' candidates were being compiled, the sources said. However, both the Congress and the BJP have given party symbols to just 200 candidates each. Scrutiny of nomination papers would take place tomorrow, November 13, and the withdrawal of nomination will be allowed till November 16. — PTI
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Lack of development forcing people into Naxalism: Sonia
Bhilai, November 12 She also targeted the Raman Singh-led BJP government for the poor law-and-order in the state and not effectively dealing with the Naxal problem despite Centre’s full support. “When there is no development in the state the problems of people, unemployment, dejection among people have increased. This has forced some people to adopt the wrong path (of Naxalism),” Gandhi told a poll rally here. She accused the BJP of befooling people in the name of development and said the state had moved behind in the past 10 years of its rule. Sonia Gandhi said people in Chhattisgarh have not derived the benefits of the central social schemes due to the neglect of the state government as the Centre had sent thousands of crore help to the state. She also alleged that the state government was not giving foodgrains to the poor despite the Centre sending tonnes of it. “Law and order has deteriorated. Women are living in fear,” she said. — PTI
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Modi may visit Bihar again
Patna, November 12 "We have planned to hold three-four public meetings between December this year and January next year one of which will be addressed by the Gujarat Chief Minister," state unit BJP president Mangal Pandey said here. The schedule for Modi's third visit and the venue of the public meeting would be worked out in due course, Pandey said. The BJP prime ministerial candidate had visited Bihar twice in the last week of October and first week of November. Modi had addressed the BJP's 'Hunkar Rally' at Patna's Gandhi Maidan on October 27 where serial blasts claimed seven lives, including that of one of the perpetrators. — PTI
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PC slams CBI, CAG for overstepping limits
New Delhi, November 12 Asking the CBI to respect the line that divides policy- making and policing, the Finance Minister said agencies had overstepped their limits by attempting to convert bona fide executive decisions into either crimes or abuse of authority. Following up on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s speech yesterday where asked the CBI to tread cautiously in policy matters, Chidambaram today made the point that policy-making cannot be questioned and investigating agencies must stick to their brief to investigate if there has been a violation of law. “Yesterday, the Prime Minister made a thoughtful speech and drew the line between policy-making and policing. I urge all of you to reflect on that speech carefully”, he said. “Unfortunately, there are a number of cases where investigating agencies and other authorities like Comptroller and Auditor General, have overstepped their limits and attempted to convert bona fide executive decisions into either crime of abuse of authority,” he said delivering his key note address on “building a criminal justice system to deal with financial crime” at Golden Jubilee function of CBI. The role of the CBI and CAG has been criticized in some cases like the 2G scam, coal scam by the government for going beyond their brief. Even in the recent case of FIR against Kumar Mangalam Birla and former coal secretary, P C Parakh the role of the CBI has been widely debated. Chidambaram cautioned the agency to respect the line that divides policy-making and policing. “It is not the business of the investigating agency to lay down a rule of conduct nor is it the business of the investigating agency to presume a rule of conduct. Even where a rule has been prescribed, if there is a policy behind that rule, it is not the business of the investigating agency to question the wisdom of the policy or to suggest a different policy that would be better in the view of the investigating agency,” Chidambaram said. The Finance Minster said as long as there are reasons given in support of a decision, such reasons should ordinarily rule out any criminal state of mind. Citing the example of banks and insurance companies, he said that investment decisions may go wrong but it does not mean that an offence has been committed. Chidambaram also attacked the “myths” about CBI being a “caged bird” or being called “Congress Bureau of Investigation” by the political opposition. “Some myths are carefully fostered and propagated in order to serve an immediate or narrow self-interest. In a lighter vein, I may say that sometimes the CBI itself pretends to be a “helpless victim” when it pleads for more powers and greater autonomy”, he said.
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Coastal security still a ‘work in progress’
New Delhi, November 12 Fishing boats less than 20 m in size still don’t carry automated identification system transponders. These transponders relay a coded signal that can be identified by shore-based controllers and Indian warships. Bharat Electricals Limited and ISRO are developing a low-cost transponder. Various issues relating to coastal security were discussed at a meeting headed by Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth on September 8 and then during a meeting of the National Security Council (headed by the PM) on November 1. Under the overall coastal security plan, all fishermen were to have biometric card containing all information about the person. All security agencies, including the shore-based marine police stations, were to have handheld car readers. Nothing has happened on that front so far. Sources said only Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Puducherry and Daman and Diu (UT) have set up maritime boards. These coordinate day-to-day affairs with the Navy and the coast guard-a force under the Ministry of Defence. One of the positives that have emerged is that 46 coastal radars have been installed so far and 38 more are being in the process of being installed. So are the 87 shore-based receivers that detect coded signals emitted by boats fitted with IAS transponders.
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SC notice to states for speedy probe, trial
R Sedhuraman Legal Correspondent
New Delhi, November 12 A Bench comprising Justices AK Patnaik and V Gopala Gowda passed the order on a petition seeking guidelines for speedy disposal of such cases which at present were taking years on end. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, VK Ohri, has suggested that the guidelines should cover the officials in or above the ranks of Joint Secretary, DSP, SDM and district medical officer, besides district level office bearers of political parties, elected panches and sarpanches, members of Zila Parishad and municipal bodies, MPs, MLA and MLCs. While the investigation in such cases should be completed within three months, the trial should be monitored by the respective high courts. Adjournments should not be allowed for more than a week. “Needless to say that such cases have social ramifications, because those persons in spite of their criminal disposition can pervasively enter and influence the political and democratic process. It hardly needs emphasis that criminalisation of politics is a malady that is seriously bothering the society at the present juncture,” the petitioner said quoting the Law Commission recommendations on the issue. The Bench will hear the case again in January 2014.
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Pay-off remarks: VK Singh does U-turn
New Delhi, November 12 He sought to wriggle out of the controversy by claiming that he had cited purported comments attributed to former US Ambassador to India David Mulford when he said "certain ministers" of J-K were being paid by the Army for stability. "I have never said that they (ministers and
MLAs) are paid money under Sadbhavna (civic action schemes undertaken by the Army). I have just said that certain projects are taken up which help in
stabilising. This can be a bridge or a transformer," VK Singh told PTI in an interview. The former Army Chief was asked to explain the remarks made by him that the Army was paying money to MLAs and ministers in the trouble-torn state to bring stability and this had been going on since Independence. When pressed on the issue, he again said, "I have never said that in the book. I have not even said that in the interview." He was referring to his recently-released book 'Courage and Conviction'. It was pointed out to him that he had said so in an interview some months back. He replied: "I have said that they may have been paid but David Mulford has said that in 2011. — PTI
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Assembly polls were a factor, says Khurshid
Guragon, November 12 Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of a two-day Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) here, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid asserted that India was not boycotting the Colombo meet and he would be heading to the Lankan capital tomorrow. Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh would also be going. He said the Prime Minister took the “considered call, factoring in a lot of issues, including his presence in the country. After all we are facing five Assembly elections.” He said the sentiments of MPs from Tamil Nadu were also taken into consideration as well as the resolution of the Tamil Nadu assembly demanding a boycott of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) summit over alleged human rights violations by Sri Lanka. “Everything was factored in and a decision taken,” said Khurshid, adding that it was not the first time that an Indian PM would not be attending the CHOGM. He added that the PM not attending “does not foreclose any legitimate point of view that we will take”. India was happy at the landmark elections to the Northern Province in Sri Lanka that were held in September and that an elected government has been sworn in there. He said that Chief Minister of the Northern Province CV Wigneswaran, who had invited Manmohan Singh to visit the capital Jaffna, would be attending the CHOGM. Khurshid said India was doing a lot of developmental work in Sri Lanka, including building 50,000 houses, and was also involved in road and railway projects in that country.
Lot of issues factored in
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He said the sentiments of MPs from Tamil Nadu were also taken into consideration as well as the resolution of the Tamil Nadu Assembly demanding a CHOGM boycott over alleged human rights violations by Lanka
Mauritius PM to boycott meet
Port Louis: The Prime Minister of Mauritius on Tuesday announced that he will stay away from this week's Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka because of the host's poor human rights record. Mauritius joins India by refusing to send a premier to Sri Lanka, which is accused of widespread human rights abuses and the killing of tens of thousands of civilians during its 2009 defeat of Tamil Tiger rebels. Canada is totally boycotting the summit. — PTI
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Verdict in Aarushi murder case on Nov 25
Ghaziabad, November 12 Additional Sessions Judge Shyam Lal reserved the order after the defence completed its final arguments and the CBI submitted its rebuttal in the case which has seen several twists and turns. Submitting the rebuttal, the CBI lawyer told the court that it was the dentist couple who had killed Aarushi and Hemraj on the intervening night of May 15-16, 2008 at their Noida's Jalwayu Vihar L-32 residence. Special CBI public prosecutor RK Saini said all circumstantial evidence was against the dentist couple, which clearly indicate that Rajesh and Nupur Talwar had killed the duo. He said the circumstantial evidences were: no sign of outside entry, last scene theory, dressing of crime scene, destruction of evidence, tampering with Aarushi's body and cover up of Hemraj's body with a cooler panel on the terrace. — PTI
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HC notice on Deepika’s plea
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 12 The notice was issued this morning by Justice Jitendra Chauhan after hearing senior advocate Randeep Rai on Padukone's behalf. The case has been registered on the complaint of Lalit Kumar, whose grievance is that the movie's title, the trailer and photographs are highly objectionable and offend the religious sentiments of general public believing in Hindu mythology. It has been alleged that the story is contrary to the title, as it has nothing to do with Lord Rama's life. Padukone's counsel is insisting that the controversy has already been laid to rest by the Delhi High Court. Rai has asserted that a petition in public interest was filed on the basis of similar allegations in the Delhi High Court. The grievance aired in the PIL was on the same lines. "It will be apposite to mention here that the petition was dismissed being devoid of material with cost of Rs 50, 000," the counsel added. The Delhi High Court observed no organisation or an individual can claim to be the sole interpreter to Hindu religion and sole proprietor of names of Hindu gods". Moreover, it was observed in clear categorical terms that Hinduism is a religion which promotes tolerance and catholicity of outlook after observing that the effect of the words title and scenes will have to be adjudged from the standard of a reasonable man and not from weak and vacillating mind while dismissing the petition. "A bare perusal of the order passed by the Division Bench of the Delhi High would reveal that it has repelled a challenge made on similar allegations seeking a ban on the release of the film…. When the challenge in public interest is filed on similar grounds, the continuation of the criminal prosecution would tantamount to an abuse of process of law". He asserted the movie was inspired from the famous work of William Shakespeare "Romeo and Juliet"; and Ram-Leela referred to the names of the protagonists. Besides this, the FIR was registered on September 26, before the film was issued certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification.
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Snow leopard conservation efforts set to get a boost
Dehradun, November 12 According to estimates, there are only 200-500 snow leopards in India with their habitat in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand. They are also visible in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Significantly, governments of all 13 countries, where the snow leopard is found, have adopted the Bishkek Declaration that was signed in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic in October-end. The 12 countries apart from India include Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. As per an estimate, around 7,500 snow leopards today remain in the wild. The goal of Bishkek Declaration is to protect the 20 snow leopard landscapes that have over 100 breeding adults by 2020 and promote sustainable development in the areas where the species live. Snow leopard has always eluded Uttarakhand. There have been just couple of sightings and that too through camera traps amply. The Trans-Himalayan regions such as Badrinath-Mana, Malari-Lapthal, core zone of Nanda Devi NP, upper reaches of Valley of Flowers NP, Nelong Valley in Gangotri NP and a few more areas in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh districts are an ideal zone for this wildcat.
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BMC retreats after stand-off with residents of illegal building
Mumbai, November 12 Residents of the building complex known as the Campa Cola society barricaded themselves inside the compound to prevent the BMC crew from demolishing their homes. Women and children of the residents hugged the gates of the complex undeterred by the presence of nearly 300 police and state reserve police personnel. Officials from the gas and power supply companies were also not allowed to enter the complex to disconnect supply. With all the major political parties, including the Congress, the BJP and the Shiv Sena backing the residents, BMC officials after waiting for more than four hours announced that they would not demolish the buildings today.The police, however, arrested several protesters, including BJP MP Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Shiv Sena leaders Rahul Narvekar and Makarand Narvekar. They were, however, released after some time. The residents of the complex who purchased their flats between 1981 and 1989 allege that they have been cheated by the developers, who included Yusuf Patel, an alleged mafia don of that era. In all, seven high-rise buildings were constructed at the Campa Cola Compound though the civic body had allowed only five floors. While one building has 20 floors, another has 17. As per practice, the BMC denied the buildings an Occupancy Certificate because of which no water connections were also provided. In 2005, the residents moved court to regularise their properties. The court ordered the municipal commissioner to take action in the matter. The BMC went on to issue demolition notices and ordered the residents to be evicted. Since then, the matter has been going through the courts. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court set November 11 as the deadline for the residents to vacate the flats. The case has drawn the attention of all the major political parties since the residents were duped by unscrupulous builders in collusion with corrupt civic officials.
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INS Vikramaditya to be based in Karwar
Kochi, November 12
The 44,570-tonne warship, formerly known as Admiral Gorskhov, will take a month to reach India. — PTI
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Royal battle for Sawai Madhopur Curbs on ‘paid news’
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Confident of a fourth term, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today unveiled the agenda of the Congress if it is voted to power in the December 4 Assembly elections.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today announced names of four candidates to contest the Delhi Assembly elections in alliance with the
BJP. Two candidates will contest on the election symbol of SAD (scale), while two will contest on the BJP symbol (lotus).
Congress president Sonia Gandhi today said lack of development in Chhattisgarh has forced some people to adopt the wrong path of
Naxalism.
Coming down heavily on the CBI and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for overstepping their limits, Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said that it is not the business of an agency to question the wisdom of a policy or suggest a different policy.
Less than a week before the release of movie Ram-Leela, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued notice of motion for November 14 on a petition by Deepika
Padukone. She is seeking the quashing of FIR registered in connection with the flick by the Jalandhar police on September 26.
After a tense stand-off lasting several hours in which residents of an illegal building complex stood before bulldozers and demolition crews, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation retreated and postponed plans to pull down the structures.
* The young brigade of the Rajasthan Congress is disappointed as their leader's formula has not been implemented in ticket distribution in the state
“During next five years, we would expand health sector and greenery. Delhi has earned an honourable place in 134 best cities in the world. We would take it forward to make it the best capital city in the world,” said
Dikshit.
On the last day, more than 1,585 candidates submitted their papers, sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer said. The final tally of filed nominations would be available later to night as the district RO were compiling the data on the official web site, the sources said.
She questioned the steps taken by it to bring those involved in Naxal activities into the mainstream.
* Khurshid said the PM took the "considered call, factoring in a lot of issues" 
Jaipur: