Tuesday, April 27, 1999
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N A T I O N |
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spotlight today's calendar |
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Cong, CPM blamed for poll |
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India-China
discuss security issues
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Probe ordered into
foodgrain scam
BJP to tie-up with Trinamool Determine own future, Sikhs in
Delhi told
Bihar Govt shifts CS, DGP 2 acquitted under NDPS Act Photojournalist V.M. Saluja dead Sikh journal launched Patel rules out simultaneous poll
Govt to look into cow
shelters’ functioning |
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Cong, CPM blamed for poll NEW DELHI, April 26 — The Bharatiya Janata Party today blamed the Congress and the CPM for imposing a "costly and ill-affordable" mid-term poll on the country. "The interests of a billion Indians were sacrificed by the Congress at the altar of a single individual’s interest while the CPM played the despicable role of a broker. It is another matter that at the end of the day, the Communists failed in their shameful mission of subverting democracy and hijacking the mandate of 1998", the party spokesman, Mr M. Venkaiah Naidu said. "This is the second time in three years that the Congress has forced mid-term elections. On both occasions, the Congress was driven by the ambitions of its leadership. It was Mr Sitaram Kesri in 1997. It is Sonia Gandhi in 1999. On both occasions, the people of India have been forced to pay the bill for the destructive Congress leadership", Mr Naidu pointed out exuding confidence that the BJP would return to power with a comfortable majority. The "Opposition parties, while participating in the debate on the confidence vote in the Lok Sabha, had made tall claims that it would form an alternative government in five minutes but it failed in doing so miserably", Mr Naidu said adding that this clearly demonstrated that they "can destroy, but cannot build". The BJP was proud of its allies which stood firm and united during the political turmoil, he said. Meanwhile, the national executive meeting of the party has been convened on May 1 and 2 to discuss the political situation and get ready for the coming Lok Sabha elections. The decision to convene the meeting was taken at the office-bearers meeting presided by the BJP president, Mr Kushabhau Thakre today. In reply to a question, Mr Naidu said the executive would also decide on the party’s alliance in various states. In a related development, the AIADMK asserted that it should not blame if the Lok Sabha was prematurely dissolved as it had withdrawn support to the BJP-led coalition "in the interest of national security". "We are not to be blamed for the dissolution of the Lok Sabha and consequent mid-term poll. We brought down the Government in the nation's interest", the AIADMK leader in the Lok Sabha, Mr S.R. Muthiah told mediapersons here. Asked about the failure
of the "secular front" to form an alternative
government, Mr Muthiah said: "Our mission has been
successful. We were able to pull down the government in
the interest of national security." |
Mulayam an imposter: Cong NEW DELHI, April 26 — The Congress turned its ire on the Samajwadi Party and its chief, Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, stating that he and his party were "true spoilers" of the marginalisation of the forces of communalism and called him an "imposter of secularism". For the first time after Mr Yadav thwarted the Congress bid to form a minority government, the party said his actions raised suspicions of a "possible nexus between Mr Yadav and the BJP". The scorn poured by the Congress on Mr Yadav was further accentuated when the party spokesman Mr Arjun Singh described the Samajwadi Party President as an "imposter of secularism". The description came the form of a reply to a question at the daily briefing whether the Congress considered Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav "secular". The description followed the indirect attack by the Congress President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi on the Samajwadi Party as one which put its personal interest ahead of the country’s interest. In a statement issued today, the Congress said that the party was taken aback at the Samajwadi Party’s sudden anti-Congress refrain. It said that otherwise a party which sought to instigate and publicly persuade the Congress to take the lead in the formation of the next government for the past one year could not have changed its stand overnight. The Congress, once again, sought to state that it had played the role of a "constructive Opposition" and had as late as April 21, initiated and supported the idea of passing the Budget presented by the BJP government so that the financial affairs of the country were not affected adversely. It said many Opposition parties especially Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav had been continuously egging on the Congress to bring down the BJP government. "In spite of all this pressure, the Congress made it clear that it will not get involved in the toppling game, and only in the event of the government coming into a minority because of its own inner contradictions it will discharge its constitutional obligations". Explaining the rationale behind the move to form an alternative government, the Congress said after the defeat of Mr Vajpayee’s government it was clear there were 273 MPs who were opposed and assurances had also been given by the secular parties to support the Congress from outside. It said the Congress Working Committee decided that the party should not support any government from the outside since it had a bitter experience both in 1996 and 1997, by supporting the United Front government. The Congress said even while it told the President that it had the support of only 239 MPs, the party President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi drew the attention to the constitutional convention of the second largest party being called to form a government under the circumstances. "It was then left
to the Rashtrapatiji to take a decision in his wisdom and
the Congress President made a commitment to him that
whatever he decides the party would abide by it." |
India-China discuss security
issues NEW DELHI, April 26 — The eleventh meeting of the India-China Joint Working Group (JWG) began today in Beijing. The two-day JWG talks would cover issues relating to bilateral relations as also recent developments in the region, a Ministry of External Affairs spokesman said in a statement. The two sides discussed issues relating to security and nuclear disarmament, the statement pointed out. The Foreign Secretary, Mr K. Raghunath, who is leading the Indian delegation at the talks, reiterated that India had a positive and forward looking approach to relations with China. The Chinese delegation is being led by the Vice Foreign Minister, Mr Yang Wenchang. "India seeks friendly, good neighbourly, cooperative and mutually beneficial relations with China", Mr Raghunath said. "We wish to develop trust and confidence on the basis of expanding understanding on issues of mutual concern which affect our bilateral relations", he told the Chinese side. Prior to the commencement of talks of the JWG session, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr Tang Jiaxuan, emphasised China’s commitment to seeking good relations with India into the 21st century. During an hour-long meeting with Mr Raghunath, the Chinese Foreign Minister said good relations with India would contribute to peace, development and stability in Asia and the world. The two sides should approach the JWG meeting in a positive spirit on the basis of expanding on our common points to find solutions to issues on which the two sides have different views, Mr Tang said. Mr Raghunath is expected
will be calling on the Vice Premier and former Foreign
Minister, Mr Qian Qichen later this evening, according to
an official statement. |
No delay in talks process, Pak told NEW DELHI, April 26 (PTI) — India today asserted that it was committed to the ongoing composite dialogue process with Pakistan and would "stick to the road map" decided by the two sides. "We apprehend no delay in the dialogue process," official sources said, adding that dates for the meetings between the two sides were being worked out through diplomatic channels. New Delhi's assertion comes close on the heels of apprehensions expressed by Pakistan that the current political crisis in India and the ensuing mid-term poll would delay the dialogue process by three to six months and the onus for this rested entirely on the Indian side. In Islamabad, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tariq Altaf told mediapersons: "We are fully ready to go into talks with India and resolve all outstanding problems." The Minister of State for External Affairs Vasundhara Raje was slated to visit Islamabad this month to finalise a mechanism for automatic release of detained persons — both fishermen and civilians — on both sides but this had been deferred. The two sides had
decided to have Foreign Secretary-level meetings in May
to discuss the twin issues of peace and security,
including confidence-building measures and Jammu and
Kashmir, to be followed by Secretary-level talks on six
other issues including Siachen, the Tulbul navigation
project and the Sir Creek maritime boundary dispute. |
Probe ordered into foodgrain scam PATNA, April 26 (PTI) — Bihar Deputy Speaker Jagbandhu Adhikari today announced a vigilance probe into alleged irregularities in the distribution of foodgrain to red card holders. The report is to be submitted within three months, he told the state Assembly amid noisy scenes. The issue of irregularities in the distribution of foodgrain among families living below the poverty line was raised by Mr Dilip Verma, lone member of the Champaran Vikas Party (CVP), who alleged “scandalous swindle” of essential commodities. Mr Verma, who had earlier threatened to immolate himself if a CBI probe into the scandal was not conceded by the government, repeated his demand. He was joined by almost all opposition parties in criticising the government for not taking action against those allegedly responsible for the scam. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Sushil Kumar Modi (BJP), alleged red card holders were not getting benefits of the central scheme and foodgrain meant for distribution among people living below the poverty line were either being sold on the black market or smuggled to adjoining Bangladesh and Nepal. Mr Modi alleged that during the past 22 months the state had received foodgrain worth over Rs 500 crore but instead of being distributed among “targeted families”, they had been sold on the black market. He demanded that the matter should be probed by either the Vigilance Department, a House committee or the CBI. Mr Eurkan Ansari, Congress chief whip, too joined Mr Modi in demanding the constitution of a House committee to probe the allegations and said the matter be handed over to the CBI as it involved “fleecing the hapless people”. He also alleged that people living below the poverty line were not getting the benefits of the central scheme. Mr Ramdeo Verma (CPM) too alleged large-scale bungling and demanded a thorough probe into the allegations levelled by the Opposition. Countering the allegations, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Poornmasi Ram told the House he had ordered a probe into the allegations by the DIG (Food and Civil Supplies). He said the government could not place the findings of the team due to the ongoing strike by non-gazetted employees. However, he later agreed to get the matter probed by the Vigilance Department as suggested by the Leader of the Opposition. The minister’s reply did not satisfy the Opposition Benches who trooped into the well of the House raising anti-government slogans and pressed for a probe by a House committee or the CBI. Mr Adhikari asked the
state government to get the matter probed by the
Vigilance Department and adjourned the House for lunch
recess. |
BJP to tie-up with Trinamool CALCUTTA, April 26 (PTI) — The BJP today said that it would contest the mid-term elections unitedly with the Trinamool Congress and claimed the alliance would emerge as “the largest political force” in the Left-ruled West Bengal. BJP state General Secretary Rahul Sinha told reporters here the party considered the Trinamool Congress as “its close and trusted ally” and leaders of the two parties would meet shortly to draw up a preliminary course of action regarding seat adjustments for the coming polls. Expressing the hope that there would be no further differences between the two allies, Mr Sinha said, “We are keenly waiting for the Trinamool Congress leaders to return to the city for initial poll-related discussions with us”. He said BJP’s state election committee would meet here within two or three days after the return of state president Tapan Sikdar from Delhi. The state party unit, Mr Sinha said, would launch the poll campaign shortly “to project the roles of the betrayers instrumental in pushing the country to another bout of elections”. The campaign will also focus on an “unholy CPM-Congress nexus”, he said. He lashed out at the CPM
leadership for “indulging in unprincipled politics
by joining hands with political opportunists”. |
Determine own future, Sikhs in
Delhi told NEW DELHI, April 26 — Sikhs in Delhi should determine their political future on their own, rather than emulate those in Punjab, World Sikh Council and retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Kuldip Singh, has said. Speaking at a function organised by the Sikh Forum here today, Justice Kuldip Singh said Delhi’s social set-up was different from that in Punjab. Therefore, Sikhs in the Capital should select their own leaders, putting into perspective their issues and problems. “The Sikhs worldwide look on their counterparts in Delhi as a dynamic people whose activities set precedents”, he said. “A tie-up with a political party of the choice of their own leadership in the Capital would be beneficial for the Sikhs in Delhi”. Attaching significance to Akal Takht, he said its “maryada” and sanctity should never be violated. Delhi Akali Dal chief Paramjit Singh Sarna, who also addressed the gathering, said moral strength was a pre-requisite if minorities wanted to attain “full stature”. Mr Sarna called upon the
Sikh youth to opt for baptism and stay away from
intoxicants. |
Delhi girl wins ‘silent’ beauty contest NEW DELHI, April 26 (UNI) — Nobody clapped when the winner was announced after an almost two-hour-long contest. Instead, like birds surging to flight, everyone flapped hands over their head in a rare form of applause. The audience, comprising the hearing and speech impaired people, seemed to relish every moment of the show at the Miss India ‘Silent’ Beauty Contest here last night. The applause, like the animated discussions all through the evening, was in sign language, and the music was for the benefit of judges only. Lissome Delhi girl Anju Thapliyal, dressed in a flaming chartreuse yellow saree and a trellis-back blouse, walked away with the crown. Indore girl and former national junior chess champion Seema Mishra (20) was adjudged first runners up and Delhi University student Suchint Sahadev (22) came third. The six-member panel of judges, all of them with normal speech and hearing abilities, apparently went by the participants’ ‘looks’ and bearing since the semifinalists had to be selected after only three essays on the catwalk in different costumes. There was no swimsuit round, but the contest was a blend of the modern and the traditional. Flamboyant silk camisoles, gowns with plunging necklines and satin halter-neck frocks gave way to Kanjeevaram and Banarsi silk sarees in the last two rounds. The judges put a question to each of the five participants who made it to the final round. Asked about her marriage, 24-year-old Anju, an employee of the Gas Authority of India, said she was not going to hurry with it. “I’ll marry only someone who loves me a lot,” Anju said, shaking her head. Despite being hearing and speech impaired, she is adept in dancing, painting and has won several prizes, the organisers said. Like her, second runners up Suchint is active in sports and has won medals at the national-level in swimming, table tennis and badminton, they said. She has also done many modelling assignments. “Deaf women equal
their counterparts with normal hearing in every aspect
except that we cannot hear,” said Guneet Kaur, one
of the finalists. |
Bihar Govt shifts CS, DGP PATNA, April 26 (PTI) — In a major reshuffle the Bihar Government has shifted its Chief Secretary V.S. Dubey and Director-General of Police T.P. Sinha, appointed during the brief spell of President’s rule in the state, besides several other senior bureaucrats. The Administrator-cum-Managing Director of the Bihar State Cooperative Bank, Mr S.N. Biswas, replaced Mr Dubey as the Chief Secretary today, while Mr K.A. Jacob was reinstated as the DGP in place of Mr Sinha, official sources said. Mr Dubey was appointed the new Administrator-cum-Managing Director of the Bihar State Cooperative Bank. Mr U.N. Panjiar, who was Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Primary, Secondary and Public Education, was appointed the new Home Secretary. Mr Panjiar’s predecessor, Mr R.K. Singh, was shifted as Secretary of the Cane Development Department, the sources said. Mr Rajbala Verma, Special Secretary, Bureau of Public Enterprises, was brought back as District Magistrate of Patna in place of Mr Amit Khare. Other officials transferred include Deputy Commissioners and District Magistrates of Bettiah, Chatra, Munger Koderma, Muzafferpur, Deoghar, Saharsa, Sheohar, Siwan and Sitamarhi. The SPs of the seven
districts were also replaced, they said. |
2 acquitted under NDPS Act NEW DELHI, April 26 (PTI) — After a protracted legal battle of almost seven years, a city court has acquitted two persons accused of possessing charas for the failure of the prosecution to prove the case “beyond reasonable doubt”. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) S.K. Kaushik absolved accused Rajiv Vajpai and Avdesh, arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) in October 1992 near Kamala Market police station. According to prosecution case, the duo was arrested following recovery of 2.4 kg charas from the possession of Avdesh. A 50 gm sealed sample of charas was sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Chandigarh, for testing. However, the accused denied the charge and claimed trial, in their statement they also vehemently denied the prosecution story saying they had been falsely implicated in the case. Defence counsel J.P. Suhag contended that the prosecution had failed to establish that the “form CFSL” accompanied the sealed sample parcel to the CFSL office. Suhag pointed out that one of the witnesses also admitted that it was not specifically mentioned that the form CFSL was sent along with the sample to the CFSL. He further contended that the accused were not given option of being searched before a gazetted officer or a Magistrate at the time of their ‘jama talashi’ (search of the person). The court acquitted the
accused in view of the well settled legal principle that
in criminal cases the benefit of doubt goes to the
accused. |
Sikh journal launched NEW DELHI, April 26 — A magazine focusing on Sikh community especially people, places and events that have shaped its history, has been launched to mark the tercentenary of the Khalsa Panth. The quarterly newsmagazine, called ‘Nishaan’ (Persian for a flag or a banner) will project aspirations of the community in the coming millennium, says the man behind the journal, Mr Pushpinder Singh Chopra. Launched by Nagaara Trust, the journal will be a publication aimed at “continually focusing on aspects of the Sikh community’s success, perpetuating tradition and, thus, reinforcing the faith.” “It has long been felt that the Sikh community, in all its diaspora, needs a rallying point and one of the key means is the publication of a high-quality magazine,” says Mr Chopra. “Nishaan will be an effective manner for reaching out to the community all over the world and projecting the aspirations and achievements of the Sikhs who have distinguished themselves in art, music and scientific endeavour.” The Nagaara Trust endeavours to provide an understanding of the Sikh philosophy via all means of communication and strive to preserve, project and propagate the philosophy of the Khalsa Panth. The former Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Technical University and a member of the trust, Mr Anup Singh, says Nagaara Trust intends to provide an understanding of the faith by various means of communication, including print, electronic, plays and ballets. The former Union Finance
Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, says the journal will carry
the universal message of Sikhism and in laying emphasis
on the freshness of Sikh thought and philosophy which
“enable us to lead a life of dignity and
self-respect and which will be of immense help in
moulding our destiny in the 21st century.” |
Patel rules out simultaneous poll BANGALORE, April 26 — The Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr J. H. Patel, today virtually ruled out the holding of assembly elections in the state, due in November this year, along with the mid-term poll in the light of the Union Cabinet recommending dissolution of Lok Sabha. “There is no advantage for us if both elections are held concurrently,” Mr Patel told reporters here. Reacting to the Union Cabinet’s recommendation, Mr Patel said “it was expected. There was no other way.” Significantly, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, spoke to Mr Patel on the phone a few minutes before the Union Cabinet met in Delhi. The call came when Mr Patel was attending a conference of the Secretaries to the government Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and chief Executive Officers of zila panchayats in the state secretariat. “I told him (Naidu) the same thing... regrouping (of political parties) won’t work,” Mr Patel said. “We (Janata Dal) have to prepare for the elections,” the Chief Minister said. Last Friday, Mr Patel
faction of the Janata Dal, in an informal meeting,
decided that the Dal should maintain “equal
distance” from both the BJP and the Congress in the
state. |
Heat wave toll mounts to 52 NEW DELHI, April 26 (PTI) — Heat wave has claimed nine more lives as several parts of the country continued to smart under oppressive heat for yet another day with the toll mounting to 52. Orissa bore the brunt with five more succumbing to sunstroke today to put the toll in the state at 33 followed by Andhra Pradesh (10), Gujarat (five), and Bihar (four). Mercury touched 45.3 degrees Celsius in Bolangir town of the western Orissa region, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur in the region recorded maximum temperatures of 44.5 and 44.1 degrees Celsius respectively. Baripada, headquarters of Mayurbhanj district in the northern part of Orissa, lay gasping with temperature soaring to 44.6 degrees Celsius. The districtwise break-up of the deaths in Orissa are: Dhenkanal-nine, Balasore and Khurda—four each, Jajpur—three, Angul, Keonjhar, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur—two each and Kendrapara, Nayagarh, Bhadrak, Sundargarh and Sambalpur-one each. In Jamshedpur, the heat wave claimed four lives as the mercury touched a 13-year high of 45 degrees Celsius in the steel city. Heat wave continued
unabated in northern parts as Hisar in Haryana was the
hottest place with the temperature rising to 43.3 degrees
Celsius. In Andhra Pradesh, the highest day temperature
of 44 degree Celsius was recorded in Nizamabad. |
Photojournalist V.M. Saluja dead NEW DELHI, April 26 — Veteran photojournalist Vishwa Mittar Saluja, who was also a freedom fighter, died here early today following a heart attack. V.M. Saluja, 74, is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. His son, Vijay Saluja, is also a mediaperson. Saluja, considered to be a doyen in news photojournalism, was admitted to a private hospital a week ago after he developed a cardiac problem. A pioneer in photojournalism, Saluja was the first to start a photo feature agency in India — Pana India — in the early 70s. He started the photo news agency after having worked as the chief reporter of Patriot newspaper. A member of the Indian National Army (INA) founded by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Saluja was imprisoned in the Red Fort prison during the freedom movement. Saluja was also a former president of the News Cameramen Association and Press Club of India. The Working News Cameramen Association, the News Cameramen Association and the Press Club of India have expressed grief on the passing away of Saluja. The Delhi Union of
Journalists (DUJ) has condoled the death of V.M. Saluja.
The DUJ recalled his services to the organisation and
profession. |
Govt to look into cow
shelters’ functioning NEW DELHI, April 26 — The Delhi Government is looking into the causes for “gross mismanagement” in the working of seven gosadans being run by voluntary organisations for which the Gaon Sabha land has been allotted. The present status of functioning of the seven gosadans (cow shelters) was discussed at length in a meeting held today under Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, a release said. In the meeting, Mrs Dikshit expressed concern over the “alarming mortality rate in these gosadans where land is also being used for purposes other than specified.” The Chief Minister has instructed the officials concerned to immediately look into the causes of the alarming mortality rate. She said there was much
to be done in the field of fodder availability, animal
management and improvement in shelter infrastructure. |
Jinxed history of coalition govts NEW DELHI, April 26 (PTI) — The era of coalition governments, beginning with V. P. Singh’s National Front in 1989, has had a jinxed history with no such outfit being able to complete its full five-year-term. The longest was the 13-month-old government of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who resigned on April 17 after losing the confidence vote by narrowest margin of one vote in the Lok Sabha, necessitated by the withdrawal of support by the AIADMK, a pre-poll ally of the BJP. The shortest was again Vajpayee’s 13-day government from May 16 to may 28, 1996, when he resigned on the floor of the Lok Sabha, unable to muster a simple majority. V. P. Singh’s minority National Front coalition government, formed in December, 1989, fell within 11 months in November, 1990, after the BJP withdrew its outside support following the arrest of its president L. K. Advani during his controversial rath yatra. Chandra Shekhar, who formed another coalition government with Congress support from outside in November, 1990, resigned in March, 1991, after the Congress withdrew its support within four months in protest against the alleged surveillance of its president Rajiv Gandhi by the Haryana police. There was an interregnum of stability for five years from June, 1991, as P. V. Narasimha Rao completed his full term at the head of a Congress government. Vajpayee, who headed the first BJP-led coalition government after the May, 1996, poll, resigned on May 28, 1996, on the floor of the Lok Sabha. H. D. Deve Gowda, who succeeded Vajpayee at the head of a United Front coalition government on June 1, 1996, lasted for just 10 months and resigned on April 11, 1997, after losing the confidence vote necessitated by withdrawal of support by the Congress. I. K. Gujral, who succeeded Gowda as Prime Minister in another UF government, resigned in seven months on November 28, 1997, after the Congress again withdrew support over the Jain Commission issue. Vajpayee again took over as Prime Minister in March, 1998, heading a coalition government after the general election and resigned 13 months later on April 17 this year, after losing the confidence vote in the Lok Sabha. In a way the first coalition experiment was in August, 1979, by the Charan Singh government, but he resigned within days of its formation after the Congress, led by Indira Gandhi, withdrew its promised support. Charan Singh went down as the only Prime Minister who never faced Parliament. Thus, the Congress has
the dubious distinction of bringing down four governments
— those led by Charan Singh, Chandra Shekhar, Gowda
and Gujral. |
Application date extended NEW DELHI, April 26 — The Central Government has extended the date for the submission of applications for the revision of pension/family pension up to September 30. Earlier the date for the
submission of applications was March 31, 1999. However,
defence civilian pensioners will continue to be governed
by the orders issued by the Ministry of Defence, an
official release said. |
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| Rs 75,000 spent to fight
rat famine SHILLONG: The Mizoram Government has bought 75,000 rat tails at the cost of Re 1 each as part of its efforts to control ‘mautam’ a rat-induced famine in the state. According to official sources, killing rats has been encouraged to stop their growth, which might lead to the occurrence of ‘mautam’ — which means bamboo flowering, a kind of famine. The government has distributed baited poison of higher efficiency free of cost. — UNI Art
director Sudhendu Roy passes away Four of a family
charred to death Show of
Irfan’s cartoons from May 1 Tetanus
eradication drive in UP Elected on false
caste certificate 6 killed as roof
collapses Show cause to
varsity Itanagar bandh |
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