 |
| Wednesday, October 25, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
|
HC admits Rao’s plea, notice to CBI NEW DELHI, Oct 24 — The Delhi High Court today admitted for hearing the appeal filed by the former Prime Minister, Mr P.V. Narasimha Rao, against his conviction in the JMM MPs bribery case. CEC demands funds for EVMs Jaya appeals against convictions
Normalcy returning to valley: Advani |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Police pickets to be provided in trains Karnataka
CM seeks Oppn’s cooperation President to open ayurveda hospital Surjeet ‘author’ of Sikh homeland: book Jharkhand pins hopes on new govt Tribal politics hots up in Jharkhand CBI’s denial on Bofors
documents Cheema calls on Sonia Elect Sonia
unanimously: Virbhadra Car, motorcycle sales rise Mission Kashmir’s
premiere in UK, USA Property dealer shot dead Hooch tragedy:
woman held 
|
|
HC
admits Rao’s plea, notice to CBI NEW DELHI, Oct 24 — The Delhi High Court
today admitted for hearing the appeal filed by the former Prime
Minister, Mr P.V. Narasimha Rao, against his conviction in the JMM MPs
bribery case. Mr Justice R.S. Sodhi, issuing show-cause notice to the CBI, fixed the matter for hearing on November 7, a day before the interim bail granted by the trial court expires. Mr Rao and Mr Buta Singh have been convicted under section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and sections 7, 12, 13(2) and 13(1)(d) under the Prevention of Corruption Act for “abetment”. A special CBI court on October 13 had sentenced Mr Rao, and his former cabinet colleague Buta Singh to three years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on each of them. The trial court, however, stayed operation of the judgement and granted bail to both convicts till November 8 enabling them to file appeals in the high court. Mr Rao’s counsel, Mr R.K. Anand said the trial court had “erred” both on facts and law while holding the former Prime Minister guilty and sentencing him to three years’ rigorous imprisonment. Mr Anand said the trial judge had based his order of conviction solely on the statement of approver Shailendra Mahato and “erred” in giving him pardon. The proceedings for granting pardon to Mr Mahato were not followed as per the law laid down by the Supreme Court, he claimed. Mr Anand said according to the supreme court ruling, “If the pardon is granted illegally then approver’s statement has no value”. “The question of corroboration of approver’s statement is immaterial if proper procedures for granting him pardon is not followed,” Mr Anand said and added that there was no corroboration of his statement. The court after hearing the brief argument by Mr Anand, observed that “if this was the situation, then there is nothing for the CBI for basking in glory. How can a person be found guilty on such an evidence”. “If this is all you are challenging, then you should be more keen to file an appeal,” the court observed. The court had already admitted Mr Buta Singh’s appeal for hearing last week. While Mr Rao and Mr Buta Singh were pronounced guilty by the designated court, nine other accused, including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhajan Lal, were acquitted in the case on “benefit of doubt.” |
|
|
CEC demands funds for EVMs NEW DELHI, Oct 24 — The Chief Election Commissioner, Dr M.S. Gill, has directed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states and union territories to ensure proper correction of the electoral rolls during the annual revision of rolls which begins from November 1, 2000. “The commission is particularly anxious that the occasion be used to remove all those who have died from the electoral rolls. Focus is also to be given on the removal of names and correction of electoral rolls in each constituency due to either transfer of public servants or the movement of citizens elsewhere,” Dr Gill said. The Chief Election Commissioner asked the CEOs to ensure their personal focus, interest and effort and the full and adequate supervision of the district electoral officers and subordinates on this work. Dr Gill also urged the leaders and workers of various political parties, especially those in
Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Pondicherry which are going to the polls early next year, to take keen interest in the electoral rolls revision, which is an important aspect in a democratic set-up. Meanwhile, Dr Gill, who has just returned from Canada, spoke to Union Law Minister Arun Jaitley for the immediate release of Rs 150 crore for the purchase of 150,000 electronic voting machines
(EVMs) for use in the states going to the polls early next year. The Chief Election Commissioner drew the minister’s attention towards the sanction of Rs 150 crore already made by the Finance Ministry for the purchase of EVMs and urged him to personally look into it and ensure speedy release of the funds. According to Election Commission sources, Mr Jaitley assured Dr Gill he would personally make effort for the immediate release of the funds. Dr Gill is likely to visit Tamil
Nadu, West Bengal and Assam soon to have a first-hand assessment of the needs and requirements for the conduct of assembly polls early next year. |
|
|
Jaya appeals against convictions CHENNAI, Oct 24 (PTI) — Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha today filed separate appeals in the Madras High Court challenging her convictions by a special court in two TANSI land deal cases in which she was sentenced to three years’ and two years’ rigorous imprisonment. The AIADMK chief also sought suspension of the sentences of the special court. In her appeals, Ms Jayalalitha contended that the October 9 judgement of the trial judge was incorrect, contrary to law, weight of evidence and probabilities of the case and prayed that it be set aside. Stating that the court was wrong in believing the version of the crime branch-CID of the state police and had totally failed to consider legal issues which were in her favour, she said if the court had properly appreciated the case it could have recorded her innocence and acquitted her. Besides Ms Jayalalitha, Special Judge P. Anbazhagan had also convicted her close aide Sasikala Natarajan and four others in both cases, which related to purchase of property belonging to government-owned Tamil Nadu Small Industries Corporation (TANSI) by Jaya Publications and Sasi Enterprises, firms in which the former Chief Minister and Sasikala were partners and awarded them similar jail terms. Others convicted were former TANSI Managing Director T.R. Srinivasan, former Rural Industries Minister Mohammad Asif, Special Deputy Collector (Stamps) S. Nagarajan and Additional Secretary in the former Chief Minister’s, Office Karpoorasundara Pandian. According to the prosecution, the state had suffered a loss of about Rs 4.16 crore on account of the property having been purchased in 1992 well below the prevailing market rates and consequent reduction in stamp duty. Ms Jayalalitha said the prosecution by conceding that charges under Section 420 of the
IPC could not be proved against her had in effect admitted that there was no cheating involved in the case and that the valuation was proper. “If the valuation is proper, there is no possibility of any offence being made out at all,” she contended. Stating that the trial court’s view that no offence had been made out under Section 169 of the
IPC should have been further read into the other charges, she said the view would automatically rule out the alleged charges of abuse of position, obtaining any gain and breach of trust. |
|
|
Bihar turns into ‘AIDS recipient’ state PATNA, Oct 24 — The state government is prompt to call it bullshit. The NGOs set the panic alarm at full. The intensity of the perceptions may vary but the reality remains that Bihar has emerged fast as the ‘AIDS recipient state of India’. The migrating population of Bihar might be bringing in hoards of money from metros like Mumbai and Delhi but they also carry in the deadly AIDS disease and die here like rabid dogs, also killing the innocent family members. Most of the kith and kin of those dying of AIDS in the state, do not even know what killed their dear ones. The attending doctors do tell them of the AIDS but they still do not believe. In the past one month at least five AIDS deaths have been reported from different parts of the state. The Hazaribagh region and northern districts along the Indo-Nepal border are the worst hit. Ram Lal Mahto of Nakaspura village of Vishnugarh block had gone 10 years back to Mumbai to make money for his family. He was working as a labourer there. Two years back, he returned home with problems like acute chest and stomach pain. Local doctors did an Alisa test on him and declared him HIV positive. He died a painful death in August this year. His wife, Rashmi Devi, has also been detected HIV positive. She is waging a battle against imminent death to make survival possible for her two minor daughters. She is bound to meet the same fate, Vishwa Devi met with in March this year. Vishwa died of AIDS that she had contacted from her husband, Jagdish Prajapati. Jagdish used to drive taxi in Mumbai for years. He died of AIDS a few months back. Bhola Yadav too was a taxi driver. He got infected in Mumbai and returned home to die among his dear ones. His wife and twin kids are facing starvation and social slur. So far 14 persons have died of AIDS in this block alone. There are dozens of such cases of AIDS that have been acquired at Mumbai and other metros. Generally, young married youth, after being frustrated by joblessness and growing need of money, flee away to Mumbai, Delhi and other metros to make a living. They do not take heir wives with them. Often body needs, boredom and homesickness take them to the red light areas of the metros. They contact the HIV virus from there, not even being aware of the disease. Back home their wives are the first recipients of HIV. Growingly, the threat of Bihar turning into an AIDS recipient state, is turning into a reality. The most disturbing fact is the gross unawareness about the disease and the social stigma attached with it. Usually the family of the AIDS victim is made a social outcast. Vishwa Devi was ousted from the house of her in-laws after her husband died of AIDS. She was made to live in a six by six hut outside the village where she had to wait for months for death to free her of her immense woes. The state government is at ease as it thinks there is no need for an alarm as the AIDS deaths are the result of ‘out side’ influences. They think the state is safe. The NGOs who are working in the villages for the awareness about the deadly disease, are sore over the attitude of the state government. They believe, the government must gear up its agencies to launch a campaign against AIDS. |
|
|
Normalcy returning to valley: Advani NEW DELHI, Oct 24 - The Union Home Minister, Mr L K Advani, today said that India was determined to defeat proxy war unleashed by Pakistan in Kashmir and that the situation in the valley was fast returning to normalcy. “Having realised that it is impossible to beat India in a direct war, Pakistan changed its strategy to proxy war, which is more difficult than conventional conflicts. Yet, our security forces have proved in the past 10-12 years that we will emerge victorious in this war too,” he said. The Home Minister was addressing officers and jawans of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on their 39th Raising Day Parade here. “During the past 53 years of Independence, the country’s security was not threatened as much as it has been during the past few years. There have been challenges to the national security during the past 53 years — in 1962, 1965, 1971 and recently in 1999. But the challenges posed by proxy war are more difficult and dangerous,” he said. However, the Indian armed forces and the Central para-military forces had defeated their designs although for a few months after the Kargil conflict it seemed that proxy war was again intensifying. He asserted the security forces had regained an upper hand against the Pakistan-backed militants. Mr Advani, who toured the valley on Sunday along with the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes, however, said that unlike in the past three years, tourists were flocking to Jammu and Kashmir in large numbers. “This is a reflection of the victory of the security forces. They have a clear edge over the terrorists and intruders supported from across the border,” he said. Underlining the role of the security forces in ensuring “suraj” (good governance) the Home Minister said “suraksha” (security) was a pre-requisite to good governance. Lauding the ITBP personnel and jawans for their commitment in safeguarding the nation’s unity and integrity, Mr Advani said he would take up with the Finance Ministry the issue of providing ‘high altitude allowance’ to ITBP personnel on the lines of the one being provided to Army. The Home Minister also presented Police Medal for Gallantry, President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to 25 personnel. |
|
Zee’s big money mantra fails NEW DELHI, Oct 24 — It is not only a poor copy of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) but also seems to be lacking greatly in presentation and also in research. In its hurry to win back the primetime viewership, which Zee Television Network had lost to its earlier partner Star TV as a result of KBC, the satellite channel network in Sawaal Dus Crore Ka (SDCK) has dished out a programme which is just about average. In comparison to KBC, which now would get the credit for being the original (although not so original) Indian quiz programme, the SDCK would only emerge as a poor second. Although the money at stake is much more in SDCK but the overall concept of the programme after the first episode last night has only given the Big B’s KBC a big leap forward. Not only would the producers of KBC be a happy lot after the first episode, but even Star TV itself could now safely be assured of being the prime television network of the country. What would be all the more troublesome for Zee TV is the fact that the programme has not gone well with the viewers. Despite the initial excitement of watching a new game show on TV, most of viewers switched back to KBC after seeing the mundane and pedestrian style of presentation and questions on SDCK. Despite wanting to be innovative in their attempt Zee TV has only ended up copying KBC and that too not very efficiently. At the press conference to announce the start of SDCK, the Zee TV management had very boldly claimed the programme would neither be a copy of KBC nor it would be personality-based. But alas, both the claims of the Zee TV management have been blown into thin air in the very first episode. SDCK not only has almost a similar set as that of KBC but the style of presentation of Anupam Kher and that of Manisha Koirala has quite the same words as that in KBC, only that they are said in Hindi. In Anupam Kher and Manisha Koirala the Zee TV management has also attempted to get some attraction of stars to the show. But again, both Anupam and Manisha are not in the same class as the Big B. Not only does Amitabh Bachchan have a much superior style of dialogue delivery in the movies but his deep-throated voice, while presenting KBC has a more binding effect on the viewers. In comparison Anupam Kher is not of that level while Manisha Koirala is not even able to translate the questions properly in English from the computer. Besides, it seemed that Anupam Kher was also in too much of a hurry to write out cheques for the contestants rather than trying to relate to them or further encourage them or even hold their attention. But then big money is the mantra by which Zee TV has been hoping to get back its viewership. |
|
|
Police pickets
to be provided in trains CALCUTTA, Oct 24 — Special armed police pickets will be provided in Punjab Mail and other long distance trains bound for Delhi, Rajasthan and other places in North India from Calcutta in view of the repeated incidents of robbery and other criminal activities inside the running trains. This was decided at an high level meeting at Writers Buildings yesterday by the Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadev Bhattacharyya (also Home Police Minister) in which the Chief Secretary, Mr Manish Gupta, the Home Secretary, Mr S. Roy and the state police chief, Mr D. Sanyal were present. The meeting expressed concern at the armed attack on the passengers in the four reserved coaches of Punjab Mail on last night near Burdwan station in which two persons were killed and at least 10 severely injured by gun-shot. Harbhachan Singh of Moga in Punjab received four gun-shots injuries and had been admitted to a hospital. The armed gang also looted cash and ornaments worth over Rs 2 lakh from the passengers. Recently, there has been a series of incidents of armed robberies in running trains bound for North India and South India, in particular, leaving from Howrah and Sealdah stations. A robbery was also committed inside Rajdhani Express last month near Patna which had prompted the railway authorities to arrange commando protection to passengers of Rajdhani Express. The Chief Secretary said the state government would deploy additional GRP force in all mail and long-distance trains. The Railways were also requested to increase the number of RPF for assisting the GRP. Mr Gupta said a special task force would be soon set up to monitor the security
arrangements in running trains. The Eastern Railways’ Chief Security Officer, Mr Rachpal Singh, said the railway board already agreed to provide additional RPF for the protection of railway properties and prevention of crimes in the trains. The RPF will be strengthened at the stations, yards and inside running trains. |
|
Karnataka CM seeks Oppn’s cooperation BANGALORE, Oct 24 (UNI) — Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna today sought the continued cooperation of the opposition parties to secure the release of Kannada matinee idol Rajkumar held hostage by forest brigand Veerappan. Intervening during a discussion on the preliminary submission by the opposition leader Jagadish Shettar on the notice for an adjournment motion on the issue, Mr Krishna said, “We are at the end of the journey. Therefore I appeal to the Opposition, which had cooperated with the government all along, to extend the same for some more days’’. The issue could be discussed after the return of the actor. The government would allow a discussion but not at this juncture as “we may lose track and not reach the ultimate goal” (the release of Rajkumar), he added. Home Minister Mallikarjun Kharge in his reply said, “The good news is awaited and we are optimistic’’. The state government was extending all help to the Tamil Nadu Government in this regard. “Our Chief Minister has spoken to his Tamil Nadu counterpart a number of times and he will speak to him again,’’ he added. After the minister’s reply, speaker Venkatappa withheld consent for the motion. Earlier, Mr Shettar said the state administration had collapsed and development activities had come to a standstill ever since the actor was kidnapped. A vacuum existed in the state. Mr Kharge said the matter was sub judice as a case against the release of TADA detainees, the main demand of the brigand, was pending before the Supreme Court. Forest Minister K.H. Ranganath shared the view of Mr Kharge. But the Speaker disallowed the point of order and allowed the Opposition to continue with their arguments on admissibility of the motion. When the opposition members contended that a discussion would not be sub judice as they were not touching upon the TADA case, now pending before the apex court, Mr Krishna intervened and said the writ petition filed by Delhi-based advocate Mr Wadera encompassed the entire gamut of Rajkumar’s abduction and his detention by Veerappan. Janata
Dal (United) leader P.G.R. Sindhia, who had submitted a separate
notice praying for a discussion on the same issue, urged the House to
pass a unanimous resolution expressing concern and anxiety over the
release of Rajkumar. He suggested to the chair to allow a detailed
debate on the issue after the actor’s return so that the existing
lacuna could be overcome. |
|
|
President to open ayurveda hospital NEW DELHI, October 24 — An ayurvedic hospital and research centre under construction in the Karkardooma Institutional Area in East Delhi is scheduled to open on October 29. The 75-bed hospital being set up by the Kotakkal Arya Vaidya Sala,
Kerala, will be inaugurated by the President, Mr K R Narayanan, at a function in Mavlankar auditorium. Dr Ravi Kumaran, an ayurveda physician at Kotakkal, who has taken over as medical superintendent of the hospital, told TNS here today that the three-storey hospital would start with a bed capacity of 25 in the first phase. ‘‘We decided to promote the shastra-the science of ayurveda and expand our operations. We had also been getting a lot of patients from North India. So, we decided to set up a hospital in Delhi. Our prime objective is to promote genuine ayurvedic treatment. We have already started getting inquiries.’’ Dr Kumaran said that they had planned a six-day OPD (out-patient department). ‘‘We have not yet fixed the OPD hours but we propose to have a five-hour OPD from 9 am to 2 pm.’’ Dr Vasudevan, ayurveda physician and branch manager of the Arya Vaidya Shala’s clinic in South Extension Part I here, said that most persons suffering from skin diseases as psoriasis (unusual scaling of the skin), arthritis and degenerative diseases as motor-neuron diseases and muscular dystrophy had been visiting the clinic. ‘‘Patients visiting the clinic get free consultation but have to pay for medicines. Every year, over 150 patients are referred to the Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala in
Kerala where patients have to wait for nearly six months for their turn. ‘‘Treatment of muscular dystrophy would cost anything between Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000. Similarly, a three-week course for psoriasis by the panchkarma system would cost between Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000,’’ he added. He said that the Vaidya Sala’s reputation had attracted VIPs such as Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, former President V V Giri, late Jai Prakash Narayan and late Sri Lankan Prime Minister Srimavo Bandaranaike. Founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P S Varier, the Arya Vaidya Sala has clinics in Delhi, Calcutta, Hyderabad and Chennai Dr Vasudevan said that they applied for land in 1976. The purchase of two-acre DDA land and construction of the hospital is likely to cost about Rs 14 crore. ‘‘The running cost per annum is yet to be assessed.’’ Designed by Professor K T Ravindra, the hospital has a dispensary which also sells ayurvedic medicines, a physiotherapy room, two consultation rooms attached to the OPD, 28 treatment rooms and a bank. Mr M R Kutty, care-taker of the hospital, said that health care services would be provided round the clock. |
|
Surjeet ‘author’ of Sikh homeland: book NEW DELHI, Oct 24 (UNI) — The thesis of Sikh homeland was propounded for the first time by the Communists in the 1940s and it was then drafted by Mr Harkishen Singh Surjeet. This was revealed in a recently published book, “Siyasat da Rustam-e-Hind” on Mr Surjeet, written by a journalist, Shameel. Tracing the history, the book underlines that the Sikh homeland thesis which was later propagated as “Khalistan” by Sikh militants in the 1980s, had its roots in the thinking of the Soviet leadership on the question of nationalities. Following the presentation of ‘thesis of nationalities’ by Soviet Communists, Mr Surjeet, who was incarcerated at Deolali jail in Gujarat along with top Communist leaders in the days of Second World War, seriously debated the nationalities issue. After the then Indian Communists leadership accepted the Soviet thesis on nationalities with some amendments, Mr Surjeet lent finishing touches to the homeland thesis in 1942. Tracing contemporary development of the 1940s, the book reveals that Mr Surjeet was inspired by senior Communist leader and scholar Sazad Zaheer’s thesis of “Muslim Nation and Pakistan’’. The formulations of the Sikh homeland thesis were rooted in Mr Zaheer’s perceptions on the nationalities issue. The author notes down that this fact was first revealed to him by last living Gadarite Baba Bhagat Singh Bilga and later on Mr Surjeet himself admitted that he was “indeed, the one, who first prepared the controversial thesis’’. The draft of the Sikh homeland thesis was debated by the Indian Communist leaders and its final version was published under the name of party leader Gangadhar Adhikari on behalf of the CPI in 1944. The Punjabi translation of the thesis was done by CPI’s Punjab unit leader late Avtar Singh Malhotra in 1946. Till now Dr Gangadhar Adhikari was credited with propounding the thesis, but the book underlines that Mr Surjeet was actually the one behind the thesis. The book also traces the impact of the Akali Movement of the 1920s on Mr Surjeet and the shaping of his “Sikh psyche”. His father was an Akali activist and spent two years in jail during the Akali agitation. Later, the book notes, that Mr Surjeet was instrumental in the moderation of Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973. The mellowed down version of the resolution was adopted at the All-India Akali conference in Ludhiana in 1978. In this context, it looks ironical, the book says, that the Communists, including Mr Surjeet, vehemently opposed “Khalistan’’ as propagated by the so-called Khalistanis in the 1990s, and the latter too, projected Mr Surjeet as “some kind of villain and enemy of Sikhs’’. |
|
Jharkhand pins hopes on new govt RANCHI, Oct 24 — Blessed with unparalleled natural resources, Jharkhand, however, is one of the most impoverished areas of the country today. Nearly half the population lives without a proper electricity connection and people in rural areas go without water for days together. Though minerals worth about Rs 3,000 crore are extracted from the area every year, very little of the royalty given by the Centre seems to have been spent on the people of the region. Not only are the people now demanding a raise in the amount of royalty, they want the new state government to spend every penny on their development. The state, which has huge deposits of iron ore, coal, copper ore, mica, bauxite, fire clay, graphite and gold, is the richest mineral belt in the Indian subcontinent. It has substantial reserves of uranium also. The availability of resources, however, does not match the level of industrial development in the area. Locals say that a number of medium and small scale industries have either closed down or are in the red due to corruption and apathy of the previous governments. The people who have been exploited for long hope and pray that the new government would give prime thrust to development. “The high school is 9 km away and there is no electricity in my village,” complains Hari Mahato of Gabla village in Dhanbad who had come to Ranchi to attend a political rally. “Life in the village is extremely hard and often we have to go without water as even the wells go dry,” says Dhruv Mahato of Ranchi. Admitting the lack of development, MLAs say that only 15 per cent of area in some of the districts is electrified. “No work on electrification has been done in my area since 1990s,” says Tek Lal Mahato, MLA from Mandu in Hazaribagh. Apart from due attention to infrastructure and industrialisation, the locals also want the new government to give due attention to development of tourism. “The area has hospitable climate and numerous places of tourist interest. Ranchi itself has a dozen natural falls which require attention from the government for making them popular,” says Kirpal Singh, a resident of Ranchi. Demands are also being raised about giving
preference to locals in making government appointments. With 25 government departments due to open their offices in Ranchi, local residents are looking for a share in their state’s governance. Both the BJP and the JMM, whose candidates are claimants of the Chief Minister’s post, assure that no discrimination would be made between the tribals and non-tribals while filling various vacancies. |
|
Tribal politics hots up in Jharkhand PATNA, Oct 24 — If creation of Jharkhand was a doctor’s prescription for BJP to consolidate its position in Laloo dominated cow belt, the side effects of this ‘division drug’ is bound to have problems for the health of the party in Bihar. As the recently held ‘Vijay rally’ of Shibu Soren’s JMM heralded the message loud and clear that the tribal and non-tribal divide in Jharkhand is getting widened, the future politics of the newly created state is bound to be shaky and tumultuous, irrespective of who becomes the first chief minister of Jharkhand. As tribal vote bank is fast rallying round the JMM, the BJP will be in trouble to keep its ally (JMM) in reins. The in-party squabbles in the BJP, at the Centre as well as state, over the question of chiefministership is only fodder for the Opposition baying to woe JMM to form an alternative government. Shibu Soren is fast becoming what Laloo Prasad is for the rest of Bihar. He has learnt his ways and has been successful in making the tribal lot insecure. As a result he has become a force to reckon with in Jharkhand. It will be difficult now for the BJP to sidetrack his claim for chief ministership. Even if they are successful in wooing him to consider a BJP CM, he will always be tentative and open to opposition’s overtures. The tribals have become so vociferous in their demands that they may not compromise on anything short of their ‘own rule’. The infighting in the state BJP is another cause for joy to the likes of Laloo Prasad. There is a virtual divide over the names of Babu Lal Marandi and Karia Munda. There are efforts to zero down on the name of the latter as Marandi has fought elections against Shibu Soren and he might not be accepted by the JMM. However, the powerful Kailashpati Mishra lobby of the Bihar BJP is out to install Marandi as the first CM. Marandi also happens to be the Advani man. It is said the Advani lobby and Joshi lobby is at war at the Centre over the chair of CM in Jharkhand. Laloo Prasad and Congress are watching the developments keenly. Shibu’s rise to prominence is music to their ears. As the tribal politics hot up in Jharkhand, the chances of a politically instable Jaharkhand get strengthened. Even if the BJP is able to form a government with the help of the JMM, the
stability will ensure the early death of the alliance and imminent polls. The RJD-Congress cannot hope for a better political prospect than that. |
|
|
CBI’s denial on Bofors documents NEW DELHI, Oct 24 (UNI) — The Central Bureau of Investigation today denied that it had sought a third set of documents from the Swiss authorities in the multi-crore Bofors payoff scandal relating to the purchase of field guns for the Indian Army". Commenting on a media report that the Swiss authorities would be trying to dig out the third set of documents sought by the agency, a CBI spokesman said, “We have not sought any documents relating to Bofors or the Hindujas from the Swiss authorities. A media report earlier in the day had said the documents now sought by the agency relate to dealings between the two Hinduja brothers — Shrichand and Gopichand — in London and the third, Prakash Hinduja, in Switzerland. |
|
|
Cheema calls on Sonia NEW DELHI, Oct 24 — Chairman of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee intellectual cell M. M. Singh Cheema called on Congress President Sonia Gandhi and apprised her of the political situation in the state as well as the sad plight of farmers. Mr Cheema told Mrs Sonia Gandhi that time was ripe for Congressmen to close their ranks and gear up for the assembly elections as the party could easily regain power in Punjab because of the abject misrule of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s Shiromani Akali Dal. He said the Congress President gave him a patient hearing and assured to do her best in galvanising the rank and file of the party in Punjab and other parts of the country. Mr Cheema also appealed to Congressmen in general to unanimously elect Mrs Sonia Gandhi as the president of the party organisation for strengthening unity and facing the challenges that lay ahead. He was confident that the Congress could make a comback at the Centre as well because of the problems in the National Democratic alliance headed by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. |
|
|
Elect Sonia
unanimously: Virbhadra NEW DELHI, Oct 24 — Himachal Pradesh Congress Legislative Party chief and former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has favoured unanimous election of Mrs Sonia Gandhi as the Congress chief. In a statement here, he said only Ms Gandhi could save the party at this critical juncture. ‘‘Mrs Sonia Gandhi is the only leader capable of uniting and galvanising the party to combat the rising menace of communal and divisive forces,’’ he said. He declared that all Himachal Congressmen were behind Mrs Sonia Gandhi. Her election would pave way for uniting all nationalist and secular forces, Mr Virbhadra Singh said, adding that the weaker sections, OBCs, SC, STs and women had always rallied behind the Congress in their struggle. |
|
|
Car, motorcycle sales rise NEW DELHI, Oct 24 (PTI) — Passenger car sales moved into positive gear clocking a 4 per cent growth at 60,528 units even as Maruti Udyog, Telco and Fiat continued on their downward slide during September 2000. Maruti registered a 0.4 per cent dip in sales at 35,959 units during the month as against 36,121 units in September 1999, according to figures released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Maruti’s market share also fell to 59.4 per cent during the reference month compared to 62 per cent a year ago. The company’s sales declined by 16 per cent to 1.68 lakh units during April-September 2000-01 against two lakh units sold in the same period of the previous fiscal. Overall, car sales grew by a marginal 1.4 per cent to 3.4 lakh units during the first nine months of the current fiscal from three lakh units in the year ago period. Multi-utility vehicles sales also went up by 8.2 per cent during September 2000 at 10,909 units mainly on account of impressive sales by Toyota Kirloskar Motors. Commercial vehicles sales, the indicator of the economic growth, fell by 17.0 per cent at 13,437 units during the month even as light commercial vehicles sales went by 7 per cent during the reference month. Sales of scooters, three-wheelers and mopeds declined by 33.7 per cent, 17.1 per cent and 2.35 per cent respectively during September while motor cycles posted a positive 33.3 per cent growth in sales during the month. Tata Engineering (Telco) and Fiat India followed Maruti clocking negative sales growth of 29.4 per cent and 61.3 per cent during september 2000. Telco’s sales fell to 3,609 units while sales of Fiat too declined to 901 units during the reference month. Hyundai and Daewoo continued to roll ahead posting a 14.8 per cent and 49 per cent growth in sales at 8,283 cars and 4,720 units respectively during September this year. The Indian units of US-based Ford Motor Company and General Motors raced ahead posting a whopping sales growth of 726 per cent and 276.3 per cent at 1,817 units and 1,163 units respectively during the reference month. Hindustan Motors, maker of the ‘Mitsubishi Lancer’ car also recorded five per cent sales growth at 2,865 units. |
|
|
Mission Kashmir’s
premiere in UK, USA NEW DELHI, Oct 24 (UNI) — A Hindi film set against the backdrop of militancy in Kashmir, that had won praise form the President, Mr K.R. Narayanan, when he saw it, will have a simultaneous premier in London and the USA later this week. Mr Narayanan, accompanied by members of his family and senior functionaries, after seeing it over the weekend, discussed the subject of the film, “Mission Kashmir” with its executive producer Vir Chopra, producer-director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and stars Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt and Sonali Kulkarni. The Sony Entertainment Television is making its foray into film distribution by holding a premier of the film at the Piccadily Plaza in London on “Divali”, a day before will be released in Indian theatres. This will be followed by a champagne reception at the Laugham Hotel in West End. The film will be premiered next day at the Loews Theatre at Times Square, Manhattan in New York, followed by a reception at the renowned Marriot Marquis in Manhattan. In an interview, Vidhu Vinod Chopra said the film was primarily about the loss of ‘kashmiriyat’. |
|
Property dealer shot dead NEW DELHI, Oct 24 — Ashok Sandheer(46), was shot dead by unidentified youths in the Tilak Vihar area of West Delhi. The victim was a property dealer. He was also running a travel agency and manpower business from his office-cum-residence in Tilak Nagar, the police said. Two youths came on a motor cycle at his office last evening but went back without having a word with the property dealer. They again came at 11 P.M. and had talks with him. While they were talking, one of the accused caught hold of him and another pumped six bullets into him and fled the spot. |
|
Hooch tragedy:
woman held KOLLAM, Oct 24 (PTI) — The worst hooch tragedy in Kerala in over 15 years has claimed 31 lives since Saturday, even as the police nabbed a woman for supplying the killer brew at Kalluvathukkal, the worst-affected in the district. As reports of liquor poisoning also came in from the neighbouring Thiruvananthapuram, police and excise officials conducted raids to unearth hooch and spirit smuggled from the neighbouring states into Kerala where a ban on arrack is in force since 1996. The police arrested alleged
liquor queen Harunissa from a lodge near Guruvayur in Thrissur district early this morning on a tip-off from a taxi driver. Harunissa, who was convicted by a sessions court for six years in 1996 in connection with another hooch tragedy, was on bail and had been absconding since Saturday night. The police said the hooch tragedy had accounted for 17 lives at Kalluvathuckal, 11 in Pallickal and three in Pattazhi, all in Kollam district. |
|
Bajrang Dal
flays Laxman’s remarks KANPUR, Oct 24 (UNI) — Bajrang Dal national vice-convener Prakash Sharma today slammed BJP President Bangaru Laxman’s stand on the Ram Temple issue and reaffirmed that his party and other Hindu outfits would not wait for any court verdict for the construction of the temple at the Ram Janmbhoomi in Ayodhya. Terming the BJP chief’s reported statement in this regard as unfortunate, Mr Sharma, in a
statement said, such remarks would only harm the BJP’s image. |
|||||
Fish-eating saves goat Red alert in Assam Ten Naxalites surrender Ex-student stabs teacher to death Bodies of kidnapped villagers found 7 pilgrims killed in mishap Mumbai surgeon gets award |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 120 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
