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Dummy
candidates headache for poll staff Governor
violating Constitution, Address
not controversial: Ambedkar Samaj PM to
address rally at Jhajjar on May 2 BJP
promises varsity hospital for Mewat |
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Selja not keen on security Sanjay
Dutt campaigns for Abhay Chautala Former
MP’s son to contest as Independent Shotgun
to take on Ambala on May 6
Financial
aid for poor student pours in
Leaf
from History Tomato
glut brings down prices ‘Jaipur
foot’ centre in Ambala soon 
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Dummy candidates headache for poll staff Chandigarh, April 25 It is not that the staff engaged in the biggest democratic exercise does not want many people to contest the elections. It is a practical problem which is forcing the staff to make such a wish. The polling is to be conducted through electronic voting machines (EVMs). One EVM can accommodate the names of only 16 candidates. If the number of candidates exceeds 16 in a particular constituency, the staff has to make arrangements for additional EVM. In Haryana the highest number of candidates is 30 in Bhiwani. The lowest is nine in Sirsa. The second slot goes to Rohtak where so far 26 candidates are in the fray. Karnal has 23. Both Hisar and Sonepat have 20 candidates each. Kurukshetra and Ambala have 19 candidates each. Faridabad and Mahendragarh have an ideal number of candidates, 16 each. Since major parties also field covering candidates, the election staff hopes that in Hisar, Sonepat, Kurukshetra and Ambala, the number of candidates may fall to 16 or below. Karnal seems to be a marginal case. Bhiwani and Rohtak, however, seem to be “problem” constituencies where even after the withdrawal of covering candidates, the staff will have to put additional EVMs. It is no secret that many of the so-called Independent candidates are “dummy” candidates put up by main or serious candidates so that the latter may get additional facilities in terms of election agents, polling agents and counting agents. By putting up “dummy” candidates, the main candidates also get additional security and also additional vehicles, particularly on the polling day, when only two vehicles are allowed to each candidate. Many of the “dummy” candidates do not even open their election offices, what to talk of campaigning. When Mr Chander Mohan, elder son of the then Chief Minister, Mr Bhajan Lal, contested his first election from the Kalka Assembly constituency in 1993, one of his “dummy” candidates was seen dining and resting in his main election office in Sector 15 of Panchkula. It was only when newsmen wrote about it, that the “dummy” candidate got a few posters printed. Sources in the election department say that if the expenditure observers are able to find out which “dummy” candidate was being financed by which main candidate, they could not only order registration of a criminal case against the “dummy” candidate, but could also add his expenditure to the expenditure incurred by his sponsoring candidate. When paper ballots were in use, the election authorities had to print not only extraordinarily large ballot papers in those constituencies where the stakes used to be high, they had to also arrange extra-large ballot boxes. Bhiwani had been known as a problem constituency in this regard. This time also, the stakes in Bhiwani are very high because the “Lals (sons)” of the three famous “Lals (Bansi Lal, Bhajan Lal and Om Prakash Chautala”, who stepped into the shoes of Devi Lal) are in the fray from there. |
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Governor violating
Constitution, says Chautala Jhajjar, April 25 “The Governor has been seeking vote for a particular party, which in my opinion is a violation of the Constitution,” he told reporters here. The INLD chief predicted emergence of a “third alternative’ after Lok Sabha elections, saying 70 per cent of the people of the country were “fed up” with the BJP and the Congress. Mr Chautala said the INLD would support only that political party which would safeguard interests of farmers and workers. “The leaders of the country should lay stress on development and not on construction of temple or mosque.”
—
PTI |
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Address not controversial: Ambedkar Samaj Rewari , April 25 Mr Khinchhi said the Haryana Governor, in his speech here, had said when India and Pakistan were on the verge of a nuclear war, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee had saved the sub-continent as well as the world from an impending nuclear holocaust following which both India and Pakistan were now steadily marching on the path of peace. Simultaneously, he pointed out that nowhere in his speech he exhorted the people to vote for the BJP. The remainder of his speech was mainly focused on the life, teachings and valuable contribution of Dr Ambedkar, added Mr
Khinchhi. He wondered why the Governor was now being slammed for his alleged breach of protocol when he had fully maintained the constitutional dignity and propriety of his high position while addressing the gathering here on April 14. Copies of the statement signed by Mr Mahesh Kumar Khinchhi had also been faxed to the President, the Prime Minister and the Chief Election Commissioner of
India. |
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PM to address rally at Jhajjar on May 2 Yamunanagar, April 25 Mr Shourie said Mr Vajpayee had experience, wisdom and dedication. He was the only person who, after attaining the office of Prime Minister, had enhanced the prestige of the nation. He said the Congress was a divided house. It was shameful that the Congress was contesting only on four constituencies in Bihar. On asking about Rahul and Priyanka joining the Congress, Mr Shourie said he did not want to say anything about the children. He appealed to the voters to strengthen the hands of BJP candidates if they wanted an ideal Prime Minister. Prof Ganeshi Lal, state BJP president, said there were 12,555 polling booths in Haryana and BJP workers had been deputed to watch the electioneering round-the-clock to ensure free and fair poll. He said no untoward incident would be tolerated during polling. He said the Prime Minister would address the election rally on May 2 at Jhajjar. The BJP would win all 10 seats in Haryana and emerge as number one party. |
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BJP promises varsity hospital for Mewat Faridabad, April 25 Speaking at a press conference here today, Mr Bainda claimed that it was the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre which had launched several unique schemes of development for the first time since Independence. About 60 per cent of the budget was spent on the development of the rural areas and the basic infrastructure. He said he had spent about Rs 15 crore from the allocated quota on various works and schemes in his three tenures as MP. Announcing that if elected again he would ensure that the region get a university here as he alleged that the state governments in Haryana so far had been biased against the region. Claiming that the development in the district had been done with the financial help from the Centre, he said the state government had been wrongly taking credit for these. He said he had promised to the people for setting up an ultra-modern hospital in the district. He also said he would propose the setting up of a railway line in the Mewat area so that development here could be speeded up. Claiming that the BJP government had taken up the project of the much-needed flyover on the Badarpur border with Delhi, he said work would start soon after the elections. He said during his tenures he had completed over 3,600 projects which included construction of roads, school buildings and rooms, Chaupals, libraries, tubewells, parks, community
bhavans, laying of water pipelines, stadiums and mobile medical vans in the remote areas. Leader of the BJP in the state Assembly and MLA Krishan Pal Gurjar, who was also present, claimed that mid-term Assembly elections in Haryana were sure and the BJP would come to power after a few months. |
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Selja not keen on security Ambala, April 25 Congress candidate for the Ambala Lok Sabha seat Selja told Chandigarh Tribune that she was not interested in having security personnel guarding her all the time. “I think it is unnecessary. I had requested the police officials that I will keep the security if they feel there is a requirement and that too after the nomination process is over,” she said. She made it clear that she was not “hungry” for security cover. “The security cover will be only on the basis of the assessment of the police officials. Frankly, I am not fond of this,” she said with a laugh. She had not taken security for the initial period of campaigning also. However, two securitymen are on duty with her since yesterday evening and two more are expected to join her soon from Chandigarh. A police officer said while candidates of major parties are provided security cover of four gunmen, other candidates, including Independents, are provided one gunman. “The security cover of a candidate can be enhanced. For instance, if an Independent candidate feels the need for more security then the requirement will be assessed and accordingly action will be promptly taken,” he added. Besides, security cover for the candidates, the police has geared up for ensuring that there are no untoward incidents during the election. The police has formed quick reaction teams. The paramilitary force will be assisted by a local officer so that prompt action can be taken, if need arises. |
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Sanjay Dutt campaigns for Abhay Chautala Yamunanagar, April 25 Speaking in ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ style, Sanjay Dutt said, “Abhay boley to — jitana hai”. He also addressed the people in Punjab. He said Mr Abhay Singh was his friend and was a man of word. Sanjay Dutt said he had visited his native village of Mandoli to meet his uncle, Mr Som Dutt. En route to the village, he had seen developmental change in rural as well as urban areas during the past few years. Aditya Pancholi appealed to the electorate to set a new record by giving their support to Mr Abhay Singh. Mr Ashok Arora, Transport Minister, Haryana, also addressed the meeting and highlighted the welfare activities initiated by the Government under the leadership of Mr Om Prakash Chautala. He said the “Sarkar Apke Dwar” programme had made the state as most developed one in India in respect to infrastructure. Mr Sher Singh Barshami, President, INLD, Haryana, Mr Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Chairman, Planning Board, Dr M.C. Gambhir, local MLA, were among others who attended the meeting. |
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Former MP’s son to contest as Independent Panipat, April 25 Addressing a press conference, Mr Kuldeep Sharma said it was unfortunate that ticket was given to Mr Arvind Sharma who had contested last three elections against the Congress candidates. “I have decided to contest the elections only after assurance from the local Congress workers whose problems I understand” said Mr Kuldeep Sharma. |
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Shotgun to take on Ambala on May 6 Panchkula, April 25 According to information, Mr Sinha will address a party rally here on May 6. While Mr Raman Singh, Chhattishgarh Chief Minister, will address a rally at Naraingarh on April 27, the External Affairs Minister, Mr Yaswant Sinha, will be the main speaker at a rally in Ambala on April 29. Besides, Ms Sushma Swaraj, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Health and Family Welfare, will address a public meeting at Jagadhari on May 5, party sources said. |
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Capt Yadav backs Rao Inderjit Rewari, April 25 Till now, Capt Yadav and his supporters had been maintaining a distance from the Rao camp. Rao Inderjit Singh is pitted against Dr Sudha Yadav of the BJP Mr Raghu Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Swami Dharam Dev of the INLD and several others. |
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Financial aid for poor
student pours in Panipat, April 25 The Tribune had carried a report with headline “ Poverty is no handicap to Jyoti” on April 5 and subsequently an editorial on April 8 “Well done, children, society must help underprivileged achievers”. An NRI, Mr Surinder S.Kade, who is based in the USA wrote a letter to Jyoti expressing his desire to finance her study. Mr Kade said in his letter “ I was surfing when I came across The Tribune report that Panipat girl, Jyoti Saini, who belongs to a poor family had topped in the VIII class examination and her family was facing financial constraints. I will be very happy to pay all the education related financial expenses for Jyoti and she can study any subject, become whatever she wanted to Mr Kade who has been in the USA for the past 36 years further added: “I would like to help the poor students”. Similarly, Dr O.P. Yadav, Lecturer in English at Government College, Nangal Chaudhary, Mohendergarh, in a letter to Jyoti said “ I have read about
you (Jyoti) in the newspaper. You are what your name connotes, that is blaze. I am happy, you are pursuing your studies despite an adverse environment. I will send you at least Rs 1,000 and if possible more, every year as reward till the completion of your higher education. There are also persons who have contributed Rs 500 for her higher education. Thrilled with the response from the people from India and abroad, Jyoti’s father, Ram Niwas, who works as a chauffeur, said that it had became easy for him now to provide his daughter all facilities for her education. |
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Leaf
from History
Ambala, April 25 The building, which houses the library, has a imposing exterior which is reminiscent of the Raj era. Incidentally, the library was renamed as the Guru Gobind Singh Library after India achieved Independence. The building, having Mughal-style architecture, was constructed in the late 1890s. It was built as a place of stay for English officers. It is said that officers heading for distant places used to stop over in the building. At the turn of the last century, a club was set up in one of its portions. It was named Victoria Memorial Club. The building was converted into a public library in 1920s by the then Deputy Commissioner, H. Fyson. In 1949, Chief Minister of undivided Punjab Gopi Chand Bhargava inaugurated the Guru Gobind Singh Library. Before inaugurating the library, the building was given a facelift. The main hall of the building is the reading room now. A painting of Guru Gobind Singh by Sobha Singh has been put up in the main hall. The library houses a large number of books in different languages and a number of local residents are regular visitors to this library. |
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Tomato glut brings down prices Jhajjar, April 25 The prices of tomato started falling in the first week of this month with the excessive arrival of the produce. While the price for a crate of tomato was about Rs 40 in March-end, the rates had touched Rs 6 per crate and even less now. Horticulture Department sources said tomato was planted in about 600 acres in a dozen villages in Jhajjar district and about 2,500 acres in the Dadri block of Bhiwani district. The sources estimated Rs 2,5000 as the cost of producing tomato in an acre of land. As the farmers are not getting returns on a par with the cost incurred in producing the crop, the losses were pegged at more than Rs 100 crore. In the Dadri and Jhajjar areas, the farmers have suffered losses to the tune of Rs 6 crore in this season. The entire yield of tomato is of hybrid quality and is perishable within two days. The worst affected are landless farmers who had taken land on lease to grow tomato. |
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‘Jaipur foot’ centre in Ambala soon Ambala, April 25 Mr Raj Aggarwal, who is settled in Houston, said the Lala Durga Charan Charitable Artificial Limb Centre was going to open within a week. The centre would be the first of its kind in Haryana. It would be a branch of the Jaipur-based Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahyata Samiti. Mr Aggarwal said he was interested in undertaking a philanthropic activity for the local populace. “I am keen that we serve as many people as possible,” he added. Meanwhile, a two-day camp under the aegis of the Lala Durga Charan Foundation began at Kumari Rukmani Devi Memorial Hall today. About 240 patients were examined at the camp. “We are providing Jaipur foot, callipers, repairing old instruments, providing shoes and crutches in the camp. At a later date, we will also provide tri-cycles,” Mr Aggarwal said. Mr Aggarwal said the permanent facility for “Jaipur foot” was going to be opened at Mahavir Dal Hospital on the Ram Bagh road. A number of Rotarians, including a former district governor, Mr Laxmi Sagar, and Mr P.C. Jain, are helping out in the camp. |
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Mother poisons daughter, self Hisar, April 25 Ms Kamlesh took the extreme step due to domestic tension. While her daughter Bharti died on the spot. Kamlesh breathed her last in a private hospital here. Both were alone in the house when the incident occurred.
— PTI |
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Prisoner on parole killed
Sirsa, April 25 His body was handed over to his family after a post-mortem examination, the police said today. Gurjant, a resident of Raghuana village in the district, who was on parole for the past few days was going to his home in a jeep along with his nephew Mandar Singh on Friday. On the way, Tek Singh, Gurmit Singh along with 3 other persons of the same village allegedly attacked Gurjant with lathis, hockey sticks and other blunt weapons, killing him on the spot, the police said. Mandar, however, managed to escape. An old feud is stated to be the cause behind the murder. A murder case has been registered.
— PTI |
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Child crushed under truck Ambala, April 25 According to information, the accident occurred when Hans Raj (8), a resident of Kabir Nagar, was going toward his house along with his grandmother. A truck coming from the Chandigarh side crushed him near Baldev Nagar. The child died on the spot. The grandmother, however, escaped. The police has registered a case against the truck driver in this regard. |
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Man, wife held for cheating Sirsa, April 25 Hans Raj son of Dharam Chand of Bappan village in the district lodged a complaint with the police on April 11, stating that Pardeep Kumar and his wife Meena Kumari of Mayapuri in Delhi had promised to send him to America and took Rs 5,60,000 from him. They also allegedly asked him to sign some blank papers, which he did. He alleged that neither the accused sent him abroad, nor did they return his money. He said they even threatened him with dire consequences in case he disclosed the matter.
— PTI |
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