New Delhi, December 7
Whether anti-incumbency or Mumbai terror attacks overthrow the Congress from power after a decade in the national Capital will be decided tomorrow after the votes are polled.

Politicians have been keeping their fingers crossed with their fate sealed in ballot boxes since November 29 when 69 out of 70 constituencies went to poll.

However, the major parties in the fray — the Congress and the BJP — have expressed hope to win the elections.

The Congress is confident and is preparing for a hatrick celebration due to the development works carried out in the city. It is hopeful that people of Delhi will restore their faith in it. While the BJP is hoping for a comeback after 10 years in the opposition benches, banking on anti-incumbency and anger on Mumbai attacks working against the grand old Party.

However, the exit poll forecasts 12 to 15% for the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) indicating a hung assembly for the first time in the 15-year history of Delhi.

Meanwhile, the Congress has not yet declared its chief ministerial candidate but the party has given clear indication that if voted to power, Sheila Dikshit will have a third inning.

Engaged in keen electoral tussle, both the Congress and the BJP are eagerly waiting to see how much ice Mayawati-led BSP can cut even as political pundits feel that the “elephant’s march” could harm the ruling party’s fortune in many seats.

The maximum number of candidates in the fray is in New Delhi seat where the fate of 25 candidates including Dikshit will be decided tomorrow, while only three are fighting for Ghonda seat.
Among the prominent faces are A.K. Walia, Arvinder Singh Lovely, Haroon Yusuf, Raj Kumar Chauhan, Mangat Ram Singhal, Yoganand Shastri, BJP’s chief ministerial candidate V.K. Malhotra, Harsh Vardhan and Jagdish Mukhi.

As many as 15 candidates are out to prove their mettle for the fourth time.

Voting for Rajendra Nagar constituency was rescheduled to December 13 after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Puran Chand Yogi allegedly committed suicide.

Votes will be polled tomorrow at 10 centres across the city from 8 am amid tight security. The results are likely to be out by 12 noon.

Out of a total 1.05 crore voters, 57.72% exercised their franchise on November 29 to elect representatives from 863 candidates. Voter turnout this year saw a jump as compared to 53.42% in 2003 and 48.9% in 1998. 

New Delhi, December 7
The Election Commission (EC) today reprimanded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its newspaper advertisements in the run-up to the assembly elections and stated these violated the electoral code of conduct.

In a letter to BJP president Rajnath Singh, the commission stated that some statements in the party campaign advertisements violated the letter and spirit of the model electoral code of conduct.

“The commission expects that your party would avoid recurrence of such things,” it said.

The letter cited the statements, including “Jamia (Milia Islamia) University funds to defend terror accused”, “(The Congress) challenged existence of Shri Ram”, and “(The Congress was) bent upon demolishing Ram Sethu”.

The commission on November 17 had issued notices to the BJP about this after complaints from the Congress. It disapproved the explanation of the BJP and issued a warning on Sunday.

The commission said the BJP advertisement claiming that Jamia Milia Islamia funds were used to defend terror accused “is not factually correct.”

“The vice-chancellor of Jamia has categorically stated and clarified that none of the funds of the university are being used for the alleged purpose and that students of the university were themselves raising their own funds for the purpose.”

The commission said the issue of Ram Sethu “related to some affidavits filed by the contending parties before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in some cases was pending.”

“The matter is sub-judice before the apex court and should not have been made a political issue by your party,” the commission told the BJP. — IANS

New Delhi, December 7
As the world is heading towards a deluge with gradual collapse of values, the issue of human rights has become pertinent, especially in the wake of recent practices and strategies adopted by security agencies across the world.

To voice this concern, a weeklong human rights festival started on Friday on the occasion of World Dignity Day at the India Islamic Centre here.

The International Week of Justice Festival (IWJF) has been contextually staged by the Amnesty International India (AII) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), while championing the cause of individual dignity.

The first declaration of human rights was formed in 1789 during the French Revolution. But there have been many instances when fundamental human rights have been undermined.

Over 50 films will be screened during the visual extravaganza at WWF Gallery, Alliance Francaise and India Islamic Cultural Centre during this festival.

The IWJF is trying to reach out to a wider audience, including students to make them aware of their onus as responsible citizens through art, one of the most evocative mediums of expression.

The right to live a life with dignity and freedom of expression would be debated through musical symphonies, theatrical renditions, international cinema, photo-exhibition and talk shows.

The highlights of the festival are – ‘The Vanishing Act’, entailing films that depict death penalty and disappearances; ‘Dreams and Nightmares’, comprising films on war and terror, border conflicts and dictatorship; ‘Out of Place’, enfolding films on displacements and evictions; ‘Neighbourhood Spotlight’, highlighting the conflict in Afganisthan, Burma and Tibet.

To enumerate a few — ‘Death on a Full Moon Day’ from Srilanka, ‘Crossing the Dust’ from Iraq, ‘33 Days in Palestine’ and ‘A Poet’ from Indonesia — are such narratives that send shivers down the spines.

Indeed ‘Art for Activism’, the theme of the festival, has gone a long way to voice out these concerns in a very loud and evocative manner.

“Art and aesthetics can be used to bring out a sense of harmony and bridge conflicts. Artistes can act as messengers of peace. There are artistes who through their films express anguish towards despicable acts. Cinema is a powerful medium to express solidarity towards the fight for human rights,” said playwright Mahesh Dattani.

Today when inhuman acts by a few fanatics are disturbing the tenor of humanity, the youths have to take on the mantle and usher in the much-needed change and transform the society for the better.

Aruna Vasudev, president of Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC), stressed on the formation of citizen groups and asserted that more youths ought to join politics. It has been aptly put by Mahatma Gandhi — “Be the change you want to see.”

AAI’s ‘Art for Activism’ aims to give impetus to the global campaigns that Amnesty International has been carrying out.

“This is a platform to celebrate the connection between Amnesty and protection of rights,” said Myriam Kryger, director of Alliance Francaise.

Meanwhile, the Amnesty Internation will launch a campaign to challenge counter-terrorism measures that disregard individual rights.

Its 2008 report brings out the fact that even after 60 years of the adoption of Universal Human Rights by the UN, people are still subjected to gross inhumanity and heartrending torture in as many as 81 countries.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission and Directorate of Education, Delhi jointly organised a Human Rights Race today at the India Gate in the Capital.

New Delhi, December 7
Hundreds of Muslims held a peace march in the Capital on Sunday to condemn the acts of terror and killing of innocents.

Carrying placards that read “Don’t blemish Islam”, the marchers expressed solidarity with the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks in which at least 172 people were killed on November 26.

“We want to send a strong message to the country that Muslims are united in the fight against terrorism,” said Mufti M. Mukaram Ahmad, a top cleric, as he was leading the peace march at Jantar Mantar.

There were no speeches, slogans or shouting during the march.

“Killing of innocent people is a sin in Islam and those involved in the acts are not Muslims. We strongly condemn such cowardly acts,” said Qari Usman, a senior cleric of Darul Uloom Deoband.

Members of various Muslim organisation — Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, the Mili Council and the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat participated in the march.

Peace marches were also organised in Ahemdabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Faizabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Patna, Lucknow and Mumbai. — IANS

Gurgaon, December 7
Around 1,000 people gathered at the leisure valley early in the morning here today to participate in the half marathon organised by Reebok.

People from all age groups took part in the run as they feel if they are fit enough they should contribute their best towards the country.

The participants covered a distance of five and 10 kms, respectively, according to the age groups.

Along with the regular runners, many school students also participated in today’s marathon.

Rahul, the person behind the event, feels that India is one of the unhealthy countries on this planet as he says, “People in India are unhealthier than people of other countries. This is one of the reasons why I left my job in the corporate sector and started promoting running as it keeps one healthy,” he claims and adds, “I have started my company ‘Running and living infotainment’ whose motto is to make people aware of fitness. Running together on the same ground in a group makes people more confident as it enables them to interact with different kind of people without thinking of their caste and religion.”

“We organise this walk on the first Sunday of every month,” he added.

“Every one is a winner here, as we are here not for the competition, but just to have fun. We give a medal and a certificate to all participants with the time taken by them written on it,” Rahul informed.

New Delhi, December 7
As per the latest data available with the Delhi traffic police, the national Capital has witnessed more hit and run cases this year as compared to the last year.

According to the traffic police, 743 hit and run cases have been reported till November 15 this year. And, the number is bound to rise in another 45 days. Whereas, the city reported 719 cases in 2007.

Senior traffic police officials say two-third of these accidents are committed by commercial vehicles during nights and the wee hours. However, they do not have any proof to back their claims.

“The traffic police is not that vigil and alert during the hours when commercial vehicles cross the city. Sleepy men on duty are responsible for most of these cases,” said a senior traffic police official adding that drunken driving adds to the problem.

However, not all is gloomy with the accident scene this year round. Compared to a total of 5,304 accidents causing 1,875 deaths last year, the Capital has witnessed 1,703 deaths in 4,773 accidents reported till November 15 this year.

“The number of accidents and deaths this year are likely to remain less than the previous year. The traffic police has vigorously indulged in increasing road awareness through its various programs,” said a traffic police official.

He pointed out that Pushta Road and Loni Road had emerged as two black spots in Delhi this year. “More than 11 persons have died on these roads in the last 25 days,” said the official.

According to the Delhi traffic police statistics, most of the accidents took place on G.T. Karnal Road, Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, Najafgarh Road, Rohtak Road, NH-2, 8 and 24.

Trucks continue to be the biggest marauders among the vehicles that led to accidental deaths. As on November 15, trucks have been responsible for 250 deaths as compared to 236 the last year. While cars caused 176 deaths this year till November 15. Cars caused 226 deaths the last year. Surprisingly, Blueline buses might be responsible for far lesser lives this year as compared to the last year. As per the records, 102 people have lost their lives on the city roads this year as compared to 138 the last year.

“There is a dip of 20% in the accidents this year. We have been very strict with Blueline drivers. Buses were seized even on small traffic violations. This has discouraged rash driving,” said a traffic constable. 

Gurgaon, December 7
People from all walks of life participated in The Avon Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer crusade, a part of the worldwide series of creative and varied events that takes place each year to mobilise people to help control spread of breast cancer, here today.

Lots of breast cancer survivors also came together to create awareness about the disease.

Participants covered the distance of around 3.5 kms holding banners and slogans spreading awareness about breast cancer.

Fashion designer Leena Singh and managing director of Avon India, Sebastian Bako, flagged off the walk from the lawns of Crowne Plaza.

Bako said, “The walk against breast cancer has given Avon India the opportunity to join the family of 50 other countries and lend its relentless support for a cause which affects the lives of millions of people worldwide.”

“Today, Avon is the largest corporate supporter of breast cancer cause worldwide and this has been made possible with the continued support that we have been receiving,” he added.

While speaking to The Tribune, Leena Singh said, “I am happy to be a part of such a cause and will always provide my service for the organisation.”

Sajid Shamim, executive director, marketing and product, Reebok India said, “We have created special pink ribbon branded products to inform people about our events, thereby enabling women to demonstrate their support to the crusade and be a part of the walk around the world.”

Kiran Hukku, director, Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), Delhi chapter, told The Tribune, “There has been great progress in awareness, detection and treatment of breast cancer, but the disease continues to be a leading cause of death among women, accounting for 1.6 per cent of all female deaths in the world,” Hukku mentions. “As per the World Health Organisation, the age of breast cancer onset in India is a decade lower than in the West, but by 2020 it will be at par with the US and Europe in the incidence i.e. one out of every seven women will be suffering from the disease.”

A walker and a breast cancer survivor, Puspa Goel from Gaziabad, said, “It is essential to lend support to such a cause. I have been suffering with the cancer since last six years. In my earlier days, I felt heaviness in my breast and went to meet the doctor who suggested operation and here I am today. I am well because I came to know about it in the early stage so I suggest everyone to undergo routine check-up. Like Pushpa, Neelam Nijwan and Rekha, also survivors of the deadly disease, had come to contribute their bit to the cause.

These survivors are also working for an organisation, Shrijni, started by cancer surgeon Dr Pawan Gupta, where they meet twice a month to discuss various issues related to spreading awareness about breast cancer.

New Delhi, December 7
Indiscriminate extraction and exploitation of natural resources have put on stake the existence of coming generations. Keeping this in mind, the Hast Karigar Society has come up with an exhibition of crafts and textiles titled ‘Redefining our past to Recreate our Future’ running at Aga Khan Auditorium here.

The artists use renewable resources to give shape to their imagination. The mechanisation is regulated with the minimal use of non-renewable resources.

The exhibition showcased unique crafts from various parts of India, including terracotta pot from Bengal, Madhubani paintings from Bihar, bells from Gujarat, walnut carvings from Kashmir, Manipuri black pottery, Manipuri jamdani fabric, traditional mat work (shitalpati) from West Bengal and ghicha tussar from Jharkhand.

The avant garde jewellery in threads and beads from Rajasthan attracted many visitors.

“A lot of patience, hard work and time has been spent to make these jewellery pieces. My whole family is into this business. We have got good responses,” said Amit Ghosh, 23, an artist.

Besides a wide range of handloom products like — jamawar, kancheepuram, phoolkari, chanderi, pasmina, kosa, namda carpets from Kashmir and kauna grass work from Manipur were also displayed.

“These products are beautiful and cheap. We should promote these handicrafts that will help develop small-scale industries in India,” said Aaruna Sharma, 42.

The exhibition was a success this year and we plan to organise more exhibitions.

We have tried to bring many unknown crafts and handloom products from different parts of India into the mainstream craft and textile market. We feel that it will help to rejuvenate the fading handicraft market in India, said an official.

The exhibition had 30 stalls from 15 states — exclusive and unique.