D E H R A D U N    E D I T I O N

Nothing seems going right for BJP
Dehradun, March 17
Nothing seems to be going right for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttarakhand before the crucial Lok Sabha elections. The withdrawal of support by independent legislator Yashpal Benaam has come close on the heels of a near revolt by party legislator Munna Singh Chauhan. Added to this is the ongoing controversy over Haridwar seat.

Muslim minority cell backs Kaushik
Roorkee, March 17
Albeit clouds over the name of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Haridwar have still not cleared, Madan Kaushik is getting the much-needed support from the Minority Cell as well as the rank and file of the party.

Benam withdraws support to govt
Dehradun, March 17
Independent MLA from Pauri constituency Yashpal Benam has announced his withdrawal from the BJP government. Benam submitted a letter in this regard to the Governor BL Joshi, here this afternoon. In his letter, Benam has mentioned that during its two-year rule the Khanduri government has miserably failed to meet the expectations of people.

Daughter Courage Nineteen-year-old Kavita Uniyal has come to the rescue of her dying mother by donating one of her kidneys Dehradun, March 17 Displaying extreme courage, 19-year-old Kavita Uniyal has come to the rescue of her dying mother, donating one of her kidneys. Her gesture has not only helped cure her mother but also save the family from being disintegrated. Kavita’s father had to give up his job in the ITBP after an accident that left him paralytic and dependent on the family. Her mother Mamta was given her husband’s job. Then the news of her mother’s illness came as a big blow to Kavita and her two siblings.

Manch invites PM to contest from Haridwar
Haridwar, March 17
Strong voices are emerging from this constituency that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh should contest as the Congress candidate from here. The Haridwar seat is already in the midst of controversy, with the BJP undecided on the final candidate and the Congress yet to announce any name.

Uttarakhand Vikas Manch members shout slogans in favour of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Haridwar on Tuesday. Tribune photo: Rameshwar

Within a week, another tiger found dead
Dehradun, March 17
A half-eaten body of a tiger was recovered from the Haathidangar area of the Dela range of Corbett National Park today. In a week this is the second incident of a tiger death in the park.

Speaker: Need to strengthen democratic system
Dehradun, March 17
Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harbans Kapoor, has returned from London, after participating in the 13-day meet of heads of the house of elected representatives of the Commonwealth countries..

Cricket
ONGC Red, Civil Sectt triumph
Dehradun, March 17
On the second day of the Inter-Institutional Cricket Tournament being hosted by ONGC at its Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, ONGC Red and Civil Secretariat teams registered comfortable victory.

Devotees take parikrama
Dehradun, March 17
Following the custom laid down by the first Guru Ram Rai, the tenth Guru Mahant Devender Das undertook the parikrama of the old areas of the city today morning.

Showers brings cheer
Dehradun, March 17
Cyclonic circulation over Jammu and Kashmir and another induced cyclone over Rajasthan led to light showers in Uttarakhand providing much needed respite from high temperature and dust.

Nothing seems going right for BJP
SMA Kazmi
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 17
Nothing seems to be going right for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttarakhand before the crucial Lok Sabha elections. The withdrawal of support by independent legislator Yashpal Benaam has come close on the heels of a near revolt by party legislator Munna Singh Chauhan. Added to this is the ongoing controversy over Haridwar seat.

Although the state government led by Chief Minister BC Khanduri does not face any danger, these developments are sending wrong signals to the electorate.

Moreover, the alliance partner of BJP, the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), is also facing problems, as there is a popular demand from their own workers and leaders to withdraw support to the state government and to contest elections on their own.

Yashpal Benaam, along with two other independent legislators, had extended support to the Khanduri government after the 2007 state assembly polls. One of them, Rajinder Bhandari, was made the Sports Minister in the Khanduri council of ministers while Gagan Rajbar was given the charge of Border Area Development Council.

Benaam, who was left out, has now come out openly against the government showing intentions of fighting elections from Pauri Garhwal seat provided UKD also withdraws support to the government and back him.

On the other hand, Munna Singh Chauhan, a BJP legislator, has also been vocal against his own party. He has alleged that he was not properly utilised by the party. There are rumors afloat that he was in contact with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) along with his wife Madhu Chauhan, who is chairperson of the Dehradun Zila Panchayat.

Kashi Singh Airy, a senior UKD leader, has said his party would take a decision about withdrawal of support from the government in a meeting that will be held on March 18.

The crisis regarding the change of candidate in Haridwar also does not bode well for the BJP. Madan Kaushik, the state Education Minister, was fielded by BJP as its candidate for the Haridwar seat. But following pressure from Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Hindu saints, the central leadership of the party is likely to change him.

On its part, BJP has already started a damage control exercise. Ajay Bhatt, general secretary of state unit, said efforts would be made to talk to UKD leaders and address their grievances.

Meanwhile, Congress has termed these developments as failure on part of the Khanduri government to keep his flock together. "The state government will fall in the near future leading to mid-term elections, as there is lot of resentment against BJP legislators," said Suryakan Dhasmana, state Congress spokesman.

On the positive note, Khanduri still has the numbers in the state assembly in his favour.

Muslim minority cell backs Kaushik
Akash Ghai
Tribune News Service

Roorkee, March 17
Albeit clouds over the name of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Haridwar have still not cleared, Madan Kaushik is getting the much-needed support from the Minority Cell as well as the rank and file of the party.

" Kaushik is a popular candidate among Muslims in Haridwar, who form over 40 per cent of the total vote bank. If the BJP fields a Sant Samaj candidate, the party will lose many votes — Aleem Siddiquee, Minority cell member

While coming out in open support of Kaushik, many leaders and party workers here said BJP would face a major dent in its vote bank, especially amongst minority communities, if it announces the name of some religious candidate belonging to the Sant Samaj for the Haridwar seat.

“Madan Kaushik is a popular candidate among the Muslims community in Haridwar, which form over 40 per cent of the total vote bank from here. If the BJP fields a Sant Samaj candidate, the party will lose out on many votes in the area,” said Aleem Siddiquee, member of the Minority Cell.

In a similar tone, District president of the BJP Mahila Morcha Savita Lakhera also said that Madan Kaushik had widespread support base in the contituency.

“As Kaushik is a very popular candidate, his chances of a win are higher than any other party candidate. Religious candidates cannot spare much of there time for the general public, thus the cancellation of Kaushik’s candidacy will definitely create problems for BJP.”

Lakhera added that the party workers are baffled by the prevailing uncertainty over the Haridwar seat.

“In fact, most of us are unhappy over the development. We had recently held a meeting with the Chief Minister BC Khanduri on the issue and asked him to back Kaushik,” said Lakhera.

“Party activists are upset over the development. Masses are attached with Kaushik, but we have to respect whatever decision the high command takes in this regard,” said Rajinder Nath Mehandiratta, district president of the BJP (Rural Cell) at Laksar.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders felt the delay in announcement of the name is sending a negative message as well as affecting the election schedule.

Benam withdraws support to govt
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 17
Independent MLA from Pauri constituency Yashpal Benam has announced his withdrawal from the BJP government. Benam submitted a letter in this regard to the Governor BL Joshi, here this afternoon.

In his letter, Benam has mentioned that during its two-year rule the Khanduri government has miserably failed to meet the expectations of people.

However, even after his withdrawal there is no threat to the Khanduri government and it still enjoys majority support in the House. Currently, BJP has 35 MLAs in the 70-member House along with the support of the three-member Uttarakhand Kranti Dal and two other independents.

"In order to ensure stability in Uttarakhand, I had extended my unconditional support to the BJP government. Unfortunately, my constituency Pauri, from where the agitation for the separate state kick- started, was completely ignored by the BJP government. Under these circumstances, continuing support to the state government does not go well with my morals and ethics. Hence, I withdraw support from BJP government with immediate effect," reads Benam's letter, a copy of which is with The Tribune.

Benam said now the UKD should also withdraw its support from the BJP government. He added that he was willing to join UKD if they agree to field him as a candidate from Pauri. However, he said if this does not happen, he will not contest as an Independent.

Benam also launched a scathing attack on UKD leader Diwakar Bhatt, who is a cabinet minister in the Khanduri government. He said it was surprising that despite being a statehood agitationist, Bhatt is holding a ministerial portfolio in the government that is least bothered about core issues of the state.

Daughter Courage
Nineteen-year-old Kavita Uniyal has come to the rescue of her
dying mother by donating one of her kidneys
Neena Sharma
Tribune News Service

She is a precocious child. Her decision stunned me. She is worth more than a thousand sons. — Kavita’s mother

Dehradun, March 17
Displaying extreme courage, 19-year-old Kavita Uniyal has come to the rescue of her dying mother, donating one of her kidneys. Her gesture has not only helped cure her mother but also save the family from being disintegrated.

Kavita’s father had to give up his job in the ITBP after an accident that left him paralytic and dependent on the family. Her mother Mamta was given her husband’s job. Then the news of her mother’s illness came as a big blow to Kavita and her two siblings.

“It is a gift to my mother, who has been the pillar of strength for all of us,” she said.

“My decision was made two years back when we learnt of the illness. She was undergoing dialysis and the doctors had said the only hope for her was if somebody donated her a kidney. I was underaged then and could not be considered a donor.

“I could not bear to lose my mother. My mother is the only earning member and without her our future was bleak. Most of all, my father needs care that my mother alone can give,” explained Kavita.

A purposeful talk with doctors helped her firm up her decision. Her mother tried to dissuade her, but failed. “ She is a precocious child, who is very resolute. Her decision stunned me. What more can a mother hope for? She is worth more than a thousand sons.”

The operation was performed on February 28. Mamta is now recuperating at the Sector Hospital, ITBP. The transplant was done by a team of three doctors led by Dr Harendra Gupta (urology department) of the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT), Jolly Grant.

In the last four years the institute has carried out 14 kidney transplants.

“In this case, we undertook extensive counselling of Kavita, who is quite young. Kavita will be leading a normal, healthy life,” said the doctors.

But her mother will have to continue taking medicines throughout her life. These medicines cost between Rs 8,000 and Rs 15,000 per month. The cost of the transplant is around Rs 1.7 lakh.

Manch invites PM to contest from Haridwar
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 17
Strong voices are emerging from this constituency that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh should contest as the Congress candidate from here. The Haridwar seat is already in the midst of controversy, with the BJP undecided on the final candidate and the Congress yet to announce any name. Various organisations are now urging the PM to contest as the Congress candidate from here. The Uttarakhand Vikas Manch (UVM) recently staged a march in this regard and conveyed their feelings to the Prime Minister and United Progressive Alliance UPA) chairman Sonia Gandhi via letters and fax.

Sanjay Chopra, state convener of the Manch, has appealed to all citizens and those in Haridwar in particular to write to Dr Manmohan Singh in this regard.

“Manmohan Singh has made the holy Ganga a National River and it’s in the best interest of the people of Uttarakhand that he be invited to contest from this seat. We will show our gratitude by ensuring a win for him,” said Chopra.

While some Congressmen are also keen on this prospect and view that the PM’s presence will not only boost development works in Haridwar and the state in general, but also in nearby states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.

Congress leader Rakesh Aggarwal said Manmohan Singh’s presence would unite the whole party. Apart from the five seats in Uttarakhand, the Congress would fare well in Uttar Pradesh as well, which would be crucial for UPA to regain power at the Centre.

Within a week, another tiger found dead
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 17
A half-eaten body of a tiger was recovered from the Haathidangar area of the Dela range of Corbett National Park today. In a week this is the second incident of a tiger death in the park.

Chief wildlife warden said the body of a wildcat was recovered whose sex could not be identified as half of the body has been eaten away by another tiger. Around a month back the National Tiger Conservation Authority had sounded red alert at tiger reserves across the country after the increased incidents of tiger casualties.

But the Corbett authorities are identifying these deaths to territory struggle between tigers in the region. Corbett Tiger Park has the highest density of tigers in Asia.

There has been a concern over increasing the area of the park by including the buffer zone within the park limits. Rajesh Gopal of National Tiger Conservation Authority too had mediated talks between the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh authorities in Corbett regarding including of some of the forest areas of Bijnore area of UP in the buffer zone of Corbett.

While wildlife authorities are taking it as a case of territory struggle between the tigers, wild life conservations are not going with this theory.

Expressing concern over increased tiger deaths, Rajendra Aggarwal of Wildlife Protection Society of India has sought a investigation into these incidents.

“Death of two tigers within Dela range within a week is a matter of grave concern,” said Aggarwal. Meanwhile, chief wildlife warden has rushed to Corbett to take the stock of the situation.

Poacher nabbed

Uttarakhand forest officials of Terai West Division today nabbed a suspected poacher and seized 3 kg of ivory near Thakurdwara in the Kashipur region. “We have arrested an poacher and the probe is in progress,” PK Patro DFO Terai West said.

Speaker: Need to strengthen democratic system
Tribune News Service

Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha Speaker with Commomwealth delegates in London.

Dehradun, March 17
Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harbans Kapoor, has returned from London, after participating in the 13-day meet of heads of the house of elected representatives of the Commonwealth countries..

Talking to mediapersons here today, an enthusiastic Kapoor said: “Majority of the problems being faced by different countries of the world could be solved in the democratic set up only.

“Hence, there is a need to strengthen the democratic system and the public representatives must lay stress on playing responsive role in the democracy.

Kapoor said, “During the meet, besides interacting with the Mayor, Councillors and eminent personalities in England, I got opportunity to visit Worcestershire and see how the development works are being undertaken there.

“ I found that public representatives in England are very disciplined and responsible.”

He further said it was general opinion among the representatives of various countries that more responsible the elected representatives will become, more the democracy will get strengthened.

He further said global warming was discussed in the meet at great length. The problem needed urgent attention.

As many as 53 representatives from 33 Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia, England, Africa and Malaysia attended the meet. From India, besides Kapoor, Speaker of Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha Deepinder Singh Shekhawat, deputy speaker of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Khimiram Sharma, Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha secretary Hanuman Ram and Lok Sabha secretariat joint secretary PK Grover participated in the meet.

The meet which started on March 1 concluded on March 13.

Cricket
ONGC Red, Civil Sectt triumph
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 17
On the second day of the Inter-Institutional Cricket Tournament being hosted by ONGC at its Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, ONGC Red and Civil Secretariat teams registered comfortable victory.

In the first match, Civil Secretariat defeated ITM and by 29 runs. Civil Secretariat won the toss and elected to bat. Their team scored 149 runs in 19.1 overs. The top scorers were Amit with 42 runs and Bhupendra with 33. Harvinder and Vipin took 3 and 2 wickets respectively for ITM. In reply, ITM could score only 120 runs in 18.3 overs.

Their top scorers were Pramod with 20 runs and Prashant with 22. Bhupendra of Civil Secretariat claimed 6 wickets.

The second match was played between ONGC Red and LIC. ONGC Red won the match by 8 wickets.

Batting first LIC scored 129 runs at the loss of 8 wickets, in which Divakar Negi scored 44 runs and Durgesh Bhat scored 26. Bowling for ONGC Red, SZ Nadeem and Taj Rashid took 6 and 2 wickets respectively. Strong batting performance by Nadeem and Sanjay Bhatt helped ONGC Red to register an easy victory.

Nadeem score 50 and Sanjay Bhatt made 48 runs for the team. Vijay Khanduri of LIC claimed the only one wicket.

Devotees take parikrama
Tribune News Service

Devotees on a parikrama of the old areas of Dehradun on Tuesday. A Tribune photograph

Dehradun, March 17
Following the custom laid down by the first Guru Ram Rai, the tenth Guru Mahant Devender Das undertook the parikrama of the old areas of the city today morning.

He was accompanied by a large number of pilgrims, tourists and locals.

“The tradition was started by Guru Ram Rai, who took the round of the areas as though measuring his empire that was under his control. The tradition is kept alive now as the Mahant takes a round of the town,” said VP Nautiyal, coordinator, Darbar Guru Ram Rai. At the Clock Tower, a silver crown was presented to the Mahant by the Paltan Bazar shopkeepers association.

Before winding up the procession, the group paid obeisance at the tomb of Guru Ram Rai near Matawala.The group passed through Jhanda Sahib, Khurbura, Prince Chowk, Bhandari Bagh and Matawala Bagh, covering a distance of 10 km. 

Showers brings cheer
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 17
Cyclonic circulation over Jammu and Kashmir and another induced cyclone over Rajasthan led to light showers in Uttarakhand providing much needed respite from high temperature and dust.

The director ,Meteorological Department Dr Anand Sharma, said: “The presence of small amount of moisture in the winds has led to the light showers which is expected to continue till night.

But, it will be a clear morning tomorrow. However, by the evening of March 20 , showers are expected for 48 hours.”

Dr Sharma has advised the farmers to shun heavy irrigation as strong winds could affect wheat maturity.