Dehradun, April 13
In the wake of the harsh geographical conditions in Uttarakhand, helicopters will be the main mode of transport for leaders of political parties during electionioneering. Leaders of the two main political parties--Congress and BJP--will be touring remote areas and have made arrangements for helicopters. 

Being a hill state, it is well neigh difficult to tour the entire state by road. Chief Minister BC Khanduri has already started touring the state by a helicopter. However, in the wake of the Model Code of Conduct, he is now using the copter hired by the BJP. Likewise, the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) has provided a helicopter to its Congress leaders. Since April 11, the latter, including state president Yashpal Arya, former Congress minister Indira Haryidesh, who is in charge of the campaign committee, party candidates Vijay Bahuguna (Tehri), Harish Rawat (Haridwar) and Satpal Maharaj (Pauri) have been flying in an Air Deccan helicopter provided by the AICC. 

“In the past three days, the Congress leaders have attended 10 election programmes in Chamoli, Almora, Tehri and Uttarkashi only because of the availability of a helicopter,” said senior Congress leader Suryakant Dhasmana. After nominations for Uttarakhand get underway on April 17, the Congress will get two helicopters for touring the state. Party leaders say if central leaders tour a place in a helicopter, the expenses incurred on the service will not be included in the election expenditure of candidates. 

Dehradun, April 13
The only reserve parliamentary constituency of the state - Almora-Pitthoragarh - is all set for a fierce battle between the Congress and BJP candidates. While Congress would be aiming to end the two-decade jinx of losing the seat, BJP would try hard to pocket this constituency for the sixth time in a row.

However, after fresh delimitation, Almora-Pithoragarh has now become a reserve constituency, which has altered the political contours this time. The delimitation seems to be a blessing in disguise for the Congress. Since the constituency is dominated by the upper caste, BJP had earlier been fielding Bachi Singh Rawat, who was a very strong candidate and won four consecutive polls from here. But after the constituency became reserve, BJP had to field Ajay Tamta, who is a first-timer and being tagged as a “light” candidate.

On the other hand, Congress has fielded Pradeep Tamta, a former MLA who remained active in the statehood agitation as well. Interestingly, Almora-Pithoragarh constituency has a history of electing Rawats - whether it is sitting BJP MP Bachchi Singh Rawat or Congress leader Harish Rawat.

Congress candidates remained unbeaten in Almora - a constituency dominated by the upper caste and having its border with Nepal - from 1951 to 1989, except for 1977 when BLD candidate emerged victorious. Harish Rawat was the last Congress candidate who managed to win this seat in 1989.

However, it has been the BJP that has dominated this constituency since 1991. BJP candidate Jeewan defeated Harish Rawat of Congress in 1991. Thereafter, it was series of defeats for the Congress. Bachi Singh Rawat, who is currently the state president of the BJP, defeated Harish Rawat in the 1996, 1998 and 1999 elections. In 2004, it was Harish Rawat's wife Renuka Rawat who tried her luck but had to face defeat at the hands of Bachi Singh.

But after delimitation, both Bachi Singh Rawat and Harish Rawat had to say goodbye to Almora-Pitthoragarh. While Bachi Singh has shifted to Nainital constituency, Harish Rawat is in fray from Haridwar. While the Congress has fielded Pradeep Tamta, a former MLA from Almora-Pitthoragarh, the BJP has fielded the cabinet minister in Khanduri government Ajay Tamta.

Earlier, Tamta was state minister in the Khanduri government, but in June 2008 he was elevated to the post of cabinet minister. Another significant fact is that although Harish Rawat has shifted to Haridwar, he still has immense interest in the Almora constituency because of his strong political clout here.

Rawat is making all efforts to ensure that Tamta, one of his closest confidant in Almora, manages to win this seat. Despite a hectic schedule in Haridwar, Rawat is also campaigning in Almora-Pitthoragarh. For the BJP, winning this seat is a prestige issue as they have fielded a cabinet minister.

Figures with EC reveal that after delimitation the seat has become the smallest with 10,16,301 voters. The segments in this constituency include Dharchula, Didihat, Pitthoragarh, Gangolihat (SC), Kapkote, Bageshwar (SC), Almora, Jageshwar, Lohagat and Champawat. 

Dehradun, April 13
With Samajwadi Party set to field its candidate from Tehri constituency, the contest is likely to be one of the most interesting electoral battles after Haridwar.

While Jaspal Rana of BJP, Vijay Bahuguna of Congress and Munna Singh Chauhan of BSP are already in fray, the presence of SP candidate can divide secular votes, which is likely affect the Congress candidate.

National general secretary of the SP Vinod Bharthwal confirmed that they have been directed by the party leadership to field a candidate from Tehri.

Earlier, the party had announced that they would not field a candidate from Tehri, as Vijay Bahuguna, son of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, is contesting from this constituency. However, the party changed its stance after Congress announced Reeta Bahuguna, daughter of HN Bahuguna, as its candidate from Lucknow, from where SP has fielded Nafisa Ali.

“We wanted to leave the seat for Vijay Bahuguna, but the Congress has not kept its promise. Still we have requested the party leadership to review the decision, as it may divide the secular votes which will benefit parties like BJP,” Bharthwal said.

Bharthwal also said while party stalwarts Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh would be campaigning in Uttarakhand, they are also trying to bring star campaigners, including Jaya Prada, Sanjay Dutt and Nafisa Ali, to Uttarakhand to provide an impetus to their campaign.

He said the party is sure of retaining Haridwar seat, while adding that, “This time, we are hopeful of bagging Nainital seat as well.”

Bharthwal said SP would try to keep BSP and BJP away from power. “Had Congress acted in a mature manner, things would have been different. But the Congress seems over-confident,” he said.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Suryakant Dhasmana said: “Earlier, SP leaders had announced not to field any candidate against Vijay as a tribute to late HN Bahuguna. Now, if the party does do so, it will only show its hypocrisy.”

Dehradun, April 13
During elections, one would generally notice roads full of youths riding bikes carrying banners, flags and posters. But this time, the situation is different.

Since final examinations of graduate and post-graduate courses are currently on, the youth have kept away from the election campaign. The examinations will conclude in June, a month after the elections.

Uttarakhand will go to the polls in the fifth and last phase on May 13. As a result of students keeping away, the political campaign in Dehradun appears to lack energy. The youth of the two main colleges of the city that are the epicentres of youth politics are missing out on the election campaign front. The DAV (PG) College has a strength of over 30,000 students.

The students of the college participate in election activities in a big way. Prashant Khanduri, a student leader from NSUI, said, “Examinations have certainly affected the Lok Sabha campaigning of the political parties in a big way. Earlier, there used to be chain of youths of various political parties who used to move around in the city campaigning.

ABVP state media incharge Aditiya Chauhan feels the same. “Examinations have affected the election preparation in a big way. Students are busy preparing for their final examinations. But they will certainly be exercising their voting rights on poll day.”

Haridwar, April 13
Thousands of followers of religious guru-cum-politician Satpal Maharaj have converged at the Prem Nagar Ashram for the three-day Baishakhi festival and a ‘Sadhbhavna Sammelan’ being organised under the aegis of Manav Uthan Samiti.

The place was abuzz with activity with small traders and vendors having a field day, even as the administration and police is working hard to manage the huge rush.

Meanwhile, Satpal Maharaj in his address eulogised his disciples for their hardwork and dedication.

Satpal Maharaj is contesting from the Pauri Garhwal seat for the sixth time as a Congress candidate.

However, he has won only once in 1996 and was the Union Minister of State for railways in the Inder Kumar Gujral government. This time, he is up against Lt General TPS Rawat of BJP, who was once his protégé but now the main rival. 

Dehradun, April 13
The Uttarakhand government will conduct a separate entrance test for admission to ayurvedic and homoeopathy courses in the state medical colleges for this session.

Earlier, a single test was conducted for admission to government quota seats and government colleges but for the first time, two separate tests — one for MBBS and another for BAMS/BHMS (ayurvedic and homeopathy) courses — will be conducted.

Six years ago, the Uttarakhand pre-medical test (UPMT) was held in the state for admission to government and aided colleges for the first time.

Three years later, two more tests were added after private colleges wanted to conduct separate tests for management quota seats. Now, the government has added one more test.

“Due to technical reasons, the number of tests has increased.

“But we hope to streamline the procedure abiding by the Supreme Court ruling that favours single tests,” said Dr Rakesh Kumar, secretary, Medical Education.

For conducting the MBBS and BDS test, the responsibility has been entrusted to the Technical University.

The Uttarakhand pre-medical test will be held on May 28 for 385 seats in which 255 seats have been allocated for MBBS and the remainder for BDS courses.

In two medical colleges at Haldwani and Srinagar, 15 per cent of the seats will be set aside for the central quota.

The Kumaon University will be conducting tests for 110 seats in the State Medical College (BAMS course) and 40 seats in a private college and 25 seats (BHMS) in one private college.

After the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT) became a deemed university, it has refused to allocate 50 per cent seats for MBBS course under government quota, compounding problems for the government that finds its quota drastically reduced. Both parties are awaiting the decision of the court.

Dehradun, April 13
Employees of Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP) are facing a tough time these days, as they are still to get their salary for the month of March.

There are as many as 50 employees that have been directly affected due to the delay.

After clearance of the draft from State Bank of India, salaries had to be further disbursed at Pithoragarh, Ranikhet and Moradabad offices.

While a most among those affected are low salaried employees, the delays have put them more on trouble as academic sessions in most of the schools start in April.

“The employees had put up the salary draft on March end but it is still to be realised. It is April 13 and the draft is still to be cleared. We don’t know how much time will it take,” said a senior DFP official.

However, SBI sources revealed that financial closing at March end followed by series of public holidays has certainly delayed salaries in some departments.

Haridwar, April 13
A three-day exhibition was organised in the Town Hall to mark the silver jubilee celebration, which concluded recently, of Kalangan group.

The group is committed to the fine arts and promotion of creative skills like painting and other forms of handicraft.

Kalangan was formed on 13th of April 1984 to promote art and to train the younger generation.

The exhibition was lauded and appreciated by the visitors. Owner and founder of Kalangan, Chandra Mani Kirtipal, expressed happiness over visitors’ response and said focus and patience is must to become a good and a successful artist.

“We have trained thousands of artists since the inception of the organisation but most of new comers want to become a painter in few months which is not possible.”

Actually lot of time, focus and hard work is required in this job said Chandramani.

He also fondly remembers his exhibitions in the city and at various places, including Noida, Allahabad, New Delhi. He has been felicitated by former Indian President Gyani Jail Singh in the year 1987.

In the exhibition 17 artists showcased their creations, which was a rare sight for the art connoisseurs of the city.

They included Abha Manakatala the disciple of Kirtipal, Dr Haripal Tyagi from New Delhi, Zakir Hussain from Dehradun, Pawan Sagar Najibabad to Abha, Neeru Jain, Neelam Verma, Pawan Sagar, Dr Mridula Tyagi, H Pandey, Dr Shuk Dev Kshatriya among others. Artist’s featured everything from political portraits, landscapes, to varied themes, which were quite fascinating and evoked interest and sense of thinking among the visitors.

“I am surprised to see such marvellous paintings here and really they all are masterpieces. More such exhibitions should be held in the city,” said Poonam Bhagat a socialite.

The Kalangan group also felicitated the winners of various competitions organised by it, in the past one year.

The efforts and successful completion of 25 years without any governmental and financial assistance is quite commendable on the part of Kalagan.

Haridwar doesn’t have any art gallery or any such fine arts college where artists can hone their skills and get basic training in the field.

Dehradun, April 13
Retired personnels of Assam Rifles, settled in Dehradun, celebrated the paramilitary unit’s 174th foundation day, here today.

Chief Minister, BC Khanduri, was the chief guest on the occasion, said the Assam Rifles has done a commendable job in the service to the nation.

He said it was his foremost responsibility to redress the concerns of ex-Assam Rifles personnel.

Lt Gen (retd) TPS Rawat, a former director general of the force, said the Assam Rifles has done commendable work in safeguarding the national borders in the North East.

He also lauded its role in fight against insurgency and demanded that the government should make efforts to increase the number of battalions of the Assam Rifles.

He reminded that the state government has solved the pension problems of the ex-servicemen and was working to provide all the facilities to the Assam Rifles’ retired personnel on par with the ex-servicemen of army.

Rawat is a BJP candidate from the Pauri Garhwal Lok Sabha seat.

Dehradun, April 13
Aamwala Cricket Club and Natraj XI won their respective matches at the ongoing Kalanga Cricket Tournament, here yesterday.

The first match of the day was played between Aamwala Cricket Club and Doon Combined Club team. Batting first, Doon Combined Club piled a total of 107 runs in allotted 14 overs. The openers gave the team a fine start by contributing 40 runs in first four overs.

The team lost its first wicket in the form of Bharat, who scored 2 runs only. Second opener scored 32 runs off 14 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. Devender was the top scorer for the team with 40 runs off 32 balls. He smashed two fours and three sixes in his innings.

For Aamwala Cricket Club, Himanshu was the lead wicket taker for the team with four wickets in three overs, whereas Chintu took two wickets in three overs, he bowled.

Chasing a victory target of 109 runs, Aamwala Cricket Club reached the target in just seven overs with eight wickets in hand. Rohit gave the team a good start with 66 runs off 24 balls, smashing six fours and seven sixes. Another batsman contributed 24 runs off 14 balls. For Doon Combined Club, Sachin and Santosh took one wicket each.

The second match of the day was placed between Natraj XI and Friends XI. Batting first, Friends XI scored 112 runs in allotted 15 overs. For Natraj XI, Lawrence took three wickets and Amit took two wickets. Natraj XI reached the target comfortably and won the match by seven wickets.

Haridwar, April 13
The Haridwar police arrested two criminals who had been absconding for years and carried an award for their arrest. Another person suspected of looting a businessman was held and 5 kg of ‘bhang’ was seized by the police.

Chota, son of Islam and a resident of Pawpur Devband, Saharanpur, and Asghar of Harjolli Jath village, Manglore, were arrested at noon by the Ranipur police team in Salempur village.

The patrol team led by Ranipur station incharge LS Bisht saw the two miscreants in a suspicious condition and nabbed them. A countrymade revolver and a knife was seized from them.

Upon interrogation, Chota and Asghar confessed to committing various crimes. A case was registered against Chota in Bhagwanpur police station in 2002. He had been absconding since then.

Asghar has cases of robbery and theft in Jwalapur and a forgery case in Roorkee police station already registered against him.

Inspector General of Police, Garhwal, had announced a cash prize of Rs 5000 and Rs 10,000 on Chota and Asghar respectively.

Senior superintendent of police Sanjay Gunjiyal has lauded the efforts of the Ranipur police team and assistant superintendent of police Sweety Aggarwal complimented the police team for their efforts.

Meanwhile, the bomb disposal squad (BDS), with the help of a sniffer dog, found a bag containing 5 kg of bhang leaves lying unattended at the bus station.

According to a BDS official, prima facie, it seems that on seeing the squad, the culprit left the bags and fled. Kotwali incharge AS Rawat said that the market value of the contraband is in thousands of rupees.

In another incident, the police caught Nadeem Ahmed, suspected for looting an industrialist, on a tip-off from a police informer from the BHEL factory.

Nadeem, a resident of Nurpur Tipri, Bijnore, Uttar Pradesh, confessed to the Ranipur police of his involvement in looting Jagdish Chandra, manager of Perfect Food Industries, SIDCUL, on April 6 along with two accomplices.

The trio had stopped Jagdish while he was on his way home. After overpowering Jagdish, they took away Rs 39,000 and other documents and fled on a motorcycle which they had hidden in the Roshanabad jungle. The police has seized the bike (UA-07 2256).

Investigations reveal that Nadeem worked in a factory in SIDCUL earlier. The police found his name in the contractor’s book but no details of the family and permanent addresses were mentioned.

The SSP took strong objection and said that the police would take action under the Police Act against such contractors and landlords who don’t verify the antecedents of their labourers and tenants with police stations.

ASP Sweety Aggarwal said that in SIDCUL, antecedents of 7,000 employees have been verified. The police needs the help of the company owners, contractors, residents and landlords in this procedure which is quite useful in controlling crime in the area.

SSP Sanjay Gunjiyal has announced a cash award of Rs 2,500 to the whole team who caught Nadeem.