|
Campaigning comes to an end
Rahul lists Cong achievements
Cong tells three rebel MLAs to fall in line
|
|
|
Muslims tilt towards Cong
in NE Delhi
Over 600 held for poll violations
CEO for paid holiday on May 7
How will they poll as wedding bells toll?
Arrangements made for peaceful poll
in Noida
What keeps senior politicians healthy?
Professional, educated are aspiring politicians
4 acquitted of rape 12 years after false implication
Man jumps to death
Schoolteacher commits suicide
MCD chief faces contempt charges
Rain brings smiles
|
Campaigning comes to an end
New Delhi, May 5 During one month of electioneering, the city has witnessed big rallies of Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate L. K. Advani, BSP supremo Mayawati, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, senior leader of the BJP Sushma Swaraj, road shows of film star Shakti Kapoor, TV personalities Smriti Irani and Parveen. Public and corner meetings were everyday scenes in the colonies. The city has also witnessed a fight between supporters of West Delhi BJP and Congress candidates in a debate organised by a TV channel in a hotel in which one person sustained injuries. The major political parties had also invited their supporters for lunch and dinner. During electioneering, the Congress claimed that many BJP block leaders joined it. The BJP also did the same. Two days before the polling, the Congress managed to get withdrawn the candidature of BSP candidate in favour of its East Delhi contestant, Jaiprakash Agarwal, making his victory almost sure. His counterpart BJP candidate felt upset after the BSP candidate withdrawal and one of his party leaders made a complaint against Jaiprakash Agarwal to the Election Commission. However, Sandeep Dikshit campaigned from 6 a.m. to 2 p m. At 3 p.m., he also attended the rally of Rahul Gandhi. East Delhi BJP candidate Chetan Chauhan ended his campaigning with a road show along with newly elected Delhi mayor Kanwar Sen. West Delhi BJP candidate Jagdish Mukhi also ended his campaigning with a road show while his opponent Mahabal Mishra ended it with ‘Jai ho’ jingle. While Congress candidate from South Delhi Ramesh Kumar tried to woo the backward voters, the BJP contestant Ramesh Bidhuri had a padyatra in Jat-dominated villages. The last day of campaigning also saw the BJP candidate from the North West Delhi constituency, Meera Kanwariya, campaigning hectically. On the other hand, the Congress candidate from the constituency, Krishna Tirath, adopted another track withdrawing from the campaigning altogether and sitting back confidently for a series of meetings with her workers to assess preparedness for the days ahead. She held a series of public meetings at Mundka in Mongolpuri and Nangloi. She also took out an early evening padyatra in Mundka The war of words in Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha Seat continued even today as Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Vijender Gupta lashed out at union minister of science and technology Kapil Sibal who is seeking re-election from the area on Congress’ ticket. Gupta said, “Sibal should resign from the union cabinet after a CBI inquiry is ordered into a scam related to the purchase of radar and light detection system by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), which comes under the union ministry of science and technology.” |
Rahul lists Cong achievements
New Delhi, May 5 He asserted the BJP and its allies wanted development of the rich and the influential while the Congress worked for all without any discrimination. Rahul was addressing a rally at Shastri Park in North East Delhi constituency. He said that when NDA was in power the BJP’s slogan was “India Shining.” But it is not true. India is a country of poor people, farmers, labourers and people belonging to the middle-class. He said they were in a pitiable condition. He alleged only the influential and the powerful benefited during the NDA’s regime so it was thrown out of power in 2004. Urging people to vote for Congress candidates, Rahul Gandhi termed the Congress as a people’s party. Citing examples of violence against North Indians in Mumbai, Gujrat riots and attack on Christians in Orissa, Rahul alleged the BJP discriminated against people on the basis of region, religion and caste. He added that farmers committed suicide during the NDA’s reign. Listing the achievements of the Congress-led UPA government, he said when the UPA came to power in 2004, Rs 70, 000 crore were waived, Adiwasi and RTI Bills were passed. People were given the right to question the government. Attacking the BJP and its allies, he said the BJP was talking about terrorism but it had forgotten that during the NDA government Masood Azhar, a dreaded terrorist was released. And after that, there were terrorist attacks on Parliament, the Red Fort, the Akashardham Temple and the Raghunath Temple took place. He thanked voters for making the Congress victorious in Delhi for the third time. |
|
Cong tells three rebel MLAs to fall in line
Faridabad, May 5 Things came to a boil when the three, who are said to be not supporting the Congress nominee, Avtar Singh Bhadana, did not turn up at the public meeting yesterday, which was to be addressed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. All the Congress MLAs as well as the Independent, supporting the Congress, came to the podium. But the three were conspicuously absent. It was another matter that Manmohan Singh did not address the meeting as his chopper could not take off from Delhi due to unfavourable weather conditions. However, the general secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and in charge of Haryana affairs, Prithviraj Chavan addressed the meeting. The three rebels were called at the local circuit house yesterday after the meeting and were told by Chavan that either they support the Congress nominee or be prepared for action against them. It was told in no uncertain terms to them that the central leadership of the party had taken a serious note of their conduct. The three tried to give excuses and indulge in blame game. They put the blame on the Congress nominee saying that he had made offensive utterances against them in the past. Chavana, one of the main strategy-makers of the Congress, put his foot down and said that the excuses were not acceptable to the party. He made it known that the Lok Sabha election was Congress’ fight to make Manmohan Singh Prime Minister again. The Chief Minister of Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the president of Haryana Congress, Phool Chand Maulana and the working president of Haryana Congress, Kuldip Sharma were present in the meeting. The Congress nominee, Avtar Singh Bhadana was also present in the meeting. The three had arguments with Bhadana in presence of Chavan. Bhadana is said to have warned the MLAs that even they would face assembly election after a few months and he would not support them either. The Chief Minister intervened on the occasion and brought things under control. Later, an undertaking of support to the Congress nominee was given to Chavan by all the MLAs, including the three, from Faridabad district. Harsh Kumar, an Independent, also signed on the document. The MLAs have assured to work for the Congress nominee in the remaining time and work for his victory. Meanwhile, the Congress led by its national secretary, G.Hanumanth Rao today claimed that the party would bag all the 10 parliamentary seats in Haryana. |
|
Muslims tilt towards Cong
in NE Delhi
New Delhi, May 5 The BJP candidate B.L.Sharma has made communal remarks entangling himself into the poll violation scrutiny. The CD carrying the communal remarks against the Muslims and the Congress has been sent to the National Election Commission by the Delhi Election Commission, said chief electoral officer of Delhi, Satbir Silas Bedi. Meanwhile, the three-time Lok Sabha MP and Rajya Sabha MP Jai Prakash Agarwal, the Congress candidate from NED seat, today seemed to be gaining lost grounds in Mustafabad, Welcome Colony, Seelampur, Sonia Vihar, Usmanpur etc, the areas with a dense populace of Muslims. Seelampur Congress MLA Mateen Ahmed said the people of his area would be fully backing the Congress, and as per a decision taken earlier, the minorities would vote only for the Congress. The version of Ahmed was all the more strengthened by the withdrawal of BSP candidate, Haji Dilshad Ali whose candidature from the NED segment could have dented into the Congress’ share of the Muslims. According to poll pundits, if Haji Dilshad was still in the electoral fray, a significant chunk of the Muslims would opt for the BSP as directed by the Joint Committee of Muslim Organisations for Empowerment. The committee had asked the Muslims not to vote for the Congress as it did not field any candidate from the minority community. But, now with the absence of any representative of the minority section, the Muslims have no other choice than to exercise their mandate in favour of the Congress. Farhan Ali, a resident of Babarpur, stated, “Nowadays, every party has the same profit agenda more or less. But, with the absence of any other suitable candidate from the minority group, most might vote for Agarwal so that the BJP party can be kept out from the race.” However, Agarwal outlined, “My party is democratic and secular and if voted to power, Congress will change the face of the nation. We do not want to divide our country like other political parties. Instead, we want to develop such a country where people from all religious beliefs can stay together.” On the other side, the saffron state camp accuses the Congress of paying a handsome booty to Haji Dilshad for his withdrawal. Meanwhile, former MP Harish Rawat has appealed to the people of Uttarakhand, settled in North East Delhi to cast their votes for Agarwal. “Congress has always tried to help the residents of Uttarakhand and Agarwal is a tremendous support as well,” he said. |
Over 600 held for poll violations
New Delhi, May 5 Since the model code of conduct came into force, the Delhi police has registered 348 cases under the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act and has arrested 265 people. Similarly, it has registered 335 cases under the Excise Act and has arrested 341 people. “The election cell of the Delhi police informed us that one unlicensed pistol, seven countrymade pistols, 30 cartridges and 110 live rounds have been seized,” the poll panel said. The number of licensed arms deposited and those whose licenses have been cancelled is 227. “A total of 20 people were injured in three incidents of violence related to poll campaign ,” it added. As many as 7,588 hoardings, 19,960 banners, 25,946 posters and 1,184 wall-writings were removed while 875 vehicles and nine loudspeakers were seized. |
CEO for paid holiday on May 7
New Delhi, May 5 She said all the governmental and corporate organisations have been asked to declare May 7 as a paid holiday so that all can cast votes. |
How will they poll as wedding bells toll?
Gurgaon, May 5 According to inquiries made by The Tribune, many marriages are scheduled for May 7, which happens to be the poll date, and May 8. Top contenders are worried lest their voters, who would be engaged in various rituals, should leave them in the lurch by not going to vote. With nearly all banquet halls, farmhouses and party lawns booked for the two dates, politicians' concern seems justified. Neeraj of Prakash Vatika and Deepak Gupta of Krishna Mangalam Garden confirmed there was heavy rush for bookings on May 7 and 8. "We had to turn away many customers as we were fully booked," he maintained. The manager of another party lawn said after exhausting all available banquet halls and farmhouses, marriage parties had booked tents as well. "With my sister's wedding scheduled for May 7, I don't think I would get time to vote," said Mayank of Sector 56 here. "I know voting is our duty, but sister's wedding is a greater responsibility" he said. But why so many marriages on May 7 and 8? According to Pt Lalit Shastri, an astrologer, May 8 is an auspicious day. "May 7 is also good, especially for those who do not want to wait for the next auspicious dates, which are far," he adds. However, Shastri asserted his "professional" engagements notwithstanding, he would definitely cast his vote. Well, some respite for the anxious netas, eh? |
Arrangements made for peaceful poll
in Noida
Noida, May 5 Among the steps taken by the administration in connection with voting, liquor sale has been banned for two days. No vehicles will be allowed near the polling centres. All persons entering G.B. Nagar district will be frisked at entry points on the district borders. According to district magistrate Deepak Agarwal, no publicity in favour of any candidate will be allowed after 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Strong action will be taken against those caught violating this order. To save the common man from harassment, new guidelines have been issued. All arrangements for polls have been given final touches by the district administration. Polling parties will leave for their duty stations by Wednesday evening. |
What keeps senior politicians healthy?
New Delhi, May 5 “It amazes me that a lot of people get exhausted and tired as they cross 60 or even earlier, whereas these leaders are doing really well despite their taxing schedules and irregular dietary habits,” said Ashok Seth, head of cardiology at the Max Heart and Vascular Institute . “During campaigning the entire atmosphere pumps you up. They give speeches, meet voters and their adrenaline levels shoot. They are motivated to not let daily health problems affect them,” said Seth, who has treated many senior leaders. Most senior leaders claim they are fit. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 76, who underwent a complex heart surgery in January, was said to have recouped fast. However, the number of campaign rallies he has addressed has been relatively low, especially when compared to opposition leader L.K. Advani of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who is 81. “The PM is absolutely fit now. His recovery was very speedy and we attribute this to his willpower and wish to be active,” said his physician K.S. Reddy. “Working actively in any sphere, even politics, can lead to a fast recovery,” he added. Advani has said in interviews that he has frugal eating habits, drinks lots of liquid and maintains a disciplined routine every day without unnecessarily stressing himself. “I don’t know why media keeps harping on his age,” Advani’s daughter Pratibha told CNN-IBN, saying her father was fitter than people half his age. Several senior leaders follow a strict regime of “eating light”, exercise and sleep during the campaign, while others like 69-year-old Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and 59-year-old Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP leader Narendra Modi rely on meditation and yoga to keep themselves fit. Mulayam Singh’s aide Rajendra Choudhury said, “Since he is from a rural background and has had 50 years of struggle and an active life — his stamina and energy don’t waver.” “He has been in politics for over 30 years — he is still as energetic as ever. No young leader can match up to him or his spirit. His determination keeps him going. He is fit. He sleeps for four to five hours, eats simple food — since it is summer he drinks cold drinks and lots of water.” Sameer Parikh, a psychiatrist, emphasised that for these aged politicians who play pivotal roles in the country’s politics there is a mindset that they cannot fail. This compounds their willpower. “It is the high point in their life and they feel they cannot fail here — their willpower and power of mind have a role to play in keeping them physically healthy. But for politicians, the fact that they are passionate and engaged with the public that gives them energy to keep troubles at bay. A high level of functioning does perk up the immune system,” he said. The fact that 65 per cent of India’s voters are under the age of 35 and that 100 million are first-time voters this election require that these old politicians impress despite their age constraints. Advani was even seen trying out weights at a gymnasium as a part of a campaign to woo young voters. External affairs minister and senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee, 74, on the campaign trail in Murshidabad, told the media, “Above all I am a political leader and so I get an adrenaline rush when I meet people.” — IANS |
|
Professional, educated are aspiring politicians
New Delhi, May 5 Bankers, doctors and graduates of IITs and IIMs among others are in the fray this time. “For many years there is a myth that all politicians are criminal and corrupt, but in the meantime Indian democracy has emerged stronger. Educated professionals have decided to plunge into politics,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad, a political scientist from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Ahmad feels the participation of professionals as independent candidates or as those who float their own party is an expression of dissatisfaction with tried and tested politicians. Rajendra Thakar, who contested from North Mumbai on a Professionals Party of India ticket, is one of them. “India needs new parties as the traditional outfits are engrossed in corruption,” said Thakar. Bharat Punarnirman Dal is a party made up of IIT graduates that has put up 40 candidates across India. Britain-based consultant Kumar Kuntikanamta came all the way to Mangalore to contest. “I think Indians want a change, but very few are willing to act. People criticise politicians but they don’t want to join it,” he said. Meera Sanyal, a banker who contested as an independent from South Mumbai exudes confidence about her victory. The presence of independent candidates this time has made parties wary that they would cut into crucial votes. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had last month said independent candidates were ‘spoilers’ and urged people not to vote for them. Young voters are attracted to independent candidates. Apurva Upadhyaya, a first time voter, said, “I will rather vote for a new and young party, may be an independent, as traditional parties have not been able to perform as well as they should have.” — IANS |
4 acquitted of rape 12 years after false implication
New Delhi, May 5 A sex worker allegedly with the help of some Delhi police officials had laid the charges against them. One of the men, Pankaj Chaudhari in his plea stated he was “paying the price for opposing a flesh trade racket near his house in 1997.” He was arrested with his brother Gunjesh and friends Jailal Yadav and Kashim Rain on charges of raping a neighbour. They were jailed on July 28, 1997 and were convicted of gang rape in 2000. The officials posted at Hauz Khas police station in 1997, apparently, at the instance of their neighbour, a sex worker, framed them as they protested against the racket. Subsequently, an inquiry was ordered within the police department. The High Court released the four men on bail in 2001. “The rape allegations have maligned us. We are facing great hardships in finding jobs. We have been thrown out of jobs and are unable to live with dignity as we are called ‘rapists’,” they stated in their petition. Justice S. Muralidhar acquitted the four, but reserved order on the plea of taking action against the then police officials involved in the case. After they were convicted in 2000, their relatives alleged foul play, which led Amod Shastri, heading an NGO called Nyay Bharti, to probe the case. Shastri’s efforts revealed that while the woman claimed she was raped at 9.30 p.m. by the four, another complaint in the same police station showed that she was arrested the same afternoon for indulging in flesh trade and let off at 10.30 p.m. after paying a bond of Rs 500. This indicated that she was at the police station at the time she claimed to have been raped at her home. — IANS |
Man jumps to death
Gurgaon, May 5 Madhu Kishan, 52, was a retired employee of Syndicate Bank in Delhi. He is survived by three children. His wife had passed away six years ago. His eldest son lives in Kanpur with his wife and kids. While his younger one Ankit is studying at Dronacharya College here. His daughter has taken the +2 exams in March this year. Ankit told the police after his mother’s death his father used to remain depressed. |
Schoolteacher commits suicide
New Delhi, May 5 The victim, Deepti, a teacher in DSM Public School in Nangloi, allegedly took the extreme step when her family members were asleep. Her father Bahadur Singh, a retired government employee, found her hanging after he returned from his morning walk around 7 am. He immediately informed the police. The police took her to the Deen Dayal Updhayaya Hospital where doctors declared her brought dead. The police said no suicide note was found. “Her father told us that Deepti did not look depressed and never complained about anything. We cannot say anything as of now,” said a police official. |
MCD chief faces contempt charges
New Delhi, May 5 Justice Manmohan issued a notice to Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner K.S. Mehra and directed him to file a detailed reply in three weeks. On last Tuesday, the court had issued the notice on a petition of advocate Ravinder Raj, who sought contempt proceedings against the MCD commissioner, the Delhi chief secretary and the chairman of the Central Pollution Control Board for not implementing the court directions on night sweeping in the capital. Following the directions of the High Court in April 2003, the MCD had decided to continue night cleaning in 46 select zones on a permanent basis and to extend it to more zones in future. Night sweeping in 46 zones was started on an experimental basis. The MCD decision came following a public interest petition that sought a change in schedule for sweeping the city’s streets from morning to night time. The court had also directed the petitioner to give further suggestion to the MCD in this regard. “It is hoped that the suggestions will be taken in the right spirit and action will be taken within a period of one year,” the court had then said. In the contempt petition, advocate Raj submitted that the respondents had not taken any action. The petitioner had sent representations to the commissioner of the civic body, Delhi Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor but no action was taken. “City roads are swept between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., exposing schoolchildren, office-goers and morning walkers to dust. Dust pollution can cause severe ailments, apart from being a public nuisance. Health experts say dust has carcinogenic components like lead and aluminium,” the petitioner said. — IANS |
Rain brings smiles
New Delhi, May 5 The maximum temperature for the day was 37.5° Celsius — three degrees below the normal and the minimum was a normal 23.6° Celsius. Light drizzles were reported at many places due to upper cyclonic circulations. The meteorological department said traces of drizzle could not be recorded. On Monday, the capital received 4.2-mm rainfall until late evening, bringing down the day temperature. This brought relief to people from the searing heat of last week when the mercury crossed 44° Celsius mark — breaking the record for April in the past 50 years. The meteorological department has forecast that pleasant weather would continue on Wednesday as well. “There will a partially clouded sky with possibility of rain or thunder shower accompanied with squall,” said an official at the Safdarjung office of the Met Department. “On Wednesday the maximum temperature is likely to be 37° Celsius and minimum will be 25° Celsius,” he added. People welcomed the change in weather and hoped it would continue for a while. “This is such a lovely weather. I have come with my family to the India Gate to enjoy ice-creams,” said Vrish Malhotra, a student.
— IANS |
|
HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Classified Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |