Dehradun, May 21
With the announcement by BJP high command to send observers to Dehradun to meet legislators and know their opinion about possibility of a leadership change in the state, the crisis in Uttarakhand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ranks seems to be deepening.

Ever since the formation of Uttarakhand in 2000, the BJP has been facing intense intra-party rivalry and it seems history is going to repeat itself.

At that time, Nityanand Swami, a senior BJP leader of the state was made the Chief Minister but had to face intense opposition from within.

Two senior BJP state leaders, Bhagat Singh Koshiyari and Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, raised a banner of revolt against him and demanded a change of guard.

They argued that Nityanand was not from the hills and his continuation would mar the chances of the party in the first-ever assembly elections. Bhagat Singh Koshiyari replaced him, but the BJP performed miserably in the first-ever assembly polls held in February 2002, making way for a Congress government in the state.

In the next assembly elections held in February 2007, Maj Gen BC Khanduri (retd), a former Union Minister, was made the campaign committee incharge and was also given the reigns of the state following BJP victory in the polls.

But Khanduri's return to state politics was not smooth. His election as the Chief Minister faced stiff opposition from former Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari who enjoyed the support of maximum number of legislators. However, on directions of party high command Khanduri took over as the CM.

The simmering discontent amongst legislators loyal to Koshiyari camp grew and in August 2008, more than 20 BJP legislators, led by Koshiyari, went to party high command complaining against the style of functioning of Khanduri. Meanwhile, to diffuse intra- party rivalry, BJP high command decided to send Koshiyari to Rajya Sabha.

Now, the stunning defeat of BJP from all five seats in Uttarakhand has once again brought the demand of the disgruntled party legislators to the fore, which has forced the party high command to send observers to know about their choice of leadership.

While Koshiyari seems to be the front-runner, in case the party decides to change the leadership, the names of health minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and tourism minister Parkash Pant are also doing the rounds.

Kedar Singh Phonia, BJP legislator from Badrinath assembly segment in Chamoli district, is another name on the watch list.

Phonia was a Cabinet Minister in Uttar Pradesh and was also a minister in the interim government of Uttarakhand.

On the other hand, efforts are also on by Khanduri to win over legislators. In case there is a change of leadership, changes in the party organisation in the state also looked imminent.

And in case of a Chief Minister coming from Kumoan region, the state president would be from Garhwal region. Presently, Bacchi Singh Rawat, a former Union Minister, is the state president and he hails from Kumoan. Bhagat Singh Koshiyari is also from Kumoan region.

Roorkee, May 21
Following the suspension of BSP MLAs Qazi Nizamuudin and Yashvir Singh by party supremo Mayawati yesterday, both the leaders today said they had not received any letter to this effect as yet.

While denying their involvement in any type of anti-party activity during the elections, both the MLAs reiterated that they were still waiting to get their suspension letter from Mayawati.

"We are very much in the party. We have not received any suspension letter as yet, and so far news has been coming from a section of the media only. In fact, no office-bearer of our party has contacted us to deliver any information," said the MLAs.

Yashveer Singh also denied news about his absence during Mayawati's rally at Haridwar on May 11, while Qazi Nizamuudin, an MLA from Manglore constituency, admitted that his only 'mistake' was that he did not join the rally due to some 'grudges'.

"I missed the rally because I asked Mayawati if the party was intending to have any alliance with BJP. As I did not get any response, I chose to skip the rally. Except this, I was not involved in any kind of anti-party activity," said Qazi Nizamuudin.

On the other hand, Yashvir targeted BSP candidate, Mohammad Shahzad for the developments. "If the party has initiated any action against us, Shahzad must have been behind it. In fact, he was a very 'unpopular and undeserving' candidate and now he is trying to pass the buck onto party MLAs," alleged Yashvir Singh.

Regarding the future, both the MLAs shared the view that it would be decided only after suspension letters were received. When asked whether they were intending to join the Congress, Qazi denied any such move at the moment. On the other hand, Yashvir said if he feels the party is biased, he would quit at once. "But let us get the letters first," asserted the MLAs.

However, BSP sources said both the MLAs had helped the Congress Party during the poll and would soon join it.

Dehradun, May 21
A 50-year-old man suspected of swine flu has been admitted to Haldwani base hospital. Displaying symptoms akin to H1N1 Pandemic, the patient has been kept under observation.

According to the doctors, the patient JB Joshi had recently returned to India after visiting South Korea and Hong Kong. Three swine flu cases have been confirmed in Hong Kong so far.

“The patient has been kept under observation after he complained of fever and sore throat. Nothing can be confirmed as of now as the symptoms are similar to flu.

“The swab and blood samples of the patient have been sent to Delhi-based National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) for tests,” said Dr PL Joshi, DG Health.

Meanwhile, as per directives of the Indian government, DG Health had already issued directives to district hospitals and health centres to screen patients flying to India from countries already under the grip of swine flu.

Haridwar, May 21
Former Prime Minister of India, late Rajiv Gandhi was today remembered by various sections of the society on his 18th death anniversary. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991, by a LTTE suicide bomber during a public meeting at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

At the Congress Bhawan, leaders paid floral tributes to the late PM and observed a one- minute silence. City Congress chief OP Chauhan said Rajiv Gandhi had put India on the path of the development and prosperity.

Gandhi Vadi Vikas Manch conveynor Sanjay Chopra termed Rajeev Gandhi as a visionary and a mass leader. “Under his leadership, Congress Party won a record 411 seats in 1984 general elections. He maintained cordial relations both with USSR and USA, abolished ‘licence raj and founded the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, which highlight his leadership qualities,” said Chopra.

In a separate programme held by the women cell of the Congress, the speakers highlighted Rajiv’s achievements. General secretary of the state Congress committee, Santosh Chauhan said Rajiv Gandhi was instrumental in bringing telecom and information technology revolution in the country.

Haridwar, May 21
Residents today staged a massive protest and blocked traffic at Arya Nagar Chowk against the non-supply of water and electricity.

The anger of the residents is justified as in many colonies, there has been no water supply for more than four days and the power supply has been erratic.

In many areas, power was restored today after a couple of days.

Residents of Arya Nagar, Rajeev Nagar, Khanna Nagar, Santi Vihar, Sarva Priya Vihar, Nikunj Vihar, Bengali Colony, Lal Mandir area and Jwalapur gathered at Arya Nagar and protested against the electricity and water supply departments, municipality and the state government for paying no attention to their woes.

The protesters were led by ward member Sapna Sharma.

Seeing the protesters, the local shopkeepers, passers-by and commuters also joined the protest and soon the agitation turned into a massive one.

Sapna Sharma warned the executive officers of the Jal Sansthan and power corporation that if the supply was not immediately restored, the protesters would begin agitating at Jal Sansthan and power corporation offices.

Some persons complained that in some houses, there has been no water supply for more than a fortnight.

Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken by the authorities.

From traders to social organisations, all joined in today’s protest. Among those who participated included Sat Pal Fauji, Sushil Thapa, Mamta Sishodiya, Kapil, Shanti Verma, and Tara Devi.

Dehradun, May 21
Vishwanath Jagdish Sheela Rath Yatra was welcomed by the residents of the city at the Town Hall, Nagar Nigam, here today.

The yatra that started from Garhwal will return after traversing through the entire length and breadth of Garhwal region. The palanquin carrying the idols of Shiv and Parvati are carried by the devotees on their shoulders.

It is believed that Guru Vashisht who meditated on ‘Bishen Parvat’ situated near Ghansali in Tehri Garhwal attained salvation. It is also believed that these idols shiver when God grants the wishes of the worshippers.

The procession came to the city for the first time in 11 years.

The yatra will cover the five districts of Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi in 10 days and would culminate on June 2 at Akhori village where an annual fair known as Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated.

While for many, it was a matter of faith, but for some, it was just an exciting adventure. IB Badoni, a resident of Dehradun, said, “I will go to Akhori with my whole family to celebrate Ganga Dussehra.”

Young Shikha said, “I have come here to witness Shiv and Parvati resting in the palanquin.”

Dehradun, May 21
A puppet show-cum-awareness workshop was organised jointly by the Society of Pollution and Environmental Conservation Scientists (SPECS) and Uttarakhand Council For Science and Technology (UCOST) to shed light on climate change today at Bhawani Ballika Inter-College.

Famous puppeteer Ram Lala and his wife Dhanjeera used puppets to explain the impact of climate change due to the emission of greenhouse gases.

The puppets enacted a story about environmental degradation saying that industrialisation and the cutting of trees were some of the reasons behind climate change.

Environmental scientist Dr Brijmohan Sharma in his talk said that the main reason behind organising the puppet show and workshop was to enlighten students about the harmful effects of industrialisation and its impact on the environment.

“We used puppets to make students understand the concepts related to climate change as puppets are an important medium of communication,” Dr Brijmohan said.

The function was presided over by the principal of the college Pushpa Bhandari. As many as 300 students and teachers participated in the workshop and puppet show.

Dehradun, May 21
Despite being physically challenged, Varun Jain, a resident of Rishikesh and a MBA by qualification, dared to dream big. Last month, he participated in 8-km river rafting and also demonstrated his skills in kayaking.

Four years ago, Varun met with a massive accident in which his lower body was injured.

Uttarakhand Governor BL Joshi met Varun in Raj Bhawan here recently. He congratulated Varun for his achievements and for having the will power to excel in water sports.

Addressing the gathering, Joshi said, “Being physically challenged is not a curse. Rather than treating it like one, it is very important to understand that life doesn’t come to an end because one has been rendered disabled.

“One should not give up hope and learn from individuals like Varun who want to excel in life,” Joshi said.

The Governor added: “Problems will come and go. It is up to individuals to face challenges with courage and set an example for others.” Varun said that by participating in adventure sport, he wanted to encourage persons who are disabled in any way.

“Having a positive outlook to life is the key to success,” he said.

Dehradun, May 21
A scintillating innings of 81 runs by Vishal Tyagi helped ITC Gurgaon registered a seven- wicket victory over Abhimanyu Cricket Academy (ACA) at the 27th All-India Uttaranchal Gold Cup at Rangers Ground here today.

Batting first, Abhimanyu Cricket Academy team made a modest total of 190 runs in their allotted 40 overs.

The team did not have an ideal start. They lost their first wicket on the very first ball of the innings. First-down batsman Sufiyan (12 runs) was dismissed when the team score was 17 runs.

K Shitij, along with Prashant, tried to stabilise the innings. K Shitij made 34 runs off 58 balls and Prashant scored 23 runs off 39 balls.

Lower down the order, Anshuman chipped in with a useful 28 runs off 23 balls helping his team reach 190 runs.

For ITC Gurgaon, Wilkin Victory was the leading wicket taker with four wickets in his eight overs. Yajuvendra and Sumit took two wickets each.

In reply, ITC Gurgaon reached the target with seven wickets in hand in 32 overs. ITC’s openers gave their team a flying start. It was a century stand between Vishal Tyagi and Michalf that helped his team register a comfortable victory.

Vishal was the top scorer with 81 runs off 92 balls smashing eight fours and one six. Michalf contributed 60 runs off 55 balls hitting eight fours and one six. Middle-order batsman Pankaj scored 39 runs.

For Abhimanyu Cricket Academy, Tariq Jafar took two wickets and Saurabh took one wicket.

In the second match played between REC Chandigarh and BSNL, BSNL won by four wickets. REC batsmen failed to click and the team was all out for 135 runs in 26.5 overs. Indrajeet was the top scorer with 21 runs. For BSNL, Sunil took three wickets and Joginder, Nitin and Niranjan took two wickets each.

Chasing the target of 136 runs, BSNL reached the target in 15.3 overs. Joginder Singh was the top scorer with 52 runs. For REC Chandigarh, Amit Kumar took three wickets.