Dehradun, May 22
In complete contradiction to the claims of BJP leaders that the "entire party is united in Uttarakhand", supporters of Chief Minister Maj. Gen. BC Khanduri (retd) and former CM and Rajya Sabha MP Bhagat Singh Koshiyari were virtually on roads, chanting slogans in support of their leaders.

Referring to Koshiyari, who is Rajya Sabha MP, Khanduri supporters raised slogans, "Delhi wale vapas jao" and "Khanduri tum sangharsh karo hum tumhare saath hai". Koshiyari supporters also indulged in heavy sloganeering in support of their leader.

Ironically, on Wednesday, BJP state president Bachi Singh Rawat, Khanduri, Koshiyari and other senior leaders had claimed that the party is united in the state.

Addressing mediapersons at the CM's residence, the party leaders had said that morale of the BJP leaders is high and the party will win the Kapkot byelection. But barely two days after, the claim seem a far cry even as Khanduri and Koshyari supporters are out on the streets.

As the central observers - Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Khevar Chand Gehlot - arrived in a city hotel on the busy Rajpur Road for meeting BJP legislators, supporters of both Khanduri and Koshiyari gathered outside the hotel.

While Koshiyari was the first to reach the venue, Khanduri arrived a few minutes later. Although the meeting started, but the visibly charged supporters of Khanduri and Koshyari kept raising slogans.

Many of the party activists, including women workers, had come from outside Dehradun as well.

Two women BJP activists from Srinagar Garhwal opined, "It is extremely unfortunate that differences within the party have not only become public, but workers are also ready to clash on roads."

Many other BJP workers expressed similar views, while adding that party leadership should have resolved the differences inside four walls. 

Dehradun, May 22
One hopes that the suspense over continuation of BC Khanduri as Chief Minister should end at the earliest, as it has virtually plunged the state secretariat into a state of suspended animation.

Official work has been badly affected and files are not moving since the announcement of Lok Sabha election results. As much as the political sections, the bureaucrats in the secretariat have for the last five days been waiting for any likely change of guard.

All are waiting to know whether Khanduri continues in office after the electoral reverses suffered by the BJP, which has lost all the five seats in the state.

The most pronounced impact of the continuing political drama is seen at the CM's office, as files related to policy decisions have been put on hold all these days, said a top official. For instance, the file related to the CM's approval for the annual plan is lying pending.

Earlier, decisions were put on hold due to poll code for about one-and-a-half month. Now, the election results are taking a toll on bureaucratic functioning.

Khanduri's detractors in the state-unit, led by former CM and Rajya Sabha MP Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, are hell-bent on ousting Khanduri, holding him responsible for the dismal electoral performance.

In fact, Koshiyari has been training guns on Khanduri over the past two years since BJP came to power. In the battle for supremacy, both factions have been claiming majority of legislators on their respective sides.

The BJP high command has deputed two central observers to gauge the support of legislators enjoyed by Khanduri and Koshiyari factions so that a final decision could be taken on the CM's post.

But as of now, it seems that chances that the issue would be clinched soon are thin. The final decision would be announced only in the national capital after both party observers submit their assessment of the prevailing situation to the high command.

The funds under non-plan grant as approved by the 13th Finance Commission over the next five years start flowing only from 2010.

Haridwar, May 22
In almost every part of the district, protests and agitation against irregular water supply, power cuts, dilapidated roads, traffic jams and unhygienic conditions seem the order of the day.

Several protests were held today as well against the power, water departments and municipality, but another name joined the list that of Mela administration.

At Jagjitpur, under Kumbh Mela project work, the Public Works Department is constructing a sewer line, but it is already broken at several spots and dirty water is seeping into nearby colonies. Foul stench has filled the entire area and there is fear of the spread of contagious diseases.

Residents today held a protest at the Lakshar-Haridwar road, under the leadership municipal ward member of the area Anita Sharma, and raised slogans against the mela authorities.

Later, a meeting was held in this regard at Budimata Satikund where residents of all colonies affected, including Sati Kund, Chandra Nagar, Guru Baksh Vihar, Hanumant Puram, ITI, Ganesh Puram, Sandesh Nagar, gathered and chalked out future plan of action.

Prem Chauhan, a senior citizen, said people have lost faith in local governance. “It seems no one cares for the common public, but when a VIP or local minister visits the area the whole administration pitches in. This is not the way that you let people suffer,” said Sharma.

“If this is the reward we get after voting for our representatives, then it is better not to vote,” said Shlok Chand, another resident.

Others present at the meeting were Harish Sheri, Manoj Bharia, Rajesh Kushwaha, Rajendra, Ramesh Giri, SC Sharma, Shyam Singh Saini, Shiv Nandan Sharma, Govinda Sharma, Rajesh Valia, Rajeev Rahi, Deepak Saini, Radhe Shyam, Sunil Bhatia, Raman Chaudhari, Harish Malhotra, Anil Singh, among others. 

Mussoorie, May 22
The acute water scarcity has forced the residents of Landour area of Mussoorie to stage chakka jam at Gurudwara chowk here. Hundreds of residents, including women, disrupted traffic for over an hour while demanding adequate supply of water.

The residents were complaining about the inadequate water supply from last four days and that the officials of Jal Sansthan were not taking any concrete steps to resolve their problems.

Subsequently, sharp words were exchanged between the officials of Jal Sansthan and the protesters when the officials reached the spot to pacify the disgruntled residents.

“Since so many years we have just been given false assurances and nothing has been done to actually ensure proper water supply to our houses,” said an irate 
protestor.

It was also alleged that the water department has failed to take any steps against hotels and other commercial institutions, which have illegally installed water pumps in their hotels.

“It is due to the illegal water pumps being installed in the hotels that the common man is facing water scarcity,” added another residents.

Finally the SDM rushed to the spot and after much persuasion the protestors cleared the jam.

According to the president of Mussoorie Traders Association, Rajat Aggarwal, “Citizens of Landour area face acute water scarcity during the summers every year but the water department has failed to take any steps to bring about the permanent solution to their problems.”

Dehradun, May 22
Under pressure from local residents, the Chief Medical Officer GC Baunthiyal has initiated departmental inquiry into the death of Rama Devi, a 25-year-old woman in the advanced stage of pregnancy, who died at the Primary Health Centre last night.

The incident has also exposed the poor state of affairs at the PHC.

Angry over the negligence, residents, led by local political leaders, staged a protest against medical authorities today charging them of negligence and demanded immediate removal of the doctor who was attending the patient. Buckling under pressure, the CMO removed medical officer incharge of the PHC Dr UC Mehta.

The family members of Rama Devi alleged that the doctor did not reveal the exact causes of her death.

They also said during the night, when Rama Devi experienced labour pain, there was erratic power supply at the PHC.

Meanwhile, the move to suspend the doctor has not gone down well with the medical fraternity that is crying foul against the hasty action of the CMO.

“A proper procedure should have been followed before removing Dr UC Mehta. The marching orders were given even before a departmental inquiry could be initiated,” said Dr DP Joshi, general secretary of Provincial Medical and Health Services Association, Uttarakhand.

He said while services at the PHC may have not been functioning at the optimum level during the time period, but it is wrong to doubt the doctor’s capability.

“Such incidents affect the morale of the doctors; after all they give their best and perform under tough conditions. Of late, there have been incidents of family members of patients even manhandling doctors, which should be condemned,” Dr Joshi added.

However, the latest incident has once again exposed that the PHCs are ill-equipped to handle emergency cases.

Dehradun, May 22
The ongoing political crisis in Uttarakhand has once again exposed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It has not only brought to the surface dissensions within the state unit, but also at the central level on the issue of leadership change in the state.

While two central party observers, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Thavar Chand Gehlot were in Dehradun to ascertain the views of the legislators on the issue, the two main rivals Chief Minister Maj. Gen. BC Khanduri (retd) and former CM Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, a front-runner for the top post, were lobbying hard to win over as many legislators as they could on to their side.

After BJP lost all the five Lok Sabha seats, Khanduri owned the moral responsibility for the debacle. However, Koshiyari and his loyalists lost no time to grab the opportunity and mounted pressure on the party president Rajnath Singh, considered close to Koshiyari, for a change of guard in the state.

According to party sources, Rajnath Singh was prompt in sending two central party observers to assess the situation.

Interestingly, both the sides are using pressure tactics to get a sympathetic hearing from party bigwigs in Delhi.

Khanduri supporters were pained at the news in the national media about his removal at a time when the CM was trying to give a message of unity in the party following Lok Sabha defeat.

Party insiders close to Khanduri alleged that Rajnath Singh camp was trying to replace him with Koshiyari. They also believe that the threat by Koshiyari regarding Kapkot assembly segment, where byelections are scheduled for May 28, also led the party high command to send observers to Dehradun.

It was reported that Koshiyari, who vacated the seat following his election to Rajya Sabha, had reportedly told party bosses that he could not ensure a win in the crucial byelection from his home turf till Khanduri remains in office.

Notably, a defeat could jeopardise the BJP government in the state. Since two assembly seats are vacant, BJP has strength of 34 legislators out of total 68 members. The Khanduri government has support of three- member UKD and two Independents as well.

While Kapkot is a sure win for BJP, since in the Lok Sabha polls also BJP was ahead with nearly 3,000 votes in the segment that was part of Almora Lok Sabha seat.

But BJP is not so sure of a win from Vikasnagar assembly segment, Dehradun district, which fell vacant following resignation of BJP MLA Munna Singh Chauhan.

On the other hand, Khanduri used Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), an ally, to put pressure on the party leadership. Diwakar Bhatt, the lone UKD minister in the Khanduri cabinet, threatened to withdraw support in case of any leadership change.

Khanduri supporters allege that since Prime Ministerial candidate LK Advani and party President Rajnath Singh did not quit their positions after the defeat, it would be illogical to sacrifice Khanduri.

"At least Khanduri has the courage to own moral responsibility for the defeat. It is a conspiracy against him," a close Khanduri aide said.

Dehradun, May 22
Anoop Jalota has assured roles to the kids of a 15-day workshop on music, dance and acting in his forthcoming albums ‘Hey Raghunandan’ and ‘Bhakti Bhav’. Jalota assured in his audio message to the ONGC Officers’ Club that the talented children of the workshop would be given an opportunity to perform in his next projects.

The workshop is being organised by ONGC Officers’ Club in association with Anoop Jalota Welfare Foundation, in Dehradun from May 22 to June 5.

The workshop is being conducted for the children of ONGC employees in the age group of 8 to 18 years. Over 120 children would participate in the workshop.

The workshop commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Sushant Vats, executive director-chief, Hemant Mehta, secretary, Anoop Jalota Welfare Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, Sushant Vats said the participants must enjoy the workshop and try to learn the finer aspects of music, dance and acting from the invited artists, Hemant Mehta and Sandhya Mukherjee.

He felt that the participation in the workshop would be helpful in personality development of children. Parents should give encouragement to their kids to participate in such programmes, he advised.

The director of the workshop, Hemant Mehta started his career in music, script writing and direction with Madan Mohan and Sunil Dutt.

He has been associated with script writing and direction in over a dozen children’s films. He has trained Shreya Ghoshal, Tanmaya Chaturvedi, Ananya Mishra and Nisha Bharti in music.

Hemant Mehta has been invited by the ONGC Officers’ Club to conduct the workshop.

Sandhya Mukherjee would assist him in grooming children. The trained child artistes will perform at the stage programme to be presented on the 34th Foundation Day of the ONGC Officers’ Club on June 6.

Dehradun, May 22
Outstanding batting display by Air India team batsmen helped its team register 96 runs victory over ITC Gurgaon team at the ongoing 27th All-India Uttaranchal Gold Cup at Ranger Ground, here today.

Batting first Air Indian team piled a mammoth total of 276 runs in allotted 40 overs. The team opener gave the team a firm start contributing 57 runs.

Chandan Madan was the first who got out in the tenth over of the match on H Chawala’s delivery. The team’s score was was 57 runs at that time.

Thereafter first opener Rohit Prakash along with first down batsman Ajeet further increased the score to 89 runs. In the middle order Robin Bisht chipped in with useful 77 runs to further accelerate the team run rate and help his team post a total of 276 runs.

For ITC Gurgaon team Monnu Kapoor was the lead wicket taker with three wickets, whereas Babloo Kumar took two wickets.

In reply ITC Gurgaon was all out for 180 runs in 28.2 overs.

For ITC Wilkin Victory was the top scorer with 42 runs, in his innings he smashed four fours and two sixes. For Air Indian team Abid Khan and Ajeet picked up three wickets, whereas Kuldeep picked up two wickets.

In second match of the day, BSNL registered a 8-wickets win over LDA Lucknow team. Batting first LDA Lucknow could only manage to make 104 runs in 24.1 overs.

Lower order batsman Kapil was the top scorer for the team with 26 runs.

For BSNL team Joginder was the pick of the bowlers with five wickets in their five overs spell, whereas Sunil took three wickets.

Chasing the victory target of 105 runs BSNL team reached the target in just 10.2 overs.

Opening pair of Varun and Sushil contributed 99 runs for the opening wicket stand. Varun was the top scorer with 60 runs off 32 balls and Sushil hit 28 runs off 23 balls.

For LDA Lucknow team Jai Narayan took two wickets.

Dehradun, May 22
With a motive to spread awareness regarding the benefits of Yoga and help people to avail its benefits, Calcutta based eminent Yogaacharya Om Prakash Maskara woud conduct camps from May 22 to 24 in Kaularagh area Dehradun.

Yogaacharya Om Prakash Maskara has organised 55 lakh camps and cured more than two lakh patients suffering from obesity, blood pressure, sugar, arthritis, mental stress and many such ailments, with regular guidance through yoga programmes being showcased on television channels.