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Centre rejects Karnataka Guv’s recommendation
Jawan with aids shunted to remote area by CRPF
20 killed as train hits jeep in Bihar
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Only 41% PDS grains reaching masses
Only for Sonia’s sake
IAF to automate appraisal report generation of officers
Govt enters next phase of AIDS control
Pawar’s stand a major setback for CM
Maoists free 2 rail employees
Centre
stage
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Centre rejects Karnataka Guv’s recommendation
New Delhi, May 22
"The CCPA today met to discuss the Karnataka Governor's report and after careful consideration decided not to accept his recommendation," Home Minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the meeting. Even as it rejected his report, the CCPA has asked the Home Ministry to write to the Karnataka Government bringing to its notice the issues mentioned by An advisory would be issued, Chidambaram said and hoped the state government would take note of it. Earlier in the day, the BJP had served an ultimatum on the UPA government to reject Bhardwaj's recommendation by tomorrow evening or face a nationwide agitation. “If the Centre does not act within the coming 24 hours, the BJP will be compelled to launch a nationwide agitation both against the Central Government as well as the Governor,” senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu told a news conference here. “We will wait till tomorrow evening,” he declared. Hinting that his patience was running out, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa had also appealed to the Prime Minister to reject the recommendation before embarking on his foreign trip tomorrow. Bhardwaj, a senior Congress leader and former Union Minister, who was appointed Governor less than two years ago, has been having a running battle with Yeddyurappa and the BJP in the state. Late last year also, he had recommended dismissal of the government in the wake of the Speaker's action but that was overtaken by a floor test in the Assembly on In the wake of the Supreme Court quashing the disqualification of 11 BJP and five Independent MLAs by Speaker KG Bopaiah, the Governor had last Sunday sent a 'special report' to the Centre recommending dismissal of the Yeddyurappa Government and keeping the Assembly in suspended animation. The CCPA met on Friday inconclusively, but the decision came on a day when the BJP threatened to launch a nation-wide agitation demanding rejection of the report and Bhardwaj's recall. — PTI
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Jawan with aids shunted to remote area by CRPF
Chandigarh, May 22
On completion of the requisite period of posting at a peace station, the CRPF transferred him to a battalion based in a non-family station in Jammu and Kashmir in May 2010. He moved the High Court, which directed that he not be transferred till further orders or till he sought voluntary retirement. The transfer order was late withdrawn by the CRPF, rendering the petition infructous. He kept performing his duties and in January 2011, was promoted to the rank of head constable. Thereafter, the CRPF again issued orders transferring him to the interior, trouble-torn regions of Chhattisgarh. He gave a representation to superior authorities seeking a posting to areas close to the PGI Chandigarh, but rather than support and sympathetic consideration from the force, he was ordered to report to his now place of posting on expiry of his leave. One again, he had to knock at the High Court’s door and the mater is still pending. “This is the third time that the posting has been stayed,” his counsel, Rajeev Anand said. “The jawan and his 10-year old son are in a bad medical state requiring continuous treatment at the PGI. The disease requires close monitoring and careful observation, and in times of sudden deterioration, they have to be rushed to the PGI,” he added. The jawan’s disease, the counsel has contended, is in the last stage and his son would not be able to sustain the stoppage of specialist treatment if posted to remote areas. He added that in the given circumstances, there was no alternate with the jawan to leave his mother & children, aged 10, 8 and 6, as other family members and relatives have also shunned them. The jawan’s wife had died from AIDS in 2005. Interestingly, CRPF regulations state that individuals who are symptomatic of AIDS or are full-blown AIDS cases would be provided full medical treatment by the department till their death.
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20 killed as train hits jeep in Bihar
Madhubani (Bihar), May 22 The jeep, carrying family members and supporters of a victorious “mukhiya” candidate, Veena Devi, was hit by the Nizamuddin-Jainagar Garib Rath Express near Bharia-Bishanpur village while it was crossing the tracks, DSP Karm Lal said. The injured, including driver Saroj, were admitted to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital and their condition was stated to be critical. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed the district administration to ensure proper medical treatment of the injured. He also asked the District Magistrate and the district police chief of Madhubani to rush to the spot to supervise relief works. — PTI Ex gratia announced The Prime Minister has announced Rs 2-lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of each of those killed and Rs 50,000 each to those grievously injured in the mishap. Earlier, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the families of the deceased from the State Disaster Relief Fund, besides Rs 50,000 each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
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Only 41% PDS grains reaching masses
Titled “Social Protection for a Changing India”, the report, prepared by the World Bank on the request of Government of India, adds that while spending allocated to each rural household on major centrally sponsored schemes is significant at 40 per cent of the annual rural poverty line, the poor have not been able to reap full benefits of such large investments. The administrative capacity of poorer states is typically low. While states with higher poverty are allocated more funds from the Central Budget, they continue to have the lowest capacity to spend effectively. The report is particularly critical of the PDS and says it continues to absorb substantial public resources at almost 1 per cent of the GDP. Where as it covers up to 25 per cent of the households, its benefits for the poor have been limited with leakage and diversion of grains being high. Only 41 per cent of the grains released by the government are reaching the households with some states faring even worse. In 2001, the Planning Commission had estimated this leakage at 58 per cent nationally. Analysing the losses, the report firmly recommends offering households the option of a cash transfer while continuing food-based support for specific situations such as in areas where access is an issue, for disaster relief and for specific vulnerable groups. This reform would not eliminate the need for buffer stocks, it adds, referring states like Bihar, for example, which have successfully introduced food stamps or coupons to improve access. On MNREGA, the review indicates the programme has achieved impressive coverage when compared with previous public works programmes. Data shows that 31 per cent of the Scheduled Castes, 25 per cent of the Scheduled Tribes and about 50 per cent of women workers have been included in this program under which employment generation has been much higher than under any other wage employment program in the past. The challenge to the programme, however, is unspent balances, with field studies indicating severe delays in the transfer of funds to gram panchayats. In 2008-09, about 25 per cent of NREGA funds were unspent. Fund utilisation rates range from 56 per cent in Tamil Nadu to 89 per cent in Rajasthan. There are also significant variations across districts within states, with some districts in Orissa and Karnataka even reporting expenditure in excess of available funds.
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Jantar Mantar
Jitters for some Cong MPs
Pranab’s fan club
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IAF to automate appraisal report generation of officers
Chandigarh, May 22 The mammoth task involves digitising about 50 lakh pages of existing records that make up the dossiers of IAF officers. Then would come the task of integrating the database with the appraisal report generation system. The Directorate of Personnel Officers at Air Headquarters is maintaining about 5,000 appraisal report (AR) dossiers, each containing 500 duplex pages. At present these ARs are manually stored separately for each officer in a chronological manner. Newly received ARs are filed in the dossiers and only a minimal amount of information is updated on an Oracle database by the directorate staff. The appraisal report is one of the most important personnel document in the armed forces as it assess the performance and caliber of an officer at each stage of his service. His career progression depends on his appraisal. The project will support the requirements of the personnel directorate to collect, compile, retain and recall AR dossiers and their contents in a supportable and sustainable electronic format. It will allow the directorate to process, file and store majority AR information into a secure database and permit staff the concerned to locate and share data effectively.
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Govt enters next phase of AIDS control
New Delhi, May 22 With the working groups for the preparation of the NACP-IV document already in place, the networks of HIV positive people and high-risk categories are feeling left out from the entire process. The Tribune has learnt that the working group on “Care and Support” set up by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) for the debate on NACP-IV document has overrepresentation of medics, with just one HIV positive person on board. Transgenders, who, as per the UNAIDS Global Report on AIDS 2010, are the most at risk in India, hardly find a representative in the consultative process. The report had shown high HIV infection rates among the high-risk categories - 4.9 per cent among female sex workers, 7.3 per cent among men who have sex with men and 9.2 per cent among injecting drug users. This when the adult HIV prevalence rate of India was just 0.31 per cent, down from 0.36 per cent in 2006. That being the case, the representatives of civil society today said NACO should ensure that those affected by the epidemic are engaged with the preparation of the new NACP document so that their actual concerns get reflected. In a resolution adopted last week by 90 NGOs working in the sector, NACO was accused of ad-hocism insofar as the document preparation was concerned. The NGOs have now demanded regional consultations for NACP-IV and an independent review of NACP III. A major concern of HIV positive also pertains to the availability of first line and second line anti-retroviral therapy. There is an acute shortage of viral load and drug resistance testing equipment in the government set ups, with few centres offering these diagnostics. P Kousalya from the Positive Women’s Network, Chennai, said, “Unless you know the first line treatment has worked, it is not right to put anyone on second line drugs. But viral load testing and drug resistance reviews are barely available.”
AIDS and INDIA n
In 2009, India had 2.39 million people living with HIV/AIDS. n
HIV prevalence among female sex workers, men having sex with men and injecting drug users much higher than the national average n
Transgenders most at risk; not enough data to know their status n
In Asia, men buying sex driving the epidemic. Behind every sex worker, there are 10 male clients
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Pawar’s stand a major setback for CM
Mumbai, May 22 During a visit to Ratnagiri where opponents of the project with support from the Shiv Sena fought pitched battles with the police last month, Pawar assured farmers and fishermen that the NCP would address their concerns before extending support for the nuclear power project. Land acquisition for the project is stuck with most of the villagers refusing to give up their land to the Nuclear Power Corporation. — TNS
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Maoists free 2 rail employees
Gaya, May 22 Leverman Suresh Ram and Dhanraj Paswan, were released by the Maoists at a spot, about 5 km away from halt number 65C, from where they were abducted by the Maoists last night, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Railways, SK Bhardwaj said. The Maoists abducted the railway employees during their 48-hour bandh call in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and
Orissa.
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Centrestage
After years of war in Iraq, we have removed 100,000 American troops and ended our combat mission there. In Afghanistan, we have broken the Taliban’s momentum, and this July we will begin to bring our troops home and continue transition to Afghan leadership. And after years of war against Al Qaeda and its affiliates, we have dealt Al Qaeda a huge blow by killing its leader – Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden and his murderous vision won some adherents. But even before his death, Al Qaeda was losing its struggle for relevance, as the overwhelming majority of people saw that the slaughter of innocents did not answer their cries for a better life. By the time we found bin Laden, Al Qaeda’s agenda had come to be seen by the vast majority of the region as a dead end and the people of the Middle East and North Africa had taken their future into their own hands. OBAMA’S ARAB Summer
That story of self-determination began six months ago in Tunisia. On December 17, a young vendor named Mohammed Bouazizi was devastated when a police officer confiscated his cart. This was not unique. It is the same kind of humiliation that takes place every day in many parts of the world – the relentless tyranny of governments that deny their citizens dignity. Only this time, something different happened. After local officials refused to hear his complaint, this young man who had never been particularly active in politics went to the headquarters of the provincial government, doused himself in fuel, and lit himself on fire. Sometimes, in the course of history, the actions of ordinary citizens spark movements for change because they speak to a longing for freedom that has built up for years. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets, then thousands. And in the face of batons and sometimes bullets, they refused to go home – day after day, week after week, until a dictator of more than two decades finally left power. The story of this Revolution, and the ones that followed, should not have come as a surprise. The nations of the Middle East and North Africa won their independence long ago, but in too many places their people did not. In too many countries, power has been concentrated in the hands of the few. In too many countries, a citizen like that young vendor had nowhere to turn – no honest judiciary to hear his case; no independent media to give him voice; no credible political party to represent his views; no free and fair election where he could choose his leader. This lack of self determination – the chance to make of your life what you will – has applied to the region’s economy as well. Yes, some nations are blessed with wealth in oil and gas, and that has led to pockets of prosperity. But in a global economy based on knowledge and innovation, no development strategy can be based solely upon what comes out of the ground. Nor can people reach their potential when you cannot start a business without paying a bribe. In the face of these challenges, too many leaders in the region tried to direct their people’s grievances elsewhere. The West was blamed as the source of all ills, a half century after the end of colonialism. Antagonism toward Israel became the only acceptable outlet for political expression. Divisions of tribe, ethnicity and religious sect were manipulated as a means of holding on to power, or taking it away from somebody else. INDIA, INDONESIA & BRAZIL
But the events of the past six months show us that strategies of repression and diversion won’t work anymore. Satellite television and the Internet provide a window into the wider world – a world of astonishing progress in places like India, Indonesia and Brazil. Cell phones and social networks allow young people to connect and organise like never before. A new generation has emerged. And their voices tell us that change cannot be denied. n
In Cairo, we heard the voice of the young mother who said, “It’s like I can finally breathe fresh air for the first time.” n
In Sanaa, we heard the students who chanted, “The night must come to n In Benghazi, we heard the engineer who said, “Our words are free now. It’s a feeling you can’t explain.” n
In Damascus, we heard the young man who said, “After the first yelling, the first shout, you feel dignity.” Of course, change of this magnitude does not come easily. In our day and age – a time of 24 hour news cycles, and constant communication – people expect the transformation of the region to be resolved in a matter of weeks. But it will be years before this story reaches its end. Along the way, there will be good days, and bad days. In some places, change will be swift; in others, gradual. And as we have seen, calls for change may give way to fierce contests for power. BUILDING OF TRUST
The question before us is what role America will play as this story unfolds. For decades, the United States has pursued a set of core interests in the region: countering terrorism and stopping the spread of nuclear weapons; securing the free flow of commerce, and safe-guarding the security of the region; standing up for Israel’s security and pursuing Arab-Israeli peace. We will continue to do these things, with the firm belief that America’s interests are not hostile to peoples’ hopes; they are essential to them. We believe that no one benefits from a nuclear arms race in the region, or Al Qaeda’s brutal attacks. People everywhere would see their economies crippled by a cut off in energy supplies. As we did in the Gulf War, we will not tolerate aggression across borders, and we will keep our commitments to friends and partners. Yet we must acknowledge that a strategy based solely upon the narrow pursuit of these interests will not fill an empty stomach or allow someone to speak their mind. Moreover, failure to speak to the broader aspirations of ordinary people will only feed the suspicion that has festered for years that the United States pursues our own interests at their expense. Given that this mistrust runs both ways – as Americans have been seared by hostage taking, violent rhetoric, and terrorist attacks that have killed thousands of our citizens – a failure to change our approach threatens a deepening spiral of division between the United States and Muslim communities. It will be the policy of the United States to promote reform across the region, and to support transitions to democracy. LIBYA & SYRIA
Unfortunately, in too many countries, calls for change have been answered by violence. The most extreme example is Libya, where Moammar Gaddafi launched a war against his people, promising to hunt them down like rats. As I said when the United States joined an international coalition to intervene, we cannot prevent every injustice perpetrated by a regime against its people, and we have learned from our experience in Iraq just how costly and difficult it is to impose regime change by force – no matter how well-intended it may be. But in Libya, we saw the prospect of imminent massacre, had a mandate for action, and heard the Libyan people’s call for help. Had we not acted along with our NATO allies and regional coalition partners, thousands would have been killed. The message would have been clear: keep power by killing as many people as it takes. Now, time is working against Gaddafi. He does not have control over his country. The opposition has organized a legitimate and credible Interim Council. And when Gaddafi inevitably leaves or is forced from power, decades of provocation will come to an end, and the transition to a democratic Libya can proceed. While Libya has faced violence on the greatest scale, it is not the only place where leaders have turned to repression to remain in power. Most recently, the Syrian regime has chosen the path of murder and the mass arrests of its citizens. The United States has condemned these actions, and working with the international community we have stepped up our sanctions on the Syrian regime – including sanctions announced yesterday on President Assad and those around him. The Syrian people have shown their courage in demanding a transition to democracy. President Assad now has a choice: he can lead that transition, or get out of the way. The Syrian government must stop shooting demonstrators and allow peaceful protests; release political prisoners and stop unjust arrests; allow human rights monitors to have access to cities like Dara’a; and start a serious dialogue to advance a democratic transition. Otherwise, President Assad and his regime will continue to be challenged from within and isolated abroad Thus far, Syria has followed its Iranian ally, seeking assistance from Tehran in the tactics of suppression. This speaks to the hypocrisy of the Iranian regime, which says it stand for the rights of protesters abroad, yet suppresses its people at home. Let us remember that the first peaceful protests were in the streets of Tehran, where the government brutalized women and men, and threw innocent people into jail. We still hear the chants echo from the rooftops of Tehran. The image of a young woman dying in the streets is still seared in our memory. And we will continue to insist that the Iranian people deserve their universal rights, and a government that does not smother their aspirations. Our opposition to Iran’s intolerance – as well as its illicit nuclear program, and its sponsorship of terror – is well known. But if America is to be credible, we must acknowledge that our friends in the region have not all reacted to the demands for change consistent with the principles that I have outlined today. That is true in Yemen, where President Saleh needs to follow through on his commitment to transfer power. And that is true, today, in Bahrain. Bahrain is a long-standing partner, and we are committed to its security. We recognize that Iran has tried to take advantage of the turmoil there, and that the Bahraini government has a legitimate interest in the rule of law. Nevertheless, we have insisted publicly and privately that mass arrests and brute force are at odds with the universal rights of Bahrain’s citizens, and will not make legitimate calls for reform go away. The only way forward is for the government and opposition to engage in a dialogue, and you can’t have a real dialogue when parts of the peaceful opposition are in jail. The government must create the conditions for dialogue, and the opposition must participate to forge a just future for all Bahrainis. OBSTACLES IN THE WAY
Real reform will not come at the ballot box alone. Through our efforts we must support those basic rights to speak your mind and access information. We will support open access to the Internet, and the right of journalists to be heard – whether it’s a big news organisation or a blogger. In the 21st century, information is power; the truth cannot be hidden; and the legitimacy of governments will ultimately depend on active and informed citizens. We look forward to working with all who embrace genuine and inclusive democracy. What we will oppose is an attempt by any group to restrict the rights of others, and to hold power through coercion – not consent. Because democracy depends not only on elections, but also strong and accountable institutions, and respect for the rights of minorities. Such tolerance is particularly important when it comes to religion. In Tahrir Square, we heard Egyptians from all walks of life chant, “Muslims, Christians, we are one.” America will work to see that this spirit prevails – that all faiths are respected, and that bridges are built among them. In a region that was the birthplace of three world religions, intolerance can lead only to suffering and stagnation. And for this season of change to succeed, Christians must have the right to worship freely in Cairo, just as Shias must never have their mosques destroyed in Bahrain. What is true for religious minorities is also true when it comes to the rights of women. History shows that countries are more prosperous and peaceful when women are empowered. That is why we will continue to insist that universal rights apply to women as well as men – by focusing assistance on child and maternal health; by helping women to teach, or start a business; by standing up for the right of women to have their voices heard, and to run for office. For the region will never reach its potential when more than half its population is prevented from achieving their potential. The greatest untapped resource in the Middle East and North Africa is the talent of its people. In the recent protests, we see that talent on display, as people harness technology to move the world. It’s no coincidence that one of the leaders of Tahrir Square was an executive for Google. That energy now needs to be channeled, in country after country, so that economic growth can solidify the accomplishments of the street. Just as democratic revolutions can be triggered by a lack of individual opportunity, successful democratic transitions depend upon an expansion of growth and broad-based prosperity. Prosperity also requires tearing down walls that stand in the way of progress – the corruption of elites who steal from their people; the red tape that stops an idea from becoming a business; the patronage that distributes wealth based on tribe or sect. We will help governments meet international obligations, and invest efforts anti-corruption; by working with parliamentarians who are developing reforms, and activists who use technology to hold government accountable. PEACE & PALESTINE
For decades, the conflict between Israelis and Arabs has cast a shadow over the region. For Israelis, it has meant living with the fear that their children could get blown up on a bus or by rockets fired at their homes, as well as the pain of knowing that other children in the region are taught to hate them. For Palestinians, it has meant suffering the humiliation of occupation, and never living in a nation of their own. Moreover, this conflict has come with a larger cost the Middle East, as it impedes partnerships that could bring greater security, prosperity, and empowerment to ordinary people. My administration has worked with the parties and the international community for over two years to end this conflict, yet expectations have gone unmet. Israeli settlement activity continues. Palestinians have walked away from talks. The world looks at a conflict that has grinded on for decades, and sees a stalemate. Indeed, there are those who argue that with all the change and uncertainty in the region, it is simply not possible to move forward. I disagree. At a time when the people of the Middle East and North Africa are casting off the burdens of the past, the drive for a lasting peace that ends the conflict and resolves all claims is more urgent than ever. For the Palestinians, efforts to delegitimise Israel will end in failure. Symbolic actions to isolate Israel at the United Nations in September won’t create an independent state. Palestinian leaders will not achieve peace or prosperity if Hamas insists on a path of terror and rejection. And Palestinians will never realise their independence by denying the right of Israel to exist. As for Israel, our friendship is rooted deeply in a shared history and shared values. Our commitment to Israel’s security is unshakeable. And we will stand against attempts to single it out for criticism in international forums. But precisely because of our friendship, it is important that we tell the truth: the status quo is unsustainable, and Israel too must act boldly to advance a lasting peace. The fact is, a growing number of Palestinians live west of the Jordan River. Technology will make it harder for Israel to defend itself. A region undergoing profound change will lead to populism in which millions of people – not just a few leaders – must believe peace is possible. The international community is tired of an endless process that never produces an outcome. The dream of a Jewish and democratic state cannot be fulfilled with permanent occupation. Ultimately, it is up to Israelis and Palestinians to take action. No peace can be imposed upon them, nor can endless delay make the problem go away. But what America and the international community can do is state frankly what everyone knows: a lasting peace will involve two states for two peoples. Israel as a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people, and the state of Palestine as the homeland for the Palestinian people; each state enjoying self-determination, mutual recognition, and peace. I recognise how hard this will be. Suspicion and hostility has been passed on for generations, and at times it has hardened. But I’m convinced that the majority of Israelis and Palestinians would rather look to the future than be trapped in the past. We see that spirit in the Israeli father whose son was killed by Hamas, who helped start an organization that brought together Israelis and Palestinians who had lost loved ones. He said, “I gradually realized that the only hope for progress was to recognize the face of the conflict.” And we see it in the actions of a Palestinian who lost three daughters to Israeli shells in Gaza. “I have the right to feel angry,” he said. “So many people were expecting me to hate. My answer to them is I shall not hate … Let us hope,” he said, “for tomorrow”
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Two customs officials booked 8 die in UP rains
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For six months, we have witnessed an extraordinary change take place in the Middle East and North Africa. Square by square, town by town, country by country, people have risen up to demand their basic human rights. Two leaders have stepped aside. More may follow. And though these countries may be a great distance from our shores, we know that our own future is bound to this region by the forces of economics and security; history and faith.
The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The meeting took place shortly after the conclusion of the second anniversary celebrations of the UPA-II government.
Having spent 15 of his 19 years of service in the field, including 12 years in the North-East, the jawan requires just 11 months service to qualify for pre-mature retirement, on which he is willing to proceed. The authorities, however, are apparently not keen to grant him this laxity and permit him to continue in his present posting at a peace station close to Chandigarh a little longer.
New Delhi, May 22
When Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee decided to take oath as the West Bengal Chief Minister on May 20, it was assumed that the date had been moved from May 18 to facilitate Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s participation in the swearing-in function in Kolkata. Mamata Banerjee had especially flown down to Delhi last week to invite Sonia Gandhi for the ceremony. It later transpired that Mamata had changed the date after it was brought to her notice that her predecessor, outgoing CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, had taken oath on May 18, five years ago. Given how quickly Buddhadeb fell from grave after his stupendous victory in the last elections, Mamata was obviously not taking any chances. As for Sonia, she decided to stay away from Mamata’s swearing-in function as it was felt that it would send a wrong message if she attended an ally’s oath-taking ceremony while ignoring the Congress victors in Assam and Kerala.
A number of ministers are feeling a little jittery as word has got around that several heads will roll in the next Cabinet reshuffle, which is expected to take place in early June. There are reports that Minister for Programme Implementation MS Gill, who was heading the Sports Ministry during the CWG, may be accommodated in one of the many vacant Raj Bhavans. But this is highly unlikely as the Congress does not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha and it can ill-afford to move out one of its sitting members. There is, however, a chance that Gill might have to sit out as an ordinary MP. According to the grapevine, Gill has made it known to the powers-that-be that the Congress might have to pay a heavy price by dropping him as it would result in a wave of resentment among Jat Sikhs of Punjab’s Majha region. Gill’s claims have come as a surprise to the Congress top brass who were unaware that the former Chief Election Commissioner had such a mass following in election-bound Punjab
Former Samajwadi Party leader and present Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma, who crossed over to the Congress a few years ago, is the latest entrant to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s growing fan club. It was, therefore, no surprise that Verma was among the first to call Pranabda’s son Abhijeet after his victory in last week’s West Bengal Assembly elections. Not just that, he also promised to set up a steel plant in his constituency. It must be pointed out here that Abhijit was with the Steel Authority before he decided to enter politics and it was Beni Prasad Verma who went out of his way to ensure that his papers were processed at a lightening speed to enable him to join the electoral fray. 
For six months, we have witnessed an extraordinary change take place in the Middle East and North Africa. Square by square, town by town, country by country, people have risen up to demand their basic human rights. Two leaders have stepped aside. More may follow. And though these countries may be a great distance from our shores, we know that our own future is bound to this region by the forces of economics and security; history and faith.
