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KEY CONSTITUENCY: SRINAGAR
TDP promises sops to women
Political migration is flavour of season in AP
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Bodo ultras still a threat in Assam
Jaswant’s exit: Raje tries to widen caste base
Gogoi’s son: Don’t let Modi convert Assam into Gujarat
EC bans announcement of new liquor vends
Modi sees conspiracy in chopper delay, demands EC probe
Huge haul of explosives in Bihar
Kurukshetra gears up for another battle
Pollution-hit Sutana village in Haryana decides not to vote
campaign trail interview Rush at public meetings bodes well for
BJP: Jaitley Ink remark: EC tells Pawar to be careful
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Farooq Abdullah eyes third term
Pitted against PDP’s Tariq Hameed Karra; banks on development by state government Ehsan Fazili Tribune News Service
Srinagar, April 1 National Conference patron and Union Minister Farooq Abdullah is seeking re-election from his home constituency Srinagar for the third time. He is pitted against People's Democratic Party candidate Tariq Hameed Karra. Supported by the coalition partner - the Congress - Farooq Abdullah is banking on development works undertaken by the coalition government in the state The BJP, AAP and the newly floated regional Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) have also jumped in the poll fray, but observers feel it will be a direct fight between Farooq Abdullah and Tariq Hameed Karra. The National Conference, a coalition partner of the Congress, is banking on its government's performance since January 2009. In his first election rally in the Budgam area of the Srinagar Lok Sabha segment last week, the NC chief described the LS polls as a "semi-final" prior to the Assembly elections later this year. The party plans to go to the people with four major points - development during the past five years, grant of autonomy, partial revocation of the AFSPA and rehabilitation of militants returning from PoK or Pakistan. The PDP is going with its counter attack on the five years of "mis-governance" of the NC-Congress coalition government, scams, including the MBBS entrance and cricket scams, and frequent incidents of alleged firing on peaceful protesters. It has sought a "J&K policy" in Parliament, union ministry of J&K affairs and self-rule in the trouble-torn state. The party's bigwig, Mehbooba Mufti, who has made it to the Lok Sabha from Anantnag in 2004, has chosen to contest from her home constituency this time. The party has nominated senior leader Tariq Hameed Qarra for Srinagar, this being his home constituency. He was elected to the state assembly in 2004 following the death of NC stalwart Ghulam Mohiuddin Shah. Qarra was later inducted as the Finance Minister in the PDP-Congress coalition government. Farooq Abdullah was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1980, but had to return to the state to take over as the Chief Minister following the death of his father Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in September 1982. Having decided to remain aloof from the state politics, he did not contest the 2002 Assembly elections and was later elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2002 and then in February 2009. He won the assembly elections from two seats - Hazratbal and Sonwar - in 2008. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2009. * NC president and Union Minister Farooq Abdullah is pitted against PDP's Tariq Hameed Qarra *
11.17 lakh voters in three districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam comprising 15 assembly segments will decide the fate of contestants on April 30. *
Of the 15 constituencies, the NC has representation in 12 segments, including eight in Srinagar, two in Ganderbal and two in Budgam districts. *
The Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency has been represented by the National Conference in all elections since 1977, except in 1996, when it did not participate in the poll. |
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TDP promises sops to women
Hyderabad, April 1 Releasing separate manifestos for Telangana and Seemandhra, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu assured that his party, if voted to power, would set up a dedicated helpline for women to ensure their security. Mobile phones would be given free of cost to the women belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, he added. The TDP, which lost power in 2004 after ruling the state for 10 years, promised to waive all loans obtained by self-help women groups and construct buildings for them to run their offices. Naidu also promised to provide unemployment dole of Rs 2,000 per month for the jobless youth in both the states while the old-age pension for the poor would be increased from the present Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month. All households in both the states were assured of uninterrupted power supply and 20 litres of mineral water for Rs 20 and free education for poor children from KG to post graduation. The TDP also assured to waive of agricultural loans. The TDP has promised two acres to the landless and free houses, NTR health cards and addition of many more ailments that will be treated free of cost. "All the assigned lands in possession of farmers and the poor in both the regions will be regularised. For the urban poor, there will be a canteen scheme where meals will be available for Rs 5 while for the middle class there will be a separate housing scheme. A system will be put in place where the police will reach women in distress within five minutes. We will give Rs 10,000 per month to new mothers for six months," Naidu said.
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Political migration is flavour of season in AP
Hyderabad, April 1 Around 80 MLAs across the political spectrum in the 294-member Assembly have switched their loyalties in a bid to secure their political future. The changing dynamics of the state following the bifurcation of the state has triggered large-scale political migration. The ruling Congress is the worst hit, accounting for the highest number of defections. More then 45 legislators, elected on the Congress ticket in the 2009 elections, have since left the party and joined either the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) or the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). The defectors include former Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who quit his post in protest against the division of the state and floated his own party Jai Samaikyandhra.
The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and YSRCP, headed by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, have emerged as favoured destinations in Telangana and Seemandhra, respectively, for political migratory birds from the Congress camp. Of late, several Seemandhra Congress MLAs have been joining the TDP as the YSRCP has put up a "no vacancy" board for the poll-eve defectors. Former Union Minister D Purandeswari was the high profile migrant from the Congress. She joined the BJP while another veteran MP from Eluru Kavuri Sambasiva Rao is also planning to join the saffron party. Another senior Congress leader and a six-time MP from Guntur Rayapati Sambasiva Rao quit the party and joined the TDP in the presence of N Chandrababu Naidu. Daughter of the Telugu matinee idol and former Chief Minister NT Rama Rao, Purandeswari, was inducted into the Manmohan Singh cabinet in 2006. She quit the cabinet and the Congress recently to protest against the bifurcation of the state. In a further setback to the Congress, three former ministers in the Kiran Kumar Reddy cabinet, TG Venkatesh, G Aruna Kumari and E Pratap Reddy joined the TDP.
Although the TDP attracted over 27 Seemandhra Congress legislators into its fold, it lost 14 MLAs in Telangana who migrated to the TRS. Another four Congress MLAs also joined the TRS, which is a dominant force in the region. The leadership vacuum created by the sudden death of Congress Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy in a helicopter crash in September 2009 and the division of the state have contributed to the churning and re-alignment of political forces in the state. In the 2009 elections, the Congress had bagged 33 out of the total 42 Lok
Seemandhra region accounts for 175 assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats while Telangana has 119 MLAs and 17 MPs. The elections are being held in two phases on April 30 and May 7, covering Telangana and Seemandhra regions, respectively. June 2 has been fixed as the "appointed date" for the new state of Telangana to come into existence. Switching loyalties
* Around 80 MLAs of various political parties in the 294-member Assembly have switched their loyalties to secure their political future *
More than over 45 legislators, elected on the Congress ticket in the 2009 elections, have left the party and joined either the Telugu Desam Party or the YSR Congress Party. *
MPs and MLAs from Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra regions have been leaving the Congress in search of greener pastures ahead of the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. *
The TDP attracted 27 Seemandhra Congress legislators into its fold, it lost 14 MLAs in Telangana to the
TRS. * The TRS and YSRCP have emerged as favoured destinations in Telangana and Seemandhra for Congress defectors Key defectors
* Former Chief Minister , N Kiran Kumar Reddy * Former Union Minister,
D Purandeswari * Six-time MP from Guntur Rayapati Sambasiva Rao * Purandeswari *
TG Venkatesh * G Aruna Kumari * E Pratap
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Bodo ultras still a threat in Assam
Guwahati, April 1 A team of the Election Commission of India that visited Assam recently also observed that security was one of the major concerns for the commission during polls. The team instructed the state home department to ensure violence-free elections. The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Sangbijit), which is one of the most potent insurgent groups, has warned the Congress and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) for their alleged anti-Bodo people policies. The outfit has issued threats to Congress candidate form the Tezpur Lok Sabha seat Bhupen Bora terming him 'anti-Bodo' and 'anti-tribal'. This has prompted the Assam police to strengthen the security cover to the Congress candidate, who is a sitting MLA and Parliamentary Secretary in Assam. The outfit had called for a shutdown on March 27 to prevent people from attending Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's rally in the Tezpur Lok Sabha segment. In a statement issued through the local media, the outfit said Rahul Gandhi had failed to promote the cause of the Bodo tribals and had warned him against entering the ‘Bodoland’ territory. The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Sangbijit) had also warned people against attending Rahul's rally. The outfit is fighting for a sovereign Bodoland encompassing the entire northern bank of the Brahmaputra from Kokrajhar district in the west Assam to Dhemaji in the east Assam. This northern bank of the mighty river has four Lok Sabha constituencies of Kokrajhar, Mangaldai, Tezpur and Lakhimpur. The security forces have started operations against the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Sangbijit). Two security men were injured when the ultras of this outfit fired at a team of the Assam Police, Cobra Force and IRBN jawans at Moinjuli in Udalguri district recently. The injured jawans were airlifted to Guwahati for treatment. The anti-talks faction of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Assam called ULFA (Independent) is also on the security forces' radar in the eastern Assam. The outfit is strong in the areas bordering Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Chopper service
The Assam Police have made arrangements for a special chopper service to deal with any exigency during the elections in the remote parts of the state. Director General of Police (DGP) Khagen Sharma said: "Initially, two choppers are at our disposal in case of an emergency. Security arrangements will be reviewed time to time during elections."
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Jaswant’s exit: Raje tries to widen caste base
New Delhi, April 1
By favouring Choudhary over Jaswant, Raje may have helped polarise Jat votes in BJP’s favour, the damage caused by veteran’s exit is expected to be countered by Kalvi, who is the leader of Karni Sena, which claims to have membership of seven lakh Rajputs in the desert state. “Kalvi’s inclusion is meant to counter the impression that Raje is against Rajputs,” the leaders said. In all, the almost purposeful marginalisation of Singh is part of the bigger picture to reset caste equations and include Jats in the traditional Brahmin-Bania-Rajput configuration of the party’s support base in the state. Even though Raje is believed to have personal scores to settle with the veteran leader, sources say the move had the blessings of Narendra Modi, who found Singh a misfit in the BJP’s new refurbished avatar. Jats are electorally the most significant community in not just the north-western Rajasthan but also neighbouring Punjab and Haryana. They outnumber Rajputs and are capable of deciding the outcome of the General Elections. The party has high hopes from this new social engineering experiment, as so far OBCs and Jats in the state have generally steered away from the BJP because of its reputation of being a party of Brahmin, Banias and Rajputs. Wooing Jats, consolidating Rajputs
* By favouring Sonaram Choudhary over Jaswant for Barmer seat, Raje may have helped polarise Jat votes in the BJP's favour *
The damage caused by the veteran's exit is expected to be countered by inclusion of Lokendra Singh Kalvi, who is the leader of Karni Sena, which claims to have seven lakh Rajputs as members in the desert state. *
Party leaders believe Kalvi's inclusion is meant to counter the impression that Raje is against Rajputs.
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Gogoi’s son: Don’t let Modi convert Assam into Gujarat
Dhing (Assam), April 1 “We don’t need a Gujarat in Assam. In Gujarat, Modi doesn’t work for the poor and downtrodden and women empowerment, but for the big industry houses. Here we (Congress) work for development and empowerment of poor, women, youth and old. So, cast your vote to prevent Modi and the BJP from converting Assam to Gujarat,” said Gaurav, who is contesting his first election from his family fiefdom in the Kaliabor constituency. Gaurav claimed people of the Kaliabor constituency would send him to the Lok Sabha as they had done for his father on three occasions earlier. Gaurav is facing a triangular contest in Kaliabor with BJP’s Mrinal Saikia and the AGP’s Dr Arun Kumar Sharma. The constituency is dominated by religious Muslim voters in most of the Assembly segments.
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EC bans announcement of new liquor vends
New Delhi, April 1 Also, the Election Commission of India reiterated its earlier instructions banning elected representatives like MPs, MLAs, Mayor and Zila Parishad members from being polling agents for candidates. On allotting of liquor vends in the new financial year, that commenced today, the EC barred the states from announcing any new policy in view of the Model Code of Conduct that came into force on March 5. The Election Commission has allowed the states to make only interim arrangements on already existing terms and conditions that would allow the sale of liquor but it would mean no new vends or policies. “The state government or the authorities can make an interim arrangement beyond the current financial year (ended March 31), pending regular arrangement such interim arrangement may be made with the contractors or vendors concerned on the existing terms and conditions.” In case the states have no such enabling provision in the existing excise laws, the state government may go ahead with the normal practice followed in the previous year strictly in accordance with the existing laws for the grant of new licenses/contracts for the fiscal commencing today. The procedure be followed till polls are over in the respective states. The Election Commission issued instructions barring Union and State ministers, MPs and MLAs to act as election agent, polling agent or counting agent of any candidate during the elections. “If an MP or MLA or a sitting Minister acts as an agent of a candidate that would not be desirable from the point of view of maintaining the level playing field during an election apart from security being compromised.” The Election Commission of India reminded that in 2009 elections it had prohibited Mayors of corporation, chairman of Municipality, Zila Parishad and Panchayats from acting as agents. “A large number of employees of local ( municipal) authorities are deployed on election duty, Therefore' a Mayor of corporation or chairman of municipality, zila parishad, or panchayat union, etc acting as agent for a candidate will be improper and would be contrary to the spirit of level-playing field”. Elected representatives can’t be poll agents
* The EC also issued instructions barring Union and State Ministers, MPs and MLAs to act as election agent, polling agent or counting agent of any candidate during elections. *
It said: "If an MP or MLA or a sitting Minister acts as an agent of a candidate that would not be desirable from the point of view of maintaining the level playing field during an election apart from security being compromised."
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Modi sees conspiracy in chopper delay, demands EC probe
Rewa (MP), April 1 Daring the Congress-led UPA, the BJP prime ministerial candidate said that if it was so scared of him, it should declare that it would not let him fly during this election. Speaking at a rally here which began hours behind schedule, Modi said that the Election Commission is the "umpire" in the ongoing electoral contest so it should ensure that all political parties are treated the same. "I request the Election Commission, as you are the umpire you should see who were the people who conspired to delay my helicopter by three hours. All political parties should have a level-playing field," he said. Apparently holding the UPA government responsible for the delays, an angry Modi said that his "helicopter may or may not take-off but the government at the centre will definitely be sent packing." The BJP leader said that he was upset as the delays caused inconvenience to the people who came to hear him. A few hours earlier at a rally in Bareilly in UP, Modi had levelled the same charge "This delay was not because of me. At the Delhi airport I sat from 9.30 am onwards but our helicopter was not given permission to fly," Modi said in Bareilly. BJP too urged the Election Commission to launch a probe into alleged delay in giving flying permission to Modi's chopper and said that it was the government's responsibility to ensure that star campaigners of all parties are not inconvenienced in this way. The party said that it will be in bad taste if the delay had been deliberately caused to upset Modi's programme. "It will be in bad taste if the government does such petty things. Government should act pro-actively. The EC should also inquire and give direction to aviation authorities and others concerned so that star campaigners of parties are not inconvenienced in this way," BJP treasurer Piyush Goyal told reporters at the party headquarters here. — PTI
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Huge haul of explosives in Bihar
Bhabhua/Nawada (Bihar), April 1 A man was arrested after 12,000 electronic detonators and 129 kg of explosives were recovered from his car on the Grand Trunk Road in Kaipmr district today, Superintendent of Police Ratna Mani Sanjeev said. All the 12,000 detonators are of electronic variety. They have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for tests. The arrested person was also carrying ammonium nitrate and gelatin sticks in his car. — PTI
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Kurukshetra gears up for another battle
Kurukshetra, April 1 Incumbent MP and Congress candidate from the seat, Naveen Jindal, is eyeing a hat-trick while the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) is leaving no opportunity of criticising him on his alleged involvement in the coal scam. The constituency comprises nine Vidhan Sabha segments — four in Kurukshetra district (Thanesar, Pehowa, Ladwa and Shahabad), four in Kaithal district (Pundri, Kalayat, Kaithal and Gulha) and one (Radaur) in Yamunanagar district. Of the nine Assembly constituencies, five are being represented by INLD legislators — Thanesar (Ashok Arora, state INLD chief), Ladwa (Sher Singh Badshami), Gulha (Phool Singh), Radaur (Dr Bishan Singh Saini) and Kalayat (Rampal Majra) while Congress legislators have stronghold on the others — Kaithal (Randeep Surjewala), Pundri (Sultan Singh Jadola), Shahabad (Anil Dhantodi) and Pehowa (Haromihnder Singh Chattha, Haryana Finance Minister). Naveen Jindal, who won the elections in 2004 and 2009, is facing a tough competition from Balbir Singh Saini (INLD), Raj Kumar Saini (BJP), Balwinder Kaur (AAP) and Chattar Singh Kashyap (BSP). Besides 13 candidates from various parties, nine Independent, including former IGP, Haryana, Ranbir Sharma, who joined AAP after taking voluntary retirement, are also in the fray. INLD targets BJP, Cong
The INLD is not only targeting Naveen Jindal, but BJP candidate Raj Kumar Saini as well. INLD leader Abhay Chautala sparked a row by claiming that his party had once bought Saini for Rs 25 lakh to form its government. BJP candidate Raj Kumar Saini, however, refuted the allegations and said: “All allegations are baseless and I have never accepted even a glass of water from the Chautala family. The INLD is trying to defame me.” Raj Kumar Saini was the state minister in Bansi Lal's government. INLD candidate Balbir Saini, who hails from Pehowa, and BJP candidate Raj Kumar Saini are relatives and both have been avoiding making personal comments on each other, but not missing any opportunity to target each other's party. Balbir says, "The INLD is getting good support from all quarters and it doesn’t have any disadvantage, but there is a grief among workers as senior leaders (party supremo Om Prakash Chautala, Ajay Chautala and Sher Singh Badshami) are in jail and not canvassing for its candidates." The INLD senior leaders are serving jail term in the teacher recruitment scam. Despite being a target of almost all other candidates, Naveen Jindal avoids making any personal comment and seeks support on the work he had done. Jindal says: “It is a matter of personality, I don't like making personal comments. Moreover, I don’t have time for indulging in such petty things. I am confident that I have worked well and would win with a better margin.” AAP candidate Balwinder Kaur, who is contesting election for the first time, asks the people to reject all other parties and support them. Kaur says: “Only AAP can bring democracy in the country.” The seat has been dominated by the Saini community. Saini candidates have won it four times while the Sikh and Baniya candidates thrice each. Kurukshetra witnessed its first election in 1977 which was won by Raghbir Singh Virk of the Bhartiya Lok Dal. And then the seat was won by Manohar Lal Saini of the Janta Party (S) in 1980, Sardar Harpal Singh (INC) in 1984, Gurdial Singh Saini (Janta Dal) in 1989, Tara Singh (INC) in 1991, OP Jindal (Haryana Vikas Party) in 1996, Kailasho Saini of Haryana Lok Dal (Rashtryia) in 1998 and then in 1999 on the INLD ticket while Naveen Jindal (INC) in 2004 and 2009. 2 women in the race
For the second time in history, two women candidates are in the fray, Besides AAP candidate Balwinder Kaur, Indian Bahujan Sandesh Party president Kanta Alariya is also contesting. Before this, it was in 1984 when two women candidates dared to contest against 18 of their counterparts. The BJP had fielded Kamla Verma while Kala Devi contested as an Independent. In the constituency, a total of 14,98,459 voters, including 6,90,759 women, are eligible to vote at 1,534 polling stations against 11,68,405 eligible in 2009. The constituency had 206 sensitive and 419 hyper-sensitive polling stations.
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This pollution-hit village in Haryana decides not to vote
Sutana, april 1 Owning to lackadaisical behaviour of politicians towards their problems, including pollution from the 1,360-MW Panipat Thermal Power Station (PTPS), over 5,000 voters of Sutana, a village located in the Israna Assembly segment of Karnal, have decided to not to vote. “We have decided to boycott the Lok Sabha elections. We don't have any other option, but to take the decision to draw attention of the central leadership of parties towards our problems. So far the state leadership has failed to address them,” said Raj Singh Sutana, a villager. Villagers held meetings on March 16 and March 30 and decided to boycott the polls. Elderly Ramphal said: “Over 10,000 villagers are living in pitiable conditions since decades due to pollution by the plant. We have been breathing in polluted air and drinking contaminated water. As a result, many villagers are suffering from serious diseases. Politicians used to come here just to seek votes." Rampat Sharma, another villager, said: “Ash flying from the plant has polluted air, makes it even more difficult to breathe here. We cannot sit or sleep in the open and even can not put our wet clothes outside to dry.” Another villager Suresh Kumar said:”We are forced to drink polluted water as the underground water here has got contaminated due to seepage of toxic chemicals from the PTPS ash-disposal pond.” “A few villagers have installed ROs, but all can not afford them. The water is so contaminated that they can even damage ROs filters,” said Krishan. “Sixty per cent population of the village is suffering from one or the other disease. Over 20 persons, including young Nehru Sutana and Hari Ram, are suffering from paralysis. Many villagers are suffering from respiratory diseases. Kidney problems, skin and abdomen-related diseases, high BP and grey hair illness are common among youngsters,” said Mohinder Singh. Ramesh said: "Over 400 acres fertile land belonging to 100 farmers have turned barren following continuous seepage of effluents containing high concentration of arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury from the PTPS pond.” “Not even a single villager was offered a job in the plant despite the fact that over 2,000 acres village land was acquired for installing its various units from time to time. “No candidate contesting from Karnal has so far conducted any public meeting at the village. Only Virender Maratha (BSP) has visited a few houses of his community in the village,” said Satpal. “ Now, we decided to boycott the polls so that politicians can pay heed to our demands. We want a permanent solution to our problems.,” said Ramphal.
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campaign trail Ravinder Saini Tribune News Service
Bhiwani, April 1 It’s sharp at 5 in the morning and Shruti is up for the day’s grind. Giving herself sometime for yoga, newspapers, breakfast and ‘puja’, she steps out to meet her workers anytime after 6.30 am. After holding a brief meeting with workers, who have already gathered in her residence at Vijay Nagar, she draws the canvassing strategy for the day. Not forgetting to put her tiffin-box of lunch in her car, she zips in her SUV at 8 am to cover the 34 public meetings scheduled for the day. Talking to The Tribune, she says: “Even though my schedule is quite tight, I make it a point not to get late for any of these meetings as people wait for me leaving their routine work.” Devsar Dhaam village is her first stoppage where people have gathered outside a dharmshala to hear to her. As soon as she alights from her SUV, people roaming around the venue take their seats on chairs and carpet in front of the dais. Shruti takes merely five minutes to conclude her first speech of the day, pointing towards children sitting in first two rows that she wants to ensure their future is secure, hence “choose only such a candidate who possesses the ability to perform in this direction.” She is well aware that former CM late Ch Bansi Lal —she is his granddaughter — is respected a lot, especially in Bhiwani district, even eight years after his death. In her speech, Shruti does not forget to make people recall that it was none other than her grandfather who made “tireless efforts for the development of the region”. “I believe in clean politics and stay away from showoff of money and muscle power. I don’t waste my energy on criticising my rivals. I use the opportunity to highlight my five-year achievements,” she says. Shruti's convoy then leaves for second destination at Dhirana village where she is to address three-corner meetings organised in different parts of the village. After the meetings, the organisers are so enthused by the response that they assure Shruti of “raising her victory margin at their booths much more than last time”. Next, a young man with folded hands informs Shruti that he has come to the village from Bangalore for the polls and will return only "after her victory". She greets him for his fervour. In Dhirana Majra and Kalan villages, veiled women are keen to speak to Shruti. They initiate interaction with her on campaigning and end with some problems being faced by them in getting pension. Shruti assures them that she will look into the issue after the elections. Thereafter, she addresses a series of meetings at Nawan Ki Dhani, Ahir Ki Dhani and Gujra Ki Dhani, Dhani Ganga, Nand Gaon, Jharwai, Roogarh, Neemriwali, Kitlana, Goriyapur, Dharheru and Badala villages. Her next stoppage is for lunch. On being asked about her short-speech without blend of local dialect that is generally used by politicians to impress the voters, Shruti says, "I believe in work instead of showing off. As I have to reach part of this constituency comprising more than 700 villages, I try to present my view before the voters in short but a logical manner." It’s around 7:30 pm when Shruti seeks support and votes from people at her last public meeting for the day in Bamla and Phulpura villages. Before concluding the programme, she makes it a point to seek blessings of the elderly people who are not a part of the gathering but are sitting outside their houses. "Your blessings matter a lot for me," she addresses them, and moves on towards her house.
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interview Eradicating corruption, inclusive growth and strong leadership are HJC president’s poll planks Deepender Deswal Tribune News Service
Hisar, April 1
The NDA has a clear stand on the corruption issue. I don't think that they would want to have association with the party whose top leadership is facing jail term on graft charges. I believe that the SAD is advocating for the INLD. On April 7, BJP leader Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a rally in Fatebahad in support of HJC nominee at the Sirsa seat. The rally will not only strengthen the alliance further but will also clear the air created by the INLD among the electorate. You raised objection before BJP president Rajnath Singh on the NDA constituent SAD's announcement to support the INLD in Haryana. Have you got any response on the issue? Yes, I have registered my protest but I am yet to hear from him. SAD’s campaign is definitely objectionable for the NDA ally partners in Haryana. I have read in newspapers that Akali Dal leaders have campaigned for the INLD in Ambala and Kurukshetra against the BJP nominees. Let the BJP leadership decide how to deal with it. Your take on the decision to field your elder brother Chander Mohan from Karnal, who backed out the next day and then BJP give you from Sirsa instead of Karnal? Are you working under BJP pressure? I have never buckled under any pressure. The decision to change the seat from Karnal to Sirsa was taken after my brother was reminded by our workers about a promise made by my father to field a Brahmin candidate from that seat. Since I did not have a good Brahmin candidate in Karnal, I opted for Sirsa. Sushil Indora is a strong candidate and was in touch with me for over a year. I have a wish to take Chautalas head on in their home constituency, which was fulfilled after swapping of the seats. The BJP gave ticket to Congressmen who switched sides recently in Gurgaon, Bhiwani-Mahendergarh and Sonepat. You too preferred to field Indora within minutes of his decision to quit the Congress to join you at your residence. Why so much dependence on turncoats? Rajneeti mein logo ka aana jana laga rahta hai. Those who feel smothered in their parties, can chose own political path. But I regard a person opportunist if he revolts against the party after being denied the ticket. Do you mean your Sirsa nominee is an opportunistic as he left the Congress to grab the HJC ticket ? No. I told you that he was in touch with me for over a year. He had made up his mind to quit the Congress long back. Your rivals term you as ‘B team of the Congress’ and say that Kuldeep will have to merge with the Congress sooner or later. I have been hearing this ever since I floated my party. It’s their wishful thinking. In fact, I have been more vocal against the Congress and its chief Sonia Gandhi. These are mere rumours with not an iota of truth in it. The Congress is no longer a party which my father Bhajan Lal nurtured for 50 years. It has deviated from its fundamentals. Recently, INLD leaders accused you of graft. They also alleged it was your father who introduced corruption in Hayrana. First, it’s not civil to insult a person who is no longer alive. My family faced five inquiries in a corruption case from different agencies. We came clean in every inquiry. Your issues for the LS elections? Eradicating corruption, inclusive growth and strong leadership at the Centre are my major poll planks. Your view of the prospects of the coalition in Haryana? The HJC-BJP alliance is getting overwhelming response in the state. I have campaigned in Karnal, Bhiwani, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Sirsa, etc. A strong anti-incumbency wave is sweeping the state and the Congress will be wiped out like never before. Is this election a semifinal for the state Assembly polls, which are expected in a few months? What will be your party’s strategy for the state elections? It's rather a final. The LS poll outcome will have a strong bearing on the Assembly polls. We will redraw our strategy after analysing the segment-wise poll results of the parliamentary elections.
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Rush at public meetings bodes well for
BJP: Jaitley New Delhi, April 1 Addressing a meeting of party workers in the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency from where Meenakshi Lekhi is contesting the election, he said, "For the first time in my political career, I am witnessing such a rush at public meetings. After the 1977 election, it is for the first time that people are eager to listen to their leaders and assemble in a large number for public rallies." He said there was a wave in favour of the BJP in these elections. It indicated that the saffron party might win around 283 seats, while the Congress would be able to manage only around 100 seats. Surveys appearing in the media also indicated this, he said. Jaitley said elections were generally contested against the ruling party, but the elections this time were being contested against the Opposition party-the BJP. The Congress, the AAP and the Left were speaking against the BJP and its prime ministerial candidate, he said.
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Ink remark: EC tells Pawar to be careful New Delhi, April 1 In its order on Pawar's call to his supporters asking them to vote twice after removing the indelible ink in the Lok Sabha election in Maharashtra, the poll panel said it was "not satisfied" with his explanation but decided not to pursue the matter further. The EC said Pawar's call to vote at more than one place was in violation of the law. — PTI
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Salman Khan ‘awestruck’ by Cong nominee
Forward Bloc rules out alliance with Cong 4th phase nomination in UP to start today
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With 11.17 lakh voters comprising 15 assembly segments, the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat is the most prestigious constituencies in the state.
Although insurgency has been on the wane in Assam after the government managed to woo outlawed militant groups for negotiations, a handful of insurgent groups are still posing a security threat, especially during the Lok Sabha elections.
Campaigning along the dusty roads in interiors of the Kaliabor Lok Sabha constituency in Assam, Gaurav
Gogoi, son of Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, makes it a point to alert the voters in this religious minority dominated constituency to prevent Narendra Modi from converting Assam to Gujarat.
With flight delays stalking his election campaign in UP and MP, Narendra Modi today attacked the Centre alleging a ''conspiracy'' and demanded that Election Commission probe the matter.
Residents of Sutana, a village in Panipat, have participated enthusiastically in every Assembly and Parliamentary elections since Independence, but this time, they have decided to boycott the Lok Sabha elections slated for April 10.
Bhiwani, April 1
BJP candidate for the Amritsar parliamentary constituency Arun Jaitley today said the rush of people at public rallies held in different parts of the country indicated that the
BJP-led NDA would form the next government at the Centre by winning more than two-thirds of the seats in the forthcoming LS elections.
NC stronghold
A majority of the elected representatives, including MPs and MLAs, from Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra regions, jointly referred to as Seemandhra, have been leaving the party in search of greener pastures ahead of the simultaneous elections to the Assembly and Lok Sabha. This is because of the growing public anger in Seemandhra over the UPA government's decision to split the state.
The BJP may not have gone to the town announcing the induction of former Barmer MP Kalyan Singh Kalvi’s son Lokendra Singh Kalvi and Sonaram Choudhary in Barmer, but Raje, behind-the-scene protagonist - has managed to endear herself to Jats and initiate the process of changing prevailing caste equations to broaden the party’s base. 
There have been a lot of speculations about the fate of the HJC-BJP alliance as the INLD too is showing keenness in joining the NDA. Do you fear a break-up threat?
'Progressive Forum' to take on Modi