The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Modi’s visit has re-energised ties: US
Ashish Kumar Sen in Washington

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US was “extraordinarily successful” and has “re-energised” the Indo-US relationship, senior US officials have said.

“The assessment on our part is that the Prime Minister’s visit was extraordinarily successful. I believe it has provided a boost in terms of the vision and the focus we have for our bilateral relations. We are excited to be moving forward with a re-energised strategic partnership,” said Philip Reiner, Senior Director for South Asia at the National Security Council.

Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian affairs, echoed that sentiment. “This visit in some ways went a long way towards re-energising and re-launching the bilateral relationship,” she said. Reiner and Biswal on Thursday briefed a group of foreign correspondents on the outcomes of Modi’s visit. Modi and Obama met face to face for the first time over dinner at the White House on Monday. They appeared to have struck a chord. Obama expressed admiration for how Modi kept up his energy levels on a liquid diet.

Obama and Modi bonded over similar experiences of being elected to office by large mandates and the realisation of how badly governments work. They also talked about their efforts to embrace technology. Obama related anecdotes to Modi of his visit to India in November of 2010 and the joy he experienced being able to dance. The official discussion between Modi and Obama on Tuesday focused on a broad range of issues, including the strategic partnership, India’s neighbourhood, regional economic ties, health, climate change, defence and security issues, counterterrorism, and trade and economics.

India and the US agreed to work together to dismantle financial and tactical support for terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company and the Haqqani network. In response to a question on whether Indo-US collaboration on drone strikes against the Pakistan-based terrorist sanctuaries was on the cards, Biswal replied: “Well, those are not conversations that I am going to get into here, but we’re certainly talking about all actions that we’re taking ourselves through US strikes against ISIL, for example. And we’re also open to our conversations with all our partners in the region about what role they want to play and how they can be helpful in those efforts.” She added, “We have sought to have a robust relationship on counterterrorism with India, Pakistan and all countries of the region.” Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Susan Rice discussed tackling the spread of extremism when they met in Washington on Thursday. They discussed how best to build on the accomplishments of Modi’s visit and “strengthen the US-India strategic partnership for the benefit of citizens in both countries,” according to a White House readout. They also talked about cooperation on maritime security, reinforcing stability in Afghanistan, and agreed to work together to address global crises such as the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa.

Modi, Obama did not discuss Kashmir
The Kashmir issue never popped up during the discussion between US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi when they met at the White House this week. “I’m almost 100 per cent sure that the word Kashmir actually did not come up (during Obama-Modi talks),” Philip Reiner, Senior Director for South Asia, National Security Council, said.

Dawood’s Qaida links worry India, US
Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 3
The US has been looking for India’s most-wanted terror mastermind Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar for more than a decade, tightening a noose around his empire of terror financing and ill-gotten wealth that includes cricket betting rackets.

It is Dawood’s link with the Al-Qaida that makes him an important cog in the global terror machine and a vital catch, not just for India but for the US which leads the global war on terror. At the recent meeting between US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ‘D-company’, euphuism for Dawood’s gang, was specially mentioned along with other global terror groups.

The Indo-US joint statement issued on September 30 had said: “The leaders (Modi-Obama) reaffirmed their deep concern over the continued threat posed by terrorism, the dismantling of safe havens for terrorist and criminal networks, to disrupt all financial and tactical support for networks such as Al-Qaida, Lashkar-e Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, the D-Company and the Haqqanis”.

The US, in 2003, named Dawood as a “specially designated global terrorist” having links with Al-Qaida and for financing activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terrorist organisations. The US Treasury Department froze his assets within that country. His long-time aide Chotta Shakeel was listed in 2012 as a “specially designated narcotics trafficker” by the Treasury Department.

India’s National Investigation Agency in 2012 put Dawood on a global “most wanted” list while in May 2005, the United Nations named Dawood on its most wanted list of individuals having links with the Al-Qaida.

Indo-US joint statement mentioned D-Company
The statement stressed disrupting all financial and tactical support for networks such as Al-Qaida, Lashkar-e Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, the D-Company and the Haqqanis
The US, in 2003, named Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar (pic) as a “specially designated global terrorist” having links with Al-Qaida. He is also on the UN’s most wanted list of individuals having links with Al-Qaida

Gandhian way real option to counter terror: Swaraj

United Nations, October 3
As the world faces growing challenges of terrorism, the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi have become all the more pertinent and the Gandhian way is a “real, live option” to confront the global challenges, India has said here as the UN commemorated his 145th birth anniversary.

“The question to ask is not whether Mahatma Gandhi is relevant or not. The real issue is whether we have the courage and strength of mind to follow in his footsteps, whether we are prepared to live our lives by what he preached and most importantly, practiced,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said yesterday.

She was speaking on the occasion of the ‘International Day of Non-violence’ which is commemorated annually by the UN on Gandhi’s birthday.

Swaraj said that instead of diminishing in relevance, Mahatma Gandhi has “actually become all the more pertinent” in the 21st century. “Whichever the challenge we confront, you can be sure that the Gandhian way is a real, live option, an option that informs and illuminates,” she said. — PTI

Jaya spent Rs 3 cr on foster son’s wedding: Court

Bangalore, October 3
Holding that it was AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa who had paid for the arrangements for the lavish marriage of her now estranged foster son V N Sudhakaran, the special court in the disproportionate assets case against her pegged the expenses incurred by her at Rs 3 crore.

Sudhakaran’s marriage, dubbed as “mother of all weddings” was held in 1995 when Jayalalithaa was Chief Minister and had raised a huge controversy, inviting public criticism for ostentation, protests and petitions to court.

“It is established in evidence that huge amount was spent towards the printing of invitation, publication of thanks in the dailies, ‘tamboolam’ and valuable presents given to the guests, all of which would certainly entail an expense of more than Rs 3 crore even by modest and conservative estimation,” Special Judge John Michael D’ Cunha said.

“Taking into consideration all the above facts and circumstances, a sum of Rs 3 crores is taken as the expenses incurred by A-1 (Jayalalithaa) towards arrangement for the marriage of A-3 (Sudhakaran),” he said rejecting their contention that the expenses were met by the bride’s family. — PTI

AIADMK’s 12-hour bandh in Pondy today
Chennai: Protests continued across Tamil Nadu on Friday against the conviction of AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case and the party’s Puducherry unit has decided to observe a “dawn-to-dusk” bandh in the Union Territory on Saturday.

black-marketing
CCTVs at rly ticket centres to counter touts

New Delhi, october 3
To prevent black-marketing of tickets, the railways is installing CCTV cameras at all major reservation centres across the country and has deputed commercial inspectors to monitor its footage, as suggested by the Central Vigilance Commission.

Acting on a complaint regarding tickets being sold by touts at certain reservation counters of Northern Railway, the CVC has suggested "CCTV cameras must be installed and should be in a working condition all the time at the reservation centres on 24x7 basis".

Instructions have been issued to all zones to ensure compliance of CVC suggestions regarding CCTV cameras, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

Despite several measures by railways, the tout menace at ticket counters is a constant problem being faced by the national transporter.

Commercial inspectors of the railways will now be deputed to monitor the footage of CCTVs during peak hours and also on daily basis, as per the latest directive of the state-run transporter.

"These inspectors will submit their reports to a nominated senior officer and will bring any abnormality to the notice of the official for taking necessary action," said the senior railways official.

The official said CCTV cameras are being installed at all major reservation counters and footage are regularly examined.

"More CCTV will be installed where it has not been installed and directives will be complied fully." CVC has also suggested CCTV footage should be regularly examined and used as "better preventive vigilance tool". — PTI

Gujarat no to SIT plea against Kodnani’s bail

Ahmedabad, October 3
The Gujarat Government has refused permission to the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team to challenge the bail given to former Minister Maya Kodnani in a post-Godhra riot case.

Kodnani, who was given bail by the Gujarat High Court, was convicted in the Naroda Patia riot case - in which 97 persons were killed - and awarded 28-year jail term by the trial court.

"We have taken a decision of not granting permission to SIT to file an appeal before the Supreme Court to challenge bail to Kodnani on the basis of some past judgments of the apex court," Law and Justice Secretary VP Patel said today.

Kodnani, who handled Women and Child Development portfolio in the then Narendra Modi Cabinet, was granted bail by the High Court on July 30 on health grounds.

Prashant Desai, Special Public Prosecutor representing SIT, said the state government had sought his opinion on challenging Kodnani's bail in the apex court.

"When Mayaben Kodnani was granted bail by the High Court, the state government sought my opinion on whether or not to file an appeal in the Supreme Court.

"Looking into the situation and facts of the case, I was of the opinion that there is a remote chance of success. Despite my opinion, the Gujarat Government has all the authority to go to the Supreme Court," Desai maintained. — PTI

Maharashtra assembly elections
Harbour no grouse against Sonia: Pawar

Pune, October 3
NCP chief Sharad Pawar today said he had no grouse against Congress president Sonia Gandhi as she was not responsible for breaking the 15-year-old Congress-NCP alliance in Maharashtra.

“When I called on Sonia Gandhi to discuss fighting Maharashtra jointly she was positive about the proposal. It was decided to hold talks at the state level to sort out seat-sharing issues,” he told reporters here putting the blame at the doors of former CM Prithviraj Chavan.

“I have no grouse against Sonia Gandhi. I found her undoubtedly positive about continuing the alliance. I have not even uttered the name of Rahul (Gandhi) in this regard,” he said replying to questions. When asked about the demand for a separate Vidarbha state,Pawar said, NCP had always stood for an undivided Maharashtra.

“The decision on separate statehood is not for political leaders to make. Blood was shed for creation of Maharashtra. I do not think people of Vidarbha are in favour of a separate state for themselves. However, if people of Vidrabha give a mandate in favour of separate statehood, we will honour it,” NCP president added. The BJP has supported creation of a separate state for Vidarbha which is opposed by Shiv Sena.

To a question regarding Shiv Sena, he said he had a good rapport with the late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray but not with this present generation. “It is a generation gap,” he added. — PTI

Modi kicks off BJP campaign today
Shiv Kumar
Tribune News Service

Mumbai, October 3
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick off the BJP’s campaign for the Maharashtra Assembly elections from Saturday.

Party vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said Modi would address rallies in Beed and Aurangabad in Marathwada apart from a mega rally at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse grounds in Mumbai. The party has arranged 900 buses to ferry in supporters for the Mumbai rally, sources said.

“The Prime Minister will address 15-16 rallies in Maharashtra before the elections. More rallies will be organized if required,” Saharabuddhe said. He added that several senior BJP leaders from the state and national level are expected to attend the rally in Mumbai.

The BJP is banking on Modi since its state unit lacks senior leaders following the death of Gopinath Munde earlier this year. The party’s poll campaign centres around Modi.

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had kicked off his party’s election campaign from this spot earlier this week.

BJP a renegade: Sena
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena on Friday renewed its attack on former ally BJP by calling it a “renegade” and claiming that decisions related to cultural aspects of the state can only be taken by them and not by a deserter. "The people of Maharashtra will ensure that the Shiv Sena comes to power. Decisions related to the history, culture and self respect of the people of Maharashtra can be taken only by the Sena as we have earned that right. We hope that today's Shastra Puja turns out to be an inspiration for our people," the Sena said in 'Saamna’. PTI

Rebels threaten to play spoilsport for big guns
Shiv Kumar
Tribune News Service

Mumbai, October 3
After the break-up of the Congress-NCP and the BJP-Shiv Sena alliances ahead of the October 15 Assembly polls, all parties have fielded influential rebels from other outfits.

Senior leaders of all major parties are facing the threat of friends-turned-foes cutting into their vote share. Among those fighting to save their seats include Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan who is facing a tough fight from Ajinkya Patil, son of Bihar Governor DY Patil, contesting on a Shiv Sena ticket from Karad.The BJP has fielded Congress rebel Anil Bhonsle while sitting Congress MLA Vilas Undalkar is contesting as an Independent.

Apart from Chavan, other leaders of the Congress and the NCP who are facing powerful rebels include former Industries Minister Narayan Rane, former Home Minister RR Patil, former Minister of State for Home Satej Patil, former Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anil Deshmukh and former Excise Minister Ganesh Naik.

Sources said all of them were facing a tough fight from former confidants who had been lured away by the Sena, the BJP and the MNS.

Leaders of the Shiv Sena and the BJP are also facing tough battle from rebels. Both outfits fielded rebels from each other’s ranks after their alliance broke up at the last minute. Many rebels from the saffron outfits even got tickets from the MNS. Among the prominent Shiv Sena rebel leaders is former Mumbai mayor Shubha Raul who is the MNS candidate from Dahisar in suburban Mumbai.

BJP leader Vinod Tawde, who allegedly played a major role in breaking up the Sena-BJP alliance, is facing a tough contest, with candidates of the Sena and the MNS eating into his vote-share.

Govt: e-visa may make VoA redundant

Panaji, October 3
Union Tourism Ministry said the visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility being mulled for large number of countries might become redundant once e-visa facility is introduced.

“Visa on arrival for six airports would be extended within a month. But moreover we are working for e-visa facility which will help tourists get their travel document by applying online. Once e-visa facility is introduced, VoA is likely to become redundant," Union Tourism Minister Sripad Naik, told PTI today.

The minister, however, said it is always better if the traveller have both, visa-on-arrival and e-visa, facilities which will aid airports to increase number of footfalls in the country.

Naik said the Union Home Ministry was working out on the possibility of e-visa, considering the security point of view.

"The procedures are going on (for e-visa). Union Home Ministry is checking the security of airport and other aspects," he said.

Naik stated that the entire procedure for e-visa facility will be in place by June next year. Home ministry in the past had raised concern over security issues while implementing the facility.

Naik said the help of Interpol can also be taken while scrutinising the applications of the tourists for visa in the country. "The worry is that the criminal should not enter the state taking advantage of e-visa facility," he added. — PTI