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Congress not averse to coalition politics: Sonia MT. ABU, Nov 9: In clearest ever signals that she was not averse to coalition politics at the national level, Congress president Sonia Gandhi today said the party does not have a "closed mind" on working with like minded secular forces and indicated that seat adjustments are possible with other parties in the coming Assembly elections in Gujarat. She also said the results in Gujarat Assembly elections may have an impact on the Central Government and that the party has done "quite well" in the search for power at the Centre. "Well, if you have seen our Pachmarhi declaration, we are not opposed... Our main aim is to do all we can to strengthen Congress so that we come to power on our own. But we don’t have a closed mind to working with like minded secular parties if and when necessary," she told a press conference at the conclusion of the conclave of her party Chief Ministers here. She was replying to a question whether she was opposed to coalition politics at the national level. This is the first time that Gandhi and the Congress party have gone this far to express their readiness for coalition politics at the national level. Gandhi also made it clear that she was prepared to work with secular forces to defeat BJP and communal forces in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Asked how close she is to becoming Prime Minister, Gandhi shot back that is not a question which we need to address now. "I think we have done quite well and I am fairly satisfied. There is still room to work more and more and make even greater efforts." Asked whether she thought that Lok Sabha polls might be advanced after Gujarat elections, Gandhi said she was not an astrologer and she did know the mind of the Central Government. "But certainly Gujarat (results) could have an effect on the Central Government," she said. She ruled out advancing elections in five party ruled states if Congress won in Gujarat. On poll tie-up in Gujarat, Gandhi said AICC general secretary incharge of the State and PCC chief Shankersinh Vaghela were looking at the local and State level situation. "If there is possibility of seat adjustments to defeat BJP and communal forces we will do it. The exercise is still on". In Uttar Pradesh, she said the Congress was not in the game of breaking Government. The situation is fluid and the party was watching. "If the Government falls due to its inner-contradictions then we will look at the situation as it develops and then take decisions. In any case our representatives in the state have asked the Governor to convene special session of the State Assembly so that a clear picture could emerge", she said. To a question on weak party organisations in some states, Gandhi admitted that Congress was weak in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and some other states and said the matter could be discussed at the AICC level. (PTI) |
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Empowerment of Panchayats,
accountability Exceslior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 9: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said his Government would fully empower Panchayats for achieving broader objectives of rural development, effective functioning of administrative apparatus at grass roots level with total community involvement. Chairing the meeting of Jammu District Development Board, first in the series of such meetings convened by him, the Chief Minister said the panchayats have to shoulder the responsibility of protection and performance of community services to achieve optimum results. Within 10 days of assuming the charge, the Chief Minister has convened Board meetings at Jammu and Srinagar to finalize plans and expedite the development programmes all over the State without loss of time. Supporting the concept of decentralization, Mr. Sayeed said authority have to accompanied by accountability with transparency in the implementation of various programmes. He said a viable change must discuss at the ground level. Mr Sayeed reiterated that his Government did not believe in witch-hunt and wants administration to perform and show results. A work culture has to be built in to make the administrative apparatus an effective tool of change. The administration has to break with the past and put in its best to solve the problems of people. He said the coalition partners in the Government have formulated a common minimum programme that is a pledge which will be implemented single-mindedly. Mr Sayeed referred to the red-tapism that retards the growth of development and said that every effort should be made to avoid delays. He said the cabinet has decided to ensure payment of pension to handicapped persons at their doorsteps. Similarly, efforts should be made to provide the pension to destitute same way also. He said special thrust is being laid on universalization of elementary education, which assumes added significance for the growth of a healthy society. He also referred to various central schemes that are aimed at alleviating the lot of the poor. The benefits of these schemes have to percolate down to needy and bonafide persons. In this context, he referred to the Jawahar Rozgar and Indira Awas programmes that would give a big boost to generate rural employment and help houseless persons have their homes. These schemes have to be monitored closely, he said, adding that no injustice should be done to anyone. Mr Sayeed hoped that the administration would accomplish its targets with zeal and devotion and said the previous Government too worked in difficult situation. He said Jammu and Kashmir is a single entity and everyone has to work for its development and progress. Responding to the demands projected by legislators, the Chief Minister gave on the spot instructions in respect of some and said that other issues would be examined at appropriate level. He also gave instructions for providing constituency wise plans to the legislators well in advance so that they are prepared for taking active part in the deliberations. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Mr Mangat Ram Sharma hoped that the administration will fully cooperate in satiating the urges and aspirations of the people. He said the people have reposed faith in this coalition Government during the recently held historic elections. Mr. Sharma expressed the hope that officers of all the regions would play a constructive role in the development of the State with single minded devotion to help the common man. He said the menace of terrorism has to be effectively tackled and infiltration checked. Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir said the government would seriously endeavour to solve the problems of border migrants and houseless families in rural areas. He said that people’s involvement is necessary in civic bodies for improving their functioning. Minister for School Education, Mr. Harash Dev Singh said efforts would be made to improve the literacy rate, which is currently 54 per cent in the State. He said 842 schools are proposed to be opened in the State this year. While all the districts will get equitable share, it will be ensured that such habitations get preference that have no such facility. In Jammu district 65 schools are being opened. The Minister laid stress on universalisation of elementary education and said that steps will be taken for filling up of vacant posts in the upgraded schools. From April next year, 120 Higher Secondary Schools will have computer educations as a compulsory subject, he added. The Social Welfare Minister, Mr. Mulla Ram said that 70,000 cases are pending for disposal for which Rs. 1.50 crore would be needed. He said legislators would help in identifying the cases. Minister for Rural Development, Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed said that loopholes in the implementation of various Centrally sponsored programmes needed to be plugged. He said the Common Minimum Programme adopted by the coalition Government would be implemented. He also gave account of scheme-wise allocations and said the efforts would be made to achieve the targets in full. Minister for Finance, Planning and Law Mr Muzaffar Hussain Beig, Choudhry Talib Hussain, MP and Vice Chairman, Gujjar and Bakerwal Development Board were present in the meeting. Besides MLAs Mr Raman Bhalla, Mr. Jugal Kishore, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra, Mr. Yogesh Kumar Sawhnay, Mr. Garu Ram, Mr. Madan Lal Sharma, Mr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Ms. Suman Bhagat, Mr. Manjit Singh, Mr. Yashpal Kundal, Mr. Tara Chand, all MLAs, Mrs. Deepinder Kour, Mr. Bodh Raj Bali and Haji Muhammad Hussain, MLCs were present. Earlier, the District Development Commissioner, Jammu, Mr. Rohit Kansal dwelt on this year’s annual plan and gave salient features of achievements in different sectors. |
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Rs 4 crore worth
assets detected NEW DELHI, Nov 9: The CBI has arrested two persons posing as public notaries in the Capital and detected properties, cash and investments worth over Rs four crore during raids and searches against corrupt public servants and others at 75 places in various parts of the country yesterday. An agency official told UNI that M P Mishra and Ashok Kumar were arrested in the Capital for posing as notary public and for possession of fake legal seals and stamp papers. During searches at their premises, blank letterheads of the Bar Council of India, fake seals and stamp papers were found. The official said seizures were made from officials of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL), Banks, Central Excise and Customs, Railways and Indian Oil Corporation, United India Insurance, ordnance factory and other individuals. He said during the fourth phase of the special anti-corruption drive this year, the agency sleuths seized properties worth Rs two crore, cash, securities and investments worth over Rs 65 lakh, valuables like jewellery and other household items worth over Rs 20 lakh besides antiques of approximately Rs one crore. The official disclosed that during the fourth phase of special anti-corruption drive this year, the agency sleuths seized properties worth Rs two crore, cash, securities and investments worth over Rs 65 lakh, valuables like jewellery and other household items worth over Rs 60 lakh besides antiques of approximately Rs one crore. He said 25 cases were registered and 75 locations, including premises of 46 public servants, were searched by the officials of the Bureau in several parts of the country. Besides, several surprise checks were also conducted during the drive at the offices of divisional medical stores of railways at Danapur in Bihar, United India Insurance at Indore and Ordnance Factory at Katni in Madhya Pradesh. In a case of disproportionate assets registered against Executive Engineer of Daman and Diu A M Sonnad, raids were conducted at six places and cash of Rs 50,000, fixed deposits and bonds worth Rs 26 lakh and three immovable properties worth over Rs 4.5 lakh were unearthed. In another similar case against Sr. Airport Terminal Manager at IOCC in Goa K P K Nawaniranjan, searches were conducted at eight places and cash of Rs 36,000, two vehicles fixed deposits worth over Rs two lakh and immovable properties worth over Rs 46 lakh were seized at Coimbatore. Cash amounting to Rs 67,000 and fixed deposits and bonds worth Rs 1.5 lakh and nine immovable properties including two houses, one farm house and four plots worth over Rs 52 lakh and gold ornaments worth Rs five lakh were detected during raids at three places at the premises of Deputy General Manager of BSNL at Jodhpur. In another case, raids were conducted against Divisional Engineer Telephones of BSNL at Hoshiyarpur Dharam Pal and cash of Rs 1.09 lakh, fixed deposits and bonds of Rs 26 lakh and immovable properties worth over Rs 75 lakh have been recovered. During searches at the residence and offices of Superintendent of Central Excise and Customs at Hyderabad A Narasimha Rs 1.6 lakh in cash, 650 gms of gold, a car and Rs 2.5 lakh in bank balance in his as well as his son’s names and title deed of three immovable properties were recovered. In another case of disproportionate assets case against Superintendent of Customs at Customs House in Chennai P Prabhakaran searches yielded a bank balance of Rs eleven lakh, cash of Rs 25,000, one car, 200 gms jewellery and documents relating to four houses and one farm house have been recovered. In the Capital, the agency registered a case against Saharfuddin, caretaker of a house owned by Dr S K Lal in FrCends colony, Antiques and Art Treasures Act and searches were conducted on precise information of smuggling of antiques. During the search, four idols of Lord Shiva, Natraj, Goddess Parvati and Lord Rama, allegedly belonging to 14th century, estimated to be worth over Rs one crore in the international market, were recovered. In Kolkata, a case was registered against Manager of the Bhubaneswar Branch of the Union Bank of India V Diggal and a private firm. Searches were conducted at the premises of the two and NSC and bonds of Rs two lakh, cash certificates of Rs 1.4 lakh, two signed blank cheques and blank demand drafts of the bank were recovered. In another case, Economic Offences Wing of CBI registered a case against a private firm and searched three places in Delhi and Gurgaon. Incriminating documents and a .315 make country-made pistol was recovered. In Chennai, a case was registered under offences of cheating and forgery and other sections of law, for adulteration of petroleum products and searches have led to recovery of incriminating material against the accused firm. In two cases, wrongful loss of over Rs 2.6 crore was detected at Mumbai against officers of Punjab and Sind Bank K P Goel and Rakesh Bakshi and a private person and firm. Searches were conducted at eight places in Mumbai and Surat and incriminating documents have been seized from the official and residential premises of the officials. (UNI) |
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Beig to sanction Rs 6-cr
for border people Excelsior Correspondent R S PURA, Nov 9: Finance Minister, Mr Muzaffar Hussain Beig today assured the border people that State Government will take all possible effective and comprehensive steps to solve their problems. Addressing a public meeting organised by the Block Committee of People’s democratic Party (PDP) to felicitate party nominee for Rajya Sabha, Mr Trilok Singh Bajwa, Mr Beig said that he will shortly sanction an amount of rupees six crore for the rehabilitation of the border people. He assured the people that State Government will give adequate funds for the rehabilitation of those border people who have left their homes and hearths due to firing from across the border. PDP vice-president Ms Mehbooba Mufti, who was also present on the occasion, in her address assured the people that coalition Government headed by Mufti Mohd Sayeed will provide justice to all sections and regions of the society. Ms Mufti said that the Government was committed to redress the sufferings of the masses. She reminded the people that party, during its elections campaign, had promised to solve problems of the people. "We will make every possible efforts to fulfill our promises", she said, while assuring the people that coalition Government will give special attention towards backward and far-flung areas of the State. Ms Mehbooba said that Bajwa’s nomination reflects that PDP was serious towards giving representation to different sections and regions of the society. Reiterating PDP’s demand of holding talks with different sections of the society to bring back peace in the violence plagued State, Ms Mufti asserted that "dialogue was the only solution of all problems". She sought cooperation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in solving various problems confronting the State. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bajwa expressed gratitude towards PDP leadership for giving him a chance to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "I will strive hard ‘, he said, adding, "being a resident of border area, I am aware of the problems of the border people". Earlier, a rousing reception was accorded to Mr Bajwa at his home town of Ranbir Singh Pura (R S Pura). From PDP headquarters, Mr Bajwa was taken in a big procession which passed through Satwari, Narwal, Ranibagh, Gadigarh, Miran Sahib, Simbal More and other areas before reaching at R S Pura. All along the way, large number of people had gathered to receive their leader whose election as member of the Rajya Sabha is almost certain. A number of welcome gates were installed on Jammu-R S Pura Road to receive the PDP leaders. Since morning, large number of people in general and villagers in particular were seen coming to the office of the PDP at Gandhi Nagar to felicitate the party leaders for nominating a farmer for the prestigious Rajya Sabha seat. Some villagers even came on their trolleys to join the procession. |
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No ceasefire in J&K: Fernandes GUWAHATI, Nov 9: Defence Minister George Fernandes today said there was no move to offer a ceasefire to militants in Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing month of Ramadan. "The Government has no plan of offering a ceasefire to militants in the State in view of Ramadan," Fernandes who was on a day-long visit here told reporters. To querries on the ceasefire offered by the centre last year, he said, instructions were given to the Army then not to initiate any action against the extremists unless they struck first. Fernandes said the Government was deeply concerned over the presence of ‘Al Qaeda’ in neighbouring Bangladesh and the Union Home Ministry was taking adequate steps to deal with any eventuality. Fernandes said India’s border with China was well guarded."The Sino-Indian border is safe and every inch of our territory is well protected and guarded." However, he said that the security along India’s borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan have to be further strengthened to prevent infiltration of militants. "The porosity needs to be taken care of where the border is unfenced and is only a matter of time before we do that," the Defence Minister said. On the Assam Chief Minister’s claim that the Indo-Bhutan border was not protected leading to the recent massacre there, Fernandes said the Centre was aware of the problem there and the Home Ministry would take necessary measures there. Speaking at the Lok Manch Conference on employment generation in the N-E region, he said, insurgency problem here being primarily linked to unemployment could be solved by creating employment avenues. The Defence Minister said that unemployment was linked to militancy in the State as evident from the surrendered ultras who were wanting to be rehabilitated by receiving vocational training to earn a living. He suggested harnessing of the rich potential of bamboo in the North East region as an avenue for creation of employment in the area. Appreciating the ‘Good Samaritan’ project of the army in the State for helping the people, Fernandes said, the army would locally purchase goods to encourage employment generation. The Government would also extend help to entrepreneurs to set up units for supplying goods to the Army here, he added. (PTI) |
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Heavy gunbattle in
Beerwah Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 9: While as three militants died in two different gunbattles in Kashmir valley since last evening, security forces claimed to have eliminated two more militants in a fierce encounter at Badran village, in Beerwah area of Budgam district. Official sources told EXCELSIOR that, on a specific information Special Operations Group (SOG) Budgam and troops of Rashtriya Rifles 34 Bn raided a militant hideout at Badran village in Magam-Beerwah belt of Budgam district this evening. According to the tip-off, a group of militants was present at the house of one Abdus Salam. During the cordon-and-search operations, a fierce gunbattle took place between the holed up militants and security forces. Troops destroyed the target house. Dead bodies of two unidentified persons—who, according to officials, are militants—were recovered from the debris. Troops maintained the cordon and the search operation was still in progress when reports last came in late tonight. Residents, who could be reached on telephone, expressed doubts with regard to the official description of the two persons killed and suspected them as civilians. Earlier today, troops of 17-Madras launched a cordon-and-search operation on a specific information at Halan, in Dooru locality of Anantnag district. During the operation, an encounter took place between the holed up militants and security forces in which two militants of Harkat-e-Jehad-e-Islami got killed. One of them was identified as Irshad Ahmed Dar S/o Jamal Dar R/o Dooru. On yet another specific information, troops of Rashtriya Rifles 9th Bn eliminated a Kashmiri militant of Hizbul Mujahideen in an encounter in Dandwarh forest area in Damhal Hanjipora, Kulgam. He was identified as Altaf Ahmed Rishi S/o Abdul Gani Rishi of Pulwama. |
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Shourie gets addl charge of Commerce & Industry NEW DELHI, Nov 9: Disinvestment Minister Arun Shourie was today given the additional charge of Commerce and Industry Ministry following the prolonged illness of Murasoli Maran who has been retained in the cabinet as minister without portfolio. Announcing this, a Rashtrapati Bhawan communique said tonight that this has been done by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. Maran, who is undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital in Chennai, will be taken to Houston in the US for treatment in a couple of days. This decision has been taken after DMK President M Karunanidhi’s discussion with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Shourie had earlier said he has been informed by the Prime Minister during his recent visit to Cambodia that he would hold the additional charge of Commerce & Ministry. "This is only a temporary charge until Maran returns from us after treatment," he said. Shourie will leave for Sydney on Monday as the head of an Indian delegation to a crucial Wto inter-ministerial meeting. Maran has not been attending office since he took ill on September 23. He was operated upon for replacement of the `infected’ Mitral Valve. Subsequently, he developed renal complications and was put on dialysis. Shourie said he would attend the "mini-ministerial" meeting being held in Australia for discussing the decisions taken at the Doha WTO conference and reviewing the progress made so far. He said though interests of developed countries were being safeguarded, issues relating to developing countries were not being implemented satisfactorily. Besides, he said, the winter session of Parliament is beginning on November 18 and questions and other things relating to the Commerce and Industry Ministry would have to be dealt with in a proper manner. (PTI) |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today resigned as president of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Party sources said that Mufti Sayeed resigned because he could not devote time to party activities after becoming the Chief Minister. "Mr Sayeed’s workload has increased since he became the Chief Minister," they added. State Finance Minister and party vice president Muzaffar Hussain Beig will look after party affairs till the election for president’s post is held. Mr Beig is a prominent advocate of Supreme Court and Member of Legislative Assembly from Baramulla constituency. Party sources said that a meeting of prominent PDP leaders was held today in which Mufti Sayeed handed over party’s charge to Mr Beig. |
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Time ripe for final assault on insurgency: Jaitley SHIMLA, Nov 9: BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley today said the time was ripe for a final assault on insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and there was no room for having a soft stand on it. Mr Jaitley, addressing a news conference here, said a democratically elected Government in J and K was good for the country’s political system. "The PDP-Congress coalition Government must not have any soft stand on terrorism in the State," he said, adding the people in J and K must not forget the courage shown by the people during the recently elections. "It was the peoples’ mandate against terrorism," he added. Stating that terrorism could not be handled with kid gloves or media rhetoric, the BJP spokesman alleged that some points in the Minimum Common Programme (MCP) of the coalition Government were disturbing. He said the Mufti Mohammed Sayeed Government by deciding not to use POTA, Special Operation Group and to review all cases of detained militants aimed at showing that the new Government wanted to show "it is soft on terrorists". He said the BJP was not against the release of persons if wrongful arrests had been made. Mr Jaitley said India had rallied on the issue of terrorism and alienated people of J and K from terrorism and the situation was ripe for final assault on insurgency. (UNI) |
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SPO succumbs, 136 Bangladeshis arrested on IB Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: A Special Police Officer (SPO) Sarfaraz Majid, who was injured in an encounter with the terrorists at Saj, Thanna Mandi in Rajouri district yesterday, succumbed to his injuries this morning. Body of Majid was shifted to his house in Saj this afternoon, police said. As reported, a Al-Badr terrorist Shaheen was also killed in the same encounter. Meanwhile, security forces today arrested 136 Bangladeshi nationals—74 from Sanyal and 62 from Rajpura—on the International Border in Hiranagar sector in Kathua district. The Bangladeshi nationals were trying to exfiltrate to Pakistan when they were intercepted and arrested by security forces. |
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I've no enemies, says Shekhawat MUMBAI, Nov 9: Describing his election to the office of Vice-President as "victory of democracy", Bhairon Singh Shekhwat today said his speciality was that he did not have any enemies. "You will not find a single enemy of mine in any class or section of the society and that is my speciality", Shekhawat, the veteran politican, said while addressing reporters at a function organised by the Press Club here. Shekhawat, known for his excellent rapport with leaders of various political parties, said "I may have opponents but there are no enemies". He said his responsibility as the Vice-President has "increased manifold" since he has polled 71 additional votes other than those of BJP MPs during the vice-presidential polls. Shekhawat is the first Vice-President to attend a function at the three-decade-old Press Club in South Mumbai. Earlier, dignitaries like Zail Singh and V P Singh have visited the club situated opposite the Gothic structure of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Shekhawat said he would speak about conversion bill in Tamil Nadu on the floor of the House. During his address, Shekhawat said he was not into party politics as he has been accorded a farewell by the BJP after his election as the Vice-President. "I am not into party politics and will make an endeavour to deal with the pressing issues before the country", he said. (PTI) |
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KOLKATA, Nov 9: In an apparent softening of attitude towards NDA, Trinamool Congress today sent signals that it was not averse to continuing the BJP-led coalition at the Centre. To take a decision regarding its continuance in the NDA and possible tie-up with the BJP for the coming panchayat elections, the Trinamool Congress Working Committee will meet here on November 16 ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha session. Trinamool Congress supremo, Mamata Banerjee, told reporters the party would discuss these issues in the working committee meeting and take a decision. Welcoming the state BJP president, Tathagata Roy’s statement seeking alliance with the TC, Banerjee dropped enough hints that her party would continue in the NDA, saying, "we will not practice double standards by aligning with one party at the Centre and other in the State". Such a thing, she said, amounted to practising double standard which "we don’t like". Stating that the TC believed in transparency, Banerjee pointed out that a decision in this regard would be taken keeping in mind the development in Delhi. Earlier in the day, the state BJP chief said that his party was looking for an electoral alliance with the Trinamool Congress on "honourable terms". "The process has begun. We believe this will culminate in seat-sharing on agreeable terms for both," he said. (PTI) |
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