Official language status to Bodo, Dogri,
Maithili and Santhali

NEW DELHI, Dec 23: The Government proposes to bring forth a comprehensive constitutional amendment bill for inclusion of various Indian languages in the eighth schedule, Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani assured the Rajya Sabha today.

Replying to a discussion in the House on the Constitution (100th amendment) bill, 2003 — seeking inclusion in the eighth schedule of Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali languages, Mr Advani, who also holds the Home portfolio, said this would meet members’ demand to finally decide on the inclusion of a language in the eighth schedule once and for all and not resort to amendments time and again.

The Deputy Prime Minister further refused to reopen the official language controversy and the issue of English vis-a-vis Hindi. A decision taken more than fifty years could no longer be rescinded —even as global needs dictated that English retain its primacy, he said.

The House later unanimously adopted the amending legislation, as earlier passed by the Lok Sabha, thus according Parliamentary approval to the constitutional amendment.

Earlier, participating in the discussion, members welcomed the bill but while several sought similar treatment for some other regional languages also others demanded that the Government finally decide how many of the various Indian languages should ultimately be included in the eighth schedule.

Moving the bill, Mr Advani said that for the first time two tribal languages Bodo and Santhali were being included in the 8th schedule of the Constitution. The Government during its talks with Bodo militants had accepted to consider its demand for inclusion in the Constitution ‘sympathetically’. Several members urged the Centre to come out with a comprehensive language policy to allay the feeling of discrimination to several spoken languages in the country.

While Mr Ramashankar Kaushik, SP, said that recognition of spoken languages would hurt the cause of Hindi as the official language, Mr Laloo Prasad Yadav, RJD apprehended that the Centre had stirred a hornets’ nest by including the spoken languages in the 8th schedule of the Constitution that too when there were thousands of languages throughout the country.

"We will support the bill but this would give rise to demand from so many language groups that the pressure on television and radio would be enormous", Mr Yadav said. He was supported by Mr Arjun Singh (Congress) who wanted the Government to come out with comprehensive policy to allay the feeling of discrimination by the language group not finding their way in the 8th schedule of the Constitution.

Mr L M Singhvi, BJP, said he was ‘deeply distressed’ that the long standing demand for including Rajasthani language in the list of official languages had not been heeded despite backed by an unanimous resolution by the Rajasthan Assembly. "We are creating rifts in the language groups by not taking principled stand", he remarked.

Dr Karan Singh (Congress) was happy that Dogri, his mother tongue had been included in the 8th schedule recognising the contribution of the two centuries of Dogra culture. Mr V Virumbi (DMK) said that recognition of spoken dialects was an admission that Hindi had been accorded national language status by inflating the number of Hindi speaking people. Seeking ‘classical language’ status for Tamil, which had grammar 3000 years ago, he disagreed with the theory that Sanskrit is the ‘mother’ of all languages. "Tamil is a Dravidian language and we have our own history and culture", he said.

He said the concept of Devanagari as Sanskrit’s script was shattered by the fact that Rigveda was found written in Kharoshti, which is a close affiliate of Pharsi script.

Prof Saifuddin Soz (Cong) wondered why the Union Government had denied Dogri language the honour for more than a decade even though the Jammu and Kashmir State Assembly had twice passed resolutions in this regard.

Mr Urkhao Gwra Brahma (Ind) described it as a day of pride for tribals and, in particular, the Bodo people. The issue lay at the root of the ongoing social crisis in Assam, he said.

Mr Natwar Singh (Cong) wanted similar treatment for Brajbhasha while his party colleague Mr Moti Lal Vora advocated the status for Rajasthani.

Mr Janeshwar Mishra (Samajwadi Party) lamented that Hindi and other Indian languages could not prosper unless English was officially abolished.

General (Retd) Shankar Roy Chowdhury (Ind) said the three-languages formula was a mere sham and had failed, especially in the Hindi-speaking States. (UNI)

Centre should not play partisan role: Omar

NEW DELHI, Dec 23: National Conference president Omar Abdullah today said the Centre should not play a partisan role vis-a-vis holding talks with separatists in Jammu and Kashmir and instead invite everyone including the Hurriyat faction led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani for dialogue.

"Why should we invite only Abbas Ansari-led Hurriyat and not that of Geelani. Worst comes to worst, Geelani can reject the offer and the onus of non-participation falls on him and not us," Omar said here while delivering the third memorial lecture of Mirza Afzal Beig, a close aide of former State Chief Minister Sheikh Abdullah.

"Why is that the centre was trying to give an impression that it is interested in talking to a tailor-made Hurriyat in which Geelani and Yaseen Malik were absent," he said.

"It is not a time when anyone can have an exclusive right on the entire populace of the state. Hence, the Government lay emphasis on every single group in the State," he said.

However, the former External Affairs Minister regretted at the policy of the Centre saying "I wonder, if we had to talk to Hurriyat, why did we shy away for past four years," he said.

Referring to the Indo-Pak relations, Omar said the two countries should lay special emphasis on improving trade relations between the two countries. "And if this is achieved, every problem will be solved," he said.

Omar said the same was true for the external dimenssion of the problem about talking to Pakistan.

"When I was in External Affairs Ministry, I visited several countries on behalf of New Delhi saying that India will not hold talks with Pakistan until three conditions like ending of cross border terrorism, providing support to militant groups and close of terror camps was not met," he said.

"Ironically, none of these conditions have been met but still we are going ahead with the talks," he said and clarified that he was not against a dialogue.

Commenting on the present policy, the former minister said that he did not want to show much of enthusiasm as it got washed away during Lahore and Agra. "Let us watch the situation carefully with a sense of hope and not enthusiasm," he said.

Taking a dig at the state Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, Omar said "recently the Chief Minister stated that neither autonomy was a solution not conversion of LoC into permanent border was a solution. However, he failed to spell out as to what could be a possible solution."

"When my grandfather Sheikh Abdullah and Mirza won elections in 1977 on an election plank of starting a bus service between Srinagar and Muzzafarbad, they were labelled as Pakistani agents by those in power today in the State.

"I simply wonder how a proposal which was anti-national on that day became a confidence building measure today," he added. (PTI)

NC appeals Governor not to give assent to
‘controversial’ bills

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: Charging coalition Government headed by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed with eroding special status of the State, National Conference has urged Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha to look into all aspects before giving his consent to the three ‘controversial’ bills passed by the Legislative Assembly.

Addressing a press conference, former Finance Minister and National Conference ideologue Abdul Rahim Rather disclosed that a delegation of party leaders called on Governor and apprised him of the dangerous ramifications of these bills. "We requested Governor of the State not to give his assent to these bills and return the same"he said adding, ‘the Bill on Wakafs will lead to interference of the State in the religious affairs of Muslims while the Bill regarding amendments in Transfer of Property Act will erode Article 370".

Although during the Assembly session, Mr Rather said, NC tried its best to stop passing of these bills. "As we don’t have adequate numbers, coalition Government got these bills passed in both the Houses", he said, adding, "now only Governor can stop these bills from converting into laws".

"During discussions on these bills we made every attempt to inform the Government about dangerous ramifications of these bills but ruling party leaders were not ready to listen our advises", he said and regretted that instead of listening view points of opposition fake allegations were levelled on us.

While candidly admitting that party has failed to get these bills defeated in the Upper House, despite having adequate number, NC leader said that bills were passed in the Council as their party members did not take the matter seriously.

Coming down heavily on State Government for, what he called, launching vicious campaign against NC leaders, Mr Rather challenged ruling dispensation to prove any charges against NC leaders including family members of the former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah. "Government has been repeatedly alleging that funds of Muslim Auqaf Trust were misused for political purposes", he reminded and added that for the last three months Auqaf Trust has been in the control of State Government and some hand-picked officers have been looking after affairs of the Trust but no evidence of misuse of funds has been found so far.

Former Finance Minister was of the view that the PDP led Government has been working in vindictive manner and taking over of MAT was glaring example of it.

Warning Government against ‘playing with the fire’, Mr Rather said that passing of the Transfer of Property Act will have dangerous ramification on State. "It is an attempt to erode special status of the Jammu and Kashmir", he said and smelt a deep rooted conspiracy hatched by ruling coalition to dilute Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

Pointing towards passing of Motor Spirit, Diesel Taxation of Sales Act, Mr Rather alleged said that this bill was passed to give benefit to a single person.

The delegation which called on Governor comprised Abdul Rahim Rather, Ajay Sadhotra, Mohammed Shafi, Mir Saifullah, Sayed Mushtaq Bukhari, Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, Abdul Gani Malik, and Hyder Malik.

NC leaders Abdul Rahim Rather and provincial president Ajay Sadhotra hailed inclusion of Dogri in 8th scheduled. Mr Sadhotra, who spoke in Dogri during press conference, recalled role played by the NC leaders for restoring dignity of Dogri.

Vigilance tightens noose around F&S scamsters
*Tainted officials may face premature retirement

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: Several heads may roll in the biggest ever scam in Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department as the State Vigilance Organisation is all set to tighten noose around the kingpin and many other insiders including some senior officials of the Department.

A long list of the tainted officials of F&S department, connected with Rs 42 crore food grains and transportation scandal in Kishtwar tehsil of Doda is being prepared by the Government who are likely to face premature compulsory retirement for their past misdeeds. While Government is all set to make recovery of Rs 87 lakh from one of the script writers of the scam—Abdul Rashid Magray —a chief inspector of the department the then posted in Warwan area of Kishtwar, recoveries are likely to be imposed on several more employees who shared the booty during their stay in Warwan, Marwah, Kishtwar and Anantnag areas.

Minister for Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Taj Mohi-ud-Din disclosed to the Excelsior that all the relevent record as desired by the Vigilance Organisation has been handed over and list of all the officials/ beneficiaries during the period 1996 to ending 2002 has been provided to the investigators. While the role of the then Commissioner/ Secretary, Director and Deputy Directors is being scrutinised closely by the Vigilance, the then Assistant Directors under shadow are—Mohd Mubarik Shah, Ghulam Hassan Malla, Abdul Rashid Lone and Reyaz Ahmed Wani who stayed in Anantnag during 1996-2002.

He diclosed that Ghulam Rasool Magray, the main "kingpin" and blue eyed boy of the Kitchloos, played most crucial role alongwith his chain of officials and siphoned out crores of rupees from the Government exchequer for their masters. In last six years, Government money to the tune of over Rs 7 crore per month was siphoned out calendestinely and about 700 truck loads of food grains which were dispatched from the FCI & F&S godowns never reached the destination and sold in the market and private mills in Jammu, Anantnag and Srinagar.

Mr Taj disclosed that Magray who was a IV- class employee in the Agriculture department was initially brought from there and got posted by the late BA Kitchloo with his influence in F&S department as storekeeper. He was then promoted in few months as supervisor and then Inspector. Within hardly two years, he was made Chief Inspector and the whole supplies to the area of Warwan/ Marwah in Kishtwar came under his control where actual population was around 20,000-23,000 rationees and was found projected as about 61,000 souls by manipulating all records, involving Naib Tehsildar, Tehsildar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate and then Deputy Commissioner Doda. He said a few politicians’ involvement has already been exposed in the Assembly and others facing investigations by Vigilance have to face the consequences. Entire Cabinet has supported the cause and Chief Minister was also particular in geting the guilty punished.

The axe may fall on the officials of that period posted at launching pad of grains at Gowran (Anantnag). The ration from this destination is supplied on poneys/ horses to the population of this remote area. It may take two to three days on foot to reach there. Those under fire are— G R Magray (CI), Ghulam Qadir Hajam, Ghulam Mohd Waza, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Zargar, Altaf Hussain Dalal, Mohd Shafi, Peer Serajudin, Ghulam Ahmed, Manzoor Ahmed Bhat and Abdul Razak Kumer—all supervisors. Officials of the Khannabal godown connected with it are—Altaf Hussain Dalal (Supr), Ab Rehman Teli, Sayed Anyatullah, A A Bhat, Peer Saifuddin, B A Dar, Manzoor Ahmed Qadri, Abdul Rashid, Mohd Ramzan, A M Noor—all dealing assistants. Mohd Iqbal Malik the then Supervisor in Khannabal store from 1997 to 2000 is another major beneficiary. Others storekeepers are—G M Bhat, Abdul Rehman, Ab Majid Lone, Ab Rehman Ghani, Gh Nabi Magloo, Nazir Ahmed, Mohd Sayed Shah, Gh Nabi Lone, Ab Majid Bhat, Showkat Ahmed Bhat, Ab Rashid Bhat, Farooq Ahmed Mir, Mushtaq Ahmed, M Y Shah, G R Bhat, Gh Hassan Ittoo, Ab Salam Khan and A S Mir.

Giving chronology of events, the Minister further said from 1991-95 no nomadic population existed on record of F&S in Marwah-Warwan area of Kishtwar. In 1995-96 it was shown as 13,130 and further with a single stroke of pen by the then minister concerned and the secretary it was made 26,000. The main population shown in 1991-1995 in the area was 15,504—18993 souls, in 1995-96 it was projected as 23,240 and in 1997—98 it was shown as 33,139 souls. Sudden hike from 15,000 to 33,000 as per Naib Tehsildar’s release and letter No. 3909-12 dated 20-2-1997 of Assistant Director F&S Anantnag is surprising. The letter from the then Minister F&S and Transport No. 347/FS.FST/M/97 dated 26-2-1997 to Director F&S Kashmir and Director’s letter No DFSK/ADM/STS/1997/293 dated 12-3-1997 to the Secy to Government F&S and Transport and approval to the letter of Director by Administrative Department vide No. FS/ STS/IR-1981/87/25 dated 11-4-1997 are needed to be investigated thoroughly. After exposure by the department, all of sudden reduction of souls by the Rationing authorities including Naib Tehsildar, Tehsildar, SDM Kishtwar and others in 2003-2004 from 61,000 to 24,853 vide wireless message No. 486-88/SDM (K) dated 3-06-2003 and letter No. 300-301/OQ dated 18-7-2003 are the shocking developments which expose the entire nexus which was existing during the period of previous Government. As per the DFO Kishtwar’s letter No 1151 dated 06-07-2003, nomadic population in the area was only 6272. There was no question of existing 26,000 nomadic population in the area. Mr Taj pointed out that another fact which came to light was that nomadic population was being provided BPL ration supply for which they are not entitled as per their cattle/ horses, buffaloes and other belongings.

In that way, excluding nomadic souls, merely actual population as projected vide 1991 Census report which comes out around 20,000 is entitled to get ration supply in the block consisting of 27 villages.

As per existing norms, nomads are getting ration from their origin and even if they are to be supplied, they have to get APL supplies.

Referring to recent issue raised by concerned MLA that there was scarcity of ration in the area, Mr Taj said as per SDM Kishtwar’s message No. R013/14 dated 6-12—2003 to DC Doda, Director F&S and Minister concerned, eight months ration has already been issued to the rationees of Marwah/Warwan area and supplies for full area are sufficient. Therefore, the allegations were baseless and far from the truth.

Militant, soldier killed in Pulwama gunbattle

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 23: While as one militant and a CRPF constable died in an encounter at Drubgam in Pulwama district today, six persons sustained injuries in a grenade explosion at Bandipore.

Informed sources told EXCELSIOR that Special Operations Group (SOG) of Police and CRPF 69th Bn raided a militant hideout at Drubgam in Pulwama district this afternoon. According to a tip off, there were two militants present at the house of Mohammad Iqbal Wani S/o Abdul Majeed Wani. In the initial round of the firing, one militant managed to escape but another opened heavy gunfire on troops. One constable of CRPF, Prabhu Swami, died on spot. In retaliation later, troops destroyed the two-storeyed house, killing one-odd militant. An identity card recovered from his belongings described him as Mohammad Rafeeq Nebarwa S/o Mohammad Shafi Nebarwa R/o Sangarwani, Pulwama.

Officials claimed that Rafeeq was a Gujjar and a local cadre of Jaish-e-Mohammad. One AK-56 rifle and some ammunition was recovered from the site of encounter.

Meanwhile, two militants killed in an encounter with security forces at Shampora near Qazigund last evening have been identified as Tariq Ahmed Tantray S/o Ali Mohammad Tantray of Shampora and Abdur Rasheed of Kapran. Preliminary reports described them as members of Hizbul Mujahideen.

Sources said that an unidentified youth lobbed a hand grenade on a BSF unit at Sub District Hospital of Bandipore this afternoon. It exploded, causing injuries to a BSF soldier, a patient, namely Maryam W/o Mohammad Yusuf and four persons working at the hospital. They have been identified as Hilal Ahmed Mir, Nisar Ahmed Lone, Muzaffar Ahmed Mir and Bashir Ahmed Beig.

Reports from Budgam said that some unidentified militants appeared at Shehnipora in Khansaheb area and kidnapped 17-year-old Fayaz Ahmed Mir S/o Ghulam Ahmed Mir and 20-year-old Gulzar Ahmed Mir S/o Mohammad Abdullah Mir from their respective houses. At a deserted spot in the village outskirts, militants fired upon them and left them wounded. Later, residents rescued them and rushed them to hospital.

Meanwhile, three children died on spot when a speeding tipper ran over them at Chak Rajpora on Awantipore-Tral road this evening.

Informed sources said that a speeding tipper, JKR-849, turned turtle over a group of children when its driver applied brakes near a shop at Chak Rajpora at 1600 hours today. All the three children died on spot. They were identified as 8-year-old Omar Farooq S/o Farooq Sheikh, 13-year-old Sharif Ahmed Sheikh S/o Ghulam Rasool Sheikh and 4-year-old Murtaza Lone S/o Mohammad Shafi Lone. Another 8-year-old, Jehangir Ahmed Sheikh S/o Mohammad Shafi Sheikh, had a miraculous escape. He sustained minor injuries.

While as the driver fled away, a large number of people gathered and protested against reckless driving of the tipper drivers. The tragedy cast a pall of gloom over the tiny village.

‘Relocate population in Dal Lake’

NEW DELHI, Dec 23: Concerned at the deterioration of water quality due to pollution of the Dal Lake in Srinagar, a parliamentary committee has sought formulation of an action plan to identify and control the principal sources of polluting nutrients and relocation of population living inside the lake.

Stating that the lake formed the axis of life in Kashmir and had both ecological and economic significance, the committee’s 118th report tabled in Parliament said threat to the lake was not only posed by the encroachment problem but also by the silt within the nutrients which would soon transform into a land mass.

The report which recommends a comprehensive management plan for restoration of the lake, has suggested relocation of majority of the population put at 50,000 by a separate report.

Describing relocation of the population as "the only economically feasible method to reduce pollution of the lake" it also acknowledged that such a move was a "complex and sensitive process which will take time even if the finances are available".

It has also suggested removal of excessive bio-mass, diversion of pollutants, outright prevention of dumping of garbage by effectively managing solid waste and extensive reafforestation in the surrounding Dachigam-Telbal catchment area to minise soil erosion.

The cost for cleaning up the lake under the National Lake Conservation plan of Ministry of Environment and Forests is now estimated at Rs 270 crore of which the ministry’s share would be Rs 189 crore and that of the state’s Rs 81 crore as the funding pattern has changed to 70:30 ratio.

With reports of large scale embezzlement of funds allegedly by the implementing agency, the J&K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LADWA), the committee recommended close monitoring of the expenditure incurred and utilisation of funds. (AGENCIES)

Infiltration across LoC down: PM

NEW DELHI, Dec 23: Disclosing that infiltration of terrorists from across the border has come down considerably, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said India wanted to improve relations with Pakistan but for this it should stop cross-border terrorism and dismantle terrorist infrastructure.

Addressing BJP Parliamentary Party meeting here, Vajpayee said he was going to Islamabad to participate in the SAARC. "Our desire is to improve trade relations with our neighbours."

Vajpayee said it was difficult to say what would be discussed there but "we are determined that the basis for any talks would be an end to the cross-border terrorism and dismantling of terrorist infrastructure.

"Pakistan should also put an end to the feeling of enemity towards India to create a climate for dialogue," according to BJP spokesman V K Malhotra.

Vajpayee said since the ceasefire along the Indo-Pak border, infiltration by terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC) has reduced considerably.

The Prime Minister said even though earlier efforts at normalising relations with Pakistan had been unsuccessful, India would continue its endeavour "as the people of this country have confidence in us."

He said during his visit to Islamabad for the SAARC summit he would focus on strengthening trade and economic relations among south Asian nations.

"We are keen on furthering economic relations among countries of south Asia and therefore this would be the focus at the summit," Vajpayee said. (PTI)

Pak must stop terrorism: Farooq

LUCKNOW, Dec 23: Hoping that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s January visit to Pakistan will infuse a fresh lease of life into relations between the neighbours, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah today said fruitful talks were possible only if Islamabad stopped aiding and abetting cross-border terrorism.

"Past experiences of dialogue with Pakistan have been very disappointing.... Mr Vajpayee should not compromise the country’s unity and integrity while dealing with the leadership of that country," Mr Abdullah said while addressing a farmer rally commemorating the birth centenary of former Prime Minister late Chaudhry Charan Singh here.

The former National Conference president said after the Lahore bus journey, Pakistan responded with the Kargil misadventure and during the Agra summit, several Hindus were gunned down in the Valley.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, who also addressed the rally, expressed the hope that cordial atmosphere would prevail between both the countries.

Mr Yadav said both the countries should shed enmity and work towards development.

He, however, questioned the BJP’s sincerity in improving Indo-Pak ties, saying the party was only interested in "using politics to stay in power". (UNI)

Get ready for LS polls: Sonia

NEW DELHI, Dec 23: BJP’s claims to the contrary nothwithstanding, Congress president Sonia Gandhi today said early Lok Sabha polls cannot be ruled out and asked partymen to be prepared and ready for the "coming challenge".

"The next few months will see elections in Andhra Pradesh. We also cannot rule out the poosibility of the Lok Sabha polls being advanced", she said addressing the general body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP).

Gandhi said she was aware that a great deal of disappointment existed among the partymen after the recent setback in the assembly elections.

"It does not help carry on in this mood. We have to step out of it. We have to be totally prepared and ready ourselves for the coming challenge. Steps to put together election management teams and strategies are already being taken. You will be kept fully informed and involved", she said. (PTI)

Two Army men killed in mishap

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: Two Army personnel including a major were killed when the vehicle in which they were travelling fell into a gorge in Manjakote area in Rajouri district this evening.

Police spokesman said that the vehicle was on its way to Poonch sector from Rajouri when it rolled into a deep gorge near Neali village in Manjakote area.

The deceased were Major Arun Kumar of Engineering Regiment and Sepoy Sanjay Singh. Two jawans were injured in the accident and have been shifted to a nearby hospital.

Two SHOs transferred

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: SSP Jammu Dr Kamal Saini today ordered transfers and postings of two Station House Officers (SHOs).

A police spokesman said Inspector Bodh Raj has been posted as SHO Bishnah police station in place of probationer DySP Manjeet Kour. Inspector Pervez Ahmed has been posted as SHO Jhajjar Kotli police station in place of Vinay Kumar, another probationer DySP.

Bhujbal resigns, Shinde accepts resignation

MUMBAI, Dec 23: Under attack for allegedly scuttling investigations in the fake stamp paper scam, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chagan Bhujbal today resigned owning "moral responsibility" for an attack on a TV channel’s office here earlier in the day.

The feisty NCP leader, who has been at the centre of considerable speculation in the last fortnight, sent his resignation hours after the attack on Zee TV office here by some people said to be his supporters, to Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde who accepted it.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar told a press conference later that he had asked Bhujbal to resign since he was the Home Minister and owed moral responsibility on the attack issue. The resignation had nothing to do with allegations against Bhujbal in the scam, Pawar said.

The resignation came ahead of the two-day conclave of his party NCP here from tomorrow and in the midst opposition gunning for his scalp after an accused in the scam Inspector Dilip Kamath wrote a letter to the Governor alleging interference in the probe by Bhujbal and his nephew Samir.

"Bhujbal submitted his resgination to me and I have accepted it and forwarded it to the Governor," he said.

56-year-old Bhujbal, however, maintained that the resignation was not connected to the Telgi scandal because he had not done anything wrong.

He said he chose to step down from office owning moral responsibility for the attack by a group of people, said to be his supporters, on the office of the Zee television network which had telecast a programme critical of him.

Reacting to Bhujbal’s resignation, opposition leader Narayan Rane said the former Deputy Chief Minister is likely to be arrested for his alleged involvement in the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam.

Rane said Bhujbal was using today’s attack only as an excuse for stepping down.

Bhujbal, who started as a Shiv Sainik and remained in Mumbai politics for long, said even when he was not a Minister he was very critical of any attack on media or opposition parties.

"Now when I am the Home Minister of the State...It is my responsibility to give protection," he said explaining his decision.

Bhujbal, who got himself admitted to a hospital complaining of uneasiness and chest pain, had denied the allegation against him saying it was a conspiracy to tarnish him and his Government’s image.

After a lawyer for Abdul Karim Telgi met Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani last week and told him that his client had taken the name of Bhujbal and a Karnataka Minister Roshan Baig as having been involved in the scam, Bhujbal asked Advani to order investigation into the allegation. (PTI)
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

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