LUCKNOW, Jan 15:
Kicking off her party’s election campaign at a mega rally here, Mayawati today said BSP would not forge an alliance with Congress, BJP or any other party and would go it alone in the Lok Sabha polls.
“BSP will fight the Lok Sabha elections across the country, alone,” she said, addressing ‘Savdhan Vishal Maharally’ here, coinciding with her birthday.
The BSP supremo asserted that her party would not form an alliance with any party in Uttar Pradesh or at the national level.
“We will not enter into an alliance with Congress, BJP or any other party in UP or at the national level. There have been reports in a section of media that BSP will enter into alliance with Congress. This is not true,” she said.
Mayawati also lashed out at Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for the Godhra riots.
“When the Chief Minister of a state having a population of six crore could not prevent Godhra riots between Hindus and Muslims, how can he generate unity among people from various castes and religions?
“Godhra incident jolted the country but in all his meetings, Modi make promises and talks about Gujarat pattern of development,” she said.
The BSP leader claimed that the reality was, however, different and cited a CAG report to highlight the condition of children and SC/STs in his home state.
“They (BJP) claim to end corruption but in Gujarat, the institution which keeps an eye on it, the Lokayukta, was set up only on the directive of the court and it is also very weak,” she said.
“He (Modi) is promising to curb inflation, corruption, unemployment and also bring blackmoney back into the country, but the saying ‘garajne vale badal bareste nahin’ (clouds that thunder don’t produce rain) appears appropriate in this case,” she said.
Mayawati also accused the then BJP Government of misusing CBI to pressurise her party in 2003 to forge an alliance at the national level.
“In those days, we had formed a coalition Government with BJP in Uttar Pradesh and there was an understanding that both parties will head the Government for six months each. BJP, which was also heading the NDA Government, thought that if they can force an early Lok Sabha election and win most seats in Uttar Pradesh, they can continue to rule 15 to 20 years,” she said.
The BSP supremo claimed that the national leadership of BJP had given her an offer that she can continue to rule Uttar Pradesh for the next five years on her own, but forge an alliance with the NDA for Lok Sabha polls and give it maximum seats.
“I had decided that I will not trade my movement with the communal forces even if I had to spend my entire life behind bars,” she said.
In an indirect attack on Congress, she said, “It is not just good policies but also the clear intention to implement them which is important.” Mayawati said unlike parties which make promises and offer allurements, her party believed in doing work at the ground level.
She said the poor, farmers and common man in the country were suffering due to the wrong policies of the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre.
Hitting out at Samajwadi Party, Mayawati accused the SP Government of shutting down various welfare schemes started during her regime and claimed that the State had turned into “crime pradesh” under its rule.
The former UP chief minister also criticised BJP’s proposed move to set up ‘Statue of Unity’ in memory of Sardar Patel and said BJP’s ‘Run for Unity’ on his death anniversary recently was a “big drama” to woo the voters of his caste.
Slamming the party, Mayawati said, “BJP ruled the country for six years and has Government in several states.. Why have they not fulfilled all these promises there?”
“If Muslims vote en masse for BSP, it would weaken BJP and forces doing communal politics and it (BJP) would not be able to form Government easily at the Centre,” Maywati said.
Taking on Samajwadi Party, she said, “A number of welfare schemes started during my regime have been shut down by the current SP Government due to political malice.”
Corruption and communal tension were at a peak in Uttar Pradesh, she said, adding that “Under these circumstances, the Centre should have put the state under President’s Rule and established brotherhood and amity.”
Speaking at the rally at Ramabai Ambedkar maidan, the BSP supremo, who chose not to celebrate her birthday because of the Muzaffarnagar riots, said Uttar Pradesh has become “Crime Pradesh” under SP rule and people in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli were yet to recover from the riots.
Mayawati also warned the people of the designs of her opponents, who she said could project a Dalit as prime minister or chief minister for taking their votes.
“They can also make them (Dalits) as prime minister or chief minister but for a short time. The real power would be in the hands of the one having casteist mentality,” she said. (PTI)
BSP to go it alone in LS polls: Mayawati
Cabinet puts off Rail Tariff Authority proposal
NEW DELHI, Jan 15:
Union Cabinet today put off a proposal to constitute a Rail Tariff Authority (RTA) which is meant to advise the Railway Ministry on fares, an important reform measure for the cash-strapped public transport system.
Sources said the proposal could not be taken up as Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge was not present in the Cabinet meeting.
A close aide of Kharge said the Minister could not attend the meeting as he is out of town and will be reaching here this evening. The Cabinet meeting was to take place in the evening but it was rescheduled for the morning because of which he could not attend.
The RTA, seen to be a major reform proposal, is crucial for the cash-strapped railways as it will recommend fare revision from time to time taking into account input cost and volatile market condition.
The Cabinet is also expected to approve formation of a search committee for appointing RTA members and its chairman. Cabinet Secretary and Railway Board Chairman are members of the search committee.
However, the RTA’s recommendation will not be mandatory for railways as, according to existing law, only the Railway Board, and not any outside body, can fix the tariff.
RTA will be given mandatory powers only after the amendment of the Railway Act, 1989, in Parliament which is unlikely to happen in the UPA-II regime whose term comes to an end in a few months. The next Government will initiate the process of making RTA a mandatory body by amending the Railway Act, 1989 to insert a sub-section called Chapter 5 (A). (PTI)
India suffer 2-7 thrashing by Australia after early domination
New Delhi, Jan 15: India squandered a two-goal lead to suffer a 2-7 hammering at the hands of world champions Australia and crash out of the Hero Hockey World League Final here today. Much to the surprise of the Australians, India took a two-goal lead in the first 15 minutes of the opening half of the quarterfinal match through Birendra Lakra (6th minute) and Yuvraj Walmiki (11th minute). But the Australians showed tremendous fighting spirit to score three goals in the opening period through Nicholas Budgeon (24th), Jason Wilson (29th) and Glenn Turner (35th) to go into the break with their nose ahead. After the changeover, Australia went on rampage as they scored goals at will through Russell Ford (41st, 47th), Simon Orchard (45th) and Jacob Whetton (65th) to teach the hosts a lesson in hockey at floodlit Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Contrary to the final result, it was india who dominated the early share of exchanges with some sharp moves. At 10th, they might be languishing eight places below Australia in the world rankings, but the Indians looked a superior side at least in the first 20 minutes of the game. India made a promising start and came close to scoring in the opening minute of the match through a fine build up from S K Uthappa and Mandeep Singh. For the second match on the trot, the Indian midfield and forwardline coordinated well to create numerous scoring opportunities and trouble the Australian defence. In fact, the fancied Kookaburras were caught napping by the pace of India’s relentless attacks in the first 20 minutes of the match. India stunned Australia as early as in the sixth minute when Lakra scored from an acute angle after receiving a pass from Dharamvir Singh. (PTI)
JK Bank lifts 8th Christmas Gold Cup Football title
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 15: Outplaying the formidable team of formidable side of Jammu and Kashmir Forest XI by two goals to one (2-1) in a high voltage summit clash, the strong team of Jammu and Kashmir Bank lifted the title trophy of the 8th Christmas Gold Cup Football Tournament, which concluded at GGM Science College Football ground, here today.
The Tournament was organized by All J&K Christian Welfare Association, under the auspices of J&K Football Association.
SM Gill, Ex-MLC and president, All J&K Christian Welfare Association was the organizing secretary of this sporting extravaganza.
Earlier, J&K Bank players displayed superb soccer skills while playing as a cohesive unit to lead the first half by two goals to nil (2-0). Both the goals were pelted by Prem Kumar, who netted the first goal in 19th minute and another one in 35th minute of the match. However, Taufeeq of J&K Forest scored a brilliant goal in 55th minute of the match to reduce the lead. Finally, J&K Bank team won the match by (2-1).
The players of both the teams made repeated attempts to score goals, but they could hardly break each others defence, despite being superb in offence. Bank team players in particular dominated both the halves, especially Prem Kumar, who scored back to back goals in the first half.
The match was officiated by Moon Stephen, Rakesh Kumar, Vijay Kumar and Hilal Ahmed, while National Football Referee was the match Commissioner.
Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports, Feroz Khan was the chief guest on the occasion, while senior National Leader, Mustafa Kamal and DIG Johny Williams were the guests of honour.
The prizes were distributed among the winners and the runners-up teams by the dignitaries on the occasion.
Prominent among others present on the occasion were Zameer Thakur, president JKFA; Fayaz Ahmed Sofi, president DFA Srinagar; RK Kohli, treasurer JKFA; Surinder Singh Bunty, vice president; Kuldeep Singh, president DFA Jammu; Feastus Sotra, Ramesh Chander, David Burat and Yousuf Don.
Sports Ministry to release funds for Winter Olympics athletes
New Delhi, Jan 15: The Sports Ministry today cleared the three Indian athletes qualified for next month’s Winter Olympics at government cost despite the trio taking part in the Sochi Games as Independent Athletes.
Shiva Keshavan (in luge), Himanshu Thakur (in alpine skiing) and Nadeem Iqbal (cross country skiing) have been cleared by the government for the February 7-23 Games after a meeting chaired by Sports Minister Jitendra Singh.
The Ministry decided to provide the funds for air travel, out of pocket allowance, for sports kit including ceremonial dress, and boarding and lodging in case it is not provided free in the Games Village in Sochi.
“The Ministry has directed SAI to release funds to WGFI immediately for the required components under the Scheme of Assistance to NSFs for the three sportspersons and three coaches who would be accompanying them,” a Sports Ministry release stated.
“It included (i) Air passage cost (economy class): as per actuals or differential of the actual air passage cost and the air passage cost provided by the Organizing Committee of the Games. (ii) Out of pocket allowance: USD 50 per day per person for the period of the stay of the sportspersons and coaches in Sochi. (iii) Sports Kit including ceremonial dress: Rs. 20,000 per person, (iv) Boarding and lodging: as per norms provided in the Ministry’s Scheme of Assistance to NSFs, in case Organizing Committee of the Games is not providing free boarding and lodging in the Games Village,” it added.
The Ministry, however, delayed the sanction of the funds related to buying of expensive equipments for Himanshu and Iqbal requested by the Winter Games Federation of India. (PTI)
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Milne will vie with the experienced Kyle Mills, Tim Southee and Mitchell McClenaghan for frontline pace spots. All-rounders Corey Anderson and Jimmy Neesham are also a part of the pace attack.
Edgar said New Zealand now face one of their toughest challenges at home against a side ranked at the top in the 50-over game and number two in Tests.
“We know we’ll have to play out of our skins, and out match them player for player to be competitive against such a powerful side. But we showed against the West Indies that we can play extremely well on our day and are capable of beating any side,” he said.
New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson said the team is fully
aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
“Matching yourself against the best in the world is what you play international cricket for and I know the guys are buzzing about this opportunity. It’s also an important part of our build-up for next year’s World Cup where India are the defending champions,” he said.
The squad for the two Test matches, which follow the ODI series, will be named later this month.
After Sunday’s match here, the five match series will continue to Hamilton (January 22 and 28), Auckland (January 25), and Wellington (January 31), before two tests in Auckland and Wellington.
New Zealand ODI squad to face India:
Brendon McCullum (captain), Martin Guptill, Jesse Ryder, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi, Jimmy Neesham, Nathan McCullum, Tim Southee, Kyle Mills, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne. (PTI)
New Zealand heap further misery on West Indies
Wellington, Jan 15: New Zealand inflicted a further defeat on the West Indies in their second Twenty20 international today to bring a dismal end to the visiting team’s tour.
The four-wicket win gave New Zealand the Twenty20 series 2-0 to go with their 2-0 win in the Tests. The one-day internationals were shared 2-2, the West Indies’ only success on their six-week tour.
After New Zealand won the first Twenty20 by 81 runs, they were struggling at 79-5 in the second match before a 68-run partnership between Ross Taylor and Luke Ronchi turned the innings around.
Taylor played the anchor role with 39 off 41 balls while Ronchi belted an unbeaten 51 off 28 deliveries in an innings that included four fours and two sixes.
The pair were particularly harsh on West Indies skipper Dwayne Bravo in the 15th over when they took 17 runs to reduce the target from 54 off 36 balls to a more manageable 37 off 30.
They then took 15 off the 17th over by Jason Holder and although Taylor gave his wicket away with a mistimed slog-sweep to Chadwick Walton at deep midwicket New Zealand were then in a position to coast to victory.
The outcome could have been different had the West Indies been more alert with their fielding.
Jesse Ryder was dropped twice as he raced to a quick 23 in nine balls, and Brendon McCullum received a life on his way to 17.
But the biggest bungle was missing two chances to remove man of the match Ronchi on the first ball he faced. (AGENCIES)
Non-bailable warrant against 12 more accused in 26/11 case
MUMBAI, Jan 15:
A local court trying the case of Lashkar-e-Taiba operative and 26/11 key handler Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, today issued non-bailable warrant (NBW) against 12 more accused in the Mumbai terror attacks case.
The court has issued NBW against 12 more persons, Special Ujjwal Nikam told media persons here. All these accused are allegedly based in Pakistan.
Earlier the court which conducted trial against terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Kasab had issued NBW against 35 accused. With this, the total number of wanted terrorists in the 26/11 case has gone up to 47.
Those against whom NBW have been issued include Major Sameer, Sajid Mir alias Vashi and Commander Yakub.
Sajid, according to police, was present at the control room set up in Pakistan during the strikes, which left 166 dead and many more injured on November 26, 2008.
The Mumbai police, last month, had filed draft charges against Jundal.
In the charge submitted, Jundal was charged on 22 different counts that include criminal conspiracy, waging war against the nation, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping for murder, cheating, forgery under the Indian Penal Code.
While other charges are under sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosive Act, Explosive substance Act Prevention of damage to public property Act, Railways Act and Customs Act.
A native of Beed district in Maharashtra, Jundal was interrogated after he was brought here from Delhi where he had been arrested following his deportation from Saudi Arabia in June 2012.
The chargesheet has details about Jundal’s training in Pakistan, preparations ahead of 26/11, LeT hierarchy, the precise role played those involved, etc.
According to Jundal’s confession, LeT training camps enjoyed full support from local, federal police and paramilitary organisations in Pakistan.
As per the chargesheet, after fleeing Maharashtra, Jundal entered Bangladesh in May 2006, where he was received by an ISI agent. He then used a boarding pass issued in a fictitious name to fly PIA flight to Pakistan.
In Maharashtra, Jundal is also accused of involvement in 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case, 2010 German Bakery blast case in Pune and Nashik police academy attack conspiracy case. (PTI)
Tendulkar considered playing for Sydney Thunder in BBL: report
New Delhi, Jan 15: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was reportedly approached by the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Sydney Thunder to feature in this year’s edition of the Twenty20 tournament, but eventually the deal could not be reached.
According to a report in ‘Sydney Morning Herald’, Tendulkar was offered an “attractive” package by the Thunder, who are desperately looking for a turnaround in their fortunes, having won just one game out of their last 19 matches, stretching 25 months.
But the talks the with Indian veteran cricketer, who retired from all forms of the game in November last year, fell apart when Harry Harinath resigned as head of Cricket NSW early last year.
The report also claimed that Cricket NSW called upon the state government to use its connections in India in order to lure the iconic batsman to don their jersey but nothing materialised.
“Tendulkar was offered a deal to play for the Thunder over four weeks this season,” it said.
“When the Cricket NSW board, headed by Harinath, met to address the problems, Tendulkar joined Michael Hussey and Brett Lee on the list after it was acknowledged the franchise needed to attract big stars to engage the 90,000 people with Indian and subcontinent heritage in the area surrounding the Olympic Park precinct,” it added.
The 40-year-old Indian was at the top of a list of desired players, drawn up for 2013-14 by the club, which had disastrous campaign last season when they lost all their ties.
“Harinath, who stepped down from his posts as chairman of Cricket NSW and as a board member of Cricket Australia (CA) after an overhaul in the organisation’s administration structure last January, was understood to have travelled to India to meet with people described as extremely close to Tendulkar,” it added.
The side, led by Mike Hussey, are languishing at the bottom of the table this season with just a solitary win in seven games so far.
Tendulkar was a part of the Mumbai Indians, which won the Indian Premier League and Champions League 2013. (PTI)
Disabilities Bill to be brought for passage in LS next month
NEW DELHI, Jan 15:
A bill that seeks to provide disabled persons five per cent reservation in public sector jobs will be brought for passage in the upcoming Parliament session in February, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi said today.
“The Disability Act of 1995 is being amended to meet the norms of the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. Union Cabinet has given its nod to the amendments. I have full faith that we will be able to pass it in the next session,” Gandhi said addressing a gathering at ‘Samarth-2014’ organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
In December last year, the Union Cabinet had approved the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill to replace the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunity Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995.
The bill covers a variety of issues relating to the disabled persons such as physical, mental and multiple disabilities.
Gandhi said there is a need to link the issues of the disabled with the mainstream of the society and the Government and make their development a key component of policies.
She further added that it is the solidarity of the disabled that should be given credit if the government and society has made some progress providing the disabled people opportunities.
“There is a need to develop self confidence among the disabled… We have to still make a lot of efforts to ensure their human rights and freedom,” she said, while noting that the issues of the disabled are now treated only as medical issues.
She noted that social model has replaced the medical model. “The disabled persons should not be kept aloof from the society. We will have to ensure that they make their place within the mainstream of the society and become its integral part.”
In her address, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Kumari Selja underlined the role of media in creating awareness on disability issues.
Meanwhile, a visually-impaired person, who recited a poem drew the attention of Sonia Gandhi, saying Haryana Chief Minister Bhoopinder Singh Hooda had promised to offer him a permanent job, which is yet to materialise, and sought her intervention. (PTI)
Ugly scene
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 15: Display of yellow cards or even red cards for foul and dangerous play, though, is part and parcel of the game of football, yet repetition of dangerous play in a particular match is always against the spirit of sports. Apart from repeated foul play incidents, what was ugly to witness in the high voltage title clash between two premier Football teams of JK Bank and J&K Forest at GGM Science College ground today was that the Bank player ‘Rohit’ spent some time in the middle after an injury, was lifted away from the ground by the players of the Forest team, which was hardly their job and simply a rubbish thing to do. The Forest team players, who were trailing by (2-1) in the match, thought that the Bank players were intentionally spending the time by pretending injuries. For that matter, they without taking referees into consideration lifted the injured Bank player themselves. The seen was simply ugly to witness and the players need not to repeat such incidents. Therein lies the sanctity of sports and spirit of the games.