Yeddyurappa says he will meet Governor every 15 days

Bangalore:  Perhaps this is a sort of New Year's resolution to bury the hatchet.  Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa drove to Raj Bhavan in Bangalore on Friday morning to meet Governor HR Bhardwaj.  The BJP has repeatedly attacked Mr Bhardwaj for abandoning the basic  impartiality required of his office, and functioning as an agent of the Congress. Mr Bhardwaj in the past has served as India's Law Minister.

Mr Yeddyurappa described the meeting as a courtesy call. The next Assembly session in Karnataka starts on Thursday.

The Governor has been vocal about his belief that the single-largest trademark of Mr Yeddyurappa's government is corruption.  He has suggested that from illegal mining to irregular land scams, the BJP has abused its powers in the state.

Two months ago, Mr Bhardwaj discarded a vote of confidence won by Mr Yeddyurappa after a section of his party seemed on the cusp of switching sides to support the Opposition.  Mr Bhardwaj ruled that the voice vote was not enough for a matter as serious as the survival of the government, so he asked the Chief Minister to undergo another trust vote just four days later - a first for India.

Read more »

Posted in: Bangalore NEWS,Karnataka News

Yeddyurappa says he will meet Governor every 15 days

Bangalore:  Perhaps this is a sort of New Year's resolution to bury the hatchet.  Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa drove to Raj Bhavan in Bangalore on Friday morning to meet Governor HR Bhardwaj.  The BJP has repeatedly attacked Mr Bhardwaj for abandoning the basic  impartiality required of his office, and functioning as an agent of the Congress. Mr Bhardwaj in the past has served as India's Law Minister.

Mr Yeddyurappa described the meeting as a courtesy call. The next Assembly session in Karnataka starts on Thursday.

The Governor has been vocal about his belief that the single-largest trademark of Mr Yeddyurappa's government is corruption.  He has suggested that from illegal mining to irregular land scams, the BJP has abused its powers in the state.

Two months ago, Mr Bhardwaj discarded a vote of confidence won by Mr Yeddyurappa after a section of his party seemed on the cusp of switching sides to support the Opposition.  Mr Bhardwaj ruled that the voice vote was not enough for a matter as serious as the survival of the government, so he asked the Chief Minister to undergo another trust vote just four days later - a first for India.

Read more »

Posted in: Bangalore NEWS,Karnataka News

Jagan in capital to plead farmer cause

NEW DELHI: On the day the Srikrishna panel submitted its report on Telangana issue, Jagan Mohan Reddy stepped up pressure on Congress by dashing to the Capital and regretting that PM had not given him time to apprise him of the woes of flood-hit farmers in coastal Andhra. He met agriculture minister Sharad Pawar with a request for better relief package.

 Jagan, who quit Congress after his claim to CM's post following the death of his father Y S R Reddy was turned down, wrote to PM on Sunday for time to discuss flood relief with him, besides also seeking time with Pawar and textiles minister Dayanidhi Maran to discuss weavers' plight. After meeting Pawar, he said, "He assured me of readying a package in a day and taking it up with PM."

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Posted in: JAGAN

Jagan in capital to plead farmer cause

NEW DELHI: On the day the Srikrishna panel submitted its report on Telangana issue, Jagan Mohan Reddy stepped up pressure on Congress by dashing to the Capital and regretting that PM had not given him time to apprise him of the woes of flood-hit farmers in coastal Andhra. He met agriculture minister Sharad Pawar with a request for better relief package.

 Jagan, who quit Congress after his claim to CM's post following the death of his father Y S R Reddy was turned down, wrote to PM on Sunday for time to discuss flood relief with him, besides also seeking time with Pawar and textiles minister Dayanidhi Maran to discuss weavers' plight. After meeting Pawar, he said, "He assured me of readying a package in a day and taking it up with PM."

Read more »

Posted in: JAGAN

AP: Cong's Instability,Telangana Row Made News in '10

A cocktail of instability in Congress and the demand for separate Telangana statehood combined to produce a politically-charged situation in Andhra Pradesh through 2010 and promises a lot more in the coming year.

The political chaos that actually began towards the end of 2009 ran through the whole of 2010 and may continue in the new year over the Telangana demand on which the Justice Srikrishna Committee submitted its report on December 30.

While the prime reason for this seemingly prolonged turbulence is the demand for and against the bifurcation of the state, the internal strife in the ruling Congress party has also been a large contributing factor.

The agitations for and against the division of Andhra Pradesh that began in December 2009 and spilled into the first half of 2010 not only paralysed the state administration but also left the main political parties in shambles.

The happenings within the Congress also left Andhra Pradesh in a state of political uncertainty throughout the year as the ruling party failed in many ways than one in managing its own affairs. Governance, as a result, appeared to have become a casualty.

Disarray will only be a mild word to describe the state of Congress as it was forced to replace a "non-effective" Chief Minister (K Rosaiah) on the one hand and to contend with the rebellion caused by Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, the son of late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, on the other.

New Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy is facing a tough challenge from Jagan, who is waiting for the opportune moment to dislodge the state government, though for the record he has promised to let it continue till 2014.

Jagan's first rebellious act was embarking on the 'Odarpu' Yatra for consoling families of persons who died of shock or committed suicide following his father's death.

In fact, he used the controversial yatra for a show of strength and building a base for himself across the state, particularly in the Andhra-Rayalaseema regions.

The response to his road shows proved that Jagan not only succeeded in his plans but also compounded the woes of the beleaguered Congress.

By already attracting close to 30 MLAs, half-a-dozen MLCs and about five Lok Sabha MPs of Congress to his side, upon his exit from the party, Jagan has already sounded the warning bell for the Kiran Kumar government.

Come 2011, Jagan will launch his own political outfit with the main objective of decimating the Congress, which he quit in December. He may be keen on attracting the "fence-sitters" in the Congress jump on to his bandwagon, endangering the survival of the Kiran government.

Jagan apart, Congress also faces uncertainty from within as the Telangana protagonists in the party too have openly declared a war if statehood is not granted.

The cracks along regional lines in Congress that began appearing in December 2009 only widened in 2010 as the high command remained apathetic to the developments in the party.

The principal opposition Telugu Desam Party is not in a comfortable position either. The TDP is split on regional lines with the Telangana leaders favouring a separate state while those from Andhra-Rayalaseema opposing it.

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu is unable to take a clear stand on the state division issue and is closely monitoring the happenings in the Congress so that he could devise his party's strategy.

Though initially there was hope in the TDP circles about the party's prospects brightening in the wake of Jagan's exit from Congress, the complete rout it faced in the July by- elections in Telangana has indeed become a cause for concern.

With the TDP still vacillating over its stand on the statehood issue, hope of revival in its fortunes in the Telangana region that was always considered its citadel may be scant.

The separatist Telangana Rashtra Samiti, on the other hand, is riding high on the "sentiment" wave following its spectacular showing in the by-elections where it won all the 11 seats it contested.

In fact, 2010 saw the TRS fighting a do-or-die battle to achieve its sole objective - securing statehood for Telangana.

It has taken the battle, with the help of other separatist forces, almost to a decisive stage this year, so much so that the political future of Andhra Pradesh now hinges on the outcome of this battle.

Year 2010 could well be a forgettable one for actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi as his two-year-old Praja Rajyam Party headed nowhere. By vouching for a united state, Chiranjeevi antagonised people of Telangana, so much so that his party has been reduced to nothing in the region.

After more than 10 months, however, he started attracting some of his fans from Telangana back to his fold for re-building the PRP.

But the PRP also seems to be stuck in an existential dilemma. It has done no good for itself by hobnobbing with the ruling Congress and in fact lost its credibility by showing a desperation to join the government.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS,TELENGANA

AP: Cong's Instability,Telangana Row Made News in '10

A cocktail of instability in Congress and the demand for separate Telangana statehood combined to produce a politically-charged situation in Andhra Pradesh through 2010 and promises a lot more in the coming year.

The political chaos that actually began towards the end of 2009 ran through the whole of 2010 and may continue in the new year over the Telangana demand on which the Justice Srikrishna Committee submitted its report on December 30.

While the prime reason for this seemingly prolonged turbulence is the demand for and against the bifurcation of the state, the internal strife in the ruling Congress party has also been a large contributing factor.

The agitations for and against the division of Andhra Pradesh that began in December 2009 and spilled into the first half of 2010 not only paralysed the state administration but also left the main political parties in shambles.

The happenings within the Congress also left Andhra Pradesh in a state of political uncertainty throughout the year as the ruling party failed in many ways than one in managing its own affairs. Governance, as a result, appeared to have become a casualty.

Disarray will only be a mild word to describe the state of Congress as it was forced to replace a "non-effective" Chief Minister (K Rosaiah) on the one hand and to contend with the rebellion caused by Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, the son of late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, on the other.

New Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy is facing a tough challenge from Jagan, who is waiting for the opportune moment to dislodge the state government, though for the record he has promised to let it continue till 2014.

Jagan's first rebellious act was embarking on the 'Odarpu' Yatra for consoling families of persons who died of shock or committed suicide following his father's death.

In fact, he used the controversial yatra for a show of strength and building a base for himself across the state, particularly in the Andhra-Rayalaseema regions.

The response to his road shows proved that Jagan not only succeeded in his plans but also compounded the woes of the beleaguered Congress.

By already attracting close to 30 MLAs, half-a-dozen MLCs and about five Lok Sabha MPs of Congress to his side, upon his exit from the party, Jagan has already sounded the warning bell for the Kiran Kumar government.

Come 2011, Jagan will launch his own political outfit with the main objective of decimating the Congress, which he quit in December. He may be keen on attracting the "fence-sitters" in the Congress jump on to his bandwagon, endangering the survival of the Kiran government.

Jagan apart, Congress also faces uncertainty from within as the Telangana protagonists in the party too have openly declared a war if statehood is not granted.

The cracks along regional lines in Congress that began appearing in December 2009 only widened in 2010 as the high command remained apathetic to the developments in the party.

The principal opposition Telugu Desam Party is not in a comfortable position either. The TDP is split on regional lines with the Telangana leaders favouring a separate state while those from Andhra-Rayalaseema opposing it.

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu is unable to take a clear stand on the state division issue and is closely monitoring the happenings in the Congress so that he could devise his party's strategy.

Though initially there was hope in the TDP circles about the party's prospects brightening in the wake of Jagan's exit from Congress, the complete rout it faced in the July by- elections in Telangana has indeed become a cause for concern.

With the TDP still vacillating over its stand on the statehood issue, hope of revival in its fortunes in the Telangana region that was always considered its citadel may be scant.

The separatist Telangana Rashtra Samiti, on the other hand, is riding high on the "sentiment" wave following its spectacular showing in the by-elections where it won all the 11 seats it contested.

In fact, 2010 saw the TRS fighting a do-or-die battle to achieve its sole objective - securing statehood for Telangana.

It has taken the battle, with the help of other separatist forces, almost to a decisive stage this year, so much so that the political future of Andhra Pradesh now hinges on the outcome of this battle.

Year 2010 could well be a forgettable one for actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi as his two-year-old Praja Rajyam Party headed nowhere. By vouching for a united state, Chiranjeevi antagonised people of Telangana, so much so that his party has been reduced to nothing in the region.

After more than 10 months, however, he started attracting some of his fans from Telangana back to his fold for re-building the PRP.

But the PRP also seems to be stuck in an existential dilemma. It has done no good for itself by hobnobbing with the ruling Congress and in fact lost its credibility by showing a desperation to join the government.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS,TELENGANA

Almatti height increase welcome, but water share unjust: Karnataka

The verdict of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal has been hailed by irrigation experts, particularly the decision to increase the height of the Almatti dam. However, many are unhappy over the share of water allocated to Karnataka, when compared to Andhra Pradesh, describing it as “unjust”.

Water Resources Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the State Government was not fully satisfied with the award.

Speaking to presspersons in Hubli on Thursday, Mr. Bommai said the permission to increase the height of Almatti dam from 519 ft. to 524 ft. was welcome.

However the demand of Karnataka for 278 tmcft of water had been partially met with allotment of only 177 tmcft, which was a matter of concern, he said.

Mr. Bommai said that the tribunal had mentioned about setting up of a monitoring board.

He clarified that the State was happy but not satisfied with the award.

The former Water Resources Minister and Congress leader H.K. Patil, said in Hubli that while the tribunal's approval to increase the height of the dam was a positive outcome, the water-sharing formula was worrisome.

He said the State had staked its claim for a reasonable 278 tmcft of water in ‘B' Scheme as over 43.8 per cent catchment area of the Krishna fell in the State. Mr. Patil said that even the Bachawat Commission in its recommendations on water-sharing under ‘A' Scheme in the 1970s said that during further adjudication, the issue of Karnataka getting a share of 50 per cent of the surplus water and Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra sharing the remaining equally should be considered. The tribunal had overlooked it, he said.

Mr. Patil said that the State Government should be ready to approach the Supreme Court if things were not set right.

The former Minister Vaijnath Patil, speaking from Gulbarga, said that the allocation for Karnataka was unacceptable because Andhra Pradesh was already using the unutilised waters released by Karnataka.

The former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy welcomed the verdict.

“The award will benefit the people of north Karnataka”, Mr. Kumaraswamy said and hailed the contribution of people, who have struggled to secure for Karnataka its rightful share in the river waters.

Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda said he would reserve his opinion on the award till he read the contents of the order in detail.

Krishna Water Disputes Advisory Committee member Panchappa Kalburgi, speaking from Bijapur, stated that the decision to maintain a minimum flow of 116 tmcft of water in the Krishna would benefit the region, particularly during summer.

However, Mr. Kalburgi cautioned that Maharashtra should be instructed to release water as soon as it started receiving rainfall as it would be difficult for Karnataka to release water from Almatti dam to maintain 116 tmcft flow if Maharashtra failed to release water from its dams. “The State Government should submit a proposal seeking allocation of more surplus water scientifically,” he added.

Congress MLC Khaji Arshed Ali said the State Government should stop bothering about the utilisation of water by other riparian States and focus on building dams and canals to utilise the allocated share.

Successive State governments had failed to utilise the 734 tmcft of water allocated by the Bachawat tribunal, he pointed out.

“The award had set a deadline of the year 2000 to utilise the water. This was not done and the government sought extension of the deadline by 10 years.

Read more »

Posted in: Karnataka News,SPECIAL NEWS

Almatti height increase welcome, but water share unjust: Karnataka

The verdict of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal has been hailed by irrigation experts, particularly the decision to increase the height of the Almatti dam. However, many are unhappy over the share of water allocated to Karnataka, when compared to Andhra Pradesh, describing it as “unjust”.

Water Resources Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the State Government was not fully satisfied with the award.

Speaking to presspersons in Hubli on Thursday, Mr. Bommai said the permission to increase the height of Almatti dam from 519 ft. to 524 ft. was welcome.

However the demand of Karnataka for 278 tmcft of water had been partially met with allotment of only 177 tmcft, which was a matter of concern, he said.

Mr. Bommai said that the tribunal had mentioned about setting up of a monitoring board.

He clarified that the State was happy but not satisfied with the award.

The former Water Resources Minister and Congress leader H.K. Patil, said in Hubli that while the tribunal's approval to increase the height of the dam was a positive outcome, the water-sharing formula was worrisome.

He said the State had staked its claim for a reasonable 278 tmcft of water in ‘B' Scheme as over 43.8 per cent catchment area of the Krishna fell in the State. Mr. Patil said that even the Bachawat Commission in its recommendations on water-sharing under ‘A' Scheme in the 1970s said that during further adjudication, the issue of Karnataka getting a share of 50 per cent of the surplus water and Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra sharing the remaining equally should be considered. The tribunal had overlooked it, he said.

Mr. Patil said that the State Government should be ready to approach the Supreme Court if things were not set right.

The former Minister Vaijnath Patil, speaking from Gulbarga, said that the allocation for Karnataka was unacceptable because Andhra Pradesh was already using the unutilised waters released by Karnataka.

The former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy welcomed the verdict.

“The award will benefit the people of north Karnataka”, Mr. Kumaraswamy said and hailed the contribution of people, who have struggled to secure for Karnataka its rightful share in the river waters.

Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda said he would reserve his opinion on the award till he read the contents of the order in detail.

Krishna Water Disputes Advisory Committee member Panchappa Kalburgi, speaking from Bijapur, stated that the decision to maintain a minimum flow of 116 tmcft of water in the Krishna would benefit the region, particularly during summer.

However, Mr. Kalburgi cautioned that Maharashtra should be instructed to release water as soon as it started receiving rainfall as it would be difficult for Karnataka to release water from Almatti dam to maintain 116 tmcft flow if Maharashtra failed to release water from its dams. “The State Government should submit a proposal seeking allocation of more surplus water scientifically,” he added.

Congress MLC Khaji Arshed Ali said the State Government should stop bothering about the utilisation of water by other riparian States and focus on building dams and canals to utilise the allocated share.

Successive State governments had failed to utilise the 734 tmcft of water allocated by the Bachawat tribunal, he pointed out.

“The award had set a deadline of the year 2000 to utilise the water. This was not done and the government sought extension of the deadline by 10 years.

Read more »

Posted in: Karnataka News,SPECIAL NEWS

Telangana Fallout: Companies put plans on hold in Andhra

Hyderabad: The Telangana agitation over the Centre’s decision to create a new state in the region has forced several companies, including Bharat Forge, the Lakshmi Mittal Group and the NTPC-BHEL joint venture, to either put their expansion plans on hold or explore other states.

Projects moving out


Addressing the media here on Tuesday after a meeting with industry representatives, Chief Minister K Rosaiah said Bharat Forge, which planned to set up a nuclear power plant equipment unit at Nellore at an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore, was considering moving to Gujarat.
The proposed project was to generate employment opportunities for 5,000 people. Andhra Pradesh succeeded in getting the project after a stiff competition with Tamil Nadu.
Likewise, French car maker Peugeot, which was considering investments in the state, and steel major Lakshmi Mittal Group, which had also planned a unit here, were going slow on their expansion proposals.
The chief minister said Sri Lanka-based Brandix Apparel, which has units in Nellore and Visakhapatnam, was rethinking on its decision to set up a unit in the Telangana region. The company provides large-scale employment to the locals.

In June, the Andhra Cabinet had already approved allotment of 750 acre to bag the project for which the state had faced stiff competition from Rajasthan.
The NTPC-BHEL project was supposed to be the largest public sector investment in the state after the Vizag Steel Plant and had a potential to provide direct employment for 6,000 people, besides indirect employment for over 25,000. It had plans to manufacture equipment for thermal, hydro, gas and power plants.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was to lay the foundation stone for the unit but this was postponed following the death of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. "We are not able to approach the prime minister asking to lay the foundation stone in view of the turmoil in the state," Rosaiah said.

Agitation intensifies
Meanwhile, the ongoing agitation for statehood to Andhra Pradesh's Telangana region intensified Tuesday as thousands of people from all walks of life came on to the streets in various districts to press for their demand.
Protests, road blockades, rallies, processions, meetings, human chains and cultural programmes were organised across the region by all political parties and other pro-Telangana groups.
Tension continued at Osmania University, the nerve centre of the agitation, as students took out a procession to the police station demanding release of their leaders. Police had a tough time controlling the angry students.
The protest was held even as police stepped up efforts to foil the plans of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the students for a 'Chalo Hyderabad' march and rally Jan 3. Police have denied permission for the protests and imposed prohibitory orders in and around the city.

However, the government Tuesday received a jolt with the state high court quashing its order for closure of all university hostels and messes in Telangana. The court directed that the hostels and messes be reopened with necessary measures to prevent the entry of outsiders.
Police went on alert in Hyderabad and other parts of the region a day ahead of the shutdown called by the all-party JAC. Additional forces, including paramilitary personnel, were deployed in the state capital and other towns.
The tussle between students on hunger strike and the police continued on the campuses of all universities in the region, especially the Kakatiya University in Warangal.

New Year celebrations under threat
Some student unions have threatened to disrupt New Year celebrations at Ramoji Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad. A group of students staged a protest outside the film city owned by media baron Ramoji Rao.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner B. Parasada Rao has warned of strict action against those planning to disrupt New Year celebrations in the city.
Demanding withdrawal of cases booked against those participating in the agitation, lawyers staged a sit-in outside the Nampally criminal court complex.
In Warangal, students, lawyers and government employees came together to stage massive protests. Lawyers boycotted courts.

In Karimnagar town, hundreds of people marched through the streets demanding the immediate formation of Telangana state. Leaders of all parties vowed not to rest till the central government announced the formation of the state.
Protesters in various towns also used folk songs and cultural performances to highlight their demand.
In Mahabubnagar district, government employees resorted to a 'pen down' protest in support of the Telangana movement.
The 'fast unto death' and relay hunger strikes by students, lawyers and legislators cutting across party lines also continued.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS,TELENGANA

Telangana Fallout: Companies put plans on hold in Andhra

Hyderabad: The Telangana agitation over the Centre’s decision to create a new state in the region has forced several companies, including Bharat Forge, the Lakshmi Mittal Group and the NTPC-BHEL joint venture, to either put their expansion plans on hold or explore other states.

Projects moving out


Addressing the media here on Tuesday after a meeting with industry representatives, Chief Minister K Rosaiah said Bharat Forge, which planned to set up a nuclear power plant equipment unit at Nellore at an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore, was considering moving to Gujarat.
The proposed project was to generate employment opportunities for 5,000 people. Andhra Pradesh succeeded in getting the project after a stiff competition with Tamil Nadu.
Likewise, French car maker Peugeot, which was considering investments in the state, and steel major Lakshmi Mittal Group, which had also planned a unit here, were going slow on their expansion proposals.
The chief minister said Sri Lanka-based Brandix Apparel, which has units in Nellore and Visakhapatnam, was rethinking on its decision to set up a unit in the Telangana region. The company provides large-scale employment to the locals.

In June, the Andhra Cabinet had already approved allotment of 750 acre to bag the project for which the state had faced stiff competition from Rajasthan.
The NTPC-BHEL project was supposed to be the largest public sector investment in the state after the Vizag Steel Plant and had a potential to provide direct employment for 6,000 people, besides indirect employment for over 25,000. It had plans to manufacture equipment for thermal, hydro, gas and power plants.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was to lay the foundation stone for the unit but this was postponed following the death of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. "We are not able to approach the prime minister asking to lay the foundation stone in view of the turmoil in the state," Rosaiah said.

Agitation intensifies
Meanwhile, the ongoing agitation for statehood to Andhra Pradesh's Telangana region intensified Tuesday as thousands of people from all walks of life came on to the streets in various districts to press for their demand.
Protests, road blockades, rallies, processions, meetings, human chains and cultural programmes were organised across the region by all political parties and other pro-Telangana groups.
Tension continued at Osmania University, the nerve centre of the agitation, as students took out a procession to the police station demanding release of their leaders. Police had a tough time controlling the angry students.
The protest was held even as police stepped up efforts to foil the plans of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the students for a 'Chalo Hyderabad' march and rally Jan 3. Police have denied permission for the protests and imposed prohibitory orders in and around the city.

However, the government Tuesday received a jolt with the state high court quashing its order for closure of all university hostels and messes in Telangana. The court directed that the hostels and messes be reopened with necessary measures to prevent the entry of outsiders.
Police went on alert in Hyderabad and other parts of the region a day ahead of the shutdown called by the all-party JAC. Additional forces, including paramilitary personnel, were deployed in the state capital and other towns.
The tussle between students on hunger strike and the police continued on the campuses of all universities in the region, especially the Kakatiya University in Warangal.

New Year celebrations under threat
Some student unions have threatened to disrupt New Year celebrations at Ramoji Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad. A group of students staged a protest outside the film city owned by media baron Ramoji Rao.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner B. Parasada Rao has warned of strict action against those planning to disrupt New Year celebrations in the city.
Demanding withdrawal of cases booked against those participating in the agitation, lawyers staged a sit-in outside the Nampally criminal court complex.
In Warangal, students, lawyers and government employees came together to stage massive protests. Lawyers boycotted courts.

In Karimnagar town, hundreds of people marched through the streets demanding the immediate formation of Telangana state. Leaders of all parties vowed not to rest till the central government announced the formation of the state.
Protesters in various towns also used folk songs and cultural performances to highlight their demand.
In Mahabubnagar district, government employees resorted to a 'pen down' protest in support of the Telangana movement.
The 'fast unto death' and relay hunger strikes by students, lawyers and legislators cutting across party lines also continued.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS,TELENGANA

CBI or Closure Bureau of Investigation?

The closure of the Aarushi murder case has brought the investigative skills of the Central Bureau of Investigation into sharp focus.

Once known to be a premier investigative agency and India's version of the Scotland Yard of UK, the CBI has earned itself some snide comments as it willingly surrendered its backbone to the ruling dispensation or crawled when asked to bend.

Though an independent agency, the CBI is more seen as an agency of the ruling party to settle scores, keep opponents silent, force political parties to support or oppose issues. Little wonder that the BJP and the Opposition parties call the CBI the Congress Bureau of Investigation.

But to be fair, the CBI got a messy case when the UP police handed over the Aarushi file. The UP police had botched up the evidence, tampered with the scene of crime and created enough red herrings.

That be so, why did the CBI take over two years to declare that they had a hopeless case on hand? Why did the CBI use unscientific means to question the servants of Dr Rajesh Talwar?

Read more »

Posted in: CRIME,SPECIAL NEWS

CBI or Closure Bureau of Investigation?

The closure of the Aarushi murder case has brought the investigative skills of the Central Bureau of Investigation into sharp focus.

Once known to be a premier investigative agency and India's version of the Scotland Yard of UK, the CBI has earned itself some snide comments as it willingly surrendered its backbone to the ruling dispensation or crawled when asked to bend.

Though an independent agency, the CBI is more seen as an agency of the ruling party to settle scores, keep opponents silent, force political parties to support or oppose issues. Little wonder that the BJP and the Opposition parties call the CBI the Congress Bureau of Investigation.

But to be fair, the CBI got a messy case when the UP police handed over the Aarushi file. The UP police had botched up the evidence, tampered with the scene of crime and created enough red herrings.

That be so, why did the CBI take over two years to declare that they had a hopeless case on hand? Why did the CBI use unscientific means to question the servants of Dr Rajesh Talwar?

Read more »

Posted in: CRIME,SPECIAL NEWS

Technical institutes to reserve 5% seats: Sibal

New Delhi:  From now, technical institutes approved by AICTE have to reserve up to five per cent of their seats for students from economically backward sections of the society.

"Till now, tuition fee waiver scheme operated by AICTE allowed providing up to 10 per cent supernumerary seats that are given to students of economically backward category. It was the discretion on the part of the institution to apply for such a scheme. Now these seats are made mandatory for every institute up to five per cent," HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said.

Unveiling the revised AICTE norms, he said the technical institutes can from now on increase the intake capacity per programme from 40 to 60 seats.

Opening up the doors to the corporate sector, he said companies can also set up technical institutes provided they set up entities registered as a non-profit entity under section 25 of the Company's Act to run such institutes.
No joint venture will, however, apply to this, he said, adding the scheme would only be allowed in 241 districts where at present no AICTE approved institute exist.

"If corporate sector wants to offer AICTE programmes, they can do so after setting up a section 25 company without a joint venture, and thereafter seek approval from AICTE for the programmes," he said.

At present, only trusts and cooperative societies are allowed to run technical institutes.

Further, corporates can set up campuses through PPP or through build-operate-transfer mode under agreement with public sector.

Further relaxing norms, he said in rural sector, only 10 acre will be required to set up an engineering institute while in urban sector only 2.5 acre.

He said the measures are aimed at easing the pressure on the education sector and providing relief to the students in matters of admission.

"These are all incentives given for expansion of the education sector because the demand is huge and supply is less and the problems of fees etc. So when the sector expands and meets demands, the pressure on the system will be much less. It will be easier for students," he said.

Significantly, Sibal also said that as per the new AICTE norms, stand alone PG programme can be offered by institutes as against the existing norm where PG courses are allowed in campuses where under graduate programme exist.

He said B.Sc students can seek lateral entry to a second year degree programme provided they have passed Mathematics at XII or at B.Sc level besides engineering graphics and engineering mechanics along with second year subjects.
 

Read more »

Posted in: INDIA news,National News,NDTV

Technical institutes to reserve 5% seats: Sibal

New Delhi:  From now, technical institutes approved by AICTE have to reserve up to five per cent of their seats for students from economically backward sections of the society.

"Till now, tuition fee waiver scheme operated by AICTE allowed providing up to 10 per cent supernumerary seats that are given to students of economically backward category. It was the discretion on the part of the institution to apply for such a scheme. Now these seats are made mandatory for every institute up to five per cent," HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said.

Unveiling the revised AICTE norms, he said the technical institutes can from now on increase the intake capacity per programme from 40 to 60 seats.

Opening up the doors to the corporate sector, he said companies can also set up technical institutes provided they set up entities registered as a non-profit entity under section 25 of the Company's Act to run such institutes.
No joint venture will, however, apply to this, he said, adding the scheme would only be allowed in 241 districts where at present no AICTE approved institute exist.

"If corporate sector wants to offer AICTE programmes, they can do so after setting up a section 25 company without a joint venture, and thereafter seek approval from AICTE for the programmes," he said.

At present, only trusts and cooperative societies are allowed to run technical institutes.

Further, corporates can set up campuses through PPP or through build-operate-transfer mode under agreement with public sector.

Further relaxing norms, he said in rural sector, only 10 acre will be required to set up an engineering institute while in urban sector only 2.5 acre.

He said the measures are aimed at easing the pressure on the education sector and providing relief to the students in matters of admission.

"These are all incentives given for expansion of the education sector because the demand is huge and supply is less and the problems of fees etc. So when the sector expands and meets demands, the pressure on the system will be much less. It will be easier for students," he said.

Significantly, Sibal also said that as per the new AICTE norms, stand alone PG programme can be offered by institutes as against the existing norm where PG courses are allowed in campuses where under graduate programme exist.

He said B.Sc students can seek lateral entry to a second year degree programme provided they have passed Mathematics at XII or at B.Sc level besides engineering graphics and engineering mechanics along with second year subjects.
 

Read more »

Posted in: INDIA news,National News,NDTV

Sanjay Dutt ruined 8 years of my life, says producer Noorani

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has ordered attachment of two properties of film actor Sanjay Dutt in keeping with an arbitration award passed by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers` Association in January this year on a financial dispute between him and producer Shakeel Noorani.According to a TV news channel, the court issued a warrant against Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt for confiscation of all his property. Shakeel went on record saying that he has been duped by Sanjay and because of him he has lost 8 years of his life.

The court took this action on the petition filed by Shakeel Noorani back in 2002, who claimed that the actor backed out of his film titled ‘Jaan Ki Bazzi’. Noorani dragged the actor to court over losses incurred due to the actor abandoning a film.

According to the court order, all of Sanjay’s belongings can be seized and he might even turn homeless.

Speaking from Sanjay’s residence, Noorani said, “I have just pasted the court’s attachment notice at Sanjay Dutt’s home and tomorrow I will be going to his office. This man wasted 8 years of my life. The film was 50% complete and he left it mid way. I have made ‘Joru Ka Ghulam’, which was a hit and after that because of this issue, I have been facing a lot of problems and since then haven’t been able to release any other film.”

He further added, “I am grateful that the court passed the order in my favour. The lost time won’t come back again. I could regain my stake in the industry, but I will not sit back against wrong done to me because of which even my kids had to suffer.”

However, Sanjay has the option of approaching the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court’s order.

Efforts were being made to contact Sanjay Dutt to know what he plans to do next, but all went in vain. However, his lawyer said that they will challenge the illegal claims made by Noorani as when the court opens.

Dutt has 6 weeks to contest the notice and the alleged false decree that has been granted by Bombay HC. Country’s eminent lawyer Satish Manchandani, addressing media on behalf Dutt said, “We will have a look at the decree execution order of the High Court and then decide on appropriate action to be taken in this matter”.

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood,SPECIAL NEWS

Sanjay Dutt ruined 8 years of my life, says producer Noorani

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has ordered attachment of two properties of film actor Sanjay Dutt in keeping with an arbitration award passed by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers` Association in January this year on a financial dispute between him and producer Shakeel Noorani.According to a TV news channel, the court issued a warrant against Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt for confiscation of all his property. Shakeel went on record saying that he has been duped by Sanjay and because of him he has lost 8 years of his life.

The court took this action on the petition filed by Shakeel Noorani back in 2002, who claimed that the actor backed out of his film titled ‘Jaan Ki Bazzi’. Noorani dragged the actor to court over losses incurred due to the actor abandoning a film.

According to the court order, all of Sanjay’s belongings can be seized and he might even turn homeless.

Speaking from Sanjay’s residence, Noorani said, “I have just pasted the court’s attachment notice at Sanjay Dutt’s home and tomorrow I will be going to his office. This man wasted 8 years of my life. The film was 50% complete and he left it mid way. I have made ‘Joru Ka Ghulam’, which was a hit and after that because of this issue, I have been facing a lot of problems and since then haven’t been able to release any other film.”

He further added, “I am grateful that the court passed the order in my favour. The lost time won’t come back again. I could regain my stake in the industry, but I will not sit back against wrong done to me because of which even my kids had to suffer.”

However, Sanjay has the option of approaching the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court’s order.

Efforts were being made to contact Sanjay Dutt to know what he plans to do next, but all went in vain. However, his lawyer said that they will challenge the illegal claims made by Noorani as when the court opens.

Dutt has 6 weeks to contest the notice and the alleged false decree that has been granted by Bombay HC. Country’s eminent lawyer Satish Manchandani, addressing media on behalf Dutt said, “We will have a look at the decree execution order of the High Court and then decide on appropriate action to be taken in this matter”.

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood,SPECIAL NEWS

Netizens shocked as CBI lets Aarushi's murderer roam free

"Shame", "Yet another let down", "Is it a cover up?"-- these are some of the reactions of netizens to the CBI filing a closure report in the sensational Aarushi double murder case after a two-and-a-half- year probe marked by botched up investigations.
"Even 'cold cases', twenty years and older are solved in the US! What on earth is happening here, another cover up?" Sunaina Serna Ahluwalia wrote on social networking site Facebook.
Shreya Talwar, another user, wrote, "Yet another let down, but this is not where we stop. This is the time (when) we need to join hands and fight against the injustice happening to Aaru, instead of sitting back and taking everything as it comes."
However, the buzz which was visible when the 14-year-old was murdered in May 2008 along with the domestic help Hemraj is missing this time. Various communities and pages that were created in the name of the killed teenager and appealed for justice are slowly picking up.

Read more »

Posted in: CRIME,SPECIAL NEWS

Netizens shocked as CBI lets Aarushi's murderer roam free

"Shame", "Yet another let down", "Is it a cover up?"-- these are some of the reactions of netizens to the CBI filing a closure report in the sensational Aarushi double murder case after a two-and-a-half- year probe marked by botched up investigations.
"Even 'cold cases', twenty years and older are solved in the US! What on earth is happening here, another cover up?" Sunaina Serna Ahluwalia wrote on social networking site Facebook.
Shreya Talwar, another user, wrote, "Yet another let down, but this is not where we stop. This is the time (when) we need to join hands and fight against the injustice happening to Aaru, instead of sitting back and taking everything as it comes."
However, the buzz which was visible when the 14-year-old was murdered in May 2008 along with the domestic help Hemraj is missing this time. Various communities and pages that were created in the name of the killed teenager and appealed for justice are slowly picking up.

Read more »

Posted in: CRIME,SPECIAL NEWS

Click Click!

Ameesha Patel posted pictures of Raveena Tandon, Neelam and designer Anna Singh from Farah Ali Khan's birthday bash last night. 'Last nite at farahs bday. All the hotties'

Sonam Kapoor tweeted a picture with a happy brand plug. 'At a loreal shoot. The make up I'm using.' Gosh, does she need ALL that to look good?

Meanwhile, Preity Zinta showered her love on a cute dog, 'Saw this cutie pie in the mall today and just could not resist taking a pictureB! Awww !!!'

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood

Click Click!

Ameesha Patel posted pictures of Raveena Tandon, Neelam and designer Anna Singh from Farah Ali Khan's birthday bash last night. 'Last nite at farahs bday. All the hotties'

Sonam Kapoor tweeted a picture with a happy brand plug. 'At a loreal shoot. The make up I'm using.' Gosh, does she need ALL that to look good?

Meanwhile, Preity Zinta showered her love on a cute dog, 'Saw this cutie pie in the mall today and just could not resist taking a pictureB! Awww !!!'

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood

Setting out for action

After shooting for her Hollywood film Singularity, Bipasha Basu is back on the sets of another film. 'Jst wrapped shooting 2day 4 'dum maaro dum'!Hd a fab time shooting wth @rohansippy @RanaDaggubati n our DOP amit roy!V hve a super film!Yay N how could I forget abhay deol ! He is a total sweetheart:)Really chilled out!'

Madhuri Dixit, tweets with an easy cool vibe and her happy twang, through her iPad, 'Gone mobile. Get ur tweet on. On my way to filmistan to give you next weeks adventures on JDJ. Trying to tweet at least in am and pm. Difficult to keep up when filming. Love to hear from all of you. That is the best part of twitter.'

Shabana Azmi is lending time to the producer vs lyricists spat. She replied to a fan explaining her stance, 'all that's being asked is 4 lyricists and music directors to get 12.5percent each of the PROFIT producers make on their songs.FAIR. Producers will still make 75 percent PROFIT.D world over Copyright rests with writers In India writers are made to SURRENDER their rights.'

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood

Are you ready for Faffy?

He might not have lit up the box office, but it's clear that Aftab Shivdasani is quite a hit with his co-stars.

Riteish Deshmukh was the first to mark the spot: 'Hey a big shout out to my friends and one of the most funniest co-actors Aftab Shivdasani @faffmeister - welcome buddy'

Bipasha Basu tweeted, 'Hey guys give a warm welcome to @faffmeister (AFTAB SHIVDASANI)!!A fantastic actor costar n a very dear friend! Love!'

Abhishek Bachchan gave him a shout out too, 'Guys show the love to a Dear friend and all round good guy to Aftab Shivdasani @faffmeister welcome to the chaos faffy!'

Meanwhile, Aftab is finding his feet on twitter, 'Sorry if I can't personally thank all of ul.. But THANK U for all ur greetings and love! Yes it feels amazing to be here :)'

Some guys have all the love!

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood

Setting out for action

After shooting for her Hollywood film Singularity, Bipasha Basu is back on the sets of another film. 'Jst wrapped shooting 2day 4 'dum maaro dum'!Hd a fab time shooting wth @rohansippy @RanaDaggubati n our DOP amit roy!V hve a super film!Yay N how could I forget abhay deol ! He is a total sweetheart:)Really chilled out!'

Madhuri Dixit, tweets with an easy cool vibe and her happy twang, through her iPad, 'Gone mobile. Get ur tweet on. On my way to filmistan to give you next weeks adventures on JDJ. Trying to tweet at least in am and pm. Difficult to keep up when filming. Love to hear from all of you. That is the best part of twitter.'

Shabana Azmi is lending time to the producer vs lyricists spat. She replied to a fan explaining her stance, 'all that's being asked is 4 lyricists and music directors to get 12.5percent each of the PROFIT producers make on their songs.FAIR. Producers will still make 75 percent PROFIT.D world over Copyright rests with writers In India writers are made to SURRENDER their rights.'

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood

Are you ready for Faffy?

He might not have lit up the box office, but it's clear that Aftab Shivdasani is quite a hit with his co-stars.

Riteish Deshmukh was the first to mark the spot: 'Hey a big shout out to my friends and one of the most funniest co-actors Aftab Shivdasani @faffmeister - welcome buddy'

Bipasha Basu tweeted, 'Hey guys give a warm welcome to @faffmeister (AFTAB SHIVDASANI)!!A fantastic actor costar n a very dear friend! Love!'

Abhishek Bachchan gave him a shout out too, 'Guys show the love to a Dear friend and all round good guy to Aftab Shivdasani @faffmeister welcome to the chaos faffy!'

Meanwhile, Aftab is finding his feet on twitter, 'Sorry if I can't personally thank all of ul.. But THANK U for all ur greetings and love! Yes it feels amazing to be here :)'

Some guys have all the love!

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood

Shah Rukh returns to twitter

The twitter world is quite a busy one, and Bollywood contributes a great deal to it. Here's looking at the best  star tweets of the day.

Shah Rukh Khan, who's been off twitter for 56 days, made a comeback!

He tweeted, ''To new beginnings. have a healthy happy & fulfilling new chapter. may all your troubles be as shortlived as your new year resolutions. Love.'

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood

Big B on a mission!

Amitabh Bachchan is on a mission to meet friends.
'Spent very early morning with Aamir and his team at work ... interesting comment and discussions on film and future,' he tweeted.
The actor also met up with his former co-stars Shashi and Shammi Kapoor. 'Just visited Shammi Kapoor ji in hospital .. Despite his condition full of life joy and fun .. A true star .. Get well soon ! Many wondering if I have made a typo error about Shammi ji and Shashi ji ... no I have not ... they are both in Hospital ..'

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood

Shah Rukh returns to twitter

The twitter world is quite a busy one, and Bollywood contributes a great deal to it. Here's looking at the best  star tweets of the day.

Shah Rukh Khan, who's been off twitter for 56 days, made a comeback!

He tweeted, ''To new beginnings. have a healthy happy & fulfilling new chapter. may all your troubles be as shortlived as your new year resolutions. Love.'

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood

Big B on a mission!

Amitabh Bachchan is on a mission to meet friends.
'Spent very early morning with Aamir and his team at work ... interesting comment and discussions on film and future,' he tweeted.
The actor also met up with his former co-stars Shashi and Shammi Kapoor. 'Just visited Shammi Kapoor ji in hospital .. Despite his condition full of life joy and fun .. A true star .. Get well soon ! Many wondering if I have made a typo error about Shammi ji and Shashi ji ... no I have not ... they are both in Hospital ..'

Read more »

Posted in: Bollywood

A news that is not so sweet

Just when consumers make a conscientious effort to stave off junk food pangs and reach for some wholesome fruit, here comes news that is distinctly hard to swallow.

A deadly chemical, calcium carbide, is used widely across the country to artificially ripen fruit, risking the health of consumers, cautions a study published in the latest issue of Current Science.

Mangos, bananas, apricots, papayas, and plums were found to have been treated with calcium carbide (CaC2), which contains traces of arsenic and phosphorous, say authors Md. Wasim Siddiqui and R.S. Dhua, who are scientists at West Bengal's Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya.

Although banned, the chemical, known commonly as “masala,” is used freely in the country, the scientists add, calling for greater monitoring of the sales of the compound. The Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954, and the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955, both ban artificial ripening, including the use of CaC2.

This hazardous and carcinogenic chemical puts consumers at the risk of short-term and long-term health problems. Early symptoms of arsenic or phosphorus exposure include diarrhoea, thirst, irritation in the eyes, mouth, nose and throat. Chronic exposure to the chemical could lead to peptic ulcers, the research paper warns.

The authors add that although fruits developed an appealing and uniform peel colour, they are not as flavourful, often even raw inside and have shorter shelf-life. Mangoes of the Langra, Himsagar and Fazli varieties, Cavendish banana and some varieties of tomato are neither yellow nor red when naturally ripe. “But people are not aware of this.” CaC2 also breaks down the organic composition of vitamins and other micronutrients.

Food adulteration has become “rampant due to the inefficiency in government-regulated quality assurance practices,” says the paper, adding that the Departments of Health and Agriculture must check the practice.

“It is not solely the responsibility of the government; people must also become aware and avoid consuming contaminated fruits,” the paper concludes.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

A news that is not so sweet

Just when consumers make a conscientious effort to stave off junk food pangs and reach for some wholesome fruit, here comes news that is distinctly hard to swallow.

A deadly chemical, calcium carbide, is used widely across the country to artificially ripen fruit, risking the health of consumers, cautions a study published in the latest issue of Current Science.

Mangos, bananas, apricots, papayas, and plums were found to have been treated with calcium carbide (CaC2), which contains traces of arsenic and phosphorous, say authors Md. Wasim Siddiqui and R.S. Dhua, who are scientists at West Bengal's Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya.

Although banned, the chemical, known commonly as “masala,” is used freely in the country, the scientists add, calling for greater monitoring of the sales of the compound. The Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954, and the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955, both ban artificial ripening, including the use of CaC2.

This hazardous and carcinogenic chemical puts consumers at the risk of short-term and long-term health problems. Early symptoms of arsenic or phosphorus exposure include diarrhoea, thirst, irritation in the eyes, mouth, nose and throat. Chronic exposure to the chemical could lead to peptic ulcers, the research paper warns.

The authors add that although fruits developed an appealing and uniform peel colour, they are not as flavourful, often even raw inside and have shorter shelf-life. Mangoes of the Langra, Himsagar and Fazli varieties, Cavendish banana and some varieties of tomato are neither yellow nor red when naturally ripe. “But people are not aware of this.” CaC2 also breaks down the organic composition of vitamins and other micronutrients.

Food adulteration has become “rampant due to the inefficiency in government-regulated quality assurance practices,” says the paper, adding that the Departments of Health and Agriculture must check the practice.

“It is not solely the responsibility of the government; people must also become aware and avoid consuming contaminated fruits,” the paper concludes.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

Srikrishna Committee submits report on Telangana

The five-member Justice Srikrishna Committee on Thursday submitted its report on the demand for separate Telangana state, to Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who said government will consult all political parties before taking an “appropriate” decision on the issue.

The two-volume report, prepared by the Committee after extensive discussions with political parties and other organisations in the state over the past 11 months, was submitted a day before the Committee’s term was to expire.

Report to be made public on Jan. 6

Soon after the submission of the report, Mr. Chidambaram told reporters that he proposed to convene a meeting of eight recognised political parties of Andhra Pradesh on January 6.

“Immediately after the meeting, the report will be made public,” he said on the report which the Committee had said will contain “several suggestions with pros and cons” on the Telangana demand.

The highest satisfaction of the largest number will be its aim, Justice Srikrishna had said on Tuesday about the report.

Mr. Chidambaram said the government will consider the report carefully and begin the process of consultations with all political parties before taking appropriate decisions on the report.

“That is the only way in a democracy and those who respect democracy must also respect the process of democracy,” he said.

“The report is in two volumes. The report will be carefully studied in the Ministry of Home Affairs and will be shared with the ministries or departments concerned of the government.

The government has great faith in the wisdom, maturity and tolerance of the people of Andhra Pradesh, he said.

The Home Minister said all political parties and groups have given an assurance that they will maintain peace, harmony and law and order. “We welcome and believe these assurances“.

He said that he has noted that there was some concern about the deployment of security forces.

“Let me assure the people of Andhra Pradesh that the deployment of security forces is a purely precautionary measure. They will remain in the force headquarters or police stations as a reserve force.”

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS,TELENGANA

Srikrishna Committee submits report on Telangana

The five-member Justice Srikrishna Committee on Thursday submitted its report on the demand for separate Telangana state, to Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who said government will consult all political parties before taking an “appropriate” decision on the issue.

The two-volume report, prepared by the Committee after extensive discussions with political parties and other organisations in the state over the past 11 months, was submitted a day before the Committee’s term was to expire.

Report to be made public on Jan. 6

Soon after the submission of the report, Mr. Chidambaram told reporters that he proposed to convene a meeting of eight recognised political parties of Andhra Pradesh on January 6.

“Immediately after the meeting, the report will be made public,” he said on the report which the Committee had said will contain “several suggestions with pros and cons” on the Telangana demand.

The highest satisfaction of the largest number will be its aim, Justice Srikrishna had said on Tuesday about the report.

Mr. Chidambaram said the government will consider the report carefully and begin the process of consultations with all political parties before taking appropriate decisions on the report.

“That is the only way in a democracy and those who respect democracy must also respect the process of democracy,” he said.

“The report is in two volumes. The report will be carefully studied in the Ministry of Home Affairs and will be shared with the ministries or departments concerned of the government.

The government has great faith in the wisdom, maturity and tolerance of the people of Andhra Pradesh, he said.

The Home Minister said all political parties and groups have given an assurance that they will maintain peace, harmony and law and order. “We welcome and believe these assurances“.

He said that he has noted that there was some concern about the deployment of security forces.

“Let me assure the people of Andhra Pradesh that the deployment of security forces is a purely precautionary measure. They will remain in the force headquarters or police stations as a reserve force.”

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS,TELENGANA

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

WISH YOU HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

(1)

(2)

 

(3)

(4)

(5)

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Posted in: Wishes

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

WISH YOU HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

(1)

(2)

 

(3)

(4)

(5)

Read more »

Posted in: Wishes

Ponting out of fifth Test for Australia

Australia cricket captain Ricky Ponting will miss the fifth Ashes Test against England because of continuing problems with a broken finger.

Vice-captain Michael Clarke will lead Australia in the Sydney Test starting on Monday. The Australia squad for the final Test of the series will be named later on Thursday.

Ponting was ruled out of playing after further x-rays on his broken little finger on his left hand “showed evidence that the fracture . . . has moved during the course of the Melbourne test,” Australia’s team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said on Thursday in a statement.

England retained the Ashes with an innings win in Melbourne and leads the series 2—1.

Read more »

Posted in: SPORTS

Ponting out of fifth Test for Australia

Australia cricket captain Ricky Ponting will miss the fifth Ashes Test against England because of continuing problems with a broken finger.

Vice-captain Michael Clarke will lead Australia in the Sydney Test starting on Monday. The Australia squad for the final Test of the series will be named later on Thursday.

Ponting was ruled out of playing after further x-rays on his broken little finger on his left hand “showed evidence that the fracture . . . has moved during the course of the Melbourne test,” Australia’s team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said on Thursday in a statement.

England retained the Ashes with an innings win in Melbourne and leads the series 2—1.

Read more »

Posted in: SPORTS