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ELECTION 99
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December 13 BJP gloats as Kalyan gropes in isolation The lack of party legislators at the launch of the rebel's new outfit, coupled with his inability to give it a name, flag and symbol, has convinced the BJP leadership that he is on weak ground. CWC accepts Antony Committee's report The party has decided to enrol the intelligentsia and make space for them in its deliberative and decision-making organs. It has also accorded priority to retrieving its scheduled caste and scheduled tribe support base. No talks with Pakistan now, says Fernandes The defence minister said talks could be held only after Islamabad ends the proxy war and the indiscriminate shelling from across the border. December 12 Tension in Dangs as government cracks down on HJM Two dozen people were detained in Ahwa after they took out a rally on Saturday morning protesting against Hindu Jagran Manch president Janubhai Pawar's arrest on charges of "fanning communal passions". Dangs fears anti-Christian violence In case of any untoward incidents and loss of life or property, the sole responsibility will be that of the state government, said the United Tribal Christian Council. Kargil cost country Rs 20 billion Answering questions on Operation Vijay, Fernandes told Parliament that the army lost 519 officers and men while five air force personnel were also killed. Both Pakistan and India have stepped up military deployment along the Line of Control since. AP offers more sops for Naxal rehabilitation The state government has decided to disburse assistance for the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites within 30 days of their surrender. The government has also announced that henceforth Naxalites can surrender before civilian authorities too. British windfall for Indian family A British photographer has won 1,000 pounds for an Indian family after a picture he snapped of them and entered in a photo contest captured the top prize. Rafsanjani blasts Pak policies "It would be a shame for the people in Pakistan to compare themselves with India and Bangladesh where they have democracy," the former Iranian president said. THE REDIFF INTERVIEW 'We would have liked Kalyan Singh to stay' "There was no other alternative. For 10 to 11 months we kept quiet. We wanted Kalyan Singh to continue in the party. After all, he was of some value to the party in Uttar Pradesh. But the way he went on making statements, there was no way out," says Union Minister of State for Power Jaywanti Mehta, a member of the BJP's disciplinary committee. THE REDIFF SPECIALS Unnatural Disasters The recent super cyclone in Orissa is an inevitable outcome of a peculiar human phenomenon, writes Ashok Banker. This man saw it all Lensman Meraj-ud-din's record of the vale of violence. THE REDIFF COLUMN Saffron brigade sees red How the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh made a last-ditch effort to effect a rapprochement with Kalyan Singh. And more gossip from the Delhi durbar in Capital Buzz. December 11 Kalyan disowns RSS, Ram temple movement The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister who was expelled from the BJP announced that he would soon float a new national political party. Mattoo murder: it's just the beginning Legal experts say the CBI now has no option but to take the case to a higher court. Murder charge filed against ex-minister Bhosale The net around Udayan Bhosale, scion of the erstwhile royal family of Satara, tightened with the Maharashtra CID filing a chargesheet against him and 14 others in the brutal murder of NCP councillor Sharad Levhe. Joshi opposes PMO bid to split education dept According to the proposal drafted by some senior bureaucrats, the department will be divided into two: up to class 8 under the department of elementary education, and all classes above under the department of higher education. CWC will discuss Antony report on Saturday But party spokesman Anil Shastri declined to confirm whether the meeting would discuss the report. Delhi citizens protest Pak-sponsored terrorism No one has given a thought to the gross violations of the human rights of children in J&K as a result of militancy, a memorandum submitted to the UN office in the capital said. Striking employees sell books in Kerala Over 300 employees belonging to six autonomous organisations -- all attached to the Government of Kerala's cultural department -- have struck work since November 26 to protest against the government's failure to grant them pension benefits. NDA divided over women's quota bill Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan said the bill would be introduced after consultations with Vajpayee. AP firm on foiling Karnataka's Almatti plan Andhra Pradesh's contention is that Karnataka is executing many projects on the Krishna river in violation of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (Bachawat) Award. Bombs found near Katiyar residence According to Senior Superintendent of Police C V Rai, two bombs, weighing around 800 kg, were defused. Bhopal gas victim finds a family again Naval Sihn, a resident of the Navjivan Colony at Huzur in Bhopal, developed respiratory and neurological disorders following one of the worst industrial disasters in the country some 15 years ago. He was undergoing treatment till November 1995 when he disappeared from his home. Iran does some plain-speaking on Pak killings Regional news agencies quoted Ayatollah Khamenei as telling General Musharraf that the killing of a number of Iranian citizens in Pakistan was "the very bitter ramifications of sectarian conflict". THE REDIFF SPECIAL They were the kings... The men, and women, who shaped events in Kashmir. THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS Sonia's recipe for rebellion 'What does Sonia Gandhi offer in return after upsetting state chieftains? Indira Gandhi could ride roughshod over satraps because she was a formidable vote-winner in her own right. Sonia Gandhi can demonstrate nothing more than that she led her party to its worst performance ever,' says T V R Shenoy. The hidden agenda 'The complexion of the ministry at the Centre and Joshi's "cultural nationalism" will fuel the fear that the RSS-BJP has a long-term agenda. They will furrow their way slowly and secretly. And when they have entrenched themselves, they will strike,' says Kuldip Nayar. Keeping a population in purdah 'On the 25th of November the Tamil Nadu government, at the initiative of the increasingly fanatic Tamil Minister Tamil Kudimagan, issued a government order saying that from the academic year 2000-2001 only Tamil will be the medium of instruction in all schools in the state.' A Ganesh Nadar on the latest bout of Tamil parochialism. December 10 Kalyan gets the sack finally, what next... The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister has been promising a political bombshell for some time now. While he has given enough indications of floating a new party, it would be interesting to see how many heavyweights he is able to take with him. Missile found for the first time in J&K Meanwhile, at least two civilians were killed and 29 others wounded in a powerful hand-grenade explosion near Amirakadal in uptown Srinagar. BJP building bridges with Church in Kerala One of the tasks Rajagopal undertook soon after becoming central minister was to strive for a consensus on removing the discriminatory provisions in the Christian Succession and Divorce Acts, a sensitive issue. Kerala govt cracks down on absenteeism Vigilance sources revealed that more than 70 per cent of the officials were found absent during duty hours. This included a large number of gazetted officers, who are supposed to set an example to their subordinates. Congress welcomes plan for renewed probe into 1984 riots The party's spokesperson Ajit Jogi said, "Our priority is that the guilty should be punished." Demand for CBI chief's exit in Lok Sabha Raising the indictment of the CBI by a Delhi court in the Priyadarshini Mattoo case, P R Das Munshi (Congress) said the prime minister, who supervises the agency, should make a statement on its lapses. Vajpayee confirms Advani, Joshi wanted to resign The prime minister was responding to the demand by Opposition members during zero hour that he must take the House into confidence about the reported resignations by two senior ministers. 5 gunned down in Tripura Ten others were critically injured in the attack. Pak troops still on LoC: Jaswant He added that the military coup in Pakistan had not altered in any way its aggressive approach towards India. Complaint against Balayogi embarrasses TDP The party leadership, however, has decided not to take cognisance of the complaint on the ground it is just an oral submission. The complainant has refused to put it in writing. Clinton to consider Naidu's invitation The US president was quoted as saying that planning for his trip to India is in a preliminary stage and assuring that his staff would give Naidu's invitation "every consideration". West Bengal seeks more forces Union Home Minister L K Advani recently wrote to Chief Minister Jyoti Basu that his ministry was actively considering the state's proposal for deployment of the Central Reserve Police Force on the Sankosh railway bridge. Patna all spruced up for first family's maiden wedding The invitees' list reads like a virtual who's who of politics. Mandal's supporters claim they are the 'real JMM' They have decided to move the Election Commission for recognition. Jharkhand not out of Bihar alone: RJD The party's chief whip in the Bihar assembly, Nematullah, said it supported the demand for a greater Jharkhand comprising 26 districts of Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh. WB governor goes on leave Bihar Governor Vinod Chandra Pande will discharge the functions of the governor of West Bengal till he returns. Sharief's wife denies seeking foreign help "We cannot go out anywhere without being shadowed by army personnel. Our house is under watch," Kulsoom Sharief said. Musharraf in Iran, harps on brotherly ties He said he would seek the support of the Iranian leadership for recent developments in Pakistan, describing it as the basic purpose of his visit. In Pakistan, to be arrested is only the beginning.... The most common methods of torture include beatings with a baton or whip, standing for hours with arms stretched to the side, hanging by the ankles, twisting the genitals, burning with cigarettes butts, and punches in the abdomen. THE REDIFF SPECIAL Bitter memories The years of terror from different perspectives. Lawmen, Kashmiris and ex-militants tell their tales. THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS Indian Navy in the next millennium 'The Cinderella of the armed forces is on the threshold of a new millennium. Armed with a robust conflict-prevention naval doctrine it is refurbishing its blue- and brown-water capabilities,' says Major General (retired) Ashok K Mehta. Dump the cliches, Bombay Boys! 'On the eve of the Barood series, 40 cliches you will hear from Gavaskar, Shastri, Manjrekar, Bhogle, or any Indian who did some extraordinary deed in his previous innings...' Krishna Prasad on Indian commentators. December 9 Kalyan set to form regional party in UP Home ministry sources said the BJP had decided to expel the rebel and the order was only awaiting party president Kushabhau Thakre's signature. Principled people will follow me out: Kalyan The rebel politician insisted that it was the prime minister alone who sought his expulsion in the party. No truck with Kalyan Singh: SP General secretary Amar Singh that while his party was painted as a supporter of the former UP chief minister in the recent election, the truth was that the Congress had helped the BJP. Kalam wants laser-based anti-nuke systems Referring to the availability of 60 to 70 tonnes of chemical weapons with investment made in the programme by certain countries running into billions of dollars, Dr Kalam said high-tech laser devices would go a long way in nullifying their effects. Govt willing to probe Delhi riots again Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Home Minister Advani said the government would have no hesitation in setting up a commission to ascertain facts and pinpoint responsibility. Congress seeks notice against PM, walks out of LS The Lok Sabha speaker refused to admit their privilege notice against Vajpayee for withholding information about the resignation of two ministers from the House and announcing it outside. Clinton 'hopeful' of ending Kashmir row "The Indian subcontinent would have limitless potential in the 21st century if the differences... can be reconciled," the US president said. Kashmiri Pandits seek Union territory "Why should we pay with our lives for his plans? If he thinks we should return to the valley, he must take some confidence-building measures first," seems to be the refrain among the migrants to Farooq Abdullah's latest proposal. VHP demands white paper on foreign missionaries General secretary Acharya Giriraj Kishore alleged that a "demographic change" was taking place in Jammu City as a result of which Hindus were being driven out from its peripheries. Russia, India sign aviation protocol The deal will enable India to modernise all types of aviation combat equipment. Surge in oil prices, deficit may hit India: World Bank A report of the Bank noted that domestic business confidence in India is strong. Mandal's expulsion will only revive JMM, says Soren On the issue of statehood, Shibu Soren said agitation is now the only option left for the people of the 18 districts of south Bihar. Wild elephants threaten Guwahati airport Senior IAF officials said more than 150 tuskers move around on the Tezpur airfield at night, not only hampering night flyers (trainee pilots), but also making it impossible for groundsmen to carry out their duties. English made compulsory from class 1 in Maharashtra Earlier, students in Marathi-medium schools began studying English only from class 5. AP brain fever death toll crosses 200 Seven more cases were reported on Tuesday, raising the year's total to 963. Ganjam is Orissa's AIDS hot spot Between 1994 and 1999, the microbiology department of the MKCG Medical College in Berhampur sent 8,000 blood samples from the district for tests to Calcutta. Of these, 250 tested positive. Erasama overshadows other cyclone-hit districts With the focus firmly on Erasama, the other seven blocks of Jagatsinghpur have been neglected. A Master at 12 But the fact that Tathagat Avatar Tulsi proved another point in academics no longer makes news. Pak court defers Sharief charges to Monday "In order to have a fair trial the prosecution is directed to supply copies and transcripts of audio and video cassettes to the defence by Monday," anti-terrorism court judge Shabir Ahmed said. Sharief's wife confident he will be exonerated "After all they too are Muslims, they know that there is a superpower who is watching all this. No one can escape the grip of Allah," Kulsoom Nawaz said. Bhutto in no hurry to return to Pakistan Bhutto said the army rulers would never be able to deliver on the tall promises they had made and urged them to restore civilian rule. Musharraf visits Bahrain The general held talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Sulman al-Khalifa on bilateral relations and the situation in Pakistan. THE REDIFF SPECIAL Blood in the snow December 8 marks a decade of conflict in the Kashmir valley. rediff.com presents a 10-part series that attempts to see where the conflict is headed. THE REDIFF INTERVIEW 'We fought militancy with the same officers and men who are now being prosecuted' "Support for Khalistan is virtually dead. Nobody wants Khalistan. Even those who pretended to be supporters of this cause were on a money-making spree," says Sarabjit Singh, director general of police, Punjab. THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS Passion Ploy? 'Has anyone ever ridden a chariot to drum up passions about what is certainly the greatest cause of Hindu misery, greater even than a dilapidated mosque: poverty?' asks Dilip D'Souza. The BJP's secret weapon 'If Indian democracy has to grow and flourish, the Opposition also needs a leader of similar status. Sonia cannot, will not, do. She will only make the BJP stronger and the Opposition weaker,' says Pritish Nandy. December 8 Vajpayee rejects demand for accused ministers' resignation The prime minister assured the Lok Sabha that the cases would be allowed to proceed without interference from the Centre or the Uttar Pradesh government. "I urge this House to await the judicial verdict." Liberhans Commission not yet ready with Babri Masjid report Though its term ends on December 31, the commission continues to record statements of individuals who either witnessed the demolition on December 6, 1992 or were party to the case in some other capacity. Ayyappa pilgrims pray for their safety Last year's tragedy in Sabarimala, in which 53 people were killed, is still fresh in everybody's mind. Locals not enamoured of Kannur peace accord People who are aware of the ground realities say the document has not reflected the political will to create an atmosphere conducive for peace. Declare Kannur a disturbed area: BJP A BJP parliamentary team has suggested that the central police forces could move in to contain the law and order situation. A teacher from Patiala fights a solitary battle in Switzerland The story begins in 1989 when Raj Kumar, a science teacher, came to the country to take up a job. In the beginning everything was fine. Then, he made a job switch. New alliances likely at Laloo's daughter's wedding The list of invitees is long, in fact unending. According to one estimate almost 10,000 people are likely to attend. The President, prime minister, Union ministers, state ministers and film stars, they all are likely be there. A marriage made in 1, Anne Marg Misa wasn't very willing, but mother Rabri finally had her way, getting the wilful girl to marry someone from her own community. RJD's anti-Vananchal stir opposed Pamphlets had been distributed by the Jharkhand Hifazat Manch calling upon the people not to support the bandh in the Jharkhand region. UAE ratifies extradition treaty The treaty was signed by the two countries in New Delhi on October 25. Naxalites kill two cops The police party, consisting of a sub-inspector of police and four constables, came across a PWG armed squad while returning to Eturunagaram. India spurned peace overtures: Musharraf The Pakistani general told Reuters Television that there could be no peace in South Asia until the two countries resolved the Kashmir issue. No short-cuts to corruption-free Pakistan: Musharraf Asked how his government would succeed in instilling honest practices into people used to avoiding taxes and profiting from their positions, Gen Musharraf said that being a military man he knew how to motivate people to rise and even sacrifice their life. I was removed at gunpoint: Sharief The military regime is keeping the deposed premier in a 'cage-like cell'. THE REDIFF INTERVIEW 'The face reveals everything about a person' 'No painter has inspired me. Only life has. Life and experience.' Former prime minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh speaks to Pritish Nandy about his life as an artist. THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS Has Vajpayee forgotten Ayodhya? 'Vajpayee would do well to remember that pages 4, 5 and 38 of the BJP's Election Manifesto 1998 cannot forever be abandoned -- not as long as the RSS exists. And, as history has shown, men may come and men may go, but the RSS goes on forever,' says Arvind Lavakare. Revisiting December 6, 1992 'Narasimha Rao let the demolition squad get on with the destruction of the Babri Masjid, since he realised that the only way to stop the BJP's steroid-inspired growth was to cut at its root,' says Saisuresh Sivaswamy. December 7 LS adjourned twice amid uproar on Babri Masjid The Opposition was of the view that since Home Minister L K Advani is one of the accused in the case, he had no right to make a statement in the House on its progress. Delhi high court clears telecom package The court said the National Telecom Policy 1999 must be fully implemented as the new Cabinet has already approved it. Government says Rajiv was principal conspirator in Bofors case "Mr Gandhi is not a mere accused. There will be findings to prove that he was conductor of the orchestra," Additional Solicitor General S B Jaisinghani said. CPI-M, RSS agree to halt murder campaign The two organisations agreed to end the hostilities that have claimed seven lives and left many maimed in one week at an all-party meeting convened by Chief Minister E K Nayanar in Kannur. Gen Malik visits Paris to take defence ties forward Among other things, the army chief is expected to discuss with his counterpart the French experience with a joint chiefs of staff committee. 2 policemen killed, 4 injured in ULFA ambush A police party led by the officer-in-charge of the Anandapur police outpost was on patrol duty when the militants fired at them with sophisticated weapons. Militants force cable operators to shut shop One operator had a miraculous escape when extremists bombed his control room on Thursday in the heart of Srinagar. Three of his employees were injured. Efforts on for safe return of Pandits to Kashmir As a first step, the state government has identified 170 clusters in the vicinity of their original residences. "If all goes well the first batch of over 8,000 Pandits will be back in their homes by April," Law Minister P L Handoo told rediff.com 34 arrested in Ayodhya as pre-emptive measure Check posts were erected on all important roads leading to the town. Lata's leave application puts RS in a fix It became an issue because she had not yet taken the oath of affirmation. The Upper House finally granted her leave of absence. Biswal sworn in as Orissa CM Former water resources minister Basant Kumar Biswal and former revenue minister Jagannath Patnaik also took the oath of office. AP brain fever toll reaches 191 Four children died and 26 fresh cases were reported in the state in the last two days. PM to launch Bihar poll campaign State BJP president Nand Kishore Yadav said the rally would be held following a two-week-long 'jungle raj hatao yatra', which will go round the state from December 11. DF govt will last its term: Bhujbal The deputy chief minister denied that the Peasants and Workers Party was upset over the appointment of guardian ministers. Maharashtra government trying to rope Elton John for millennium bash Others expected for the bash are tabla maestro Zakir Hussein, classical singer Bhimsen Joshi, noted playback singer Asha Bhosle and Punjabi pop craze Daler Mehndi. Pakistan's madrassahs fight an image problem These schools, which are largely unregulated by government, have been linked to terrorism and Islamic militancy, especially since Afghanistan's ruling Taliban movement grew out of madrassahs in the early 1990s. THE REDIFF INTERVIEW 'We are down but not out' "My first job is to give priority to relief and rehabilitation to the lakhs of cyclone-affected, and give the people of the state credible, correct and active governance," says Orissa's new chief minister Hemananda Biswal. 'The CM's job is not a bed of roses' 'It is not an easy job, but I think I did my best to see that the cyclone-affected were nursed well. The relief work has, of course, been hampered by the week-long crisis of change of guard in the state.' Giridhar Gamang, short-term CM of Orissa, defends himself. THE REDIFF COLUMNIST Passion play 'When one is passionate, one instinctively does not think of the consequences. When one's earnest, one will hammer in the message boldly. Passion breeds courage; and courage can move mountains. The neutral, the disengaged, the impassive, they have their place in the scheme of things -- but that is NOT the only scheme that must exist,' says Varsha Bhosle. Archives |
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