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March 22
THE JEHANABAD MASSACRE
More massacres of landlords are likely, Bihar officials warn Centre
They also said sophisticated arms like AK-47 rifles seized from militants in Kashmir are finding their way to the extremist gangs in Bihar, especially in the central districts.
For some, it was a close shave
Kusum Devi heard the cries of her terrified son when the Naxalites struck on Thursday evening. She persuaded her husband to go out and save him. The son was saved, but the husband was dragged to a temple and beheaded.
Advani denies Centre withdrew forces
The Union home minister said the core issue is the patronage and protection given to crime by the state government.
Mahajan promises BJP won't interfere with Rabri's rule
Maintenance of law and order is the state government's responsibility, the information and broadcasting minister said.
THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY BASH
Mahajan's blast fizzles
The I&B minister approached event director Amir Raza Hussain only on March 3. "I told Pramod that it was too short a notice, but then he is a good friend, so how could I say no?"
Pak band Junoon overwhelmed by PM's passion
"It was a great feeling. We have always been popular in India, but to get official recognition like this was something else," said their manager Shehryar Ahmad.
THE RAJASEKARAN ASSAULT CASE
Sasikala's nephew Mahadevan arrested
Jayalalitha condemned the arrest, alleging that the case was fabricated and Mahadevan's name was included on the instruction of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.
TN government defies Centre
Officials said the DMK government refused to divulge details sought by Union Home Secretary B P Singh, saying the Centre has no right to intervene in 'a minor incident'.
THE CHRISTIAN ATTACKS ROW
44 accused in Stains's murder get bail
The order was passed by Justice P K Mishra of the Orissa high court after the crime branch of the state police submitted a written application under section 169 of the CrPC indicating lack of evidence against the accused.
4 Orissa policemen suspended
The punishment is for failing to prevent the clash between Christians and tribals in Gajapati district on Tuesday. Thirteen persons were injured and 157 houses burnt in the incident.
OTHER REPORTS
Sangh Parivar rattled by Congress bid to rope in Sonia for 'Hindu' fete
"We will resist the Congress attempt to reap political mileage out of the historic Vaikom satyagraha, which paved the way for the eradication of untouchability," the Kerala BJP president said.
Delay in disposal of cases is the most glaring malady: Chief Justice Anand
"It is not the judicial system, which has failed us. It is we who man the system who have failed it because of lack of a sense of responsibility, direction and commitment," the Chief Justice of India said.
BJP meet opens with call to capture TN
The party hopes the Trichy conference will take it from Rockfort to Fort St George in two years, when state elections are due.
Jaya urges non-interference in quotas for SC/STs
She urged the Union government to seriously examine the issue of bringing in legislation to make reservations for SC/ST non-justiciable.
Pinaka test-fired successfully
The rocket launcher has a 39km range and can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds.
HC rejects anticipatory bail pleas of 4 ATCs
The Bombay high court rejected the anticipatory bail applications of four air traffic controllers, who had agitated by observing 'work-to-rule' in February. They were later taken into custody by the police.
Third Front not now, says Mulayam Singh
The Samajwadi Party politician virtually ruled out the formation of a Third Front in the near future, saying, "The prospects of such a front getting a majority in elections is bleak."
Kerala loses top spot in literacy rankings
Kerala has been pushed down to the fourth spot with 93 per cent literacy. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is first with 97 per cent, Lakshadweep is second with 96 per cent, and tiny Mizoram third with 95 per cent.
Sunni body puts price on Sharief's head
An extremist Sunni organisation has announced a reward totalling Pakistani Rs135 million for the murder of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief, his younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharief, and Information Minister Mushahid Hussain.
THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS
Vajpayee cannot live up to the expectations of a saffron spring
'What threatens the government is not the Opposition. In fact, the Sonia-led Congress is reluctant to press for a real trial of strength. What imperils the regime is that it may not have a distinctive message to go to the people with by the time of the next election,' says Mahesh Rangarajan.
A mixed year of Vajpayee government: fine initiatives marred by allies
'That the Vajpayee government has survived without causing any financial scandal is the most remarkable feature of its year in office. Its clean image sets it apart from all the previous administrations,' says Virendra Kapoor.
A walk along the Guruswamy trail
'Since both Mohan Guruswamy and Subramanian Swamy had Harvard degrees, and both left in a trail of bitterness, the BJP leaders rue their weakness for foreign-educated men: "The simple, homespun leadership is ready to woo anyone who eats with a fork and knife." Capital Buzz. Gossip from the Delhi Durbar.
Delhi: Another journalist found murdered
Tamil Nadu: 44 held as TN gears up for PM's visit
March 20
THE JEHANABAD MASSACRE
Killings resume in Jehanabad, Rabri promises stern measures
Maoist extremists attacked Senari village in Jehanabad district around midnight. The victims included women and children. The incident occurred just a few days after Rabri Devi's return to power.
Bedlam in Bihar assembly
Congress leader Ramashray Prasad Singh demanded Rabri Devi's resignation. Congress and BJP members also traded charges over the reinstallation of the RJD government.
THE PARLIAMENT SESSION
Rajya Sabha adjourned till April 12
While the Treasury benches raised the Jehanabad massacre, the Opposition demanded a JPC probe into the allegations levelled by ex-admiral Vishnu Bhagwat
PM promises probe if Opposition gives proof
Vajpayee said his government believes in transparency and is ready for an inquiry into certain issues raised by the opposition parties if there is prima facie evidence.
THE SAARC MEETING
Foreign ministers laud Lahore Declaration
After much deliberation, the ministers agreed to include a reference to the declaration as a gesture of goodwill as it had hailed SAARC's efforts for regional peace.
THE JAYALALITHA CORRUPTION CASES
Jaya takes exception to judge's remark
The AIADMK general secretary has charged Special Judge-1 S Sambandam with planting false information against her while declining to stay trial proceedings against her in the disproportionate assets case.
OTHER REPORTS
Having mastered the art of survival, BJP looks to consolidate
While BJP leaders, including the prime minister, think there is no danger to the government at this juncture, what could upset Vajpayee's applecart is the growing dissent from within the Sangh Parivar.
Mamata to boycott Vajpayee's Calcutta visit
The Bengal politician is angry that the PM will address a BJP meeting in Calcutta, ignoring her request to attend a function in her constituency.
BJP nurses bold plans for Tamil Nadu
Jayalalitha's absence at the state meeting in Trichy on Saturday and Sunday will be 'a blessing in disguise'. It will give the Sangh Parivar 'an opportunity to assess our own strength before chalking out the future course', a BJP leader said.
Government has done little for Hindutva, says VHP leader
VHP senior vice-president Giriraj Kishore said Hindus "were blamed by the head of the government" for many of the recent attacks on Christians.
Marathi playwright seeks to reopen Gandhi murder case
The controversial Marathi playwright claims to have found grounds to presume that there were other persons involved in the conspiracy and murder.
J&K governor calls for 'effective justice' in disturbed areas
One issue Saxena said needs to be addressed "is whether the normal laws and procedures are sufficient to cope with the pressures of such situations or whether more recourse to special legislation is called for".
Glove up, Hazare tells Thackeray!
The social activist has challenged the Shiv Sena supremo to meet him for a discussion on each other's financial status.
Music directors Jatin-Lalit released on bail
The duo was arrested earlier this month on a charge of assaulting a hotel lobby manager 10 years ago. They had been evading court summons for four years.
'Year of Sanskrit' fete launched
Any language incompatible with computers will find it difficult to survive, the HRD minister said.
Defection taints all political parties in Goa
So intense is the problem that not a single party is in a position to go to the polls with the claim that it has no defectors or opportunist politicians in its ranks.
THE REDIFF INTERVIEW
'The Rightist history is communal history. It is more of communal mythology'
"It is a very serious threat because the Sangh Parivar is shifting its target from Muslims to Christians. And you see Muslims have shown them that violence is nobody's monopoly," says eminent Marxist historian K N Panikker.
THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS
Prime Minister Sonia?
'She will engineer the fall of the Vajpayee government this year. Confirmed reports indicate that four MPs of the Samata Party, two each from the Akali Dal and Biju Janata Dal, and five from the Telugu Desam have agreed to change sides.' Monu Nalapat begins a new column.
In light of India
'With an armful of assembly elections around the corner, political jostling for your eyes and ears is about to reach a colourful pitch. Soon, Rabri Devi will become governor of Sikkim, and the DMK will join the AIADMK against the Haryana Vikas Party. Such is Indian politics, nothing can be ruled out,' says Ashwin Mahesh.
This is what the Congress will do now...
'"Advaniji has his faults," is the new line, "but he is a clean man. There is no scandal attached to him. Have you ever heard of anyone in his family who is involved in a business scandal?" And they will immediately follow this up by levelling allegations against members of the prime minister's family,' says T V R Shenoy.
THE WEATHER
Cool nights in parts of Rajasthan
Night temperatures were also appreciably below normal in parts of west Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
March 19
Reservation row forces abrupt break in Lok Sabha session
A determined opposition put the government on the mat over five memoranda issued by the earlier I K Gujral administration, and which have not as yet been withdrawn, arguing that they constitute a setback to the country's reservation policy.
Rajya Sabha adjourned for third day
No business could be transacted as the Opposition refused to budge from its stand that the allegations levelled by Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat be taken up for discussion immediately.
'There is no alternative to our government'
"The Congress is in a dilemma... It has been asked to become aggressive, but there is no issue on which it can become aggressive," said Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in an interview granted to mark his year in office.
Advani too is happy with government's showing
The BJP-led coalition's stability has made "our opponents and cynics" eat their words, the Union home minister said.
Vajpayee may attend Mahajan's show after all
The prime minister, who was earlier against attending the first anniversary celebrations of the BJP-led government, may have changed his mind following a representation from the I&B minister.
Hooligans disrupt BJP's celebrations
A group of 70 lathi-wielding men disrupted a jan jaagran function of the party at Nangloi in the capital on Wednesday evening.
Pakistan willing to sign CTBT by September
Pakistan is not against the treaty in principle, but "conditions free from coercion and pressure" must first be provided, Foreign Minister Sartaj Aziz said.
Government tries to send Bhatia into the archives, but officer proceeds on leave
"Since the people want me back, I would be happy to return as Pune municipal commissioner," the 1967 batch IAS officer, who has been transferred 24 times in his 32-year career, said.
Seshan indirectly criticises Bhatia's conduct
If a civil servant is unhappy with the government and wants to speak out, he should do so after quitting his job. "You cannot rock the boat in which you are sitting," the former chief election commissioner quipped.
12 Assam rebel groups seek secession
The state government told the 11th Finance Commission that the entire state has been affected by the violent and subversive activities of groups like the United Liberation Front of Asom, the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, and the Bodoland Liberation Tigers.
Mamata's progress pushes Vajpayee, Sonia back
The Trinamul Congress leader's efforts to group breakaway Congress factions under the umbrella of the Progressive Alliance has upset the plans of the prime minister as well as the Congress chief.
THE INDO-PAK TALKS
India to oppose Pak attempt to internationalise Kashmir
"We will proceed with the talks on Kashmir in a substantive and serious way, not by any fantasies but by a realistic approach," said Foreign Secretary K Raghunath just before the opening of the SAARC ministers' meeting in Sri Lanka.
Kumaratunga impressed by Indo-Pak struggle to be pals
Inaugurating the 21st SAARC session in Nuwara Eliya, the Sri Lankan president said, "The leaders of these two great countries have opened a new path that their people would tread with growing confidence in the years to come."
OTHER STORIES
Indian proves ayurvedic drug's efficacy against hepatitis B
Keezharnelli has been used for centuries to treat jaundice. Now Dr S P Thiagarajan, collaborating with Dr Baruch Blumberg, the Nobel laureate who discovered the hepatitis B virus, has concluded that the extract indeed cures patients.
Wife feels sad as controversies haunt EMS
"He would not have preferred to have his statue erected. I don't know why the people cannot leave him in peace," said Arya Antharjanam on the eve of the communist patriarch's first death anniversary.
Videocon, Essar executives deny funding bribery of JMM MPs
With this, more than 20 of the 71 CBI witnesses who have appeared in court so far have turned hostile.
Karnataka government suffers a setback
The J H Patel ministry plans to move the Supreme Court against the Karnataka high court's verdict directing the Election Commission to hold elections to the 5,660 village councils within six weeks.
Gamang visits riot-hit village
Official sources said 28 persons, including two Christians, had been arrested in connection with the clashes between Christians and tribals.
Karunanidhi's plan for Muslim quota criticised
"The talk of providing communal reservation is politically motivated with an eye on the Muslim vote bank," Hindu Munnani organising secretary Ramagopalan said.
Army orders 124 Arjun battle tanks
"I am happy to inform here that not only was the army satisfied with the tank's performance, it has placed an order for 124 more such tanks," Defence Minister George Fernandes told the Lok Sabha.
Delhi HC seeks report on Yamuna's cleansing
The high court directed the Central Pollution Control Board to file a report on the progress of the Rs4.8 billion Yamuna Action Plan for reducing pollution in the river and making its water usable.
Vajpayee releases stamp on Hedgewar
The prime minister said previous governments dilly-dallied in the matter and "left this noble job to be performed by our hands for which I thank them".
Kashmir tourism banks on Bollywood
Dr Farooq Abdullah hoped Bollywood would give a boost to tourism by shooting more films in the valley.
Nepal resents Maoist ban on Indian films
Most viewers term the ban on Hindi films "ridiculous" and an imposition by the Leftists of their "so-called nationalist ideas" on the people.
THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS
Crushed before they bloom
'What kind of person would penetrate a 12-year-old, repeatedly, along with others? What kind of person would force himself into a child too young to be able to talk? What kind of person would ram his venereal-diseased member into a 6-year-old? Can they be called human? Even if it be in prison, are they fit to live...?' asks Varsha Bhosle.
Good Riddance
'Sadly, all that Joshi did during his four years as chief minister was to subvert every idea that was suggested to him. It is not just the Sena that is relieved at Joshi's exit. So is Maharashtra,' says Pritish Nandy.
THE WEATHER
Hot days in Bengal
Day temperatures were also appreciably above normal in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and parts of the Bihar plateau, north-central Maharashtra and south coastal Andhra Pradesh.
March 18
THE BHAGWAT DISMISSAL
Opposition halts Parliament
While the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the second successive day over the Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat issue, the Lok Sabha halted over certain circulars relating to reservations for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
THE BUS FROM PAKISTAN
Bus reaches Delhi
Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Khalid Khattar and Delhi Transport Corporation Chairman G S Cheema received the 44-seater bus.
OTHER REPORTS
12 Christian houses burnt in Orissa
Chief Minister Giridhar Gamang said tension started in Rananai village of Gajapati district when some persons tampered with the 'cross' symbol on a stone in the nearby Khamar hill.
Govt apathy stymies Staines' murder probe
It's a standoff. The Wadhwa Commission has informed the government that it will start work only after a full-fledged office is made available.
13 die as jaundice spreads in Lucknow
The disease is threatening to turn into an epidemic. Officials say over 200 patients have been admitted to various hospitals in the city.
Auditor kills Congress plan to ally with Jaya
Rajasekaran, who claims the AIADMK chief and friends assaulted him, meanwhile, approached a city court to record a statement under section 164 of the CPC. The police are expected to proceed with the case under judicial supervision.
PMK demands CBI probe into assault charge
Its founder-leader Dr Ramdoss said there was reason to believe that a false case was being foisted on AIADMK leader J Jayalalitha to besmirch her.
TN asks permission to amend writ
The petition had challenged in Supreme Court the Central order transferring 46 corruption cases against Jayalalitha and others from special courts to sessions courts.
Rabri Devi wins trust vote
The government got 172 votes in its favour. Eighty-five went against it.
Samata Party in Bihar assembly splits
Four of its eight MLAs, led by SP legislature party leader Brishen Patel and his deputy Shivanand Tiwari, have formed a separate outfit, the Samata-Patel.
Bhandari got it bad from Laloo's men
Bihar Congress politicians said the day President's rule was revoked, the RJD chief sent a group of eunuchs to the Raj Bhavan where they showered the vilest abuses on the governor.
Paswan bids to bring in Kanshi, Athawale
While the revocation of President's rule in Bihar came as a personal victory for Laloo Yadav, it has pushed Paswan to the margin in an already marginalised Dal, forcing him to look for fresh political pastures.
Pak official's absence sparks rumours
Diplomatic sources, however, said Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmed's travel plan for the SAARC meet had to be changed due to flight disruption. This did not signify any dilution in the Indo-Pak talks, they added.
Anjana alleges relative misbehaved with her
The lady who brought down J B Patnaik said she was staying with her sister in Noida, near Delhi, when the incident occurred.
Advani's ignorant on facets of Z cover!
But the home minister said that nearly Rs 200,000 is spent every month to provide Z class security cover to one person in Delhi.
Maharashtra minister Mane resigns
The minister of state for urban development resigned on moral grounds and urged Chief Minister Rane to order an inquiry into the Pune land scandal as directed by the Bombay high court.
Honest Injun
After Thane, Pune takes to the streets to protest the transfer of an unbending bureaucrat.
'Some people sink without a trace.
I rose without a trace'
It is rather rare for a roadside vendor to have literary ambitions. But Laxman Rao, 45, one among the thousands of paanwallas in India's capital, is rare. He has written six books so far. And has several more in the pipeline.
Islamic outfit in Kerala may yield vital clues
The Jem Iyyathul Islamiya, which seems to have had the blessings of Abdul Nassar Madani, was behind the burning of several cinema houses in Malappuram district, the police said.
Hindu calendar enters new century
Gudi padwa will be the first day of the 52nd century. The Kaliyug completes 5100 years of its existence and begins the new century, 5101, tomorrow.
THE REDIFF INTERVIEW
'If the people supporting me don't object to my wearing pants, I don't see why anyone should'
'We will go to the polls with a state government that is almost in coma and a rudderless Centre. Vajpayee might have gone to Pakistan in a bus. Well, I went to Pakistan in an aircraft, with 35 MPs, and it made no difference,' says Karnataka Congress unit chief S M Krishna.
THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS
Vajpayee is losing the propaganda war
'The government has no one to tell, nay, sell its side of the story. It inducted two former journalists into the prime minister's office to handle its image. Unfortunately, their own image can do with some urgent correction,' says Virendra Kapoor.
The donkey's tale
'Two Men and a Donkey? I don't like the story because it implies that travellers are acceptable targets of unkind attention. We see this rather often on Delhi's streets. Tourists, especially young women, are sometimes subjected to a type of relentless taunting against which they can do nothing to retain their dignity,' says Manjula Padmanabhan.
Tamil Nadu: Jaya blasts media over reports on auditor's assault
Toddler, youth die bizarre deaths in Kanpur
Three children lynched the toddler for biting them. And a young man slit his neck in a temple.
THE WEATHER
Himachal in for some cooling
Snow or rain is likely to follow the heat wave in parts of the state.
March 17
THE BHAGWAT DISMISSAL
Government looks to Bofors to counter Congress onslaught
Rattled by the raging controversy in Parliament over the admiral's dismissal, the government plans to rake up the howitzer scandal in a bid to embarrass the Congress, particularly Sonia Gandhi.
Parliament adjourned over Bhagwat issue
The Congress launched a fresh offensive against the government, insisting on a joint parliamentary committee to probe the allegations made by the former naval chief.
THE BUS FROM PAKISTAN
Lahore-Delhi bus crosses Wagah
The passengers, who were all praise for Vajpayee's bus
yatra across the border, were overjoyed to be on board the first commercial bus to enter India since Partition.
OTHER REPORTS
High court refuses to stay Mahajan's bash
But it directed the government to ensure that the general public visiting the parks every morning for walks is not troubled, and no barriers are put up for them.
Jagir Kaur is SGPC's first woman head
Punjab Cabinet minister Jagir Kaur was ''unanimously'' elected president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee at its general house meeting in the Teja Singh Samundri hall at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar today.
Fundamentalists 'flee' as masses back 'ostracised' Muslim couple
The fault of Tasni Banu and Abdul Nassar was that they chose to marry as per the provisions of the Indian Special Marriage Act, defying the fundamentalists.
No destabilising Vajpayee, says Dhawan
The Congress general secretary said his party would do nothing to destabilise the BJP-led government at the Centre nor force a mid-term election to the Lok Sabha.
Controversial survey predicts TDP win in AP
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu says he knew it all the time; the opposition claims the survey was rigged.
SP will contest TN assembly elections
Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh, MP, said his party would have no truck with the Congress in Uttar Pradesh in the next election.
JMM-Soren will vote against Rabri Devi in assembly
Party vice-president Suraj Mandal said the JMM had decided to oppose the Rashtriya Janata Dal at all levels following the latter's ''negative stand'' on the creation of Jharkhand.
TN will amend plea on transfer of Jaya's cases
Tamil Nadu Advocate General K Venkatapathy told the Supreme Court he would amend his writ petition, challenging the central notification transferring 46 corruption cases against the AIADMK chief and others from three special courts to session courts.
Canada seeks to tighten grip on Babbar Khalsa
Insiders believe the deportation of Davinder Singh is among the many steps being taken by the government to weaken Babbar Khalsa International. Officials believe the BKI is the most feared Sikh faction representing hard-core militants.
THE REDIFF SPECIAL
Bombay comes under Sai Baba's spell
For some devotees -- like the bespectacled 35-plus gentleman to my left -- the sight of God in their midst was too much. They closed their eyes, raised folded hands above their heads and -- swooned.
THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS
It's been a long year for Vajpayee
'The BJP government's main problem today is one of credibility. And nothing sums this up better than the fact that while the prime minister himself continues to enjoy widespread support, his government and party don't stand a snowflake in hell's chance of being trusted with the nation's destiny,' says Saisuresh Sivaswamy.
Recall the Goa Inquisition to stop the Church crying foul
'The terrible agony inflicted on Hindus remains buried in the carefully crafted history of the Church. It is time India demanded and secured an apology from the Vatican for the Goa Inquisition. In fact, we should go a step further and demand reparation from Portugal,' says Kanchan Gupta.
Tamil Nadu: Jaya flays DMK for violence against women
March 16
PM to skip Mahajan's bash for government's first birthday
Sources within the BJP say Vajpayee is unhappy with the information and broadcasting minister's plan for a lavish display. "After all, it wouldn't be good for the PM to take part in an event that looks wasteful, as this celebration does," a source close to him said.
Tohra resigns as SGPC president
He warned that Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal would have to repent for his "interference" in the religious affairs of the Sikhs.
4 journalists murdered in 2 years: occupational hazards of reporting in Delhi
One view holds that Irfan Hussain, senior cartoonist with Outlook who was found murdered last weekend, could have been done in by Shiv Sena men upset by his unflattering caricature of Bal Thackeray. But both the police and his own editor do not agree.
Sinha's bid to downsize government may flop
"Every central minister appoints his favourites as special officers and advisers. Each of these posts costs more than Rs1 million every year. It is the politician-bureaucrat nexus that has resulted in overstaffing in government departments," an official told Rediff On The NeT.
Congress firm on JPC probe into Guruswamy's allegations
"This government which came to power with the slogan of a party with a difference has become a party with differences," said Jitendra Prasada, referring to Guruswamy's charge that different ministers are promoting the interests of different business groups.
Court orders demolition of Joshi's son-in-law's buildings in Pune
The Bombay high court also directed the state government to order an impartial investigation against everyone involved in the episode, including the Maharashtra ex-CM, and punish the guilty.
Attempted murder charge against Jaya puts TN government in a bind
The DMK government does not want to be seen to be caving in to Jayalalitha's political ploys. But it also does not want to play into her hands by having the police interrogate or detain her.
Calcutta wants Marxists to halt saffron designs against Dr Preger
The Union home ministry has given the marching orders to the 68-year-old British doctor who runs three clinics for the poor in the city. "The adverse reports are that he chooses to work in areas dominated by minorities."
Mulayam's visit to native village, Vaishno Devi, were official: government
The defence ministry's joint director (accounts) told the Delhi high court that since all journeys undertaken by the former minister were certified as official by his personal staff, no dues are to be recovered from him.
Isolated Naidu silent as Congress heaps corruption charges
"Naidu has done more harm to the state than anybody else... Advani's statement shows AP is worse than Bihar in terms of law and order..." As the charges fly, Naidu hopes his performance will see the TDP through.
Missing heli-skiers rescued in Kashmir
Three rescue helicopters spotted the tired and hungry heli-skiers, who were stranded at Yamhir as their chopper had developed a snag, and brought them back to Srinagar.
20 militants, two soldiers killed in J&K
The army has launched a major offensive, killing 74 militants, among them foreigners, in the south Kashmir district of Anantnag.
SC to hear case against Quattrocchi on Mar 26
The Supreme Court will hear a petition filed by the CBI seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against the Italian businessman accused of receiving a huge kickback in the multi-million-dollar Bofors gun deal.
AJMM serves ultimatum on Jharkhand issue
The party said it should not be held responsible for any untoward incident if the Bihar State Reorganisation Bill, 1998, is not passed in the current session of Parliament.
Air-India bombing suspects refused Indian visas
The refusal was based on opposition from India's intelligence and police agencies, which have worked with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service on the 1985 case.
THE REDIFF INTERVIEW
'The alarming rate of accidents in the IAF has caused serious concern'
"My committee has also recommended that stern action should be initiated against those who are responsible for dereliction of duty towards the nation." Squadron Leader Kamal Chaudhry, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, on the IAF's biggest problem: the absence of an Advanced Jet Trainer.
THE REDIFF COLUMNISTS
Neither gentlemen nor players
'The BJP's problems are not just the result of coalition politics. The problem is not that these people are communalists. It is that they are amateurs,' says Vir Sanghvi.
And the culprit is...
'An inquiry ordered by the speaker has pinpointed the culprit: Congress spokesman Ajit Jogi! The Central Forensic Laboratory confirmed that the signature on Choudhary's ballot paper was forged by Jogi. But the House, in a conspiracy of silence, seems to be in no mood to proceed against the bogus voter.' Capital Buzz. Gossip from the Delhi Durbar.
President's rule, "chaste Urdu" and other diversions
'India should always send a South Indian to negotiate with Pakistanis. Imagine me, or much better, the DMK's Muthuvel Karunanidhi, as the envoy. We would endure the yammerings of the Urdu guys, declaim a few verses from Kumaran Asan or Subramania Bharati, and then briskly get on with business. No moist eyes, no heartstrings being tugged at, just the facts, ma'am,' says Rajeev Srinivasan.
Bihar: Two die as plane crashes
Goa: Gears up for electronic poll
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