Modi is panicking and is in anxiety as election is approaching: Congress on EVM committee critics

By

-

January 21, 2019

Speaking to the media, Congress leader PL Punia on Sunday said that as the elections are approaching; Prime Minister Modi is panicking and is in anxiety therefore criticising the formation of the four-member committee for EVMs. We have objections with EVMs and we have informed the election commission about the same. We want that vote should be done on ballot papers. Ballot paper should be used for voting instead of EVMs.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that a four-member committee had been formed to clarify opposition parties’ stand on EVMs in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Where Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, SP president Akhilesh Yadav, BSP leader Satish Mishra, and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, are the members of this committee.

Speaking on the party’s poll preparedness, Punia said that like all other political parties, Congress is also holding discussions and formulating strategies for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. All the frontal organisations, departments, etc, are holding discussions over plans and strategies for the upcoming elections. He further added that the Congress President Rahul Gandhi might be visiting Raipur on January 28 for meetings in the state.

Hikes in fuel prices, petrol costlier

By

Web Team

-

January 21, 2019

Continuing its upward trend, the petrol prices in the national capital on Monday witnessed a significant rise of 1.02 rupees per litre while diesel became costlier by 26 paise per litre.

Petrol in Delhi now costs Rs 71.14 per litre while diesel rate touched Rs 65.71 per litre. On Sunday, petrol was sold at Rs 70.12 per litre and diesel at Rs 65.45 per litre.

Fuel prices in Mumbai rose only marginally with petrol getting costlier by 0.19 paise per litre. Diesel in the financial capital of the country was being sold at Rs 68.81 per litre.

The rise in prices comes amidst the revision of global crude oil prices owing to a possible stifling of supply in the near future.

Yamaha India launches FZ-FI, FZS-FI bikes

By

Web Team

-

January 21, 2019

Japanese two-wheeler major Yamaha on Monday launched two new motorcycles in its FZ range in the premium segment priced up to Rs 97,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The two new products FZ-FI and FZS-FI equipped with advanced braking system, anti-lock braking system (ABS), are powered by 149 cc 4-stroke, single-cylinder engines. While the FZ-FI is priced at Rs 95,000, the FZ-S FI is tagged at Rs 97,000 (all prices ex-showroom Delhi), India Yamaha Motor (IYM) said in statement.

The new launch from Yamaha will strengthen the company’s presence in the deluxe class in India, Yamaha Motor India Group of companies Chairman Motofumi Shitara said.

The introduction of the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS followed the first launch of ABS-enabled YZF-R15 version 3.0 from the company in 2019. The company also said that it has introduced ABS-equipped version of its FZ 25 model; and will be available for Rs 1.33 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Mahagathbandhan is unviable and unworkable: Arun Jaitley

By

Web Team

-

January 21, 2019

Dismissing opposition parties’ Mahagathbandhan’ as unviable and unworkable in a Facebook post titled ‘Agenda for 2019 Modi Vs Chaos’, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday on said that India has moved ahead of 1971 and the aspirational society will not commit a collective suicide in the forthcoming general elections. The two-fold strategy of the opposition parties for the general elections is to pursue anti-Modi agenda and take advantage of the electoral arithmetic.

Will 2019 be a replica of 1971? It is Modi vs an unviable and an unworkable short-lived combination. OR is it Modi vs Chaos, Jaitley wondered. The Minister is currently in the US for a medical checkup. Recalling the 1971 General Elections, Jaitley said that the opposition had formed a ‘Grand Alliance’ or the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ teaming up against the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. We had powerful leaders and a head-start in the media. Additionally, the Congress had split into two. The results were announced and India rejected negativism. The India of 2019 has moved way ahead of India of 1971. Aspirational society never commits a collective suicide. They do not suffer from a Lemming Syndrome. Lemming Syndrome refers to a phenomenon wherein crowds of people, imitate actions of each other just because they see majority of their peers doing it.

Stating that every General Election has its own script that is dictated by the prevailing political environment, Jaitley said for 2019 political battle that India’s opposition has a two-fold strategy, firstly, negative anti-Modi agenda and secondly, random political grouping to gain from the electoral arithmetic.

He said that the opposition politics has thrown up four desirous Prime Ministers wishing to challenge Narendra Modi. It is obvious that the level of satisfaction with PM Sh @narendramodi ji is very high. If that weren’t so, what was the need for multiple disparate forces to come together against him? It is only the fear of his popularity & a certain comeback that is bringing them together, stating that the anti-Modi rally organised by opposition parties in Kolkata, became significantly a non-Rahul Gandhi rally by his conspicuous absence. All four ambitious politicians pursue fanciful strategies to replace PM @narendramodi, however, Congress can at best dream only to be a pillion rider, Jaitley said.

I have been harassed in film industry: Kangana Ranaut

By

Web Team

-

January 21, 2019

Kangana Ranaut told reporters that she was harassed several times by actors on film sets. Harassment happens on many levels. So many times on sets, I wasn’t sexually harassed, but some people had ego issues. I was harassed on many other fronts. It wouldn’t come under #MeToo but it was still harassment and the experience was daunting and humiliating. I have faced toxic behaviour from many people in my career.

The actor also said that the harassment ranged from making her wait for long hours to dubbing her voice without her consent. However, talking about her harrowing experiences, Kangana said, making me wait on set for six hours, willingly giving me wrong call time to make me stand, always giving me the wrong set of dates so I’m missing out on opportunities and then cancelling the schedule last minute by these heroes. Ganging up on me and not inviting me to film events, launching trailers without me and then someone else dubbed for me without even telling me, which is violating the basic right of taking permission from an actor.

The “Queen” star said that because of the #MeToo movement, which hit India last year; men in the industry are scared, that people are scared, obviously and they should be. Men are scared in the industry. This isn’t going to stop. This will continue till we really go into the root cause of it because essentially it’s a patriarchal society which is extremely chauvinistic and we need to come to a point where they are scared. All the talks of ‘what if women lose work’ should stop. I believe there’s no life without dignity. You shouldn’t worry about raising your voice.

The actor had come out in support of the survivor when allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against “Queen” director Vikas Bahl.

Kangana, 31, said that going forward strict rules and immediate action policy should be implemented to make film sets safer for women. On film sets there have to be strict rules and strict action should be taken. Things can’t be solved on a personal level or behind closed doors. Things should be taken to authority and immediate action is the need of the hour. She further added that when anyone raises concern, people director, producer or anyone needs to solve it. We need to become more sensitive about these things.

Kangana will be seen nexr in “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi”. The much ambitious period-drama features her in the titular role and has been directed by Krish and Kangana. The film is ready to release on January 25.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui shares his desire to stay away from controversy

By

Web Team

-

January 21, 2019

Nawazuddin Siddique, who became a popular name post the success of 2012 film “Gangs of Wasseypur”, seems to be embroiled in a controversy since 2017 after the release of his autobiography “An Ordinary Life”. Recently, another controversy that him last month was his upcoming film on late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, where Siddique plays the role of the charismatic leader. Ahead of the release of the film, Nawazuddin Siddiqui said that he wants to stay away from controversies as they shift the focus of the audience from his work to personal life.

In his memoir, co-written by Rituparna Chatterjee, Nawazuddin detailed his relationships and flings with former Miss India Niharika Singh and actor Sunita Rajwar allegedly without their consent.

The actor later withdrew the book and apologised for hurting the sentiments of women whose name he had mentioned in the memoir.

“I am just the same person. I am an actor and I just want to work. I just want to act. I don’t want to talk about anyone and what is happening in my personal life. I don’t want people to focus on that. I am known and have become popular due to my work and so I just want to concentrate on my work,” Nawazuddin told agencies.

There were also allegations against him that he hired a private detective to spy on his wife.

“I do not feel bad. I just feel why focus on someone’s personal life. Celebrities are also human being. Everyone criticises celebrities for every little thing and that should not happen. They are normal human beings,” he added.

When asked to remark upon the #MeToo allegations against filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, Nawazuddin maintained a no comment stance.

“I just don’t want to talk about it. Why unnecessary create it all again,” he said.

The 44-year-old actor said that he is afraid of controversies and wants to concentrate on his work.

“For me my career is important. After so many years of struggle I am getting to work so I want to focus on it. I want to try and stay away from all this. Now whether I get affected or not, it is a personal thing.”

Nawazuddin will be seen next in “Thackeray”, which releases this Friday. His upcoming projects are “Motichoor Chaknachoor”, “Photograph” and “Roam Rome Mein”.

Mamata is a good administrator, has all capabilities to lead the country: Kumaraswamy

By

Web Team

-

January 21, 2019

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has said that the people of the country were totally “disappointed” with the administration of Narendra Modi and heaped praise on his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee, saying that she is a “good administrator” and has all capabilities of leading the country. However, The Janata Dal (Secular) leader maintained that the leadership was not the pressing issue at hand and the opposition needs to focus on ways and ideas to win the polls.

In an interview to the media, the Karnataka chief minister said, “According to me, deciding on the leadership is not a criterion to win the polls. People of the country are totally disappointed with the administration of Narendra Modi. Several states have their own problems. It is not necessary to select a leader before the elections. There are effective leaders, who can move in a big way for the development of the country. They can make headway in areas where the previous governments have failed. But we can sit and select our leader after the elections are over.

Kumarswamy, who was part of the Trinamool Congress-led mega opposition rally – ‘United India Rally’ – held here on Saturday, also said that, she (Mamata) is simplest of the simple and a very good administrator. I believe that Mamata ji has all the capabilities of leading the country. And she has already proved herself by leading West Bengal for so many years. Drawing parallels with the situation the country in 1977 when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi faced revolt from various quarters, Kumaraswamy said that the present scenario is quite similar to that period. Even the politicians sat together and select their leader. This time, too, I think we will also have no problem in doing that.

The Janata Dal (Secular) leader asserted that the Mahagatbandhan would be an alternate to the national party. Several states have their own problems. Each of them has regional leaders who are as strong as national party members. And these regional parties will play a crucial role in the elections. This time people are going to bless them. However, talking about the absence of Telangana Chief Minister KCR at the mega rally called by Banerjee, Kumaraswamy said, “I think after the elections everybody will join. Everybody will come together. I am quite hopeful.”

Incidentally, KCR had come down to Kolkata to meet Banerjee last month for a discussion on the grand alliance. He, however, stated that his efforts for a non-BJP and non-Congress alliance would continue. Heaping praises on Banerjee for bringing together opposition leaders on a same platform, the Karnataka CM said, “Mamata ji did a great job in organizing the rally. She had even requested the Left to join her. This shows her generosity in her tactics in fighting the BJP government. She is ready to make compromises to take our fight to the next level.”

Setting the tone for the Lok Sabha polls, leaders from 22 opposition parties came together at the mega rally here on Saturday and declared that they will put up a united fight to oust the Narendra Modi government.

Citizenship bill not to be applicable to Nagaland: Nagaland CM

By

Web Team

-

January 21, 2019

A Cabinet meeting which was chaired by Rio on Friday asserted that the state is protected under provisions of Article 371 (A) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873. However, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, saying that the citizenship bill is not to be applicable to the state as it is protected under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution, a release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said on Sunday.

The article deals with special provisions with respect to Nagaland. It states that no act of Parliament with respect to religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, ownership and transfer of land and its resources, shall apply to the state unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution decides so. The Cabinet deliberated on the matter in view of the citizenship bill being passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8 and its consequent impact on Nagaland and other north-eastern states.

The state Cabinet, during the meeting, also decided to appeal to the Centre to have wider consultations with all north-eastern states to ensure that rights of indigenous people are fully protected. Whereas the Cabinet decided to re-affirm all provisions of Article 371 (A) and to strengthen the implementation of the ILP as per BEFR of 1873 that will also be taken up in the next session of the state assembly.

The release stated that as per the Cabinet decision, the chief minister has also written a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, conveying the concern and the apprehension of the people of Nagaland regarding the bill. The letter says that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, even if enacted will not be applicable to Nagaland in view of the Article 371 (A) that guarantees the Nagas their way of life un-interfered by any Parliamentary enactment, unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides.

The citizenship bill provides citizenship to the the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis who came to from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, instead of 12 years currently, even if they do not possess any document.

Fear of BJP’s success made Oppositions come together: Rajnath Singh

By

Web Team

-

January 21, 2019

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that there was no “challenge” for his government in the forthcoming general elections as the common man had faith in the present dispensation.

Singh said that he was confident about his party’s chances at the hustings as there has been no allegation of any “serious corruption” in the last 4.5 years of the present National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

“You know the situation of the past Congress governments (on the corruption issue),” he said, pointing to previous cases of graft during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime.

Asked if the forthcoming general elections in the country were a big challenge for his government, Singh replied in the negative.

“There is no challenge for the government,” he said, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of laying the foundation stone for a Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) at a Central Industrial Security Force camp here.

Asked about the opposition’s show of strength as part of the ‘mahagathbandhan’, Singh said it was the fear of his party’s successes that made them come together.

“They (mahagathbandhan parties) are afraid that BJP will form government again…we are assured that the masses are with us. We also have a strong and popular leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the common man has faith in us,” he said.

Singh also commented on media reports that said absconding accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, Mehul Choksi, had surrendered his Indian citizenship.

“We have brought the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act and there is a process under that law (to curb big fraud cases). He (Choksi) will be brought to India for sure and no one will be spared. Action will be taken against everyone,” the minister said.

Letters to the Editor: January 21, 2019

By

Web Team

-

January 21, 2019

Basic poll-reforms urgently necessary

Successive central governments have been deferring long-awaited poll-reforms for so many decades in name of never-to-be achieved political consensus with reports of so many committees and commissions set up high costs gathering dust without any action. Even repeated recommendations by successive Chief Election Commissioners are not being implemented. Poll-reforms that could be possible were only because of Supreme Court directions.

At least some basic poll-reforms which do not generate controversy must be implemented before next Lok Sabha elections if necessary through an ordinance. A person must not be allowed to contest simultaneously from more than one constituency or for both Lok Sabha and state-assembly. Rather a sitting MP or MLA must resign from the earlier seat before being allowed to file nomination for the other House. It is political sin to waste hard-earned money of tax-payers in unnecessary by-elections caused due to a person winning from more than one constituency or for both Lok Sabha and state-assembly because the law does not permit a person to represent more than one constituency or in both Lok Sabha and state-assembly.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal

Hub of crime

Andheri railway station is the hub of crime on the Western Railway. Maximum numbers of offenders have been caught for crimes here. This includes trespassing, hawking, creating nuisance at station premises, etc.

Statistics given by the Western Railway’s Railway Protection Force (RPF) shows that Andheri is the crime capital of Mumbai. This station tops in all categories of crime, including trespassing, hawking, creating nuisance at station premises, unauthorised travelling in ladies coaches etc.

Jubel D’Cruz

The recent seat sharing arrangement between SP and BSP by keeping out Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections has taken all by a surprise. It is interesting to note that the Congress party’s response on being ‘left out’ of the alliance from UP region. The move by both SP and BSP, for now, can be termed as a bold one considering that it is every challenging for a national party, including BJP, to look ahead for a majority victory without the support from regional parties. TRS party’s victory in the recently concluded assembly elections has set a political trend for a regional party to win successfully without any major party’s support through an alliance.

Though BJP has won the state assembly elections previously, the contest for Lok Sabha elections on a national level needs a unique strategy. Hence even a confident BJP should now be creating a new game plan to win the majority in this region — if it intends to do a ‘clean sweep’ act again.

On the other hand, it seems the Congress is now losing its hold on the much touted Mahaghatbandhan strategy. The strongest of the allies have now kept the Congress out of its reach to contest the crucial Lok Sabha elections. It still remains a mystery about how exactly the political strategy related to Mahaghatbandhan will unfold. With the recent successful win of TRS at Telangana, the regional parties, of late, are now taking bold and strong steps to fight alone and counter the challenges posed by major national parties in order to succeed in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Such a move by regional parties also signifies the extent of non dependability on major national parties, for now, leading them take a bold step perhaps to win Lok Sabha elections.

Varun S D

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)