Sheena wanted to stop pretending as Indrani’s sister: Rahul

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December 17, 2015

Rahul

Sheena Bora wanted to stop pretending as sister of the key accused and her mother, Indrani Mukerjea before her murder in 2012, her fiancé Rahul Mukerjea has said in his statement before magistrate.

Indrani had introduced Sheena, her daughter from an earlier marriage, in Mumbai social circles as her younger sister.

In a statement recorded last month, Rahul, the son of former media baron and Sheena’s step-father Peter Mukerjea who is also an accused in the case, said that Indrani constantly kept changing her story about Sheena’s “disappearance” after her murder.

The copy of the statement was made available to defence advocates.

“Sheena said she felt that Vidhie (daughter of Indrani and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna) was being treated as her daughter, which she found very unfair,” Rahul said.

Rahul, who used to stay with Sheena in a rented flat, also stated that in March 2009, just before Indrani and her colleague visited his flat at Khar in Mumbai, Peter had told him that Indrani was coming to his place and that she wanted to separate them. “Later Indrani came and took Sheena away,” he said.

Two months later, Sheena contacted him and said that she was in Bangalore, he said.

“Sheena communicated to me that she was in Bangalore and was not willing to stay with her former boyfriend Kaustubh Saikia, as he was trying to re-establish his relationship with her, to which she was not agreeing to,” Rahul said.

“One day Kaustubh even hit a beer bottle on Sheena’s leg,” he said.

According to Rahul, Sheena had told him that from the joint bank account (of Indrani and Sheena) Rs 15,000 had been withdrawn (which Sheena had not) and her mobile had also been disconnected.

“In 2012, Sheena wanted to complete her further studies and was in need of funds and hence she resumed communications with Indrani,” he said.

On April 24, 2012, (the day of her murder) Sheena had met Indrani, after he dropped her in suburban Bandra. However, when he tried to contact her again, Indrani sent text messages from Sheena’s mobile saying that she (Sheena) had met somebody else and also sought two months time to contact him (Rahul) again.

BJP should become wise for country’s sake

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Vaidehi Taman

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December 17, 2015

Indian politicians are opportunists; they never leave any stone unturned to misuse official machinery. Neither CM Arvind Kejriwal nor PM Narendra Modi is innocent, as they are projecting themselves in media. Congress is the chief culprit and BJP is not far behind them. Earlier, Modi used to call Kejriwal as a terrorist. He even called him AK49, Pakistan’s agent, Naxalite and with many more adjectives. Now, Kejriwal too is using some adjectives for the PM.

Calling the Prime Minister of the country as “coward” and a “psychopath” is really disgraceful. When AAP emerged as a political party, people were hoping that this would be a party with a difference and work with some original principles. The rapid transformation and success for AAP make it stand with political parties like Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party and Congress. These parties cared for individuals rather than values and principles of the party and its ideology.

In the midst of its biggest face-off with the Modi dispensation yet, a combative AAP government rejected claims of CBI and the Centre that Arvind Kejriwal was not the target of raid and insisted a room having “key” files and affidavits in his office were thoroughly examined by the agency. As CBI claimed that they raided IAS Rajendra Kumar office, in a case related to a decade ago. All this while, from 2006 CBI had not acted in the case. Suddenly, a complaint filed at ACB, and not even to CM and CBI swing into action on that complaint. CBI is spreading terror against a popularly elected government, which is threat to BJP in coming future. It is Kejriwal’s AAP who had shrunk the BJP on three seats and grabbed the limelight with huge mandate. Congress has misused the investigation agencies in its regime and now BJP is doing the same. Kumar and Kejriwal are an IIT alumnus, and Kumar has been accused by CBI of favouring private companies in awarding government contracts from 2007-2014. Moreover, not only AAP but BJP has also proven to be unfair on various fronts.

Current ruling central government has disappointed, disgust and even nauseated on many occasions. They are dealing the opposition as an adamant, which is harming the essence of Indian democracy. They are mudslinging, slandering, smearing campaigns and using enforcement agencies for political scoring. It is a sad to say that they seem to have a sort of “Opposition Phobia”. Interestingly, BJP and AAP believed in anarchy and shouting during the UPA regime led by Congress party. They always drifted away from normal procedures of contesting elections and speeches and believed in more dramatic and rhetoric. Both parties believed in motto like ‘Offensive is the best Defence’. Now, BJP never expected Kejriwal will grab the power from them and become the CM of Delhi. They sought his support to eliminate the Congress politically from Delhi and almost succeeded in this mission, but AAP’s clean sweep exaggerated BJP in Delhi.

Nowadays, we are seeing that NCP leaders are being cosy with the BJP as he is protecting his meadow. We know that every politician and political party is an opportunistic and corruption is the only ‘name of the game’ to go behind each other. We had forgotten here to discuss corruption for a while. Kejriwal has come to power riding on a huge public mandate and that too from the national capital. He carries certain credibility, one of a Chief Minister and of civil movement crusade leader. His reputation calls for more restraint on what he says. If Kejriwal really feels he is the victim of attack by the BJP, he should go ahead and prove that. Had he waited to collect the proof and evidence for the same? His words would have echoed with the people of Delhi. Now, it just seems he is miffed by the BJP and stuck by anti-Modi mania.

Moreover, we need to understand that BJP really want to get crucial bills passed or does it want to keep scoring points against the opposition. There was no urgency in conducting a raid at this moment for offences supposedly committed between 2006 and 2014. Politics required give and take relation and it seems that those who call the shots in BJP believe in only taking, as they got a huge mandate in the general election. By now, BJP should have brought in several reforms, passed crucial bills. However, they want to prove themselves as supreme and don’t want to involve opposition or even its own members. They are only involving in tit-for-tat politics and wasting time.

AAP is accusing BJP and it launched strong counter-attack against AAP. Both the parties are wasting precious time of people and stalled the development of the country. They fail to understand that voters had given them huge mandate by trusting their abilities. The BJP resolutely stands behind Arun Jaitley and publicly condemns the malicious intent of AAP to deflect public attention from a corrupt officer working with Arvind Kejriwal. The attacks are endless and aimless. None has shown any level of maturity in this. Both the parties are wasting precious time on social media than function in the offices. Public are watching this and I am sure in next general election Congress will make a comeback.

National Hindu Movement demands expulsion of criminal Nigerian gangs

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 17, 2015

National Hindu Movement

The population of Nigerian citizens in Diva area has reached about a thousand, and few of them are residing illegally, as per the complaints received from Diva residents. Many Nigerian gangs have established themselves in Thane district. The National Hindu Movement, will hold an agitation on 19^th December between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. opposite the Diva (E) railway station to demand for the expulsion of Nigerian gangs possessing criminal background indulging in sale of narcotics, thefts, deceptions, etc.

Mahadev Bansode, a social worker from Diva said, “There is a feeling of insecurity among Diva residents due to the behaviour of the Nigerian gangs indulging in activities like trading in narcotics, prostitution, openly consuming alcoholic drinks. Nigerians pay excessive rents and stay in the societies and terraces. No proper background verification is done before renting them accommodation. Thane Police had issued notices to the landlords for submitting the information about the tenants. However, many landlords are not adhering to the norms therefore action must be taken against them.”

After the Nigerian Consulate opposed expulsion of their citizens when they possess valid documents, senior officers are trying to regularise the matter. However, few Nigerians are involved in banking frauds; few of them are staying in other cities even after the expiry of their visa. It is necessary to find out the nature of visa the Nigerians are holding.

HC stays Mumbai Metro fare hike

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 17, 2015

High Court

The Bombay High Court stayed the Mumbai Metro fare hike until final hearing of MMRDA’s plea. RTI activist Anil Galgali welcomed the High Court decision and said that MMRDA and citizens were ignored by the Fare Fixation committee constituted for the 1st PPP, Mumbai Metro One. MMRDA, a partner in the project and headed by the Chief Minister have also not been found worth of a mention in the report of the Fare Fixation Committee, this has come to light due to the copy of report accessed by Galgali. The text of the report gives credence to the rumour mills that the Fare Fixation committee itself is fixed said Galgali. He had sought a copy of the report submitted by the Fare Fixation committee from the MMRDA, which was provided to him by the MMRDA.

Anil Galgali said, “The FFC was fixed, the Mumbaikars who took out valuable time from their schedules to represent their views before the FFC during the hearing for opposing the fare hike, were not even found worth of having a mention in the final report. Further the report has no reference even to the say of MMRDA headed by the CM, which had entered into the PPP along with the MMOPL on the fare increase, also whether the MMRDA had represented itself before the FFC or not also does not have any mention.”

Galgali in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Devendra Fadnavis has demanded that the FFC be dissolved and a fresh FFC be constituted to rethink the fare increase.

Even MRCC President Sanjay Nirupam had filed a petition with the Hon’ble Bombay High Court in the fare hike issue.

Sanjay Nirupam said, “This order will provide relief to commuters as High Court has stopped Reliance Energy Limited and Veolia Transport S.A. through its special vehicle purpose Company to convert Mass Rapid Transit Project into corporate profit making commercial organisation at least for the time being.”

The next date of Hearing is fixed on 29^th January, 2016.

Kejriwal Jaitley fight intensified, as Delhi CM asks Arun Jaitley’s denial be taken as gospel truth

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 17, 2015

Even as Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley refuted allegations by the Aam Aadmi Party over issues of corruption in the DDCA, Delhi Chief Minister asked on Thursday whether the Union Finance Minister’s press conference could be taken as the gospel truth.

Escalating his attack on Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Delhi Chief MinisterArvind Kejriwal on Thursday demanded that he resign or be “removed” from the Union Cabinet to enable holding of an independent probe into alleged corruption in DDCA.

Kejriwal said Jaitley’s assertion that AAP’s allegations against him are “unsubstantiated and non-specific” could not be treated as “gospel truth” as the charges against him were “very, very serious”.

“Can Jaitley ji’s denial in press be taken as gospel truth? Very serious allegations against him. Why is he running away from investigations? If Jaitley ji were let off without investigations on basis of his press denial, then should all coal and 2G accused also be similarly let off?” Kejriwal asked in a series of tweets.

The Delhi Chief Minister, who has accused the CBI of raiding his office to get hold of a file that “traps” Jaitley, claimed that the allegations against the Finance Minister are “very, very serious”.

“Amounts involved are huge. He should either resign or be removed to enable independent probe,” Kejriwal demanded.

Hitting back at Kejriwal over the Delhi and District Cricket Association row, Jaitley accused him of spreading “false propaganda”, saying he seems to believe in “untruth and defamation and delivers a language that borders on hysteria”.

Jaitley added that the DDCA case “is a part of propaganda technique to deflect attention when you yourself are in the dock” and accused Kejriwal of focusing attention on him after he acted as a shield to cover an officer under investigation.

“I have left cricket administration in 2013. By referring to some facts of 2014 and 2015, he can t drag me in,” he said, terming allegations against him as unsubstantiated and non-specific.

The Finance Minister said the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which was entrusted with the investigations in the case by the previous UPA government, has clearly stated that “no fraud (was) noticed as alleged” and his role as DDCA President was “like a non-executive chairman without involvement in day-to-day affairs of the company”.

Earlier at a press conference, AAP alleged huge financial bunglings in DDCA during Jaitley’s 13 year-old tenure as its chief, saying large amounts were siphoned off through fake companies besides other irregularies including in team selection.

Swamy asks PM Modi to impose AFSPA in New Delhi on Dec 19

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Afternoon Voice

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December 17, 2015

Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose AFSPA in New Delhi in connection with National Herald case proceedings on December 19, 2015.

Taking to Twitter, Swamy wrote, “Today I am going to ask the PM to declare New Delhi district as disturbed and impose AFSPA for an orderly court proceeding in Patiala House.”

Congress president and vice-president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will be appearing for the case at the Patiala House Courts on Saturday.

Swamy, who is certain that both mother and son will go to jail, doubts that problems can be created by the party.

According to reports, Youth Congress workers have already been directed to appear in large numbers to support the two top leaders of the party.

Sachin Tendulkar, Rekha are worst performers among others in Parliament

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 17, 2015

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood actor Rekha have rarely been seen in Parliament since they became members in 2012.

Sachin and Rekha were nominated by President Pranab Mukherjee to Rajya Sabha in 2012.

According to an analysis by Factly, Sachin and Rekha are the worst performing members of the Rajya Sabha.

The master blaster and the ultimate diva of Bollywood have a mere attendance record of just more than five per cent.

Also, both have not taken part in any debate since their nomination.

Rekha has not even asked a single question, while Sachin has asked just seven so far.

Celebrity parliamentarians are notorious for their poor attendance.

After Bihar poll debacle, Mohan Bhagwat says RSS feels reservation should continue

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 17, 2015

Making a complete U-turn from his previous statement that the quota system needed a review, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said reservation should continue in the country as long as there was social discrimination and asserted that the Sangh was not in favour of scrapping it.

“RSS is of the firm opinion that there is no question of scrapping the reservation system. Reservation in the country should continue as long as social discrimination prevails in the Indian society,” Bhagwat said while delivering a lecture on ‘social assimilation’.

Incidentally, Bhagwat’s earlier remarks on seeking review of the reservation policy just before the Bihar Assembly polls had stirred a controversy, with many seeing it as one of the main reasons for BJP’s debacle in the state elections.

On ‘social assimilation’, the RSS chief said the beginning should be from self and extended to the immediate family, extended family and the society.

“This should be done by respecting the diversity in the society, but following the values and philosophy behind the spirit of Hinduism,” he said.
Elaborating the concept of ‘social harmony and integrity’, Bhagwat said, “No religion, sect, social reformer or saint supported discrimination between human beings. Equality has been the essence at the origin of every sect, which was later divided into castes and sects by us. Discrimination also was born out of behaviour of the people.”

Bhagwat, however, stressed on the need to end the discrimination and reject traditions that were redundant.

“In the name of tradition, this discrimination should not be allowed to continue further. The feelings of those who have suffered for thousands of years must be understood. Some sections of the society tolerated the discrimination and injustice for a long period,” he opined.

“Now, we should also learn to understand and tolerate for some years and bring about the desired change by our own behaviour. Traditions should be tested on modern scientific parameters, and those which fail the tests must be rejected,” he further said.

Unfortunately, these traditions have not been tested for thousands of years and are being followed blindly, because of which the values have deteriorated, Bhagwat said.

He also spoke about the thoughts of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on social discrimination and equality and appealed to the people to study it in depth and understand his teachings.

JD(U) MP KC Tyagi seeks action against Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 17, 2015

A demand for action against yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali pharma company for allegedly selling products like noodles and pasta without the food regulator’s approval was made in the Rajya Sabha.

Raising the issue through a Zero Hour mention, K C Tyagi (JD-U) also wondered why no appeal was filed in the Supreme Court against the Bombay High Court order lifting restrictions on sale of popular noodles Maggi.

Describing the two as the new “Dabangs”, he said no action has been taken despite FSSAI finding faults with their products.

He alleged that Patanjali noodles and pasta are being sold without the approval of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Uttrakhand government, he said, had found an Ayurvedic ‘son-bearing’ medicine sold by Baba Ramdev’s pharma company fake but no action was taken.

“He (Baba Ramdev) poses as if he is very close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He openly claims that he has helped with ‘tan, man and dhan’ (physically, mentally and monetarily) in formation of the BJP government,” Tyagi alleged.

Similarly, the verdict of Bombay High Court in the Maggi case was accepted. “Why was no appeal made to the Supreme Court,” the JD(U) leader said and remarked “daal mein kuchh kala hai” (there is something fishy).

‘No confidence’ motion ‘adopted’ against Arunachal Pradesh government

By

Afternoon Voice

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December 17, 2015

In another controversial day of dramatic proceedings in Arunachal Pradesh politics, Opposition BJP and rebel Congress MLAs joined forces to pass a “no confidence” motion against the Nabam Tuki-led Congress government, and to “choose” a rebel Congress MLA as the new chief minister.

A day after they “impeached” Speaker Nabam Rebia in a make-shift “Assembly” premises in a community hall, the opposition and rebels Congress MLAs met at a conference hall of a hotel on Thursday as the Assembly premises have been sealed since yesterday.

Today, a “no confidence” motion by 11 BJP MLAs and two Independent members was “adopted” with deputy speaker T Norbu Thongdok, who is also a rebel Congressman, in the chair.

A total 33 members of the 60-member house, including 20 dissident Congress MLAs, later “elected” another dissident Congressman Kalikho Pul as the new “chief minister” of the state.

The CM Nabam Tuki and his 26 supporting MLAs boycotted the proceedings terming them as “illegal and unconstitutional”.