Unfair to blame PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah for Bihar election debacle: Nitin Gadkari

By

-

November 11, 2015

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday opined that blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for Bihar election results was unfair.

Gadkari said, “BJP is a party of workers not of a family,” adding that “a win is for everyone and so is a loss.”

While ruling out Shah’s ouster as BJP president in the wake of Bihar election defeat, Gadkari demanded stringent action against those making irresponsible statements against the Prime Minister and party chief.

The Union Minister’s statements came a day after BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi, Yashwant Sinha and Shanta Kumar demanded that accountability be fixed for the Bihar poll defeat.

He said when the party faces defeat, everyone talks of a review but when it wins, no one demands analysis.

On BJP veterans LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Yashwant Sinha and Shanta Kumar issuing a statement demanding a thorough review of the reasons for the Bihar rout, an act seen as a revolt against the leadership of Modi and Shah, Gadkari said “We will talk to Advaniji on the issue.”

“Bihar results show that no lesson has been learnt from the fiasco in Delhi. The principal reason for Bihar defeat is the way the party has been emasculated in the last year. The review should cover the way the party is forced to kow-tow to a handful and how its consensusal character has been destroyed,” the party veterans said.

“The review must not be done by the very persons who have managed and have been responsible for the campaign in Bihar. To say that everyone is responsible for the defeat is to ensure that no one is held responsible,” they further added.

ULFA leader Anup Chetia deported to India from Bangladesh, PM Modi thanks Hasina

By

Afternoon Voice

-

November 11, 2015

Separatist United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) leader Anup Chetia, lodged in Dhaka jail for the past 17 years, was extradited to India on Wednesday.

The insurgent leader, whose original name is Golap Barua, was handed over by Bangladesh to Indian officials this morning.

48-year-old Chetia, the founder general secretary of the banned ULFA, along with two other associates were handed over to the Indian security agencies at Bangladesh border.

Reports said that Chetia’s extradition was only possible after Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi personally inetervened and sorted out the matter with Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to premier Sheikh Hasina thanking her for assistance in the fight against terrorism.

India had been repeatedly demanding Chetia’s deportation for over two decades but successive governments in Bangladesh had been refusing to cooperate citing non-existence of an Extradition Treaty.

The Sheikh Hasina government finally decided to repatriate him following a written application from Chetia that he was “keen to return to India”, the sources said.

The ULFA’s founder general secretary was arrested in Bangladesh in 1997 and was under detention on completion of his seven-year jail term for cross-border intrusion, carrying fake passports and illegally keeping foreign currencies.

Chetia had also written to the UN for political asylum in Bangladesh on December 7, 2008. However, the request was declined.

However, following the return of ULFA co-founder Arabinda Rajkhowa and negotiations of ULFA (pro-talks) faction with the Centre, Chetia “withdrew” his asylum request.

On November 30, 2009, Rajkhowa was also arrested near Dhaka and repatriated to India, but was later released on bail from the Guwahati Central Jail on January 1, 2011.

Even while being in jail, he maintained regular touch with ULFA chief Paresh Barua and other top leaders through his wife Rani Akhtar alias Monica.

Monica, along with 22-year-old son Bumoni alias Juman and daughter Bulbuli alias Bannya Akhter, who were with Chetia in Bangladesh, had returned to Assam last year of their own volition.

Vidya Balan in love with the festival season!

By

Afternoon Voice

-

November 11, 2015

Actress Vidya Balan says she loves back-to-back festival period starting fromGanesh Chaturthi in September to Dussehra in late October to the ongoing Diwali season.

“I really like it when these festivals come one after the other. The climate is also quite good starting from rainy season during Ganapati to the hot climate during Navratri and the beginning of winters during Diwali. It’s just that the transition is lovely.”

“I always love this part of the year. There are lights hung everywhere, people are going for shopping, there is an energy, enthusiasm and hope among everyone,” Vidya said.

When asked about her Diwali plans, she said her husband-producer Siddharth Roy Kapur is out of town and hence she would celebrate it with her family.

“Every year, we have a simple celebration for Diwali and it’s always a family affair. We go to the temple, wear new clothes and go to give clothes and gifts to near and dear ones. We spend a lot of time wishing each other on phones through messages, and in the evening we light diyas,” she said.

Vidya also says that she lights just one “phooljhadi” as she’s not fond of firecrackers.

“Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the country crossing regional as well as religious boundaries. The celebration is spread over numerous days with events such as ‘Dhanteras’, ‘Lakshmi Pooja’, and ‘Bhau-beej’ ensuring the festive spirit stays over few days,” she said.

“There is a lot of hustle and bustle as there are many people visiting us, and that’s where the fun lies. The true wishes from the heart emerge and Diwali is just about wishing each other well,” she said.

“I’d like to wish all viewers the best wishes for Diwali. I hope that light is present in your lives forever. Have a safe Diwali and Happy New Year,” added Vidya.

Loved directing ‘Ghayal Once Again’: Sunny Deol

By

Afternoon Voice

-

November 11, 2015

Actor Sunny Deol, who makes a comeback to direction with “Ghayal – Once Again”, says that he loved and enjoyed getting behind the screen again with the film.

“The efforts were always on but we weren’t able to achieve the desired results because of which I couldn’t do it (direction) earlier,” Sunny said.

“But then I was ready and that’s why I’ve decided to direct once again and I really loved it, enjoyed it,” said Sunny at the trailer launch of “Ghayal – Once Again” when asked about his decision to direct again after a long time.

Sunny also says that he loves work and “I want to enjoy my work”.

“I want the work to be brought across in the right way to reach the audience,” said Sunny, who had earlier directed “Dillagi”.

“Ghayal – Once Again” is a sequel to one of his most successful films, “Ghayal” which won a National Award and also fetched him a Filmfare Best Actor Award.

Deepika and Ranbir dazzle in Diwali fervour!

By

Afternoon Voice

-

November 11, 2015

They lit up sparklers with childlike joy, added colour to a rangoli, tried their luck at cards and gorged on food — Bollywood stars Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone were in a festive and playful mood for Diwali.

The “Tamasha” actors were in the capital on the eve of Diwali on Tuesday night to celebrate an evening of fun, frolic and festivity with select mediapersons.

Deepika looked elegant in a beige and red sari by designer Payal Jain, while Ranbir sported a dashing look in a maroon kurta pyjama with a black printed Nehru jacket by Rohit Bal.

They looked relaxed and were all smiles to light up diyas and ‘phool jhadis’; tried their luck at a game of cards and wished everyone a happy and prosperous Diwali.

On Diwali day, Deepika said she will be with her family members in Bengaluru, and then be back in Mumbai in time to attend the annual party hosted by megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Ranbir too is excited about the festival, and said he would follow his family’s annual customs which involves going to the R.K. Studios and conducting a puja. He too will attend Big B’s bash at night.

The actors are caught in the midst of promoting their forthcoming film “Tamasha”, directed by Imtiaz Ali. Interestingly, despite their split, the off screen chemistry between Deepika and Ranbir continues to be as amazing as their on screen camaraderie.

They joked, laughed, gave each other hi-fives and looked absolutely at ease in each other’s company.

Miley Cyrus doesn’t worry about labels

By

Afternoon Voice

-

November 11, 2015

Pop star Miley Cyrus, who previously referred to herself as ‘gender-fluid’, says she does not worry about labels anymore.

The Wrecking Ball hitmaker praised the Los Angeles LGBT Centre for opening her eyes to being a human whose “feelings change just like this weather,” reported Female First.

“The first day that I got to visit you all is a day that I never will forget. And that’s because given the opportunity to sit in one of the support groups I walked away with a feeling of self-love that I have never been able to even give myself before. Because, you know my life until that point, I was subconsciously convinced that I had to label myself. Because everything in our life has to have a name. Everything in our life is something but I’m not a thing. We’re not a thing. We’re humans with feelings that change just like this weather – which we’ve gotta do something about, and I’m not alone,” she said.

Cyrus spoke, while addressing the crowd at the Los Angeles LGBT Centre’s 46th Anniversary Gala.

Pregnant Kim Kardashian reveals she’s gained 52 pounds

By

Afternoon Voice

-

November 11, 2015

TV personality Kim Kardashian is still six weeks out from her due date, but she says she gained 52 pounds since becoming pregnant.

“Ok I’m 52 lbs up today….and I still have six weeks to go! I got my work cut out for me!” the “Keeping up with the Kardashians” star tweeted on Tuesday, reports people.com.

Kim, who already has a two-year-old daughter named North with husband Kanye West, is expecting a son in December.

Jennifer Lawrence falls yet again

By

Afternoon Voice

-

November 11, 2015

Actress Jennifer Lawrence has a misstep on the red carpet again.

The actress, who is promoting “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2”, found herself on shaky ground when she walked the red carpet here.

While wearing a long black dress that featured a plunging neckline, Lawrence tried to climb up some stairs to get into the theatre. Unfortunately, the combination of heels and levels proved to be a bit too much to tackle, reports eonline.com.

A video has surfaced that shows the actress holding on to her friends as she tries to reach the top.

“Hunger Games” producer Nina Jacobson later confirmed the incident when a fan asked if she was okay after the fall. “Yes,” she said. “She’s used to it.”

This isn’t the first time Lawrence has had a misstep in front of people.

On the red carpet at the 2014 Oscars, the 25-year-old tripped as she got out of her car.

At the 2013 Oscars, before accepting her award for her role in “Silver Linings Playbook”, the actress took a minor fall when walking up to get her trophy.

Celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly manner

By

Afternoon Voice

-

November 11, 2015

Diwali is here again. The festival is celebrated the world over in all regions where the Hindu community has a presence. With fireworks, sweets, gifts, apparels, prayers and other such beautiful traditions, it is one mind-boggling occasion that cuts across all boundaries — economic, cultural, racial and otherwise. Diwali is one of the most joyous and biggest festivals of the Hindu community. Not just Hindus, but people of other faiths love celebrating it too. The festival must be celebrated in an environment-friendly manner. Just imagine if every household bursts crackers, then what impact it will have on the environment! Although it is difficult to get over the temptation of bursting crackers, better sense should prevail, in the storage, use and disposal of fireworks. Let us all do our bit to make this festival season safe.

But sadly, people today are forgetting the real meaning of Diwali. For them, it is just a holiday and another occasion to celebrate. People are busy adorning themselves in expensive clothes, jewelleries, preparing various kinds of delicacies, lighting up and decorating their houses and inviting friends over. For the youngsters, their merriment knows no bounds. They burst crackers to the zenith of their mirth. They also enjoy with their friends. Every year, millions of rupees go down the drains in the buying and bursting of crackers during Diwali. Why can’t the same money be utilized for the upliftment of the poor? In India, innumerable people do not get even a morsel of food to eat. Instead of wasting money on crackers, the same money can be donated to an orphanage or a home for the aged.

Diwali is a festival of lights. Lights (electric or ‘diyas’) are lit in every Hindu homes whether they belong to the North, South, East or West. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days with the burning of crackers, distribution of sweets and visits to homes of relatives and friends. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, light, wisdom and fortune is worshipped on this day. Houses are usually white-washed and new account books are opened. My wife Shirley and daughter Sweta love celebrating Diwali too. Every year they wait for the day when I have to buy them crackers and sweets of various kinds. Sparklers and fountains are what my daughter love the most.

Diwali is a festival full of sweet memories,

Sky full of fireworks,
Mouth full of sweets,
House full of diyas

And heart full of enjoyment.

Jubel D’Cruz

BJP’s fallout, Sena’s gain

By

Afternoon Voice

-

November 10, 2015

The Bihar poll verdict has forced the Fadnavis government to rejig the ministerial portfolios and give a fair representation to its allies.

BJP’s severe drubbing in the Bihar polls is also impacting the Maharashtra politics. The saffron party which had earlier sidelined its partner Shiv Sena and other smaller allies is keen to go for cabinet expansion in the winter session of the state legislature which will commence from December, 7 in Nagpur. Sena is likely to get a ministerial berth in the centre too. Earlier Sena and other allies had expressed their displeasure over denying ministerial berths to them. The Bihar poll verdict has forced the Fadnavis government to rejig the ministerial portfolios and give a fair representation to its allies. Political analysts say that BJP’s below par performance in the assembly polls has come as a blessing in disguise for Sena. Sena can now also bargain with BJP for more ministerial berths and keep the latter’s growth in the state in check. Prior to the Bihar election there was a power tussle between BJP and Shiv Sena. Sena was miffed with the big brother attitude of the BJP.

“At present there are 12 vacancies in the Council of Ministers. Out of the 12 vacancies, two will go to Shiv Sena and four to the smaller allies. The Chief Minister will take a call on whether to fill up all the six vacancies from the BJP quota or keep two pending,” state PWD Minister Chandrakant Patil.

“The expansion may happen before the Winter Session of the legislature,” he said.

Fadnavis took oath as the Chief Minister on October 31, last year with seven Cabinet and two Ministers of State. When Shiv Sena later joined the government, the strength of the ministry was increased from 10, including Chief Minister, to 30. At present, there are 20 ministers from BJP and ten from Sena.

Rashtriya Samaj Party MLC Mahadev Jankar, Republican Party of India’s Rajya Sabha MP Ramdas Athavale, Swabhimani Party’s Lok Sabha MP Raju Shetti and Shiv Sangram MLC Vinayak Mete are seeking that their parties get ministerial slots.

As per the constitutional provisions, the Maharashtra Assembly, which has 288 MLAs, can have 42 ministers which is 15 percent of the total strength.

On the other hand, Shiv Sena’s impressive showing in the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation election has boosted the morale of party workers. Sena had emerged as the largest party in KDMC with 52 seats out of 122 in the keenly fought election. The BJP, which was in alliance with Sena in the last KDMC elections could win only 42 seats.

After a month-long conflict, the Shiv Sena and the BJP have formalised a power-sharing formula for the Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation. As per the arrangement, the Shiv Sena would hold the mayor’s post for four years and the BJP for one. The deputy mayor’s position would be held by the BJP for four years and the Sena for one year.