For Seemandhra’s High-Stakes Election, More (Money) is More

By

-

May 6, 2014

It’s an alpha-election on Wednesday for Seemandhra, the regions that will, starting June 2, form the downsized state of Andhra Pradesh.

Voters will pick 25 parliamentarians and 175 state law-makers in an election that is largely a contest between two regional powerhouses -the veteran Chandrababu Naidu and Jagan Mohan Reddy, whose fledgling party derives considerable strength and popularity from the legacy of his famous father, YSR, who died in 2009 while he was chief minister.

Mr. Naidu, 65, has linked his Telugu Desam Party or TDP to the BJP. Mr. Reddy’s new YSR Congress is contesting the election without a partner.

Mr. Naidu, who was chief minister a decade ago, is aware that this election offers him the strongest chance at a comeback in years. The BJP is being forecast to win the maximum seats in the national election. Mr. Naidu hopes to gain from that momentum.

For Jagan Mohan, who was jailed for 16 months on corruption charges, an electoral triumph would offer the chance to proclaim that voters believe in his innocence; it could also alter the pace of the investigation against him.

The stakes being what they are, it is an open secret that candidates for both major parties have been selected largely on the basis of how well they can fund their campaigns.

That is why no one is really surprised that over 134 crore rupees or nearly half of the unaccounted-for money seized before the elections has come from Andhra Pradesh. Many say that’s just a drop in the ocean.

Lagadapati Rajagopal, formerly of the Congress, grabbed national headlines after spritizing pepper spray in parliament to protest against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. He is not contesting this election. “The reports we are getting is that for an assembly seat, the minimum spending is some 10 crore rupees. Which means around 70 crore rupees for a parliament seat,” he said.

It helps that many candidates are businessmen with deep pockets.

Ramachandra Murthy, chief editor of a Telugu daily and news channel, points out that businessmen and corporate honchos have replaced those who’ve been in politics for years.

“Earlier politicians used to depend on capitalists, businessmen and industrialists. Now businessmen and industrialists have become politicians,” he said.

Learn from your mistakes but don’t repeat them

By

Mahendra Singh

-

May 6, 2014

In a recent interview on a television channel, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had said that he sends his officers to mingle and work with farmers for understanding their problems and assist them. Other states too should follow this procedure to increase agricultural and horticulture production and enrich the rural life. The Congress government has failed to promote agricultural policy hence we are witnessing policy paralysis. The officers merely sat in their offices and did not visit the fields.

It is due to this reason many of our officers are not able to tell the difference between “Rabi” and “Kharif” crops. Chaudhry Charan Singh was the only Prime Minister who had excellent first hand knowledge about agriculture and land reforms but alas! Singh was not allowed to continue because he started asking “Indira Gandhi ka paisa kahan hai hame bata do.” He resigned after Indira had withdrawn support to the government. All good people (not balanced people) have some kind of shortcomings.

Modi and Amit Shah appear very wise and balanced. When an anchor asked Modi about his views on reservation he avoided the question and failed to give a clear answer about it. This shows how Modi could effectively control an interview and not Rahul Gandhi who played into the hands of the anchor and ended up inviting widespread protests. Amit Shah appears to be a very solid administrator and I appreciate his self-confidence.

Two persons or twelve persons cannot run this vast country. We have to mobilize the administrative machinery. Mostly (but not in all cases) we work under fear. During the emergency period, all officers reported office in time. We don’t need emergency to improve bureaucracy but Modi will send a stern message that no slackness will be tolerated. Congress had planned to appoint a judge for probing the incident of snooping of a woman architect allegedly at the behest of Narendra Modi. The party nonetheless rolled back its decision after NCP and National Conference criticized the timing of the appointment when election results are just few days away. They never concentrated on the real work and hence people are unhappy with their performance. Learn from your mistakes and don’t repeat them in future.

5 Amazing Uses of Essential Oils

By

Afternoon Voice

-

May 6, 2014

Improves sleep
Essential oils like valerian, sage, neroli and lavender have been associated with improved quality of sleep. Use a few drops of these essential oils on your pillow or on a handkerchief, which you keep besides you when you sleep, to help you sleep better. Make sure you smell the oil before you use it to ensure that you don’t overdo it.

Improves complexion
Many essential oil are often used in skincare products. This is because these oils actually help enhance and improve your skin. Lavender, rose, neroli and carrot seed are some useful oils to try on your skin. Rose in particular helps improve dry or ageing skin. Neroli is known to help prevent stretch marks and carrot seed oil is said to add elasticity to skin and to also ease eczema and psoriases.

Relieves cold symptoms
Essential oils can be added to your bath to help relive cold symptoms. Use about 10 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to your bath to help fight congestion and cold.

Eases toothaches
Clove oil is an effective remedy to cure toothaches. Carefully add a drop or two of clove oil to a cotton wool ball soaked in olive oil and apply it onto the painful tooth. This will help relieve the toothache. But be careful not to use it directly or this strong oil may cause a burning sensation.

Helps improve mood
Essential oils are also known to help improve one’s mood. Essential oils like rosemary, peppermint and even cinnamon can help stimulate the senses, clear up the mind and boost one’s energy levels. Keep a bottle of these oils around you and just inhale then every time you feel stressed.

Casey Affleck to launch production company

By

Afternoon Voice

-

May 6, 2014

Actor Casey Affleck and `Bates Motel` producer John Powers Middleton are teaming to open a production company.

The duo will produce both TV series and film. Affleck, 38 and Middleton are yet finalise all the details, although the pair are rumoured to be gearing up to announce the company`s production chief next month, reported Variety.

The production company will also allow Affleck the opportunity to focus on both writing and producing. Affleck has previously written the screenplays for `Gerry` and `I`m Still Here`.

The `Out of the Furnace` actor has also produced `All Grown Up`. Middleton`s producing credits include `Oldboy` and `The Voices`.

Constable dupes in the name of Sonia Gandhi

By

Prakash Jha

-

May 6, 2014

A group of retired senior citizens were duped by a constable P Salvi attached to the local arms division who promised to assist them in claiming the pension funds by saying that he possesses close links with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. They were running from pillar to post to claim the pension money payable to them.

The victims then filed a written complaint against P Salvi at Kandivali Police station on April, 14 2014. Even though 20 days have passed but the police are yet to file a FIR against the accused.

The victims have superannuated from the Food Corporation of India. They were unable to claim pension amount after retirement as the organization had asked them to choose between double fund or pension while working with the firm. Initially, victims had chosen Double fund scheme but later they learnt that the scheme had some drawbacks hence they opted for the Pension Scheme. However, these employees had to run from pillar to post for claiming their pension fund.

One of the victim Narayan Hate had met P Salvi in a funeral function who said that he possesses good contacts with Sonia Gandhi and can assist him to claim his pension amount. Salvi demanded a sum of Rs 10 lakhs from Bache for performing this work. However Bache was unable to pay the amount as he was undergoing financial problem.
Shankar Bache one of the retired FCI employee spoke to AV said, “Since Salvi had demanded 10 lakhs from us for claiming the pension fund we refused to pay him. Since we were facing difficulties to claim the pension money I and my colleagues offered one and half lakh rupees. Later we paid four lakhs to Salvi. However, we are yet to receive the money and learnt that Salvi has cheated us.”

The victims then approached Kandivali Police Station for registering a complaint against Salvi. The police nonetheless failed to cooperate with them and has not taken any action in this regard.

Hareshwar Pimple, Senior Police Inspector from Kandivali Police Station said, “I am unaware about this case and don’t know who is probing it. I will inquire about the police official who is investigating this case and ask him to fast track this case.”

Campa Cola Compound Case: Supreme Court refuses to extend deadline

By

Prakash Jha

-

May 5, 2014

The Supreme Court verdict has refused to grant further extension of deadline for the residents of Campa Cola society as they will have to vacate the building. Five months back the apex court had provided some relief to the residents by staying the demolition of unauthorized flats in the building till May 31, 2014. The residents of the building are fighting a lone battle to save their flats. Even though many political parties had come forward to support the residents but they were only giving false assurances to them and has failed to resolve this issue. They had only visited the site just because the Lok Sabha election was round the corner. After the apex court’s verdict residents are worried and don’t know whom to approach for saving the building.

When AV contacted the residents of Campa Cola Compound they seem to have lost all hope to save their dream house. They don’t trust anyone from whom they can seek assistance to regularize the building.

Jaswant Mutha, resident of Campa Cola Compound spoke to AV and he vented his frustration over the system and said, “We don’t have faith in anyone including media, the municipal corporation and politicians. We had approached many officials and politicians but they have failed to resolve this issue. We had built our home by accumulating the savings of our hard earned money. How can we see our building getting demolished in front of us?”
Residents have been fighting a battle since 1999 to save their building. They had left no stone unturned to save their property and had knocked several doors but no resolution was achieved.

They had demanded for a CBI probe against the BMC Commissioner and officials. A resident of the society spoke to AV on the condition of anonymity and said, “A CBI inquiry must be set up for investigating the entire issue and bank accounts of municipal corporation officials must be examined. There is an alleged nexus between the Corporation and politicians.”

Seven high-rises were constructed at what is called the Campa Cola Compound, between 1981 and 1989. The builders had permission to build only five floors, but they constructed several more. One of the buildings, Midtown has 20 floors while another building Orchid has 17.

In November, 2013 the apex court had given residents seven months to vacate the illegal flats in the compound as there was no rehabilitation plan in place.

The apex court had last year suspended the demolition of 96 flats of the Campa Cola housing complex till further orders.

In the beginning of 2013, the apex court ordered the demolition of these flats because of violation by the builders. These flats were constructed three decades ago without seeking the permission of the Mumbai’s civic body and hence were declared illegal. More than 140 families have been residing in the complex for the past 25 years.
The court asked city officials to investigate, and the municipal corporation then served demolition notices for all flats constructed above the fifth floor, which it said were illegal.

Maharashtra train derailment: Death toll rises to 21

By

Afternoon Voice

-

May 5, 2014

The death toll in the Diva-Sawantwadi passenger train accident increased to 21 on Monday, a day after four bogies of a passenger train derailed on Konkan Railway route in Maharashtra’s Raigad district.

The three victims died in the hospital today where they were undergoing treatment.

Around 132 others were also injured in the mishap that took place between Nagothane and Roha railway stations, over 100 kilometres from Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister PrithvirajChavan is likely to visit the accident site and hospitals where the victims have been admitted for treatment.

The track, where the mishap took place, has been cleared and train traffic has been restored.

Preliminary examination has reportedly hinted at the possibility of a rail fracture as the cause behind the derailment.

While the government had ordered an enquiry into the incident, a compensation of Rs two lakhs was announced by the railways for those who have been killed.

Congressmen should practice meditation in Ramdev’s ashram: Sena

By

Afternoon Voice

-

May 5, 2014

Shiv Sena on Monday slammed the Congress for holding Narendra Modi responsible for the violence in Assam, saying those levelling such charges are the ones who have “divided” the country and should practice meditation at Ramdev’s ashram as they have “lost their mental balance”.

BJP’s oldest ally also targeted Congress leader Kapil Sibal, saying it has never seen him “taking up the cause of Hindus in Kashmir as as he did for Bangladeshi Muslims in Assam”.

“Those who are saying that India will break into pieces because of Modi are the ones who have divided the country. Instead of abusing Modi, Congressmen should introspect,” an editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana said.
“Those in Congress who are making such allegations should either do vipassana (meditation) in Ramdev’s ashram or else they will have to be admitted in a mental hospital after May 16 poll results as they have lost mental balance,” the Sena said.

Congress yesterday attacked BJP and its Prime Ministerial candidate for the violence in Assam, saying it was a result of “communal polarisation” done by them to garner votes.

32 people were killed, several others injured and thousands rendered homeless in two districts of Assam after attacks by militants belong to the anti-talks IK Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-S).
The Sena said, “Assam is burning. Peace eludes the Kashmir Valley. We never saw KapilSibal taking up the cause of Hindus in Kashmir as he did for Bangladeshi Muslims in Assam.”

“Sibal and Omar Abdullah (J&K Chief Minister) are afraid that after Modi comes to power, Bangladeshis will be driven out from Assam and Hindu Pandits will be brought back with honour in Kashmir,” the Sena said.
Abdullah deliberately ignored the plight of Hindus in Kashmir, it alleged.

Arguments on framing of charges in 2002-03 Mumbai blasts

By

Afternoon Voice

-

May 5, 2014

About twelve years after multiple blasts rocked the city between December 2002 and March 2003, the prosecution is likely to make the opening arguments in the court on framing of charges.

Saquib Nachan, an alleged key member of Students Islamic Movement of India, is the prime accused in the case.

“I will open the arguments in the case tomorrow on the issue of framing charges,” special public prosecutor Rohini Salian said.

In a combined chargesheet filed against 16 accused in the Mulund, Vile Parle and Mumbai Central blast cases, police have charged them with offences under POTA, the Explosive Substances Act and for ‘preparation to wage war against the nation’ and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code.

The Mulund blast occurred on March 13, 2003, killing 12 persons and injuring 71. Earlier, on December 6, 2002 several persons were injured in the blast at McDonald’s at Mumbai Central station, while a person died when a bomb attached to a cycle exploded in a market area in Vile Parle (East) on January 27, 2003.

We don’t endorse Saamana edit on Gujaratis: Aaditya Thackeray

By

Afternoon Voice

-

May 5, 2014

Just stopping short of announcing that Saamana newspaper is not a Shiv Sena mouthpiece, party chief Uddhav Thackeray’s son Aaditya on Monday made it clear that the Sena does not endorse the controversial anti-Gujarati editorial in the Marathi daily.

“For last two days an unnecessary controversy and as stated before, an attempt to sabotage the bond between Shiv Sena and Gujarati community has been raging and with this, I wish to put it to rest,” Aaditya, who heads YuvaSena, the party’s youth outfit, said here today.

“As stated in a personal statement by Shiv Sena party president Uddhavji Thackeray, we seek or make no difference between us and the Gujarati community of Mumbai and neither endorse such views by anyone as those of the party or the leadership. This is our view and we don’t endorse the words of the editorial of 1st May,” Aaditya said in a statement.

“The Gujaratis have been close at heart to Balasaheb Thackeray and all of us, always be it helping or supporting each other in times of need or prospering and feeling safe under Shiv Sena BJP government of 1995-99.
“We too have made our effort, when needed such as in times of the Bhuj earthquake or Narmada Dam project. This is to make clear that the party takes the Gujarati community as fellow Mumbaikars and with no differences made,” he said.

“This very unity, seen strongly and the love felt by me personally in the LokSabha elections, be it South Mumbai, South Central or North West Mumbai, be it Thane or Kalyan, has ached many leading to sabotage this unity. I assure you, there was, is and will be no change in the good bond built over years between us,” the junior Thackeray said.
“The community gave the party unconditional support to raise Maharashtra’s voice in Delhi and their concerns would be equally voiced by the party making no difference and seeing them as Mumbaikars.

“With this, echoing the sentiments expressed by Uddhavji also, I hope to put the unnecessary controversy to rest,” he said.