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HC asks government to provide toilets, water in court buildings

March 7, 2014

Expressing concern about the lack of basic amenities including toilets and drinking water at the courts in the state, the Bombay High Court directed Maharashtra government to take appropriate steps.

The division bench of Justices A S Oka and Amjad Sayyed was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Litigants Association of Maharashtra, complaining about lack of toilets, drinking water facilities and seating space outside the courtrooms for the litigants.

“The petition has raised important issues. It is the elementary duty of the state government to provide basic amenities like toilets. It goes without saying that facility for clean and drinking water will also have to be provided along with seating space for litigants and witnesses,” the High Court said.

The court noted that in several courts, the maintenance and cleaning of toilets was outsourced, but the contracts were not renewed after they expired.

“The state government will have to formulate a scheme to see to it that such facilities are available at all the courts. We direct the government to take appropriate decision and file an affidavit on April 25,” the judges said.

Loksabha Election 2014 – A new era in the history of India

Vaidehi Taman

March 7, 2014

Election bugles are blown for one of the most exciting battles on modern earth and largest democracy to choose its Prime Minister. This time, the General Election will be contested in nine phases, spread over 36 days from April 7 to May 12. Polling will be held on April 7, 9, 10, 12, 17, 24 and 30 and May 7 and 12. The model code of conduct has flexed in with instantaneous effect. Growing social and economic empowerment has led to women asserting political choices, sometimes in defiance of patriarchal diktats. Though, women are not a homogenous vote bank but contribute to major success. The meteoric rise of the new political party on an anti-corruption platform has had an impact beyond Delhi. AAP’s brief spell in office has left mixed feelings, but it has become a talking point everywhere. How many seats it will win is unclear, but the larger challenge for established parties is to regain credibility in the face of criticism that they are all part of collusive politics that spares big business and nurtures nepotism. Certainly, no party can afford to ignore it. Indian elections have been essayed in uncertainty since 1967 when Congress’s hegemony faced its first serious challenge. However, indications are that the coming election may be even more exciting. While Congress and BJP are locked in a gladiatorial contest, the entry of AAP has inserted an X factor in the battle. Going by opinion polls, Congress seems to be heading for it’s worst-ever performance with some estimates indicating that its tally may shrink to double digits. If that were to happen, the transition of the Congress leadership to Rahul Gandhi could become a wrenching process. BJP appears poised to make big gains this time. Narendra Modi’s arrival has energised the party’s base and triggered hopes of a comeback after a decade-long power drought at the Centre. Unless BJP falls victim to its historical inability to live up to its promise, this Modi-led resurgence, coupled with a deep disenchantment with Congress, raise the possibility of his rightwing, growth-centric political model spreading to new constituencies.

It is unknown that how far sentiments on social media will translate into votes, but it is clear that the internet has become influential in shaping perceptions and opinions. While this was seen as BJP’s and Narendra Modi’s strength, a new player like Aam Aadmi Party has exploited the medium adroitly too. Television is seen as part of 24×7 politics where offering bites or influencing ticker tapes is part of the game. The votes will be counted on May 16 and within a day or two it will become apparent who will form the next government — Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi or a surprising Third Front. Along with the Lok Sabha election, three states — Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim — will also go to the polls. This election is going to be fought between BJP and Congress directly since there is no alliance with any major regional parties. The small parties will only scatter the votes and no useful purpose is going to be served. When there will be no clear majority, then regional parties will come into picture to negotiate or we can say blackmail to give their support. They will ask for better or creamy ministry. If India wants to utilise the election process properly, the system needs to be changed. If no party gets clear majority in the election result then EC should re-conduct the election with only two parties who had secured first and second position in the first election. This formula can give stable government in centre as well as state.

Ten years of UPA rule have virtually undermined the livelihoods of millions of farmers and the poor as the Congress gradually forgot the aam aadmi and moved toward safeguarding the interests of the corporate world. The Father of the Nation said India lives in its villages. In order to revitalise a sustainable village economy, the nation has to vote out both the corporate-servile Congress and the BJP. The elections marks an opportunity to do this. It is astounding that 81.4 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise through 9.13 lakh polling stations, and that 10 crore more voters have joined the ranks of voters since the election five years ago. The Election Commission deserves rich praise for being in charge of such a complex exercise. But I wonder how many of us will go to vote, to make sure that there is 100 per cent voting. More than the election, it is the Election Commission of India that has to focus the whole exercise. It has discharged its constitutionally assigned role with great distinction, emerging as one of the few credible institutions and winning public trust hands down. In 2009, there were around 71.6 crore voters. Now, the figure is closer to 76 crores, more than the population of America and even Europe. In 2009, about 59 per cent of the 71.6 crore eligible voters cast their ballot in some 8,34,000 polling booths, using 1.3 million electoral voting machines. This shows to what extent the Election Commission needs to do its homework.

With the announcement of the dates for the general election, it is also time to change things.

MNS facing midlife crisis

Afternoon Voice

March 7, 2014

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena which claims to be the champion of Marathi cause is losing its sheen in Maharashtra. The party which will complete its 8th anniversary on 9th March, 2014 has nothing to cheer about. Even though MNS had came into limelight after its party workers assaulted the north Indian students and drivers but it was unable to expand beyond cities like Mumbai, Pune and Nasik and remained an urban-centric party. The Lok Sabha election is just round the corner but MNS supremo Raj Thackeray has not taken any decision whether his party will contest election. MNS is yet to declare the name of its candidates for the general election as they are unhappy with the party’s leadership and it’s mode of functioning. Many of them are now worried about their future and might even shift loyalties.

The MNS which was banking heavily on the Marathi vote bank for coming to power received a huge setback as Marathi voters kept a safe distance from the party. There are 140 corporators and eleven MLA’s of the party in the state. The eight year old party has been in power at the Nashik Municipal Corporation with the support of the BJP. Youths had too many expectations from MNS but the party failed to fulfil it. Raj Thackeray delivers speeches like Bal Thackeray. Even though people turn up in large numbers to attend his rallies but those numbers don’t translate into votes. The opposition takes a jibe at Raj Thackeray’s rallies by saying that he is merely providing entertainment to the people.

People are reluctant to vote for MNS as the party doesn’t have any agenda for them and lacks proper roadmap for development. In the year 2009 assembly elections the MNS had won 13 seats in the state. MLA Ramesh Wanjle had passed away due to heart attack while Harshwardhan Jadhav had made allegations against Raj Thackeray and quit the party to join Shiv Sena. The remaining 11 MLAs are not playing the role of a good opposition and have failed to challenge the government. Instead of working for the welfare of the common man they are only interested in garnering cheap publicity.

During the formation of MNS Raj Thackeray had announced that he had a blue print for the development of Maharashtra. Even though the party is in power in Nasik but it has not undertaken any development work for the city. The performance of the 28 corporators too is not up to the mark. Raj Thackeray doesn’t interact with the masses and his party workers. As a result of this, they have quit MNS which has further weakened the party. Few days back, Nitin Gadkari had met Raj Thackeray and asked him to refrain from contesting the Lok Sabha election which has further dented the party’s image among people.

Janswaraj Party MLA Vinay Kore, Shetkari Kamgar Party, Jayant Patil and Nashik education dept head Apurva Hire have met Raj Thackeray for forming a third front in the state. MNS which was initially reluctant to form alliance will send a wrong message if it has a tie-up with these parties. People are eagerly waiting to know what decision Raj Thackeray will be taking on the occasion of the party’s foundation day on 9th, March.

When AV tried to contact MNS group leader Balanandgaokar, Pravin Darekar, Nitin Sardesai about the election strategy of the party they refused to comment about it.

Parvez Khan

Close fight between Shiv Sena and NCP

Afternoon Voice

March 7, 2014

The Shiv Sena had fielded Rajan Vichare against NCP sitting MP from the Thane Lok Sabha constituency whereas the MNS is yet to declare their candidate. Aam Aadmi Party will be fielding Sanjeev Sane but it won’t make any major impact. Since Thane is Shiv Sena’s bastion hence it becomes NCP’s task more difficult. Since Naik has performed a good work hence he is likely to emerge victorious.

Earlier Jansangh had a stronghold over the Thane constituency but now BJP has emerged as a stronger party here. Rambhau Mhalgi, and Ram Kapse had started their political career from this constituency.

After the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi Shantaram Gholap had won from this constituency. Shiv Sena district president Anand Dighe has made the party strong due to his hard work and he also hoisted the flag at Mahapalika. Dighe also won the assembly election and hence BJP has vacated this seat for Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena corporator Prakash Paranjpe went on to become MP due to the assistance of Anand Dighe. After Prakash Paranjpe’s demise his son Anand Paranjpe won the bye-election by more than a lakh votes. In the 2009, Lok Sabha election NCP defeated Shiv Sena candidate Vijay Chougule.

Shiv Sena fielded sitting MLA Rajan Vichare for contesting Lok Sabha election against NCP MP Sanjeev Naik. In the 2009 Lok Sabha election, Vichare was willing to contest from Thane constituency but Shiv Sena fielded Vijay Chougule at the last moment. In the same year MNS candidate Rajan Raje secured 1,34,840 votes. Thus dream of Guardian minister Ganesh Naik was fulfilled after his son Sanjeev Naik became MP. Six assembly seats exist in this Lok Sabha constituency. Eknath Shinde, (Shiv Sena) Pachpakhadi, Rajan Vichare, Thane (Shiv Sena), Pratap Sarnaik, Ovla Majiwada (Shiv Sena), Gilbert Mendosa, Mira Bhayendar (NCP), Sandeep Naik, Airoli (NCP), Ganesh Naik, Belapur (NCP) are the MLA from this constituency.

Shiv Sena have three MLAs while NCP too has the same number of MLAs from this constituency. Three municipal corporations exist in this constituency. Shiv Sena will have to hard work in areas like Navi Mumbai and Mira Bhayander. Sanjeev Naik has a strong hold in this constituency. His father Ganesh Naik is the Guardian Minister, and Sandeep Naik is MLA. After Sanjeev Naik was alloted ticket to contest Lok Sabha election he has started campaigning in this constituency. There will be a tough fight between Shiv Sena and NCP in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.

2000 Lok Sabha election statistics

Sanjeev Naik (NCP) – 3,01,000

Vijay Chougule (Shiv Sena) – 2,51,840

Rajan Raje (MNS) – 1,34,840

Arvind Kejriwal denied appointment with Narendra Modi, heads to Jaipur

Afternoon Voice

March 7, 2014

Amid high drama, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Friday left Gujarat for Jaipur after failing to get an appointment with BJP’s prime ministerial candidate and state’s Chief Minister Narendra Modi, whom he had attacked over his claims of clean governance and development.

AAP chief Kejriwal said, “We will meet Narendra Modi whenever I am given an appointment.”

The AAP leader further said, “My colleague Manish Sisodia went to seek an appointment with Modi ji but he was told that the Chief Minister has no time for us.”

Later, his colleague Sisodia also told reporters, “CM’s additional secretary asked me to give a written request for a meeting and said that it will be decided by Modi ji.”

“He (Kejriwal) is ex-chief minister of Delhi but still he was not even allowed to enter Modi’s office,” Sisodia added.

The Gujarat Police earlier stopped Kejriwal’s car mid-way when he was going to meet Chief Minister Narendra Modi at his office. Kejriwal was proceeding towards Modi’s office to meet him with a list of 16 questions, without seeking an appointment.

Ahead of that Kejriwal dismissed Modi’s repeated claims of Gujarat’s development and said that he along with his supporters will meet the Chief Minister at his residence.

Addressing an open press conference, the AAP leader said, “There was a lot of talk about how progressive Gujarat has been, but what we have witnessed in last two days is the exact opposite. What we saw in Gujarat is quite shocking, its exactly opposite to what is being projected about the BJP-ruled state.”

“We will go to Narendra Modi’s residence now and ask him 16 questions,” Kejriwal said.

Further taking on Modi on his own turf in Ahmedabad, Kejriwal said, “Modi claims that corruption is over in Gujarat but people talk about it across the state. Gujarat has high unemployment levels too.”

Attacking the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, the AAP leader raked up the KG Basin gas pricing issue.

“We will ask Modi ji if he will allow increase of gas prices if he becomes PM,” Kejriwal said, adding, “If Modi meets us, we will convey our concerns to him.”

Meanwhile, the main opposition party has hit back on AAP, saying Kejriwal has become inspector of development.

“Kejriwal has become inspector of development. Congress has entrusted him with this task. He is the Team B of the Congress party,” senior BJP leader MA Naqvi said.

The AAP leader has not taken prior appointment with the Gujarat Chief Minister and it would be interesting to see whether the meeting between the two actually takes place.

Kejriwal’s four-day tour of Gujarat continues to generate heat as he faced protest by the BJP workers here this morning.

According to reports, several BJP workers demonstrated against his visit and asked him to go back.

The workers of BJP shouted anti-AAP slogans when Kejriwal’s convoy entered the city and shouted “Arvind Kejriwal go back” and “why have you come here.”

The BJP workers, who were seen carrying BJP flags, said that the AAP leader is a big liar and his Gujarat visit is nothing but a publicity stunt.

It is to be noted that Kejriwal’s detention in Gujarat over alleged violation of model code of conduct had sparked violent clashes in Delhi and other parts of the country.

The tussle between AAP and the BJP further intensified when an FIR was lodged against Kejriwal for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct by using loud speaker at a public meeting at Gandhidham in Kutch district of Gujarat without taking permission from the Election Commission.

The FIR was lodged under section 188 of IPC (disobeying public servant’s order), Superintendent of Police, Dipak Meghani said.

“The whole event was video-graphed. He addressed the gathering using loud speaker in the presence of election officers,” Meghani said, adding “Election Commission permitted us to file FIR against him.”

SC rejects Sahara proposal, Subrata Roy to remain in Tihar Jail

Afternoon Voice

March 7, 2014

Calling it an insult after making it assemble a special bench, the Supreme Court Friday ticked off the Sahara group for not coming out with a proper proposal for refunding Rs. 20,000 crore of investors money and asked it to come out with an “honourable” plan.

Subrata Roy will remain in Tihar jail till next Tuesday when the court posted the matter for further hearing.

The apex court expressed displeasure that the Sahara group asked for assembling of the special bench to hear the matter but did not provide a proper proposal. “It’s an insult to us,” it observed.

The Sahara group submitted that it was ready to make a cash payment of Rs. 2,500 crore within three days and gave an assurance that it will pay the rest of Rs. 14,900 crore in five installments by the end of July, 2015.

A bench of justices K S Radhakrishnan and J S Khehar rejected the proposal after SEBI also opposed it on the ground that group is supposed to pay Rs. 34,000 crore and not just Rs. 17,400 crore which it agreed to pay.

“It is not a proper proposal and the proposal should be honourable,” the bench said.

“You make us assemble (sitting of the special bench) and then you are saying that you won’t be able to pay the money. It is a big insult to us. It is not proper in my view. You should not make us assemble if you don’t have a proper proposal to make,” Justice Khehar said.

Senior advocate C A Sundaram, who was accompanied by other senior lawyers, tried to convince the court that it is not possible at this stage to raise more money as the main person, Roy, is behind bars and his people have no access to him in judicial custody.

“The one person who can find money is not in a position to do it. He is the only one who can arrange money. He can work out if he is allowed to get out. We are also not allowed to access him,” he pleaded.

At this, the bench said that it can make arrangements to allow Roy’s financial consultants and lawyers to meet him in custody but made it clear that there is no way of getting away from paying the amount.

“For the last one and half years he (Roy) has been out and he has been behind only for the last few days,” the bench said adding “We can arrange meetings but you must pay the amount”.

The bench then ordered that financial consultants and lawyers of Roy will be allowed to meet him between 10 and 12 AM every day.

Another senior advocate Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed that not a single investor had filed any complaint against the group and the court should also consider that it is also a matter of livelihood for 14 lakh Sahara employees.

The bench then shot back saying “is there any real investor”.

The matter was initially mentioned before a bench of Justices Radhakrishnan and Vikramajit Sen in the morning but it refused to look ito the proposal on the ground that SEBI was not given a copy of the proposal.

RSS to take legal action against Rahul Gandhi

Afternoon Voice

March 7, 2014

Taking strong exception to Rahul Gandhi’s comments, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday said that it would initiate legal action against the Congress vice president for blaming the outfit for assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

Senior RSS ideologue Ram Madhav said that the outfit will be taking the legal route against Rahul and also complaint against the Election Commission.

Madhav made RSS’ point of view public through his Twitter account. Here’s what the RSS spokesperson wrote:
“Legal action wl b initiated agnst Rahul Gandhi 4 his irspnsbl utterances linking RSS wth Gandhi murder. Complaint wl be filed with EC too”. (sic)

Madhav’s reaction comes a day after the Gandhi scion said, “RSS people killed Gandhiji and today their people (BJP) talk of him…They opposed Sardar Patel and Gandhiji.” The Congress vice president made the comments while addressing a rally in Maharashtra’s Thane district.

Another blow to Congress, Jagdambika Pal resigns from party

Afternoon Voice

March 7, 2014

In a setback to the Congress, senior Congress leader Jagdambika Pal resigned from the Lok Sabha and quit the primary membership of the party on Friday.

“I have decided to leave the Congress, I will decide on the future course of action after talking to people in my constituency,” Pal. He represented Domariyaganj constituency of Uttar Pradesh in the outgoing Lok Sabha.

Pal’s announcement came days after he went public with his anguish, saying that he was being ‘humiliated’ by the party. He also accused the Congress leadership of not giving him due importance.

Reports have suggested that pal wanted the party to send him to the Rajya Sabha. After he sensed that the party was cold to the idea, Jagadambika Pal decided to chart his own path to save his political future.

There are strong indications that he may also choose to go in the direction the wind is blowing and join the BJP.

Pal was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh for 3 days from 21 February 1998 to 23 February 1998.

Rs. 22 crore treasure found in Lokayukta raid at PWD guard’s house

Afternoon Voice

March 7, 2014

In an eye-opening raid, a chowkidaar with the Public Works Department here was found to be in possession of disproportionate assets worth over Rs. 22 crores.

As per reports, Guru Kripal Singh’s house at Tilak Nagar was raided this morning following a tip-off.

Lokayukta officials, who are still carrying out the raid, have found cash, jewellery and several property papers from the house.

Reports said cash worth 12 lakh 44 thousand was recovered, apart from documents of Rs. 35 lakh worth of investments.

Officials also seized three four-wheelers, including Tata Safari and Toyota Innova, as well as two two-wheelers from the PWD guard.

He also has 14 houses and 11 agricultural land totalling nearly 20 acres in his name.

The worth of Singh’s immovable property is estimated to be worth over Rs. 10 crores.

Twenty bottles of imported liquor were also seized from his residence, while officials have also found that he has a locker in a UCO Bank which has yet to be opened.

Ironically, the guard’s monthly salary is mere Rs. 22,000.

Mamata Banerjee says Narendra Modi ‘communal’, won’t support him for PM

Afternoon Voice

March 7, 2014

In a setback to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its prime ministerial candidate for 2014 Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday categorically stated that she would not support Narendra Modi even if post-poll scenario demands so.

The Trinamool Congress chief said she was prepared to work with AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa or BSP supremo Mayawati, but not with Narendra Modi.

“I have no problem. I don’t bother (about) the chair, I care for the people,” said Banerjee. Mamata was asked whether she would support Jayalalithaa if the latter wanted to become PM post Lok Sabha polls.

Asked whether she, Jayalalithaa and Mayawati, could work together given their strong personalities and temperaments, the West Bengal CM said, “You will appreciate that under Vajpayee’s leadership we worked together. So who says we cannot work together? We may work together. Strong personalities can work strongly for the country.”

When reminded that everybody wanted to be the prime minister, she said “If they want to be the prime minister I will give them support, no problem.”

When told that people think that there would be squabble among the three strong leaders, Banerjee said, “There will be nothing. From my side I can assure there will be no scuffle.”

Asked whether she would be happy remaining chief minister of West Bengal and supporting a government from outside, she said, “I am working here. For 34 years there were so many problems. No development took place. I am happy with my position. I can tell you that I can give support to all if they are willing to form the government for the betterment of the country. I have no problem.”

Asked that in any combination where TMC would be a part, that would require support from either the BJP or Congress to form the government, whose support she would prefer, the fiery TMC leader said, “Please wait and see. After the election results it will be decided.”

Banerjee evaded giving a direct reply to a question on her prime ministerial ambition, saying, “I know my limitations. After the results are out, people will decide.”

Asked whether she would give support to Narendra Modi if in a post-poll scenario that would help him form the government, Banerjee categorically said “I will not. We cannot support communal forces.”

“Don’t you know what happened in Gujarat? We cannot because India is a country with so many languages, caste and creed. We respect all religions,” she said.

Reminded that she had not withdrawn support to NDA after the Gujarat riots, she said “We demanded Narendra Modi’s resignation as chief minister and demanded that the government should go.”

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