Leaders of JD(U), Left, JD(S) meet to push Third Front idea

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February 10, 2014

Pushing efforts to firm up a Third Front, top leaders of JD(U), Left and JD(S) met here on Monday and decided to convene a meeting of 11 parties after the end of the current Parliament session to give concrete shape to a non-Congress and non-BJP alternative.

JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat, CPI leader A B Bardhan, Bloc General Secretary Debabrata Biswas and JD(S) leader H D Deve Gowda met at the latter’s residence over an informal breakfast to devise the strategy ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

The meeting came five days after 11 non-BJP and non-Congress parties met here to forge a common strategy in Parliament, which was seen as a prelude to formation of a third alternative.

Deve Gowda told reporters that it was decided that all the 11 parties would meet after the Parliament session in Delhi to formulate other programmes.

Karat said the leaders discussed ways to take forward the Third Front formation.

“We just discussed about how to take this forward. Since Nitish Kumar is in Delhi we got the opportunity to discuss directly with him. We are working out about how to take it forward,” he said.

“It was an informal meeting of non-BJP and non-Congress parties,” Nitish Kumar told reporters after the meeting.

Sources said that the parties could jointly hold one or two public rallies to send out a message of unity of a non-Congress, non-BJP force in the next general elections.

Plans will concretise only after the meeting of leaders of the 11 parties after the session, they said.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury described the likely alliance as a “First Front” and said the aim is to formulate policies which would bring relief on the economic front and protect people from communal forces.

Asked any rally has been planned by them in Bangalore, Karat said, “It would be discussed.”

“It was agreed that leaders of 11 such parties, who had come together on February 5 to forge a common strategy in Parliament, will hold a meeting in Delhi and decide the future course of action,” JD (S) Secretary General Danish Ali, who attended the meeting told.

Child dies after drinking soft drink, three hospitalised

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Afternoon Voice

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February 10, 2014

An eight-year-old girl died at a government hospital here and three children were being treated after they were indisposed soon after consuming a popular brand of soft drink, police said on Monday.

Anjapuli, a contract labourer with the public sector Neyveli Lignite Corporation and a resident of Therku Seplanatham village had bought two 500 ml bottles of the soft drink while returning home.

After four of his children consumed the soft drink, they developed symptoms of nausea, vomitting, abdominal pain and dyspnea.

They were rushed to a hospital in nearby Kurinjipadi and later brought to the government hospital here. Late in the night, Abirami, one of the children, was declared dead.

“Two other children continute to be treated. Another child has been shifted to JIPMER Hospital in Puducherry. She is currently on ventilator. We hope she will get well soon,” K R Jawaharlal, Deputy Director (Health), Cuddalore District told.

The remaining portion of the soft drink has been seized and sent to The King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research in Chennai for analysis.

Coal scam: Kumar Mangalam Birla not off the hook, hints CBI in Supreme Court

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Afternoon Voice

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February 10, 2014

The Central Bureau of Investigation, or the CBI, denied that it was prepping to close its case against industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla for his alleged role in swinging the allocation of a coal block in Odisha in favour of his company, Hindalco.

The CBI was forced to set the record straight after reports appeared in a section of the media that it was getting ready to wind up its probe against Mr. Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla group. “There is a lot of misinformation. Reports appeared that the case against a VIP had been closed, but that is not true and it can be seen in the status report,” CBI councel Amrendra Sharan told the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court will hear the case next on March 10.

The CBI had in October last year registered an FIR against Mr. Birla and his company Hindalco for securing the mining rights of Talebira II coal block to Hindalco in 2005 through dubious means. The block had initially been allocated to Neyveli Lignite Corporation, a public sector undertaking. The CBI alleged that Mr. Birla had entered into a criminal conspiracy with former union coal secretary PC Parakh to change the ownership of the mining right. Mr. Parakh was also named in the FIR.

The CBI informed the Top Court that it will complete its investigation into the coal scam by April 30 this year. It also disclosed that it would be ready to file charge-sheets in six cases within three weeks.

The Supreme Court, which is monitoring the progress of the investigation in the scam, told the CBI that there was no need for it to seek the sanction of states to probe the role of government officials. The Top Court’s intervention came after the CBI revealed that as many as 18 states had not given their consent to prosecute these officials. This was in violation of the Court’s ruling that no prior sanction was required in probes monitored by it.

Pickpockets strike at gathering welcoming Vasundhara Raje

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Afternoon Voice

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February 10, 2014

Three pickpockets allegedly managed to enter into the convoy of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and stole money from people who were welcoming Raje on her way to the city in Bharatpur, police said on Monday.

The incident happened on Sunday when the accused were travelling behind the convoy of CM and stole money from several people who were part of the procession, SP Bharaptur Rahul Prakash said. One of the trio was held by few villagers when others raised an alarm whereas other two managed to escape, he said.

Surendra Nai has been arrested and approximately Rs 14,000 has been recovered from his possession, he added. The Scorpio vehicle in which the accused were travelling has been seized, said Prakash. Raje was given warm welcome at many places in Bharatpur district when she was heading to Bharatpur city from Jaipur.

PMO violates norms to appoint its choice as CBI Additional Director

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Afternoon Voice

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February 10, 2014

A case which can be very embarrassing for the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has come out in the public. The PMO has allegedly violated the procedures to appoint an additional director of its choice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). As per rules the additional director’s name must be cleared by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

But, the PMO has not bothered to go by the CVC rules and cleared the appointment of a Tamil Nadu cadre IPS officer Archana Ramasundaram to the post of additional director.

According to sources the CVC never recommended her name for the post. Instead it had proposed the name of an IPS officer from West Bengal cadre RK Pachnanda to the post. It has even refused to go back to the CVC.

Ignoring the recommendations of the CVC, the PMO went directly to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to clear the name of the officer of its choice.

The CBI is answerable to the CVC. It reports to the DoPT only on administrative matters.
Reacting to this the CVC sources said, “Our select committee never recommended the name of Archana Ramasundram. We gave recommendation of RK Pachnanda. The Appoints Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) got full right to reject, but reasons are to be given in writing with a request to choose another candidate. In this case the DOPT without coming to us again appointed Archana Ramasundram on its own. This is a clear violation of the CVC Act. We will raise our objections with the competent authority on this.”

The CBI sources said, “We have nothing to do with this appointment. The CBI Director is only Member Invitee. It’s the government’s decision to appoint Archana Ramasundram.”

Not taking the blame, Minister in the PMO V Narayanasamy said, “It’s not my personal decision. Name decided by the ACC.” Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth and his secretariat did not respond to the queries on this.

Listen to saner voices

By

Mahendra Singh

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February 10, 2014

I saw an interview on television with Harish Salve who is a composed and balanced man. It was always advocated that television anchors must act responsibly. They have social responsibility to discharge especially because we have lot of illiterate and semi-literate population who are looking for good guidance. Salve should be lauded because he laid emphasis on this issue not once but thrice in a very sober tone. The next aspect that I liked was when he said, don’t go to a troubled spot to show that things are not working, instead take corrective steps to get the work done. Once again, a hue and cry is being raised about Jan Lokpal and Anna Hazare is again trying to find a platform to keep appearing on television incessantly.

Hazare must be snubbed. Go and plead for action against persons already well known to be corrupt and not create disorder.

Arvind Kejriwal has threatened to quit if Lok Pal is not passed in the state assembly where as Yogendra Yadav wants to challenge Narendra Modi. He tends to give importance to the contest between Modi and Kejriwal. Why doesn’t Kejriwal or Yadav contest election against Narendra Modi and see what happens? Lieutenant Governor of Delhi must not wait for numbers. He must forward a report to the President as per his own judgment and dismiss this showy government and improve the system. Plenty of mischief is happening in Delhi. Another aspect, I appreciate about Harish is his honest declaration that the India story is over. He is indeed issued a courageous statement.

Who will invest in India when instability is prevailing and the decision making has slowed down as file needs to proceed from one department to the other. Despite so much delay, there is no guarantee that you will not be made to suffer losses at a later date. When I had gone to UPSC in 1981, Captain Kataria had asked me to take into consideration the economics of sea transport while discharging my duty? Alas! No one seems to be asking such a question now.

With the Lok Sabha election merely few months away messages must be aired on television channels appealing people to give mandate for a single party. Fractured mandate must be avoided at all cost as it would prove disastrous for the nation. At sea, we give too much importance to obedience and discipline. Leaders like Kejriwal will be thrown out in no time. The song, “Hum layen hain toofan se kashti nikal ke…”, should be on our lips to keep cautioning us.

Nirupam to adopt MNS style

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Afternoon Voice

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February 10, 2014

Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam who had recently gone on a fast for reducing electricity tariffs in Mumbai is trying to connect voters before the Lok Sabha election. This time Nirupam is planning to get aggressive and will break the glasses of those vehicles which have been illegally parked in a no parking zone at Lokhandwala in Kandivali (E). Since last five years, the residents of Lokhandwala have been fighting a lone battle against the unauthorised vehicles which have been parked in the space opposite their building. The illegally parked vehicles has been causing a huge inconvenience to the residents. Residents had taken this matter with the concerned officials and filed a complaint with the police but they had turned a blind eye towards this issue.

A meeting was held by Sanjay Nirupam with the residents of the society as local police too were invited. Nirupam had assured the residents that the illegal parked vehicles will be removed within 48 hours and also promised that if this issue is not resolved then he would take stringent action and also hold demonstrations with the assistance of local Congress party supporters.

Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam said, “I am confident that Lokhandwala residents will soon get a relief from this nuisance. I have asked the concerned authority to take necessary action for resolve the illegal parking of vehicles issue. I will hold demonstration if the cops fail to take action in this matter. I will also break the glass of heavy vehicles parked illegally in the non parking zone.”

More than 20,000 residents stay in Lokhandwala. Due to lack of parking space often drivers park their vehicles at no parking zones
Pankaj Kulkarni, Chairman of Green Meadows Co-operative Housing Society said, “This place has become a safe haven for criminals and drug addicts. Due to illegal parking of vehicles drug addicts indulge in eve-teasing activities. Residents prohibit their daughters from venturing out of the house during night due to the presence of these anti-social elements. Thus we are worried about the safety of our daughters.”

Amit Sharma, another resident of the same housing society said, “Since last five years we have been approaching politician and cops to resolve the illegal parking of vehicles issue. However, nobody is bothered about addressing this issue. Many politicians came and made tall promises but nothing happened. If authorities won’t resolve this issue then our locality will become a hub for criminals.”

A police official from Kandivali Traffic department on the condition of anonymity said, “If impose penalty against the owners of the vehicles which are parked illegally. We also provided the number of vehicle to residents which would enable them to call us if they find any vehicles violating the rule.”

Senior Police Inspector, Pravin More associated with Samata Nagar Police Station said, “If any crime occurs in the non parking area then strict action will be taken against the accused. We are deploying more cops for patrolling the area. If residents find any illegal activities occuring in the locality then they can file a complaint about the same with us.”

MNS workers, Raj’s wife while heading towards Pune not paid toll

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Afternoon Voice

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February 9, 2014

Daring the Maharashtra government to take action against them, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena workers and supporters headed towards Pune, from the city and its suburbs on Sunday, without paying toll, to attend a public meeting addressed by their leader Raj Thackeray.

Among those who did not pay the toll was Raj’s wife Sharmila Thackeray, who urged people to participate in the agitation against toll launched by the MNS chief.

“We have stopped paying toll. We have not paid toll this time too. Until the government does not give us an account, we will not pay toll,” Sharmila, who went past the Khalapur toll booth in Raigad district without paying toll, said.

Urging people to defy the government by “breaking rules”, she said that people should show the courage to seek information. “An agitation intensifies only after people participate in it,” she said.

Several other MNS workers were also seen not paying toll at various toll booths.

A few days ago, Raj had asked his followers not to pay toll, after which his party workers went on a rampage and vandalised several toll booths in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad and Nagpur.

Two cases were also registered against Raj Thackeray for inciting violence, but he was not arrested.

Jitendra Singh assures help to Mumbai redevelopment logjam

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Afternoon Voice

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February 9, 2014

Following an assurance by union Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh, residents in old and crumbling buildings in Mumbai’s north-western suburbs see a ray of hope for their redevelopment proposals stuck due to the absence of a no-objection certificate from the Defence Ministry.

Minister Singh Saturday assured them that a solution would soon be found to their problems paving the way for redevelopment in the thickly populated Malad-Kandivli belt.

Singh, however, declined to make any formal policy announcement in view of the ongoing parliament session.

“I shall convene a meeting of all the stake-holders Monday. I shall inform Defence Minister A.K. Antony about the problems faced by the people here due to the ministry guidelines as a fall-out of the Adarsh Society scam,” Singh assured.

Singh was invited by Mumbai North Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam to address the long-pending grievances of the people of the area after the MoD made its NoC mandatory for all types of construction projects within 500 metres of the Central Ordnance Depot located in Kandivli-Malad areas.

“Following the Adarsh Society issue, many genuine works have either been facing technical issues or been grounded,” Singh admitted to the huge gathering of representatives of around 400 affected buildings Saturday evening.

Though the residents demanded a spot solution at the meeting, Nirupam assured them that a favourable solution would be worked out before the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.

“I am confident that the people will get justice before the elections. Despite being part of the ruling union government, I am prepared to fight against my government to voice the concerns of the innocent citizens who face hardships for no fault of their’s,” Nirupam said.

Sanjay Dutt asks for parole extension again

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Afternoon Voice

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February 9, 2014

Actor Sanjay Dutt is looking to extend his parole by a month more owing to his wife Manyata Dutt’s illness.

Dutt had secured parole on December 21, 2013 from Pune’s Yerawada Central Jail and was expected to return to the jail after completing his one-month leave from prison Monday. But the parole was extended to 21st of February as Manyata was to undergo a surgery and Dutt wanted to take care of his wife. Now Dutt is asking for another month extension as she is still recovering from surgery.

Manyata has had fluids removed from her lungs a source from the Bandra police confirming the news, “Dutt has applied for an extension to his parole. The application mentions that he wants to take care of his ailing wife.”

Manyata was reported to be suffering from multiple ailments of the heart and liver and was admitted to Global Hospital in Parel, Mumbai, in January.

Dutt faced several protests outside his home and jail for his many parole requests and alleged pressure that the jail officials have got to grant him the favours.

This is Dutt’s second parole on the grounds of wife Manyata’s illness. Sanjay Dutt had previously got parole in October as he had fallen sick. The parole period was for 2 weeks which was extended for 15 days. This second order garnered a lot of controversies as photographs of Manyata in a Bollywood movie screening a few days before did rounds in the media.

The actor surrendered himself before the TADA court on May 16, 2013 and has since then been serving his remaining 42-month jail term at the Yerwada Jail in Pune.