Former tea vendor will defeat dynasty: BJP responds to Mani Shankar Aiyar

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January 17, 2014

Mani Shankar Aiyar, habitual Agent Provacateur, refused to apologise today for stating that Narendra Modi will never be Prime Minister, but is welcome to sell tea at today’s Congress conclave in Delhi which is fine-tuning strategy for the national election.

“The strength of Indian democracy will be proved when a former tea vendor defeats a Dynasty representative. Let this be the battle of 2014,” was the acerbic response of the BJP’s Arun Jaitley.

Mr Aiyar was unmoved by the cross-party reproach for his remarks.

“I am in politics, mate,” a belligerent Mr. Aiyar said, “This is not a drawing room. This is a boxing room. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

The 72-year-old Rajya Sabha MP unpacked the controversy when he said: “There is no way he can be Prime Minister in the 21st century… but if he wants to come and distribute tea here we can make some room for him.” He later said that he was simply reiterating what the BJP highlights about Mr. Modi “as his main qualification.”

Mr. Aiyar refuted charges that his comment reflects arrogance or that it mocks the simple origins of Mr Modi, who in campaign speeches has emphasized that his family was not rich and that he sold tea on trains. Mr. Modi has contrasted his background with that of the Congress’ Rahul Gandhi, whose famous last name has placed him in the centre of power in his party.

“Who has made this personal?” Mr. Aiyar asked. “Doesn’t the BJP call my leader (Rahul) a prince (shahzaada)? Is that not personal?”

Congress ally Omar Abdullah was among those who said Mr. Aiyar had gone too far, “Modi has a lot of negatives but his humble origins are a positive some of us can’t claim. We aren’t helping our campaign by mocking him,” the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister tweeted.

Karnataka police get Bhatkal custody in Chinnaswamy blasts

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Afternoon Voice

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January 17, 2014

Bhatkal-custody-Chinnaswamy-blasts A special NIA court on Friday allowed the plea by Karnataka Police and remanded Indian Mujahideen (IM) co-founder Yasin Bhatkal in its custody till January 28 in connection with the blasts at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore in April, 2010.

District Judge IS Mehta allowed the application in which Karnataka Police had sought Bhatkal’s custody for his alleged role in the blasts at Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 17, 2010, hours before an IPL cricket match between Royal Challengers and Mumbai Indians.

Police had informed the court about a magisterial court in Bangalore having issued a production warrant against the 30-year-old Bhatkal in connection with the case in which other suspects of the banned IM, including one of its co-founders, Riyaz Bhatkal, and Fasih Mehmood, are accused. Mehmood has been arrested.

Fifteen people, including some security personnel, were injured in the low-intensity blasts at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Meanwhile, during the proceedings, Tihar Jail authorities submitted their report on the plea filed by Bhatkal and his aide Asadullah Akhtar in which they have claimed there was a threat to their lives inside the high-security prison.

Both accused were kept in judicial custody in Tihar Jail in connection with various terror attack cases.

In the report, the superintendent of Tihar Jail No. 4, where Bhatkal and Akhtar were lodged, said, “A detailed inquiry was conducted and it is revealed that the accused had never brought the matter before jail authorities regarding any threats that they would be killed in the jail.”

The jail superintendent added that, “Both the accused are lodged in the high-risk ward with special security deployed there round the clock.”

Bhatkal and Akhtar, in their plea, had claimed that the Tihar Jail superintendent had “threatened” that they would be killed and alleged that the “attitude and behaviour” of prison authorities towards them had been abusive.

The accused (Bhatkal and Akhtar) claimed that, “The superintendent has threatened that they would be killed in jail. The attitude and behaviour of jail authorities… Is abusive and they are being treated even worse than animals.”

The NIA’s Hyderabad unit had earlier taken Bhatkal and Akhtar to Hyderabad in connection with the Dilsukhnagar blasts after their arrest last year on September 21 and September 17, respectively. The blasts in Hyderabad had claimed 16 lives.

YSR Congress MLAs walkout from Andhra Assembly on Telangana issue

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Afternoon Voice

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January 17, 2014

The YSR Congress MLAs staged a walk out from the Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Friday after their demand for voting on the draft Telangana Bill was rejected.

The YSRC action drew immediate flak from all parties which alleged that the former was running away from a debate on the draft raft AP Reorganisation Bill, 2013.

The day began with the YSRC members trooping into the Well of the House seeking a vote on the draft Bill ahead of the debate.

This led to adjournment of the proceedings for half an hour.

When the House reassembled, YSRC floor leader YS Vijaya announced they were walking out protesting the refusal to take up voting on the draft Bill.

She alleged that the ruling Congress and the principal opposition Telugu Desam Party were colluding to divide the state.

This led to sharp rebuttal from Finance Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and TDP MLA Payyavula Kesav, who accused the YSRC of running away from the debate.

“Instead of taking part in the debate and expressing their views on the bifurcation issue, the YSRC was running away from the House. It only shows the party lacks sincerity,” Anam alleged.

Kesav too castigated the YSRC saying the party spoke one thing in public domain but shied away from speaking the same in the Assembly.

Refuting Vijaya’s allegation that the TDP was hand-in-glove with the Congress on bifurcation issue, Kesav recalled that it was late YS Rajasekhara Reddy who sowed the seeds for the separate statehood movement.

“It was YSR who announced on the floor of the House that the Congress was not against the formation of Telangana state,” he pointed out. Telangana Rashtra Samiti MLA KT Rama Rao endorsed Kesav’s statement and claimed it was YSR who stated there was no objection for creation of Telangana.

Kejriwal to meet Home Minister Shinde to “fix” police

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Afternoon Voice

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January 17, 2014

Chaos prevailed at the press conference organised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government after its leaders’ met Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on Friday.

During the presser, AAP leader Manish Sisodia told media not to act like a spokesperson of the Delhi police, with which his party is mired in a row over the suspension of four cops. Notably, the Delhi Police, earlier in the day, submitted a report to Jung, complaining about the “interfering” behaviour of two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers – Women and Child Welfare Minister Rakhi Birla, Law Minister Somnath Bharti – in police investigation.

The comment made by the Urban Development Minister and Education Minister infuriated the reporters, who had questioned him about the AAP’s demand for suspension of three SHOs and one ACP against whom the party complained.

The LG is conducting a high-level inquiry into the matter, said Sisodia, after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Police Commissioner BS Bassi met at Jung’s official residence, where Birla and Bharti were also present. A retired judge, BL Garg, will enquire into the matter. He has been asked to submit the report within 30 days, a report said.

Sisodia also ruled out any action against Law Minister Somanth Bharti, who revealed the Danish rape victim’s identity.

Sisodia said the government wanted the four officials suspended until an inquiry ordered on Friday by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung into the policemen’s conduct got over.

“Their suspension is necessary, otherwise there will be a problem in the inquiry,” Sisodia told the media.

“Our government won’t keep quiet. This is not Sheila Dikshit’s government. The government has changed. We will take action whether or not Delhi Police is under us,” he said.

Sisodia, the de facto number two in the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, said a government delegation led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called on the Lt Governor and pressed for the suspension.

According to the minister, while Jung said he won’t suspend anyone, Police Commissioner BS Bassi said suspending the men “now will be difficult”.

Centre hikes LPG subsidy from 9 to 12 cylinders

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Afternoon Voice

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January 17, 2014

Within minutes of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi urging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to increase the LPG subsidy from nine to 12 cylinders, the Congress leader found his request fulfilled by the Oil Ministry.

The Cabinet will meet next week to formalise the increase in the number of subsidised LPG cylinders.
Rahul’s demand for an increase in LPG subsidy was backed by Union Minister V Narayanasamy who said he will put forth demand to the Prime Minister personally.

“I appeal to the Prime Minister to raise the bar of LPG usage from 9 cylinders to 12 cylinders,” Rahul had said while addressing the AICC meet.

The decision to lower LPG cylinder cap was taken exactly one year back on January 17, 2013.

Sachin Tendulkar to receive Bharat Ratna on February 4

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Afternoon Voice

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January 17, 2014

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will receive the Bharat Ratna on February 4. According to a report, President Pranab Mukherjee will confer India’s highest civilian award to Tendulkar at a ceremony to be held next month.

Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket on November 16, 2013, was chosen for Bharat Ratna Award on the same day.

The Master Blaster played his 200th and final Test against West Indies at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Tendulkar became the first sportsperson to be picked for Bharat Ratna.

At 40, Tendulkar is the youngest to be chosen for Bharat Ratna. He will be the 42nd recipient of the honour.

Promotion of safety at sea

By

Mahendra Singh

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January 17, 2014

Over the years, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has done a laudable job by promoting safety at sea and addressing environmental concerns. The spiritual development of the seafarer has not been given much prominence even when it is realized that the loneliness in a seafarer’s life needs spiritual balm. Prior to ISPS era, the priests visited the ship and gave us soothing talk and even helped us by taking us out to town and bringing back, saving our money and providing security in transit. Father used to come with the van at Vancouver and Portland and took us out and brought us back on board after some hours ashore.

At Durban, the van started to shuttle by taking people to club at 6 pm and dropping people back to ships at 9 pm. Richards Bay has a very big club and bus used to shuttle from ship to club and back. Recently, I had noticed that everybody must do a course for designated security duties. It’s a two day course and fees varies widely from college to college ( at least in Mumbai) and I can’t say how people will become more proficient. Masters and Chief Officers on board could have easily provided such kind of training and it would have been more realistic. I still recollect, we were put through training session on Dangerous goods code ship by our Croatian chief mate. He amicably taught us about classification, segregation and precautions to be taken in regard to these, which I don’t think any one of us has forgotten.

A small test was conducted and we even got certificate signed by him and the master. The material was also put as CBT in Ship’s office computer so that you can make amendments whenever you like. On a car carrier, there was a similar computer based course on safety and good practices where you even get your scores and it was popular because everybody wanted to perform better ( something like karaoke). Do you think any amount of certification would have improved the behaviour of Costa Concordia Master?

Let us pitch for allowing priests a visit on board. In one of the Japanese ports ( even post ISPS) an old husband- wife team used to come to mess room by carrying useful items. The husband was blind, and every crew member bought some thing from them and the cook even fed them. This depicted the kind nature of seamen. Seamen are generous persons and they love to interact. Let us provide such an opportunity to them. While crossing Magellan strait, two priests always visited us and interacted with us and provided reading material. On board visit of holy persons and on board training should now become the agenda of the IMO.

The AAP effect
Slow CM Fast decision

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Afternoon Voice

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January 17, 2014

Ever since Aam Aadmi Party had formed government in Delhi and reduced electricity and water charges many others parties are trying to emulate it. Opposition parties had criticised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for taking decisions in haste but they too are following his footsteps. For instance, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan who is known for slow paced decision making has announced that the state government will soon make an announcement in connection with reduction of power tariff and toll tax will be reviewed within a week. Is Chavan taking quick decisions keeping in mind the Lok Sabha election? Is he worried about the growth of AAP which has been grabbing headlines for the work done by it?

Preeti Sharma Menon, Maharashtra AAP Secretary said, “The people of Maharashtra have to bear the brunt of rising electricity charges and toll charges. The has taken initiative to reduce the electricity charges and review toll charges keeping in mind the Lok Sabha election to woo voters.”

“The Congress is worried due to the emergence of AAP. Chavan who doesn’t take any decision in haste has suddenly become active after AAP came into limelight. Power firms were looting consumers by increasing tariffs which has benefitted the Congress hence they didn’t reduce the charges. If the Congress fails to reduce electricity tariffs then there is a possibility that the party might be routed out of power.”
Chavan said the government was seriously reviewing the toll tax in the state and the minister concerned has been asked to prepare a detailed report on it” added Preeti.

The government had appointed a sub-committee headed by Industries Minister Narayan Rane on November 19 which submitted its report recently. Accordingly, an announcement on giving further subsidy will be made on January 20”, Chavan said.

Accordingly, the MSRTC buses plying outside city limit will be exempted from the burden of toll tax. The entire issue is being re-examined in the wake of protests in certain parts of the state, he said.

Few days back Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam and Priya Dutt had held a demonstration at Reliance’s regional office in Kandivali to demand the reduction of power tariffs in the city. Nirupam had threatened to go on a hunger strike if the demands remained unresolved.

The demands include scrapping the fixed charge of Rs 100 per bill and regulatory asset charge of Rs 600 for consumption of over 500 units towards infrastructure, and replacement of defective electronic meters imported from China.

The demand to reduce power tariff in Maharashtra gained momentum after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced a 50 per cent cut in electricity tariffs in Delhi soon after forming the government in December.

Government to withdraw 1.46 lakh minor, old cases

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Afternoon Voice

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January 16, 2014

Maharashtra government has decided to withdraw around 1.46 lakh “minor” and old cases lodged against people in the state.

“The state government has decided to withdraw… (about) 1,46,680 stale and ineffective cases. These cases will be withdrawn using Sections 288 and 321 of CrPC, which allow such recourse,” a senior home department official said on Thursday.

According to another official in the department, the bulk of the cases involve charges evolving from participation in political or social agitations.

There are around 35-40 lakh minor cases pending in courts, the official said, adding that, “The punishment in these cases does not exceed three months.”

“These cases are not disposed of quickly and a lot of time is spent on them. After conducting a proper scrutiny, the government has decided to withdraw the (1.46 lakh) cases,” the official said.

Committees at the district and state level were formed to scrutinise the cases to be withdrawn, he added.

“The committees at the district and state level were made up of judges, district collectors and senior police officials,” he said.

Robbery bid on US national: Sketches of 3 accused prepared

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Afternoon Voice

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January 16, 2014

Sketches of three robbers, who had made a failed bid to rob a US national working with a global IT services and solutions provider, were prepared and distributed but no breakthrough has been made, police said.

“Sketches of the accused were prepared and circulated among the policemen. We are giving our best to trace the trio,” Yadavrao Jadhav, senior inspector at Powai Police Station said.

Victim David Parish (51), working with L&T Infotech, was jogging at Powai when three motorcycle-borne miscreants struck him and tried to snatch his bag.

According to police, the victim fought back and punched two assailants before they fled from the spot.

“We checked at various hospitals including government-run hospitals and clinics to verify if any person with injuries on face and jaw had taken any treatment, but in vain,” said another officer.

Several persons with criminal record had been rounded up for questioning, but no clue leading to identification of the accused had been achieved, the officer said. Police said one of the three accused had got down from the bike yesterday morning and demanded money from David.

When the victim said he had no money, the second person got down from the bike and attacked him with a sharp weapon on his back. He sustained minor injury. David then punched the two, after which the scared trio fled from the spot. David arrived here on Monday from Texas for some office job and checked in Ramada Hotel in Powai.