Modi majors popularity forPM candidate; Rahul, Manmohan nowhere: Survey

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January 21, 2014

BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) leader NarendraModi has surged way ahead in the prime ministerial race ahead of 2014 General Elections, according to a survey conducted by a leading news channel.

The survey says that Modi is the most popular candidate for the top post with 30 percent of the electorate likely to vote for him. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi was favoured by 9 percent, Delhi Chief Minister ArvindKejriwal by 3 percent and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar by 15 percent. Incumbent PM Manmohan Singh is the least popular with only one percent votes.

In what can be said as a big setback for Janata Dal (United) in Bihar, BJP under the leadership of Modi is expected to bag 16-24seats. The JD(U) 7-13 seats, Lalu Prasad Yadav’sRashtriyaJanata Dal (RJD) is likely to win 6-10 seats. The Congress may get 0-4 seats.

The Gujarat Chief Minister’s magic seems to be working for the BJP in Jharkhand as well, with the survey projecting the main Opposition party to win 40 percent of the votes in the state.

However, there is bad news for the BJP in West Bengal where it is projected to bag only 0-2 seats. Bengal sends 40 MPs to Parliament. Trinamool Congress under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee will improve its tally and is projected to win 20-28 seats. Left Front is expected to win 7-13 seats and Congress 5-9.

Naveen Patnaik-led BijuJanata Dal (BJD) in Odisha is expected to present a good show and is likely to bag 10-16 seats. Congress will manage 3-9 and BJP 0-4 seats.

Priyanka Gandhi’s role of garnishmentof backroom management of Rahul Gandhi’s campaign

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Afternoon Voice

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January 21, 2014

With the Congress making it clear that party Vice-president Rahul Gandhi, though not being officially anointed the prime ministerial candidate, will lead the pre-election campaign for the 2014 LokSabha polls, the question now is: what role will his sister Priyanka Gandhi play?

As per sources, Priyanka – in whom many Congress leaders and party supporters see a future PM – is likely to play a crucial role in devising poll strategy, away from media glare.

She is expected to take charge of backroom management of Rahul Gandhi’s campaign. With Rahul as the face of Congress in 2014 polls, Priyanka’s task becomes all the more important.

Sources said Priyanka features on the Congress’ poll strategy document, Vision 2014, as well.

Her main tasks, apart from managing brother Rahul’s poll affairs, include providing key inputs for election strategy management and galvanising the party cadre.

Priyanka has reportedly already been holding meetings with key Congress functionaries, including Youth Congress leaders.

If reports are to be believed, Rahul’s speech at the January 17 AICC session – considered to be one of his best so far – was prepared in consultation with Priyanka.

Just two days before, on January 15, Priyanka had attended a key Congress meeting where brother Rahul and mother Sonia were present along with some select party leaders.

While the Congress has officially stated that Priyanka’s role in the 2014 elections will be restricted only to campaigning in Raebareli and Amethi, murmurs are already there that she is getting ready for a wider, more meaningful say in the party.

25 Indian fishermen arrested in Sri Lanka

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Afternoon Voice

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January 21, 2014

Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday arrested 25 Indian fishermen for allegedly poaching in the country’s waters, officials said.

Naval spokesman KosalaWarnakulasuriya said 25 fishermen have been arrested north of Jaffna’s Delft island during the wee hours of today. Their six trawlers were also seized.

The fishermen are to be handed over to the police at Kankesanturai harbour.

The arrests followed talks between Agriculture Minister SharadPawar and Sri Lankan Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources RajithaSenaratne in New Delhi last week on the thorny issue of fishermen.

Both countries decided free all fishermen in their custody and release their vessels after the talks.

The arrests come ahead of a meeting scheduled for January 27 between a committee appointed to work out a joint mechanism.

Aam Aadmi Party behaving like Maoists: Vijay Goel

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Afternoon Voice

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January 21, 2014

Reacting to Delhi Chief Minister ArvindKejriwal led protest demanding suspension of Delhi Police personnel, who have been accused by his administration of dereliction of duty, BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Goel on Tuesday said that the AamAadmi Party (AAP) was behaving like Maoists.

“The way AAP and ArvindKejriwal are holding this protest, is not going to be beneficial for the public. The steps they are taking are of Maoist approach,” said Goel.

He further said that he found the Congress equally responsible for the situation.

“I find the Congress equally responsible for the whole drama that is being created. On one side, they have extended their support to AAP, and on the other side they are saying that they are against them,” he said.

Kejriwal says the Delhi Government must be given charge of the city’s police force which currently reports to the central government via the Home Ministry. His demand comes after last week’s gang-rape of a Danish tourist, and a controversial midnight raid by Law Minister Bharti in South Delhi’s Khirki Extension area.

The minister asked the police to arrest Ugandan citizens and raid a house where he alleged they were trafficking drugs and sex. The police refused, saying they had no warrant.

Braving the Delhi winter, Kejriwal slept on a mattress at the side of the road, right next to his blue Wagon R.

Four Metro stations have been shut near North Block. The police had asked Mr Kejriwal to shift his protest to JantarMantar, but their attempts failed.

Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, after the cabinet meeting yesterday, met the Prime Minister and apprised him of the developments and the planned action.

Kejriwal has rejected Shinde’s offer that appropriate action will be considered against three Delhi Police cops the Chief Minister wants suspended after an inquiry. He has demanded the immediate suspension of the cops, who he has accused of dereliction of duty.

The AAP has also alleged that one of their ministers, SaurabhBharadwaj, had been arrested and made to sit in a bus.

The Delhi Police has denied the charge. They said Bharadwaj had sat in the bus of his own accord. The cops disconnected the public address system in an attempt to make the protesters shift to JantarMantar, an area earmarked for demonstrations.

Both the BJP and the Congress have severely criticised Kejriwal for his unprecedented protest.

The BJP called it “anarchy”, while the Congress said he was “taking the law in his own hands.

Shinde has asked Kejriwal to “maintain the dignity of the Chief Minister’s office.”

Passengers left stranded as Roadways buses stay off roads

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Afternoon Voice

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January 21, 2014

Haryana Roadways employees went on a four-day strike from today against the Haryana government’s proposal to issue permits to private bus operators. The strike will continue till January 23.

The Haryana Roadways Employees Coordination Committee who has called the four-day strike, has opposed privatisation, outsourcing, contract or PPP system, claimed that the strike was complete on the first day. Passengers were reduced to a harassed lot as all the 34 Volvo buses and more than 300 non-AC buses — run by Haryana Roadways — remained off the roads. Passengers who had booked tickets in advance had to get their tickets cancelled.

Those passengers who had to visit Delhi and other places in Haryana had to opt for buses operated by Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) or Punjab Roadways, which were overcrowded. YogeshKhari and Kapil, who came from Delhi and had to return today only, said: “We did not have any idea that there would be a strike. We wanted to travel by Volvo, but were told that no buses from Haryana Roadways will ply today.” Another passenger, Pawan, who came to Chandigarh for an official work said: “I have to reach Delhi urgently. But none of the buses of Haryana Roadways are plying and the buses of Punjab Roadways were so crowded that I could not board them. Now, I am stranded.”

All the passengers who had tickets in buses operated by Haryana Roadways had to shift to those run by Punjab, which led to the overcrowding. Temzing, who came from Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh and had to go to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, said: “My brother is coming from USA and I have to meet him. I had a booking in a Volvo bus, but after reaching here I came to know that there will be no buses plying today. Now I am going to railway station and will check if I can get a ticket in some train.”

Passengers at the Panchkula bus station also faced lots of problem due to the strike. VijitHooda, a Class XI student of a government school in Sector 19 Chandigarh, travels daily from Ramgarh to his school. With no intimation about the strike, Vijit said had to travel by CTU bus “that was heavily crowded”. Then, he took an auto to reach school.

Around 11 Haryana Roadways buses were found parked at Sector 14 police station. Sources told Newsline that the bus staff had planned to run the buses post midnight along with police security. However, the drivers never turned up till morning. Police officials, however, claimed that the buses had been standing there as the drivers wanted to safeguard the buses from any possible violence during the strike.

Meanwhile, private buses took advantage of the situation to earn extra money and minimise the effects of strike by running their buses on long routes against their permitted short routes.

Essential Oils to Strengthen your Hair

By

Afternoon Voice

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January 21, 2014

You curl it, straighten it, twizzle it and what not! But, still complain of having a bad hair day. The problem is not that one single day, but the overall wellness of your scalp and hair. So, it is imperative to take care of your hair and follow a strict regimen. For your hair, try using some essential oils that would promote hair growth and nurse the damaged hair back to health. Essential oils fortify hair tissues, increase blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles. So, take a look at some of the best essential oils for your hair.

Basil

Also known as tulsi, basil oil produces a warm, tingling sensation when it is applied, and that is the sign that it is working its magic on your scalp. It works well as a hair moisturiser. Applying Basil on your scalp helps to soothe scalp infections and irritations. Application of basil oil promotes hair growth by stimulating circulation to your scalp.

Lavender Oil

Lavender has cell-regenerating properties that are beneficial for your skin and hair. It boosts hair growth by putting a stop to your hair fall problem, and boosting circulation of blood. It soothes your scalp against irritations caused by scalp infections and dandruff. It nourishes and moisturises your scalp and hair strands. It is great for all hair types, be it oily or frizzy.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil is known for its cooling and cleansing properties that are quite beneficial for your hair and scalp. As it has antiseptic properties, it is good for those with dry and itchy scalp. It promotes circulation of nutrient rich blood to the scalp. Massage a few drops of this oil in your scalp to boost hair growth.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary is known for its many hair and skin benefits. It delays hair greying and promotes hair growth. Rosemary is good for those who are facing problem of dandruff. Rosemary is used in many shampoos and other hair products that are available in the market. This antiseptic herb, also helps to cleanse your hair follicles.

Let good sense prevail

By

Mahendra Singh

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January 21, 2014

Changes and improvements in societies and national affairs can be made by maintaining law and order and discipline. We follow these principles in Merchant Shipping and Defence forces which is a norm in almost all good organizations. Time and again I have laid emphasis that Indian citizen must be subjected to atleast two year national service. If this happens, you will not witness chaotic and anarchist scenes on the streets of Delhi when a guest from an important country arrives here for Republic Day celebrations.

It is better to have Delhi Police under the purview of state government. This step can be taken by passing a resolution in the Delhi Assembly and later following it up in an amicable manner. A limited national service can be prescribed for Central and State Civil service officers and for MLAs and MPs to begin with. If a young leader like Lalit Makan would have led the Congress campaign in the assembly elections, things would have been far better for the party. If the candidature of Dr Harshwardhan would have been announced ab-initio, the BJP could have secured 6-8 seats more. However, there is no point in crying over spilt milk.

It was the decision of the local Congress to support AAP party in government formation. This is inexcusable, considering that Delhi is the national capital and stability must prevail there. Tomorrow they will say that war with a country was started by local unit and the central leadership had no role in it. It is true that corruption is rampant in all arms of governance. Corruption and negligence is visible in our Marine field and authorities seldom pay heed towards it. Whatever incidents are occurring in Delhi is on account of such insensitivity. What will you do when authorities are unwilling to listen to you; you will seek an opportunity to vent your frustrations by hitting the streets.

I am expecting that good sense prevails and, cutting across party lines, saner leaders must come forward to restore order in public life. Total silence from communist parties is note worthy. We must preserve our resources and use them for constructive work.

Our country needs democracy under the guidance of TV anchors, newspaper Editors, retired senior officers and academicians. It is our duty to stand up and speak and not remain a passive spectator in the comforts of our drawing room. The attitude hitherto was that any one advocating a change was branded a trouble maker, which has to change now.

Mumbai receive Thenga!

By

Afternoon Voice

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January 21, 2014

Inspite of Mumbai MP’s protesting for reduction of electricity tariffs but CM has only provided relief to other parts of the state and ignored the city.

With an eye on the forthcoming general election the Maharashtra government has reduced electricity tariff by 20 per cent across the state but Mumbai was ignored. Even though Congress MPs Sanjay Nirupam and Priya Dutt had held demonstrations in Mumbai for reducing the electricity charges but the government failed to provide any relief for Mumbaikars as they will continue to pay the current tariffs. Why was the city given a step-motherly treatment by the government? Mumbaikars are disappointed with the government’s decision and are asking if electricity charges has been reduced in Delhi why can’t it be replicated in Mumbai too?

Mumbai consumers receive power supply from Tata Power, Reliance Infrastructure and BrihanMumbai Electric Supply & Transport MahaVitaran has estimated that a 20% cut in the average billing rate (ABR) would cut industrial tariff by 87 paise to Rs 7.45 a unit from the present ABR of Rs 8.32 a unit.
When asked whether this decision was taken on account of the AAP effect, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan denied and said, “The decision to decrease power tariffs was taken by Congress party. AAP doesn’t have anything do with this decision.”

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik had said that this decision was taken due to the AAP effect, “I welcome the decision taken by Maharashtra Government to reduce power tariffs. However, the NCP had put forward a proposal to decrease electricity charges three months back.”

On the other hand, BJP leader of opposition from the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Vinod Tawde said, “The Congress party has taken this decision keeping in mind the forthcoming election. The government had taken a decision to waive of electricity charges for farmers but later they failed to implement it. Once the government returns to power it will withdraw this decision.”

Ram Kelavan, a panipuri vendor said, “After Sanjay Nirupam’s protest I was expecting that the electricity charges will come down. However, we are unhappy with the state government’s decision.”
Ram Kumar Mishra, a Kandivali resident said, “If the power tariffs can be reduced in Delhi then why can’t it be replicated in Mumbai. Did we commit any crime or do we belong from backward caste that we can’t enjoy reduced power rates?”

Mukesh Bhanushali, a Malad resident said, “This kind of decision only shows that the government is not bothered about Mumbaikars. It’s really shameful that even though Mumbai MPs protested for the reduction of electricity tariffs but Mumbaikars didn’t derive any benefit out of it.”

Pravin Yadav, Andheri resident said, “I thought that Congress will provide us some relief by reducing electricity rates. However, I am really unhappy with the government’s decision to sideline Mumbai.”
At present, the annual subsidy of Rs 10,500 crore is provided to agricultural consumers and Rs 1,100 crore to power looms. Of this, MahaVitaran cross-subsidises industry and commercial consumers worth Rs 6,500 crore; the balance is contributed by the state government.

Would contest Raigad LS seat if NCP wants: Tatkare

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Afternoon Voice

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January 20, 2014

Maharashtra water resources minister Sunil Tatkare has said he would contest the Lok Sabha election from Raigad constituency if the NCP wants.

“No doubt that at present the seat is with the Congress. But in the seat adjustments, if it comes to the NCP and if the party directs me to contest the seat, I will be interested in doing so,” said Tatkare.
Replying to a question on the performance of Aam Aadmi Party, he said within a short span one cannot evaluate AAP and added that equations in Maharashtra were different from that in Delhi.

He said the Congress and NCP will contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections together and that his party was firm on contesting 22 seats in Maharashtra.

To a question, he said that a proposed abattoir will not be allowed to come up in Raigad in view of stiff resistance from a particular community.

Court dismisses plea to drop Chavan’s name owing to judicial discipline

By

Afternoon Voice

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January 20, 2014

A special CBI court, which has dismissed CBI’s application seeking to drop former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan’s name from the list of accused in the Adarsh Housing Society scam case, has said it cannot pass any order as the matter was also pending before the Bombay High Court.

“Chavan has challenged the competency of CBI to investigate the (Adarsh) matter and it is pending before the HC. As a judicial discipline, the court cannot pass any order in respect of deletion of Chavan’s name”, said special CBI judge S G Dige in a three-page order given to CBI today.

After Governor K Sankaranarayanan had last month refused to sanction Chavan’s prosecution on CBI’s application, the premier investigative agency moved the court on January 15 for allowing it to drop the name of Chavan who has been chargesheeted, along with 12 others, in the case.

Judge Dige also said there was no provision under section 169 (release of accused when evidence is deficient) of CrPc for deletion of name of accused for want of sanction for Prevention of Corruption Act as it is a separate offence.

CBI had charge-sheeted Chavan and others in the case in July 2012 but the court is yet to take cognisance as a PIL, seeking a probe into benami flats in Adarsh Housing Society and use of laundered money, is pending before the high court.

A judicial commission of inquiry, set up by the state government, had indicted Chavan, former CMs Vilasrao Deshmukh and Sushilkumar Shinde over “blatant violations” of statutory provisions in granting various clearances to the scam-tainted housing society.

The judicial panel’s report had said “there was certainly a nexus between the acts of Chavan and benefits derived by his close relatives. The membership process clearly indicates that grant of requisite permission by Chavan was by way of quid pro quo.”