Arvind Kejriwal, Kapil Sibal’s ‘jadoo ki jhappi’ at Delhi event

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January 14, 2014

The warm hug that Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party and Kapil Sibal of the Congress shared at a Delhi mosque today made for a Kodak moment.

It was also much in keeping with the spirit of partnership. Mr. Kejriwal is the Chief Minister of Delhi and heads a minority government propped up by the Congress. Mr. Sibal is the Congress’ Lok Sabha member from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, where the Sheikhan mosque, where the two leaders met on the occasion of Milan-un-Nabi, is situated.

But the broad smiles that the two leaders wore as they shared their “jadoo ki jhappi,” was in contrast to a political battle that they waged only months ago.

Mr. Sibal was one of Mr. Kejriwal’s chief targets in his slew of allegations against central ministers, when he took on the Congress-led government on corruption.

Soon after Mr. Sibal took over as Law Minister last year, Mr. Kejriwal and his associates had alleged that the Congress leader had a conflict of interest in the controversial Vodafone tax case.

In December, days after the Delhi assembly election results were announced, Mr. Sibal’s son, lawyer Amit Sibal filed a defamation suit against Mr. Kejriwal.

Since AAP’s spectacular debut in the Delhi polls, however, Mr. Sibal has posted a number of tweets supportive and appreciative of Mr. Kejriwal. He was also one of the first to effusively congratulate Mr. Kejriwal on his “great performance in Delhi.”

Cops thrashed, kicked women protesters in UP

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Afternoon Voice

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January 14, 2014

Cops in Uttar Pradesh have been caught on camera kicking, slapping and using canes to hit a group of women who were protesting against the death of two men in an accident in the Rasoolpur area of Firozabad.

The cops, led by Shriprakash Yadav, the station house officer of the Rasoolpur police station, are seen brutally thrashing the women. On camera, Mr. Yadav hits a woman with a cane causing her to lose her balance and fall backwards.

The women were protesting against the death of two labourers in a collision last night between their minivan and a truck. They blocked the highway between Lucknow and Agra demanding the arrest of the truck driver.

No action has been taken yet against the cops caught on camera assaulting the women. The Congress has demanded that the Akhilesh Yadav government order an investigation.

“The situation is very bad in UP. The police let off those responsible for the accident and they lathi-charged the women…Even the police and administration seem like they are Samajwadi Party workers,” said Congress leader, Raj Babbar.

There have been other incidents of police highhandedness being caught on camera in UP. Rival parties accuse the Samajwadi Party government and its young chief minister Mr. Yadav of a complete breakdown of law and order in the state.

Sikhs demand probe into British SAS-Operation Bluestar link

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Afternoon Voice

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January 14, 2014

Outraged Sikh organisations and leaders on Tuesday demanded a thorough probe into reports that the British government colluded with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi over Operation Blue Star, when Indian security forces entered the holy Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple in 1984, to flush out militants.

A lawmaker from Britain’s Labour party claimed that he has seen documents that suggest then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s administration dispatched Britain’s Special Air Service (SAS) officials to help Indira Gandhi in the storming of the Golden Temple.

The ‘Stop Deportations’ website quotes from the documents which were made public by the National Archives in London under the 30-year rule as part of a series over the New Year.

Operation Blue Star was an Indian military operation which was ordered by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in order to remove Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his armed followers from the Golden Temple in Amritsar city.

President of the leading Sikh religious organisation, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Avtar Singh slammed the Indian government for taking help from British government in attacking its own people.

“Their governments also run by taking religion as a base and if they have done so, if they have helped our government in attacking our people, then they have committed the biggest crime,” said Singh.

The military raid led to a chaos amongst Sikhs across the world and the increased tension following the action led to assaults on members of the Sikh community within India.

The operation also led to a deep resentment among the Sikhs over an armed attack on their most revered Shrine and also widened a growing chasm between the members of Hindu and Sikh communities.

Indian lawmaker and Sikh rights activist Tarlochan Singh called for an urgent inquiry into the British government’s involvement in the events of 1984.

“Now this time British intervening in attack at Golden Temple, this is a slur on our autonomy and I request that there should be a thorough probe by India and everybody should know that what happened at what time, and how the Golden Temple attack, was it a vote bank policy, was it something, other sinister move? So, I demand full enquiry at all levels,” he said.

Kiran Bedi’s views more balanced

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Mahendra Singh

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January 14, 2014

The difference between Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejrival is that the former asks you to earn first, spend or invest later but the latter only talks about spending and not talking about earning. It is very easy to become a populist. Kiran Bedi is talking about stability. People may think she is only talking about political stability but she is also talking about emotional stability, behavioural stability and preserve our traditional Indian cultural values.

Kumar Biswas held a rally in Amethi and challenged Rahul Gandhi in his own bastion. You are patronizing a wrong man, you choose me. People will say, Rahul and Priyanka are our children and they have been interacting with us for years, who are you to tell us what we should do? You are holding a rally to gain visibility. How being only a lone voice, will bring about betterment in our lives especially when there is no possibility of your government gaining power either in UP or pan-India basis.

“ Hum grameen hain, hum apne bacche bar bar nahin badalte. Nargis ne apne bete ko mother India main khud mara tha. Kisi bahri ko nahin bulaya. Modi bapu che, tame bapu nathi”. Modi is a father figure, you are not. Kiran Bedi and General VK Singh should join BJP and strengthen the hands of Modi.

BJP must start saying that they will do everything to strengthen village “panchayats” to enrich rural economy. Agricultural scientists will be given prominence. “Har haath ko kaam”, should be popularized to enhance vocational skills (a programme pertaining to this was initiated by a private sector bank is praise worthy) to augment self-employment among youth. The bank should not trivialize opening of a bank account, which is a solemn exercise. It should not to be depicted in a casual manner just like the recent kite flying advertisement aired on television. Banking is not kite flying.

The intentions of the AAP appear dubious. It has not been showing any empathy towards senior citizens employed in various industries. You can’t expect good workers to join the party by merely giving a missed call. AAP is not talking about population control and eradication of the reservation system. Rakhi Birla’s father has been saying that “ dalit” is one who’s actions are bad and who’s character is bad and one who does not stand up to challenge injustice.

Rakhi Birla and her father appear to be more sincere than Manish Sisodia, Shazia Ilmi and other bombastic AAP members. Arvind Kejrival deserves more applause but he must learn to respect and give credit to others too. What work are you going to do for boosting economic development and infrastructural development? What steps will you take to generate more electricity? The people must say, you wait, you work, prove your worth and let Modi govern us. Since you are good so you now co-operate with him and assist him, which is what Kiran Bedi wants to say.

No other option for people besides Sena: Uddhav

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Prakash Jha

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January 14, 2014

The Shiv Sena which has been losing its foothold in Maharashtra is trying to revive itself in the state. Sena activists reverted back to their aggressive style of politics by vandalising toll booths in Kolhapur district. Subsequently, the party president Uddhav Thackeray said that people of Maharashtra don’t have any other option besides voting for Shiv Sena. Taking a leaf out of AAP’s book, Uddhav also added that his party will always work for the welfare of the common man. He also added that Sena will work 80 per cent for welfare of people and will only indulge in 20 per cent politics.

How can a party which follows politics of hate work for the welfare of the common man? On the other hand, the Congress party said that the Shiv Sena is always known for making tall promises but fails to fulfil them.

Sachin Sawant, Congress spokesperson said, “The statements made by Uddhav Thackeray about people of Maharashtra don’t have any other option besides Sena is unjustified. This might be the reason that the party has not returned to power in the state. The party is unaware of the ground realities. The Congress has undertaken several developmental works for the welfare of masses hence they will vote for our party in the Lok Sabha election scheduled to be held shortly.”

Shiv Sena will observe January 23 as the birth anniversary of Shiv Sena supremo late Balasaheb Thackeray and a massive rally will be held in the city. On this occasion, Sena activists will take oath to work for Shiv Sena for lifetime. Henceforth, this day will be celebrated as the party oath day (Pratigya Divas).

The Sena chief also added that the party will win the upcoming Lok Sabha and state assembly election. He said there is a wave against the Congress in the country.

When asked about the statement issued by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena supremo Raj Thackeray that BJP’s prime ministerial Narendra Modi to quit the post of Gujarat chief minister if he aspires to become the PM of India, Uddhav replied, “I want Modi to become Prime Minister of India. I don’t have any issues pertaining to Modi continuing with the chief minister’s post.

“We are here to serve people and can do it in a better way by being in power. Our four-and-a-half years of rule in Maharashtra was the best,” he said, recalling that Congress leaders promised free electricity to farmers before elections and scrapped the decision after winning it.

Medha Patkar supports AAP, says its time for new wave in politics

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Afternoon Voice

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January 13, 2014

Activist Medha Patkar announced her support for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and said that it is time for “new wave in Indian politics”.

The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NAB) leader said that she will continue to support AAP on various issues and endorses the policies of the party.

She said that in the name of politics, corruption has increased and the people are being looted.

“The AAP was born out of an agitation against corruption. This struggle is for ‘satya’ (truth), not ‘satta’ (power). The exact nature of our collaboration shall be decided at a meeting in Delhi later this week,” Patkar told mediapersons.

Nirupam, Dutt lead protest for Reliance power tariff cut

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Afternoon Voice

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January 13, 2014

Congress MPs Sanjay Nirupam and Priya Dutt Monday led a protest morcha outside the Reliance Energy office in suburban Kandivli, seeking reduction in power tariffs in the metropolis.

“We will not rest till the company takes measures to lower the tariff,” Nirupam said addressing the protesters who raised slogans branding Reliance Energy Chairman Anil Ambani as a “thief”.

Dutt said there should be uniform power tariff in Mumbai and suburbs. “If the tariff is not lowered, the agitation will spread and more of our colleagues will join the stir,” she said.

The MPs have been demanding a tariff cut with Nirupam even threatening to go on an indefinite fast.

A Group of Ministers headed by Industries Minister Narayan Rane had recommended 10 to 20 per cent cut in power tariffs.

Nirupam had written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan demanding a cut in power tariff, asking if the AAP government in Delhi can do so why the same can’t be done in Mumbai and Maharashtra.

Nirupam had also written to Anil Ambani asking him to be present during the agitation to address the public and explain his company’s position.

Among the demands are for certain charges like the fixed charge and regulatory asset charge to be withdrawn by the company.

Shiv Sena lashes out at Uttam Khobragade for calling Marathi media ‘casteist’

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Afternoon Voice

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January 13, 2014

Uttam Khobragade, the father of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade, has been slammed by Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece ‘Saamna’ for criticising Marathi media and calling it ‘casteist’.

The Sena reportedly said that the retired IAS officer has “erred” by bringing up the issue of caste.

The editorial reportedly stated, “It is his mental bankruptcy.”

The retired bureaucrat had called Marathi media ‘casteist’ after questions on Devyani’s flat in controversial Adarsh Housing Society were raised during a press conference.

Uttam Khobragade reportedly got angry and lashed out at the Marathi media.

The reaction from the retired IAS officer came after the Marathi newspapers and television channels questioned several senior political leaders, including former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan, in the alleged Adarsh Housing Society scam.

However, Uttam Khobragade has denied allegations of wrongdoing against him.

NCP to finalise LS candidates on Jan 21

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Afternoon Voice

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January 13, 2014

NCP will announce candidates for the Lok Sabha elections on January 21 and will retain majority of the sitting MPs, the party said today.

Union Agriculture Minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar today met party leaders in Maharashtra to discuss probable candidates for the elections.

The meeting was held at Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s official residence ‘Deogiri’ and was attended by all party leaders and ministers.

State NCP president Bhaskar Jadhav said majority of the sitting MPs would be retained.

“Since Sharad Pawar is not seeking re-election, a new candidate will be selected for Maadha Lok Sabha seat. Barring three to four seats, we have almost reached consensus on the list of candidates,” he said, adding that the final list of NCP candidates would be announced on January 21.

“We hope to have a meeting with Congress leaders regarding swapping of few seats before January 21,” he said.

Jadhav expressed confidence that the NCP will double its number of seats than the previous time. In 2009, the party won eight out of the 22 seats it contested.

He said it was in the interest of the Congress-NCP coalition to announce the names of candidates at the earliest so that preparations can begin to ensure victory.

Jadhav said it would announce its list of candidates even if there was no meeting with the Congress.

As part of the preparations for the Lok Sabha polls, Pawar apprised the meeting of the political situation in the country and what strategy the party needs to adopt, he said.

Meanwhile, party sources said Ajit Pawar will not contest the Lok Sabha polls. However, names of ministers like Chhagan Bhujbal, Jayant Patil, Ganesh Naik, Suresh Dhas and Jaidutt Kshirsagar are being considered.

Sources said NCP wanted discussions with Congress regarding Jalgaon, Buldhana, Kolhapur, Hatkanangale and Maval seats which it contested and Aurangabad, Jalna and Raigad which the Congress had contested.

AI likely to sell four flats to a national bank

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Afternoon Voice

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January 13, 2014

National carrier IndiaAir India is in the final stages of striking a deal with a leading public sector bank for selling four flats at the posh Sterling Apartments on the Peddar Road in South Mumbai.

The deal, if gets through, is expected to fetch Rs 100 crore to the carrier’s coffers, sources close to the development said.

“We are finalising the deal with the bank. We are hopeful of raising around Rs 100 crore from the sale of these four flats,” Air India sources here.

The sources, however, did not divulge the name of the bank Air India is negotiating but added, “we are negotiating with a public sector lender.”

Air India had last year floated bids for e-auctioning of the four of its six flats at the posh Sterling Apartments on the Peddar Road in South Mumbai, measuring around 8,100 sq ft carpet area.

As per the financial restructuring and turnaround plan approved by the Cabinet in early 2012 when it had bailed out the carrier with Rs 30,000 crore in doles, Air India is required to raise Rs 5,000 crore over the next 10 years through asset monetisation, and its biggest asset is the iconic Air India building in the tony Nariman Point area of the city.

Earlier, State Bank of India had lent a helping hand to the carrier in assets monetisation programme by leasing four floors in its 23-storey erstwhile headquarters at Nariman Point business centre.