Congress takes a call dial R for Rahul

There are inherent hazards in writing an article on an active political leader. Universally, political leaders also face a fundamental danger of being constantly compared to immortal members of the political clan if she or he happens to have a good pedigree. In Rahul Gandhi’s case, comparisons have at times been drawn with his father, his grandmother, and great grandfather.

Being the fifth generation of the family that has at times been considered and projected as the ‘First Family’ of Indian politics by sycophantic apparatchiks of the party, Rahul Gandhi has had failure as a constant companion, partly because the times are so loaded against him and also because of his own limitations. But all instances of fiasco that have been apportioned to Rahul have not always been his doing. To be fair to Rahul, he has not been allowed to be his own man. It is a different matter that there is little clarity still regarding the kind of man he wishes to be.

Like his father, Rahul Gandhi was a reluctant entrant to politics. Just like his father would have preferred his space in another setting, Rahul would have liked a small alcove in the Caribbean Sea or some other place of choice. But while Indira Gandhi’s assassination transformed Rajiv Gandhi overnight, in Rahul’s case, the continuing presence of his mother has been an impediment. A couple of years ago, when Sonia Gandhi suddenly went abroad for an undisclosed medical condition, a mechanism was created to put Rahul Gandhi in the driver’s seat. But with the crisis ebbing, his elevation as party commander got stuck. He displayed indications of wanting to take charge, but found little support from the old guard of the party.

It already was bad enough that the United Progressive Alliance had a dual power structure, with the Prime Minister and the Congress president often pulling the cart in two opposite directions. This was compounded by parallel power structures in the Congress party – the old guard and the Rahul brigade, those manning corporate-style ‘war rooms’. As a result, even while Rahul Gandhi was leading the campaign in the recent assembly polls in five states, the old guard was waging a smear campaign.  The effort just went into over-drive the moment the verdict went against the Congress party.

The problem is that Sonia Gandhi has worked her way with one set of power hierarchies and this, led by Ahmed Patel, her political secretary, got threatened. This group was essentially insecure about the rise of Rahul since 2004, when he entered the electoral fray. Their anxiety stemmed from the knowledge that new leaders invariably build new power structures around them: Indira Gandhi did so, and so did his father, Rajiv. The old guard stands to lose with Rahul’s emergence, and thus kept throwing in a spanner or two.

The problem with the Congress party is that it believed in 2009 that the party had won the 2014 election as well. As a result, the party became lazy and allowed the government to let matters slip to the point of no-return on several counts. As far as Rahul was concerned, he began on an over-ambitious note trying to regain Uttar Pradesh – a state where Congress has not won state elections since 1984. He thought that it would be easy to politically regain the territory by a few padyatras and roadshows. Perhaps a less daunting target would have been strategically better and not result in the humiliation he suffered when Congress came a cropper in the 2012 assembly elections.

The latest verbal pyrotechnics by Rahul, over the Ordinance that sought to protect tainted politicians, began on a note of the party becoming a bystander to a leader who was moving to take charge brutally. But eventually, Rahul fell by the wayside and did not push matters to its logical end. This once again demonstrated that both Rahul and his mother had a common trait: Often they would go just half way up the tree and not the complete distance. In politics, this does not work, and ruthlessness is often the need of the hour.

The year 2014 begins on a note with Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party having little or no expectations from the year. The year has also begun with little expectation from Rahul. The much-hyped Modi vs Rahul presidential style campaign has come a cropper even before it could take off on in real earnest. In the election year, there is probably not a single state where the party is comfortably placed. Karnataka is probably the best bet for the party for a respectable performance, but the state accounts for just about five percent of the strength of the Lok Sabha.

In the cyclical path of its development, the Congress party started entering a low trough from the winter of 2009. It will probably enter the lowest point in 2014. This year will mark a decade of Rahul Gandhi being in politics. The balance-sheet of this decade in public life will be drawn up in a year from now. It will depend on which of the trajectories Rahul Gandhi opts for.

The first would be to give in to the old guard in the party and hope that the strategy they opt for prevents complete decimation of the party. The second option would be to continue assuming control of the party, but this would mean telling his mother that he has to run things his way. However, this path would mean entering the fray in 2014 with the clear assumption of sitting in the Opposition, because Rahul Gandhi talks of a long-term vision, nothing in the immediate run. The third option is, of course, always there: take a long walk and vacate the space for others in the family or organisation. The choice is his!

(The author is a Delhi-based senior journalist and author, most recently of Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times)

"I am not here to make you emotional, but to wipe your tears," said BJP PM candidate Narendra Modi at a rally in Jhansi on Oct 25. That was directly aimed at Congress AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who recently made an emotional speech saying, "My grandmother was killed, my father was assassinated. I may also be killed." That is how the Modi vs Rahul tale has always been. Except for their appearance-- both wear white khadi kurtas-- the contrast between the two political leaders is crystal clear. Yet, there are many commonalities that are often ignored. Modi is an acclaimed orator, Rahul is still learning the tactics of mass appeal, which he is yet to catch beyond his dimpled smile. Almost all the time, it is the Newton's theory that works between them. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Already in poll mode, Rahul wanted to try a slogan and that came on September 11 at a rally in tribal-dominated Udaipur. Days later, Rahul reworked on the earlier poll quote in this way. And do you know how Modi reacted to it?At a rally in Jhansi in UP on Oct 25, Modi told the gathering: "If you give BJP even 60 months, we will change the face & fate of the nation."They both think differently. How? Modi demonstrated to college students by holding up a glass of water.Can anyone link physics to politics. Rahul did at a dalit meet. He told them to take on BSP supremo Mayawati, who is blocking their welfare. "If you want to go to space, your velocity has to bee 11 km/sec, but for Jupiter you need 60km/sec," he said While Modi, 62, has to his credit winning three assembly polls and has had administrative experience since 2001, Rahul, 42, has not held any government post since entering the Lok Sabha in 2014.Rahul is a priviledged 'prince' with the brand name of Gandhi while Modi's is a journey of struggle to the top. Both like their speeches to have a technology tinge.And Rahul said, "If India is computer, Congress its default program."Modi began as a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh pracharak and gradually moved up the ranks in the BJP while Gandhi is been groomed under the patronage of the country's oldest party.The BJP likes to call it 'dynasty versus meritocracy' and the Congress wants to name it as the secular versus communal fight. While Rahul takes solace in 'Mere paas maa hai' (My mom is with me) kind of speeches, often referring to intiatives taken up by congress supremo and his mother Sonia Gandhi, Modi can endlessly talk about how he has made Gujarat a model state. Modi's humble growth up the ladder has got him an identity as a middle-class icon while Rahul speaks extensively of welfare of the backward class. Modi is emerging a favourite among the youths for his talks focused on India's growth, Rahul claims to provide a new identity for the youth brigade. While Modi was named the BJP's central poll campaign committee head in June 2013, months before that in November 2012 Rahul Gandhi was picked to head the Congress election coordination committee.This happened two months before Gandhi was made the AICC vice president, the second-in-command in the party after his mother and party chief Sonia Gandhi. Unlike Modi, who had to face opposition from his senior party leaders, Rahul's ascension was unanimous choice of the party. As for more similarities other than dressing, both shoulder the responsibility of victory of their parties in the forthcoming elections.

View the original article here

Congress takes a call dial R for Rahul

There are inherent hazards in writing an article on an active political leader. Universally, political leaders also face a fundamental danger of being constantly compared to immortal members of the political clan if she or he happens to have a good pedigree. In Rahul Gandhi’s case, comparisons have at times been drawn with his father, his grandmother, and great grandfather.

Being the fifth generation of the family that has at times been considered and projected as the ‘First Family’ of Indian politics by sycophantic apparatchiks of the party, Rahul Gandhi has had failure as a constant companion, partly because the times are so loaded against him and also because of his own limitations. But all instances of fiasco that have been apportioned to Rahul have not always been his doing. To be fair to Rahul, he has not been allowed to be his own man. It is a different matter that there is little clarity still regarding the kind of man he wishes to be.

Like his father, Rahul Gandhi was a reluctant entrant to politics. Just like his father would have preferred his space in another setting, Rahul would have liked a small alcove in the Caribbean Sea or some other place of choice. But while Indira Gandhi’s assassination transformed Rajiv Gandhi overnight, in Rahul’s case, the continuing presence of his mother has been an impediment. A couple of years ago, when Sonia Gandhi suddenly went abroad for an undisclosed medical condition, a mechanism was created to put Rahul Gandhi in the driver’s seat. But with the crisis ebbing, his elevation as party commander got stuck. He displayed indications of wanting to take charge, but found little support from the old guard of the party.

It already was bad enough that the United Progressive Alliance had a dual power structure, with the Prime Minister and the Congress president often pulling the cart in two opposite directions. This was compounded by parallel power structures in the Congress party – the old guard and the Rahul brigade, those manning corporate-style ‘war rooms’. As a result, even while Rahul Gandhi was leading the campaign in the recent assembly polls in five states, the old guard was waging a smear campaign.  The effort just went into over-drive the moment the verdict went against the Congress party.

The problem is that Sonia Gandhi has worked her way with one set of power hierarchies and this, led by Ahmed Patel, her political secretary, got threatened. This group was essentially insecure about the rise of Rahul since 2004, when he entered the electoral fray. Their anxiety stemmed from the knowledge that new leaders invariably build new power structures around them: Indira Gandhi did so, and so did his father, Rajiv. The old guard stands to lose with Rahul’s emergence, and thus kept throwing in a spanner or two.

The problem with the Congress party is that it believed in 2009 that the party had won the 2014 election as well. As a result, the party became lazy and allowed the government to let matters slip to the point of no-return on several counts. As far as Rahul was concerned, he began on an over-ambitious note trying to regain Uttar Pradesh – a state where Congress has not won state elections since 1984. He thought that it would be easy to politically regain the territory by a few padyatras and roadshows. Perhaps a less daunting target would have been strategically better and not result in the humiliation he suffered when Congress came a cropper in the 2012 assembly elections.

The latest verbal pyrotechnics by Rahul, over the Ordinance that sought to protect tainted politicians, began on a note of the party becoming a bystander to a leader who was moving to take charge brutally. But eventually, Rahul fell by the wayside and did not push matters to its logical end. This once again demonstrated that both Rahul and his mother had a common trait: Often they would go just half way up the tree and not the complete distance. In politics, this does not work, and ruthlessness is often the need of the hour.

The year 2014 begins on a note with Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party having little or no expectations from the year. The year has also begun with little expectation from Rahul. The much-hyped Modi vs Rahul presidential style campaign has come a cropper even before it could take off on in real earnest. In the election year, there is probably not a single state where the party is comfortably placed. Karnataka is probably the best bet for the party for a respectable performance, but the state accounts for just about five percent of the strength of the Lok Sabha.

In the cyclical path of its development, the Congress party started entering a low trough from the winter of 2009. It will probably enter the lowest point in 2014. This year will mark a decade of Rahul Gandhi being in politics. The balance-sheet of this decade in public life will be drawn up in a year from now. It will depend on which of the trajectories Rahul Gandhi opts for.

The first would be to give in to the old guard in the party and hope that the strategy they opt for prevents complete decimation of the party. The second option would be to continue assuming control of the party, but this would mean telling his mother that he has to run things his way. However, this path would mean entering the fray in 2014 with the clear assumption of sitting in the Opposition, because Rahul Gandhi talks of a long-term vision, nothing in the immediate run. The third option is, of course, always there: take a long walk and vacate the space for others in the family or organisation. The choice is his!

(The author is a Delhi-based senior journalist and author, most recently of Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times)

"I am not here to make you emotional, but to wipe your tears," said BJP PM candidate Narendra Modi at a rally in Jhansi on Oct 25. That was directly aimed at Congress AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who recently made an emotional speech saying, "My grandmother was killed, my father was assassinated. I may also be killed." That is how the Modi vs Rahul tale has always been. Except for their appearance-- both wear white khadi kurtas-- the contrast between the two political leaders is crystal clear. Yet, there are many commonalities that are often ignored. Modi is an acclaimed orator, Rahul is still learning the tactics of mass appeal, which he is yet to catch beyond his dimpled smile. Almost all the time, it is the Newton's theory that works between them. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Already in poll mode, Rahul wanted to try a slogan and that came on September 11 at a rally in tribal-dominated Udaipur. Days later, Rahul reworked on the earlier poll quote in this way. And do you know how Modi reacted to it?At a rally in Jhansi in UP on Oct 25, Modi told the gathering: "If you give BJP even 60 months, we will change the face & fate of the nation."They both think differently. How? Modi demonstrated to college students by holding up a glass of water.Can anyone link physics to politics. Rahul did at a dalit meet. He told them to take on BSP supremo Mayawati, who is blocking their welfare. "If you want to go to space, your velocity has to bee 11 km/sec, but for Jupiter you need 60km/sec," he said While Modi, 62, has to his credit winning three assembly polls and has had administrative experience since 2001, Rahul, 42, has not held any government post since entering the Lok Sabha in 2014.Rahul is a priviledged 'prince' with the brand name of Gandhi while Modi's is a journey of struggle to the top. Both like their speeches to have a technology tinge.And Rahul said, "If India is computer, Congress its default program."Modi began as a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh pracharak and gradually moved up the ranks in the BJP while Gandhi is been groomed under the patronage of the country's oldest party.The BJP likes to call it 'dynasty versus meritocracy' and the Congress wants to name it as the secular versus communal fight. While Rahul takes solace in 'Mere paas maa hai' (My mom is with me) kind of speeches, often referring to intiatives taken up by congress supremo and his mother Sonia Gandhi, Modi can endlessly talk about how he has made Gujarat a model state. Modi's humble growth up the ladder has got him an identity as a middle-class icon while Rahul speaks extensively of welfare of the backward class. Modi is emerging a favourite among the youths for his talks focused on India's growth, Rahul claims to provide a new identity for the youth brigade. While Modi was named the BJP's central poll campaign committee head in June 2013, months before that in November 2012 Rahul Gandhi was picked to head the Congress election coordination committee.This happened two months before Gandhi was made the AICC vice president, the second-in-command in the party after his mother and party chief Sonia Gandhi. Unlike Modi, who had to face opposition from his senior party leaders, Rahul's ascension was unanimous choice of the party. As for more similarities other than dressing, both shoulder the responsibility of victory of their parties in the forthcoming elections.

View the original article here

New Year to see Rahul Gandhi as PM man

New Delhi: It could all become official with speculation gaining ground that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh intends to declare AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi as the Congress’ candidate for Prime Minister on January 3.

With the BJP racing ahead by naming Narendra Modi to lead the NDA in the 2014 general election, the chorus to project Rahul Gandhi as the Congress’ PM candidate has been growing in his party over the past few months.

On Monday, finance minister P. Chidambaram, while speaking to a TV channel, also favoured the view in the Congress about naming its PM candidate. “I think today in parliamentary elections as well as state elections voters tend to ask who is the leader. Therefore, in my view, the party should project a person as the leader of the party who will become PM if the party forms the government,” Chidambaram said.

After being routed in Assembly polls in four states, the Congress feels that naming Gandhi as PM candidate could change the grim scenario for the party and enthuse party workers.

PM will not quit early

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has been trying to send signals that he is set to cleanse the party and is in no mood to tolerate corruption. Stepping out of his shell, Rahul Gandhi has been speaking on a number of issues, ranging from the Lokpal Bill to the Adarsh housing scam in Mumbai.

The Prime Minister, who is expected to make this announcement at his press conference on January 3, had earlier made it clear that he was willing to work under Rahul Gandhi. “I have always maintained that Rahul Gandhi would be an ideal choice for the PM post after the 2014 elections. I will be happy to work in the Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi,” Dr Singh had said on his way back from the G-20 Summit in Russia in September. The Prime Minister is also likely to release a report highlighting the achievements in 10 years of UPA rule.

Meanwhile, the PMO on Tuesday denied reports that Dr Singh was going to step down as PM before the 2014 polls. While the PMO issued a statement saying “the Prime Minister will complete his tenure”, information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari attacked the media for its “baseless” speculation. “I know on December 31 there is little news but this does not mean that absurd, baseless and incorrect news stories should be run,” Tewari fumed. For him, “Prime Minister, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are the trinity of the Congress.” On being asked about Rahul Gandhi being projected as the Congress’ PM candidate, Tewari said: “Rahul Gandhi is the natural leader of the Congress.”

In his bid to sound positive and optimistic, Tewari, while talking about the Congress being routed in four states, argued “that as a party, may be as a government, they have been disappointing. But if you look at them in perspective, out of 29 states which went to polls in the last five years, the Congress won 12 of those states.”

The BJP, however, maintained that naming Rahul Gandhi as the PM candidate would not change the Congress’ slide at the national level. “If they make Rahul Gandhi their PM candidate, then everybody knows what happened to the Congress in the Assembly elections. The whole country knows that Rahul Gandhi could not click anywhere,” BJP leader Mr Yashwant Sinha said.

AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi has a degree from Cambridge University, but when it comes to politics, he has his backroom boys as advisors. From what he wears to what he talks, everything is scrutinised. This is the team, comprising Oxford scholars to former bureaucrats, that stands by Rahul as he takes on BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi in the forthcoming general elections. An Oxford graduate, Kaushal Vidyarthee is currently the programme manager at Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana. As a student, he was vice-president at Oxford University Student Union. What caught Rahul's attention was avid blogger's interest in research, especially the one on incorporation of Dalits in the economy. (photo courtesy: vidyarthee.com) As part of the committee in-charge of electoral strategy, Dr. Mohan Gopal provides academic insight into party's decisions. The second ever all India president of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) Gopal plans training programmes for Congress Youth members.Koppula Raju, a 1981 batch IAS officer from Hyderabad who quit his job two months ago to join Rahul, is the chairman of the Congress cell on schedule castes. He travels extensively with Rahul, holding parleys with state unit leaders. He was one among the bureaucrats, who were kidnapped by the erstwhile People's War Group Naxalites, in Gurtedu, in East Godavari district, in 1987. Kanishka Singh, an investment banker, gave up his job at the World Bank to join politics in 2003, the year he was part of the team that helped Delhi CM Sheila Dixit's sweep in the assembly polls. Ever since Congress won Amethi seat in 2004, he has been a companion of Rahul. Singh, a computer engineer and MBA from Wharton, was in charge of door-to-door campaigning in the Saraini Assembly segment.K B Byju, former SPG sharp shooter who provided protection to the Gandhi family, quit forces three years ago to take a plunge into politics. He is the point person for Rahul's (in pic) outstation tours as he coordinates with security personnel and at times, he acts as media coordinator too. (Byju's pic was not available)Sachin Rao, a graduate of the Michigan Business School, manages matters concerning internal surveys and also Youth Congress. Alankar Sawai, a former banker, is now in-charge of documents and social media in the Rahul's team. Like Sachin Rao, Sawai also looks after Youth Congress affairs. (Alankar's pic wasn't available)Apart from this core team, Rahul has others providing him advice on many fronts. Congress leader Digvijay Singh is commonly known as Rahul's mentor or personal loud speaker. Lok Sabha MP from Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, Meenakshi Natarajan, is often referred by Rahul as a politician who has made success despite not having pedigree. She lives by her rules as taking public transport.

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AAP leader Kumar Vishwas says he will take on Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

New Delhi: In an open challenge, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Kumar Vishwas on Monday said he will take on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in the 2014 general elections.

Addressing presspersons, he said he has formally applied for a ticket for the Amethi seat. When asked what if Rahul Gandhi contests from another seat, Vishwas said he would follow the Congress Vice president there too.

He said he was keen to contest against Rahul Gandhi in order to end dynastic rule in the Congress.    

When quizzed on Modi, the AAP leader said, "Country will get a good message if Narenda Modi stands from Raebareli." Raebareli is

An elated Arvind Kejriwal addresses the party and media. He said "This is the victory of the people of this country. And the people of this country want to give a message that if BJP and Congress don't reform, they will be discarded. They've put the BJP and Congress on notice." "It's the wave of the common man, not of AAP. I would call upon them to gather and show their unity," Kejriwal said that he was not interested in becoming the Chief Minister or the Prime Minister. Kejriwal attacked Rahul Gandhi and Congress saying 'we don't need a character certificate from Rahul Gandhi'.Supporters of Aam Aadmi Party, or Common Man's Party with brooms, the party symbol, celebrate the party’s performance in Delhi state Assembly elections in New Delhi, India.Supporters of India’s Aam Aadmi Party, or Common Man's Party celebrate the party’s performance in Delhi state Assembly elections in New Delhi.India's ruling Congress party President Sonia Gandhi and her many expressions post Assembly poll debacle while addressing the media in New Delhi, India. Congress president Sonia Gandhi said on Sunday that the party was 'very, very disappointed' with its drubbing in four states, and vowed it would do 'deep introspection' to 'transform' the party and 'rectify its mistakes' ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.Reacting to the major victory of AAP and BJP Sonia said, “We accept the verdict of the people with all humility. We congratulate our opponents for winning the elections”.Rahul Gandhi put up a brave front while facing the media along with his mother, and decided to take a lesson from the AAP: “We will learn from them (AAP) and we will involve people in a way that no one has ever done before."Sonia also said that Sunday’s poll results would have little bearing in 2014 as 'general elections are quite different'. Gandhi added: “We have to look into the way we took or did not take our message to the people.”Reacting to the humiliating defeat, Outgoing Chief minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit said, “We accept our defeat and we will analyse what went wrong,”. When asked if she had failed to feel the pulse of the voters in Delhi, Sheila slammed the media, saying, “Hum bewakoof hai na (we are fools, right?),” and stormed out.BJP party members carrying their CM candidate Harsh Vardhan after the poll results declared. Harsh Vardhan said, "We won't approach anyone for support. We are content to play the role of opposition."Party workers celebrating at the New Delhi BJP office after the poll results declared. BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 2013 Assembly poll.BJP's PM candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi flashes a victory sign during the party's parliamentary board meeting in New Delhi on Sunday. It is assumed that the NaMo factor weaved magic for the party's up rise in the Assembly poll.BJP's PM candidate Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi with senior leader L K Advani during the party's parliamentary board meeting in New Delhi. The Modi magic seems failed to enchant Delhiites as BJP could not get a landslide victory unlike other three states. The party is 4 seats less to the magic number to form government in Delhi.

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AAP leader Kumar Vishwas says he will take on Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

New Delhi: In an open challenge, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Kumar Vishwas on Monday said he will take on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in the 2014 general elections.

Addressing presspersons, he said he has formally applied for a ticket for the Amethi seat. When asked what if Rahul Gandhi contests from another seat, Vishwas said he would follow the Congress Vice president there too.

He said he was keen to contest against Rahul Gandhi in order to end dynastic rule in the Congress.    

When quizzed on Modi, the AAP leader said, "Country will get a good message if Narenda Modi stands from Raebareli." Raebareli is

An elated Arvind Kejriwal addresses the party and media. He said "This is the victory of the people of this country. And the people of this country want to give a message that if BJP and Congress don't reform, they will be discarded. They've put the BJP and Congress on notice." "It's the wave of the common man, not of AAP. I would call upon them to gather and show their unity," Kejriwal said that he was not interested in becoming the Chief Minister or the Prime Minister. Kejriwal attacked Rahul Gandhi and Congress saying 'we don't need a character certificate from Rahul Gandhi'.Supporters of Aam Aadmi Party, or Common Man's Party with brooms, the party symbol, celebrate the party’s performance in Delhi state Assembly elections in New Delhi, India.Supporters of India’s Aam Aadmi Party, or Common Man's Party celebrate the party’s performance in Delhi state Assembly elections in New Delhi.India's ruling Congress party President Sonia Gandhi and her many expressions post Assembly poll debacle while addressing the media in New Delhi, India. Congress president Sonia Gandhi said on Sunday that the party was 'very, very disappointed' with its drubbing in four states, and vowed it would do 'deep introspection' to 'transform' the party and 'rectify its mistakes' ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.Reacting to the major victory of AAP and BJP Sonia said, “We accept the verdict of the people with all humility. We congratulate our opponents for winning the elections”.Rahul Gandhi put up a brave front while facing the media along with his mother, and decided to take a lesson from the AAP: “We will learn from them (AAP) and we will involve people in a way that no one has ever done before."Sonia also said that Sunday’s poll results would have little bearing in 2014 as 'general elections are quite different'. Gandhi added: “We have to look into the way we took or did not take our message to the people.”Reacting to the humiliating defeat, Outgoing Chief minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit said, “We accept our defeat and we will analyse what went wrong,”. When asked if she had failed to feel the pulse of the voters in Delhi, Sheila slammed the media, saying, “Hum bewakoof hai na (we are fools, right?),” and stormed out.BJP party members carrying their CM candidate Harsh Vardhan after the poll results declared. Harsh Vardhan said, "We won't approach anyone for support. We are content to play the role of opposition."Party workers celebrating at the New Delhi BJP office after the poll results declared. BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 2013 Assembly poll.BJP's PM candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi flashes a victory sign during the party's parliamentary board meeting in New Delhi on Sunday. It is assumed that the NaMo factor weaved magic for the party's up rise in the Assembly poll.BJP's PM candidate Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi with senior leader L K Advani during the party's parliamentary board meeting in New Delhi. The Modi magic seems failed to enchant Delhiites as BJP could not get a landslide victory unlike other three states. The party is 4 seats less to the magic number to form government in Delhi.

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Rahul Gandhi focusing on welfare of homosexuals, not addressing issues of Muslims: Azam Khan

Rampur (UP): Attacking Rahul Gandhi, UP Minister Azam Khan has said that instead of effectively addressing the issue of Muslim backwardness, the Congress leader was focusing on the welfare of the homosexual community.

Criticising the Congress Vice-President, the SP leader on Wednesday told reporters that Gandhi did not offer any help to the riot victims staying in the Muzaffarnagar relief camps. He claimed that maximum number of communal riots had occurred during the Congress regime and 'it was Muslims who suffered maximum devastation'.

On the Communal Violence Bill, Khan said, "had Congress been sincere to combat communalism, the Bill could have been passed much earlier".

He slammed the Congress-led UPA government on the issue of granting reservations to Jats, saying "Conditions of Muslims is more pathetic in comparison to even Dalits."

Asserting that he was not against reservation for Jats, he said, "Muslims are members of the largest minority community who deserve and need reservations. Those facing worst economic adversities should be given preference." 

Lawyers address the media outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday after the court held that gay sex is a criminal offence. Advocate Anand Grover, who had argued the case, said Naz Foundation would file a petition for a review of SC's decision on the verdict. Gay rights activists embrace each other during a protest in New Delhi. Gay rights activists who were inside the courtroom were visibly upset while some outside broke down and hugged each other in consolation.Gay rights activists hold placards during a protest in Bangalore after the Supreme Court order that upheld the Section 377(unnatural offences) of the Indian Penal Code by ruling that the colonial-era law criminalizing homosexuality will remain in effect in India, entailing punishment up to life term. The judgement was pronounced by Justice GS Singhvi on his last working day as a SC Judge.A placard is tied to an umbrella held by a gay rights activist during the protest meeting in Bangalore. Activists staged protests across the nation after the verdict. The activists called it a 'black day' for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and vowed to carry on the fight to restore their rights including seeking its review.Gay rights activists shout slogans during the protest meeting in Bangalore. As members of LGBT community expressed shock and disappointment at the verdict, Additional Solicitor General of India, Indira Jaisingh threw her weight behind them, saying the court position is an imposition of 'medieval mindset' on the people of the country.A gay rights activist holds a placard during the protest meeting in Bangalore. "It is surprising that the court, which does judicial review on many issues, has put the ball in the court of Parliament to decide on homosexuality", said Indira Jaisingh.Gay rights activists attend a protest meeting in New Delhi. "The verdict was totally unexpected from the Supreme Court. It is a black day for the community," Arvind Narayan, a lawyer of the Alternative Law Forum gay rights group said.Gay rights activists shouting slogans during a protest in New Delhi. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said a lifestyle choice cannot be illegal. "People can take whatever stand their religious/moral beliefs dictate regarding #LGBT lifestyle choices but is terming it illegal not wrong?" Omar wrote on Twitter.A gay rights activist delivers a speech during the protest in New Delhi. "I don't support the Supreme Court decision. I think the Delhi High Court order was practical and constitutional. We are not in favour of the SC's decision, it is regressive. SC must review it", said Janata Dal United (JD-U) leader Shivanand Tiwari.A gay rights activist reacts to a speech during the protest in New Delhi. "These relationships are unethical as well as unnatural. They create problems in society, both moral and social. This is a sin as far as Islam is concerned", said S.Q.R Ilyas, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.Gay rights activists talk as they gather for a protest in Mumbai. A gay rights activist smokes a cigarette while listening to a speaker during the protest in New Delhi. "We have to abide by the decision," Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said reacting to the verdict. Gay rights activists shouting slogans at a Delhi protest rally. "The opinion of the Supreme Court has to be respected by the government," Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal said. A gay rights activist holds up a placard during the protest in New Delhi. "The Supreme Court has respected the sentiments of the various religious communities of India. Today they are talking of homosexuality, tomorrow they will talk of having sex with animals," Yoga guru Ramdev welcomed the judgement by saying that homosexuality is a disease.LGBT activists burst balloons during a protest against the SC ruling in Mumbai. A group of gay activists hold a banner against section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in Mumbai. Coalition for Sex Workers and Sexual Minorities Rights (CSMR) said that the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the constitutional validity of the penal provision making gay sex an offence punishable with upto life imprisonment was "deeply disappointing." LGBT activists protesting against the gay sex verdict in Mumbai. Activists say that the verdict withdraws the protective arm of the constitution from LGBT persons and renders LGBT persons vulnerable to discrimination, violence and harassment.Hollywood actor and human rights activist Mia Farrow, Bollywood celebrities Aamir Khan, John Abraham, Filmmaker Onir and Farhan Akhtar too criticised the SC verdict.Activists staging a protest at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) venue of Kairali Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday against the SC verdict on homosexuality. When quizzed on the uproar against the gay sex verdict, Judge Singhvi said that those criticising the verdict must read it fully first - DC/A.V. Muzafar

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Rahul Gandhi focusing on welfare of homosexuals, not addressing issues of Muslims: Azam Khan

Rampur (UP): Attacking Rahul Gandhi, UP Minister Azam Khan has said that instead of effectively addressing the issue of Muslim backwardness, the Congress leader was focusing on the welfare of the homosexual community.

Criticising the Congress Vice-President, the SP leader on Wednesday told reporters that Gandhi did not offer any help to the riot victims staying in the Muzaffarnagar relief camps. He claimed that maximum number of communal riots had occurred during the Congress regime and 'it was Muslims who suffered maximum devastation'.

On the Communal Violence Bill, Khan said, "had Congress been sincere to combat communalism, the Bill could have been passed much earlier".

He slammed the Congress-led UPA government on the issue of granting reservations to Jats, saying "Conditions of Muslims is more pathetic in comparison to even Dalits."

Asserting that he was not against reservation for Jats, he said, "Muslims are members of the largest minority community who deserve and need reservations. Those facing worst economic adversities should be given preference." 

Lawyers address the media outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday after the court held that gay sex is a criminal offence. Advocate Anand Grover, who had argued the case, said Naz Foundation would file a petition for a review of SC's decision on the verdict. Gay rights activists embrace each other during a protest in New Delhi. Gay rights activists who were inside the courtroom were visibly upset while some outside broke down and hugged each other in consolation.Gay rights activists hold placards during a protest in Bangalore after the Supreme Court order that upheld the Section 377(unnatural offences) of the Indian Penal Code by ruling that the colonial-era law criminalizing homosexuality will remain in effect in India, entailing punishment up to life term. The judgement was pronounced by Justice GS Singhvi on his last working day as a SC Judge.A placard is tied to an umbrella held by a gay rights activist during the protest meeting in Bangalore. Activists staged protests across the nation after the verdict. The activists called it a 'black day' for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and vowed to carry on the fight to restore their rights including seeking its review.Gay rights activists shout slogans during the protest meeting in Bangalore. As members of LGBT community expressed shock and disappointment at the verdict, Additional Solicitor General of India, Indira Jaisingh threw her weight behind them, saying the court position is an imposition of 'medieval mindset' on the people of the country.A gay rights activist holds a placard during the protest meeting in Bangalore. "It is surprising that the court, which does judicial review on many issues, has put the ball in the court of Parliament to decide on homosexuality", said Indira Jaisingh.Gay rights activists attend a protest meeting in New Delhi. "The verdict was totally unexpected from the Supreme Court. It is a black day for the community," Arvind Narayan, a lawyer of the Alternative Law Forum gay rights group said.Gay rights activists shouting slogans during a protest in New Delhi. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said a lifestyle choice cannot be illegal. "People can take whatever stand their religious/moral beliefs dictate regarding #LGBT lifestyle choices but is terming it illegal not wrong?" Omar wrote on Twitter.A gay rights activist delivers a speech during the protest in New Delhi. "I don't support the Supreme Court decision. I think the Delhi High Court order was practical and constitutional. We are not in favour of the SC's decision, it is regressive. SC must review it", said Janata Dal United (JD-U) leader Shivanand Tiwari.A gay rights activist reacts to a speech during the protest in New Delhi. "These relationships are unethical as well as unnatural. They create problems in society, both moral and social. This is a sin as far as Islam is concerned", said S.Q.R Ilyas, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.Gay rights activists talk as they gather for a protest in Mumbai. A gay rights activist smokes a cigarette while listening to a speaker during the protest in New Delhi. "We have to abide by the decision," Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said reacting to the verdict. Gay rights activists shouting slogans at a Delhi protest rally. "The opinion of the Supreme Court has to be respected by the government," Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal said. A gay rights activist holds up a placard during the protest in New Delhi. "The Supreme Court has respected the sentiments of the various religious communities of India. Today they are talking of homosexuality, tomorrow they will talk of having sex with animals," Yoga guru Ramdev welcomed the judgement by saying that homosexuality is a disease.LGBT activists burst balloons during a protest against the SC ruling in Mumbai. A group of gay activists hold a banner against section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in Mumbai. Coalition for Sex Workers and Sexual Minorities Rights (CSMR) said that the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the constitutional validity of the penal provision making gay sex an offence punishable with upto life imprisonment was "deeply disappointing." LGBT activists protesting against the gay sex verdict in Mumbai. Activists say that the verdict withdraws the protective arm of the constitution from LGBT persons and renders LGBT persons vulnerable to discrimination, violence and harassment.Hollywood actor and human rights activist Mia Farrow, Bollywood celebrities Aamir Khan, John Abraham, Filmmaker Onir and Farhan Akhtar too criticised the SC verdict.Activists staging a protest at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) venue of Kairali Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday against the SC verdict on homosexuality. When quizzed on the uproar against the gay sex verdict, Judge Singhvi said that those criticising the verdict must read it fully first - DC/A.V. Muzafar

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Rahul Gandhi holds strategy session with top leaders, CMs

New Delhi: In the first major poll exercise after the party's drubbing in recent Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi on Friday held a strategy session with top leaders and Chief Ministers of 12 Congress-ruled states to make the party fighting fit for the Lok Sabha polls.
The day-long exercise that commenced in the morning saw full attendance of Congress Chief Ministers along with senior leaders A K Antony, Sushilkumar Shinde, P Chidambaram, Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, Digvijay Singh, Janardan Dwivedi, Kapil Sibal and K B Thomas.
Having lost the polls in Delhi and Rajasthan, Congress is currently in power in 12 states--- Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala and Meghalaya. With the election defeats rankling in memory, the party is keen to work out the strategy to retain the states where it is in power at present as there seems little possibility of it doing very well in the states already ruled by BJP as the Assembly elections showed.
While BJP bettered its performance in Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradesh, it managed to retain Chhattisgarh despite Congress doing well in Bastar riding over a sympathy wave after the Maoist massacre of its leadership.
The margin with which BJP wrested power from Congress in Rajasthan has also come a surprise for Congress. In Delhi while BJP managed to somewhat weather the AAP storm, Congress was virtually wiped out. So "home is where we gather grace" seems to be mantra of the meeting as the party is keen to retain Congress-ruled states.
The role of Chief Ministers like Virbhadra Singh in Himachal Pradesh and Bhupinder Singh Hooda in Haryana could be important as such. The meeting being held at 15, Rakabganj Road, also known as Congress War Room, to work out poll strategies will discuss the future course for the party in the wake of the passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill.
The issue of price rise and steps to arrest it will be taken up in detail at the conclave which will also discuss the food security issue. Party-ruled Haryana and Uttarakhand were among the first to launch the scheme, which UPA believes is a gamechanger for 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi has a degree from Cambridge University, but when it comes to politics, he has his backroom boys as advisors. From what he wears to what he talks, everything is scrutinised. This is the team, comprising Oxford scholars to former bureaucrats, that stands by Rahul as he takes on BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi in the forthcoming general elections. An Oxford graduate, Kaushal Vidyarthee is currently the programme manager at Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana. As a student, he was vice-president at Oxford University Student Union. What caught Rahul's attention was avid blogger's interest in research, especially the one on incorporation of Dalits in the economy. (photo courtesy: vidyarthee.com) As part of the committee in-charge of electoral strategy, Dr. Mohan Gopal provides academic insight into party's decisions. The second ever all India president of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) Gopal plans training programmes for Congress Youth members.Koppula Raju, a 1981 batch IAS officer from Hyderabad who quit his job two months ago to join Rahul, is the chairman of the Congress cell on schedule castes. He travels extensively with Rahul, holding parleys with state unit leaders. He was one among the bureaucrats, who were kidnapped by the erstwhile People's War Group Naxalites, in Gurtedu, in East Godavari district, in 1987. Kanishka Singh, an investment banker, gave up his job at the World Bank to join politics in 2003, the year he was part of the team that helped Delhi CM Sheila Dixit's sweep in the assembly polls. Ever since Congress won Amethi seat in 2004, he has been a companion of Rahul. Singh, a computer engineer and MBA from Wharton, was in charge of door-to-door campaigning in the Saraini Assembly segment.K B Byju, former SPG sharp shooter who provided protection to the Gandhi family, quit forces three years ago to take a plunge into politics. He is the point person for Rahul's (in pic) outstation tours as he coordinates with security personnel and at times, he acts as media coordinator too. (Byju's pic was not available)Sachin Rao, a graduate of the Michigan Business School, manages matters concerning internal surveys and also Youth Congress. Alankar Sawai, a former banker, is now in-charge of documents and social media in the Rahul's team. Like Sachin Rao, Sawai also looks after Youth Congress affairs. (Alankar's pic wasn't available)Apart from this core team, Rahul has others providing him advice on many fronts. Congress leader Digvijay Singh is commonly known as Rahul's mentor or personal loud speaker. Lok Sabha MP from Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, Meenakshi Natarajan, is often referred by Rahul as a politician who has made success despite not having pedigree. She lives by her rules as taking public transport.
View the original article here

Rahul Gandhi holds strategy session with top leaders, CMs

New Delhi: In the first major poll exercise after the party's drubbing in recent Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi on Friday held a strategy session with top leaders and Chief Ministers of 12 Congress-ruled states to make the party fighting fit for the Lok Sabha polls.

The day-long exercise that commenced in the morning saw full attendance of Congress Chief Ministers along with senior leaders A K Antony, Sushilkumar Shinde, P Chidambaram, Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, Digvijay Singh, Janardan Dwivedi, Kapil Sibal and K B Thomas.

Having lost the polls in Delhi and Rajasthan, Congress is currently in power in 12 states--- Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala and Meghalaya. With the election defeats rankling in memory, the party is keen to work out the strategy to retain the states where it is in power at present as there seems little possibility of it doing very well in the states already ruled by BJP as the Assembly elections showed.

While BJP bettered its performance in Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradesh, it managed to retain Chhattisgarh despite Congress doing well in Bastar riding over a sympathy wave after the Maoist massacre of its leadership.

The margin with which BJP wrested power from Congress in Rajasthan has also come a surprise for Congress. In Delhi while BJP managed to somewhat weather the AAP storm, Congress was virtually wiped out. So "home is where we gather grace" seems to be mantra of the meeting as the party is keen to retain Congress-ruled states.

The role of Chief Ministers like Virbhadra Singh in Himachal Pradesh and Bhupinder Singh Hooda in Haryana could be important as such. The meeting being held at 15, Rakabganj Road, also known as Congress War Room, to work out poll strategies will discuss the future course for the party in the wake of the passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill.

The issue of price rise and steps to arrest it will be taken up in detail at the conclave which will also discuss the food security issue. Party-ruled Haryana and Uttarakhand were among the first to launch the scheme, which UPA believes is a gamechanger for 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi has a degree from Cambridge University, but when it comes to politics, he has his backroom boys as advisors. From what he wears to what he talks, everything is scrutinised. This is the team, comprising Oxford scholars to former bureaucrats, that stands by Rahul as he takes on BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi in the forthcoming general elections. An Oxford graduate, Kaushal Vidyarthee is currently the programme manager at Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana. As a student, he was vice-president at Oxford University Student Union. What caught Rahul's attention was avid blogger's interest in research, especially the one on incorporation of Dalits in the economy. (photo courtesy: vidyarthee.com) As part of the committee in-charge of electoral strategy, Dr. Mohan Gopal provides academic insight into party's decisions. The second ever all India president of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) Gopal plans training programmes for Congress Youth members.Koppula Raju, a 1981 batch IAS officer from Hyderabad who quit his job two months ago to join Rahul, is the chairman of the Congress cell on schedule castes. He travels extensively with Rahul, holding parleys with state unit leaders. He was one among the bureaucrats, who were kidnapped by the erstwhile People's War Group Naxalites, in Gurtedu, in East Godavari district, in 1987. Kanishka Singh, an investment banker, gave up his job at the World Bank to join politics in 2003, the year he was part of the team that helped Delhi CM Sheila Dixit's sweep in the assembly polls. Ever since Congress won Amethi seat in 2004, he has been a companion of Rahul. Singh, a computer engineer and MBA from Wharton, was in charge of door-to-door campaigning in the Saraini Assembly segment.K B Byju, former SPG sharp shooter who provided protection to the Gandhi family, quit forces three years ago to take a plunge into politics. He is the point person for Rahul's (in pic) outstation tours as he coordinates with security personnel and at times, he acts as media coordinator too. (Byju's pic was not available)Sachin Rao, a graduate of the Michigan Business School, manages matters concerning internal surveys and also Youth Congress. Alankar Sawai, a former banker, is now in-charge of documents and social media in the Rahul's team. Like Sachin Rao, Sawai also looks after Youth Congress affairs. (Alankar's pic wasn't available)Apart from this core team, Rahul has others providing him advice on many fronts. Congress leader Digvijay Singh is commonly known as Rahul's mentor or personal loud speaker. Lok Sabha MP from Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, Meenakshi Natarajan, is often referred by Rahul as a politician who has made success despite not having pedigree. She lives by her rules as taking public transport.

View the original article here

Rahul Gandhi holds strategy session with top leaders, CMs

New Delhi: In the first major poll exercise after the party's drubbing in recent Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi on Friday held a strategy session with top leaders and Chief Ministers of 12 Congress-ruled states to make the party fighting fit for the Lok Sabha polls.

The day-long exercise that commenced in the morning saw full attendance of Congress Chief Ministers along with senior leaders A K Antony, Sushilkumar Shinde, P Chidambaram, Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, Digvijay Singh, Janardan Dwivedi, Kapil Sibal and K B Thomas.

Having lost the polls in Delhi and Rajasthan, Congress is currently in power in 12 states--- Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala and Meghalaya. With the election defeats rankling in memory, the party is keen to work out the strategy to retain the states where it is in power at present as there seems little possibility of it doing very well in the states already ruled by BJP as the Assembly elections showed.

While BJP bettered its performance in Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradesh, it managed to retain Chhattisgarh despite Congress doing well in Bastar riding over a sympathy wave after the Maoist massacre of its leadership.

The margin with which BJP wrested power from Congress in Rajasthan has also come a surprise for Congress. In Delhi while BJP managed to somewhat weather the AAP storm, Congress was virtually wiped out. So "home is where we gather grace" seems to be mantra of the meeting as the party is keen to retain Congress-ruled states.

The role of Chief Ministers like Virbhadra Singh in Himachal Pradesh and Bhupinder Singh Hooda in Haryana could be important as such. The meeting being held at 15, Rakabganj Road, also known as Congress War Room, to work out poll strategies will discuss the future course for the party in the wake of the passage of Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill.

The issue of price rise and steps to arrest it will be taken up in detail at the conclave which will also discuss the food security issue. Party-ruled Haryana and Uttarakhand were among the first to launch the scheme, which UPA believes is a gamechanger for 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi has a degree from Cambridge University, but when it comes to politics, he has his backroom boys as advisors. From what he wears to what he talks, everything is scrutinised. This is the team, comprising Oxford scholars to former bureaucrats, that stands by Rahul as he takes on BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi in the forthcoming general elections. An Oxford graduate, Kaushal Vidyarthee is currently the programme manager at Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana. As a student, he was vice-president at Oxford University Student Union. What caught Rahul's attention was avid blogger's interest in research, especially the one on incorporation of Dalits in the economy. (photo courtesy: vidyarthee.com) As part of the committee in-charge of electoral strategy, Dr. Mohan Gopal provides academic insight into party's decisions. The second ever all India president of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) Gopal plans training programmes for Congress Youth members.Koppula Raju, a 1981 batch IAS officer from Hyderabad who quit his job two months ago to join Rahul, is the chairman of the Congress cell on schedule castes. He travels extensively with Rahul, holding parleys with state unit leaders. He was one among the bureaucrats, who were kidnapped by the erstwhile People's War Group Naxalites, in Gurtedu, in East Godavari district, in 1987. Kanishka Singh, an investment banker, gave up his job at the World Bank to join politics in 2003, the year he was part of the team that helped Delhi CM Sheila Dixit's sweep in the assembly polls. Ever since Congress won Amethi seat in 2004, he has been a companion of Rahul. Singh, a computer engineer and MBA from Wharton, was in charge of door-to-door campaigning in the Saraini Assembly segment.K B Byju, former SPG sharp shooter who provided protection to the Gandhi family, quit forces three years ago to take a plunge into politics. He is the point person for Rahul's (in pic) outstation tours as he coordinates with security personnel and at times, he acts as media coordinator too. (Byju's pic was not available)Sachin Rao, a graduate of the Michigan Business School, manages matters concerning internal surveys and also Youth Congress. Alankar Sawai, a former banker, is now in-charge of documents and social media in the Rahul's team. Like Sachin Rao, Sawai also looks after Youth Congress affairs. (Alankar's pic wasn't available)Apart from this core team, Rahul has others providing him advice on many fronts. Congress leader Digvijay Singh is commonly known as Rahul's mentor or personal loud speaker. Lok Sabha MP from Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, Meenakshi Natarajan, is often referred by Rahul as a politician who has made success despite not having pedigree. She lives by her rules as taking public transport.

View the original article here

Telangana is no cup of joy, Kiran Reddy tells Rahul Gandhi

Hyderabad: On Friday, Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states and other AICC leaders seemed surprised when Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy urged AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi not to go ahead with the state bifurcation as it would spell disaster for the party in the upcoming general elections.

Reddy also informed the Congress vice-president that public attendance in the thanksgiving meetings that were being organised in Telangana to honour AICC president Sonia Gandhi were also poor. That, coupled with the Narendra Modi wave and the TRS stealing the Congress’ thunder regarding bifurcation, meant that the party could not be sure of securing maximum seats even in Telangana.

Gandhi had convened the party Chief Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi on Friday to ask them to give more impetus to the drive ag-ainst corruption, take up more pro-poor schemes, and to effecti-vely execute the welfare projects taken up by the UPA-II government.

He also wanted to know the ground-level political situations in the respective states, including possibilities of tie-ups with like-minded parties.
Reddy had exclusive talks with Gandhi on the sidelines of the meeting and urged him to reverse the Tela-ngana decision so that he could ensure a respectable number of seats for the Congress in the state upcoming polls.

T meet turnouts poor, says Kiran

Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy said that even the thanksgiving meetings organised by Telangana Congress leaders did not go off well in as the turnouts for the meetings had been poor.

He did not seek an appointment with Congress president Sonia Gandhi this time too. He has not met the party chief since July 12 meeting of the Congress Core Committee, when he had made his presentation for the united AP cause.

Sources said that when Mr Reddy’s turn came to speak in the meeting, he said that with the recent decision by the Centre to carve out Telangana, the political situation in the state had completely changed and there was no guarantee that the Congress would have a respectable showing in the coming elections owing to the bifurcation.

According to him, the Congress would not repeat its 2009 performance in Telangana (50 Assembly and 12 Lok Sabha seats), let alone the landslide win that the party high command was expecting for granting T state.

He reportedly observed that despite his repeated requests to keep the state united, the high command had acted in haste and decided to divide AP. He said that despite his government introducing several schemes, which had significantly decreased the anti-incumbency factor, the bifurcation decision had made matters worse.

He reported that TRS men were claiming credit for creation of Telangana.

He also reportedly informed that the Narendra Modi factor and TRS activists taking credit for the Telangana state were also impacting the Telangana voter.

Mr Reddy informed the leaders that there was widespread resentment in Seemandhra over the bifurcation decision, otherwise things would have been entirely different in the upcoming elections.
Regarding taking up pro-poor measures, particularly the food security scheme, Mr Reddy informed that the AP government had been supplying food grains at Rs 1 per kg. He also distributed a booklet containing various programmes and schemes in this regard.

After keeping mum for sometime, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy has once again raised voice against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to form a separate Telangana. He cautioned millions of farmers in Seemandhra and Telangana regions of the serious consequences of division of the state. According to him, the bifurcation was done without addressing key issues of water, power and infrastructure, which could lead to deficit and bigger problems. He fears the lapses in water distribution would erupt.In Andhra Pradesh, the dams located in one region serve the needs of other region. For example, Srisailam dam is located in Rayalaseema, but it serves the irrigation needs of Rayalaseema, Telangana and Andhra regions. So, Kiran is worried as how can that waters be shared. Telangana comprises 68 pc of the catchment area of the Krishna river and 79 pc catchment area of Godavari river. Utilising these resources for the development of the region will be a big challenge for the state.Andhra Pradesh's major rivers include Godavari, Krishna and Pennar. According to the Krishna tribunal award, Maharashtra gets 560 tmc feet of water, Karnataka 700 TMC and Andhra Pradesh 811 TMC. The Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar dams are central to the Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh. (1 TMC equals 28.3 billion litres).The Nagarjunasagar dam is right on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and caters to the irrigation needs of Andhra and Telangana. Kiran feels the new state would badly hit irrigation projects.Godavari is less exploited as compared with Krishna and most of the water flows into the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari Waters Disputes Tribunal in 1975 awarded 1,480 TMC to Andhra Pradesh, but proponents of separate Telangana are demanding more than 60 pc of that water share.As for agriculture is concerned, Seemandhra regions are better irrigated and account for 60 pc of total crops cultivated in Andhra Pradesh. Telangana has over 65 pc agriculture pumpsets. But with Telangana expected to face at least 40-50 pc power shortage, the irrigation projects will be affected.Currently in Andhra Pradesh, the power generation is only 57 million units per day against a demand of 115 MU. Though Telangana boasts of major coal deposits, Seemandhra has more gas-based stations with higher installed capacity of power. The Ramagundam thermal power station is in Telangana but is controlled by the Centre.Kiran accused TRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao of misleading farmers with a promise to bring 10,000 MW from Chhattisgarh since the installed capacity of the neighbouring state was only 6300 MW.Before bifurcating the state, the Centre, Kiran feels, must have clarity on the status of Hyderabad, which several people from Seemandhra made their home after the formation of AP decades ago.Even as APNGO members are protesting against shifting of the secretariat employees to Seemandhra, Kiran rejected the TRS statistics and said out of 18,856 employees identified as non-locals under GO 610, 9,174 were repatriated and 4,062 were exempted as per the rules.As the capital of united AP for nearly 60 years, Hyderabad city has witnessed enormous growth and transformed into a large metropolis. In the process, many other regions of the State have been neglected. People from Andhra and Rayalaseema are heavily dependent on Hyderabad for health facilities, education and employment opportunities.

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Telangana is no cup of joy, Kiran Reddy tells Rahul Gandhi

Hyderabad: On Friday, Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states and other AICC leaders seemed surprised when Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy urged AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi not to go ahead with the state bifurcation as it would spell disaster for the party in the upcoming general elections.

Reddy also informed the Congress vice-president that public attendance in the thanksgiving meetings that were being organised in Telangana to honour AICC president Sonia Gandhi were also poor. That, coupled with the Narendra Modi wave and the TRS stealing the Congress’ thunder regarding bifurcation, meant that the party could not be sure of securing maximum seats even in Telangana.

Gandhi had convened the party Chief Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi on Friday to ask them to give more impetus to the drive ag-ainst corruption, take up more pro-poor schemes, and to effecti-vely execute the welfare projects taken up by the UPA-II government.

He also wanted to know the ground-level political situations in the respective states, including possibilities of tie-ups with like-minded parties.
Reddy had exclusive talks with Gandhi on the sidelines of the meeting and urged him to reverse the Tela-ngana decision so that he could ensure a respectable number of seats for the Congress in the state upcoming polls.

T meet turnouts poor, says Kiran

Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy said that even the thanksgiving meetings organised by Telangana Congress leaders did not go off well in as the turnouts for the meetings had been poor.

He did not seek an appointment with Congress president Sonia Gandhi this time too. He has not met the party chief since July 12 meeting of the Congress Core Committee, when he had made his presentation for the united AP cause.

Sources said that when Mr Reddy’s turn came to speak in the meeting, he said that with the recent decision by the Centre to carve out Telangana, the political situation in the state had completely changed and there was no guarantee that the Congress would have a respectable showing in the coming elections owing to the bifurcation.

According to him, the Congress would not repeat its 2009 performance in Telangana (50 Assembly and 12 Lok Sabha seats), let alone the landslide win that the party high command was expecting for granting T state.

He reportedly observed that despite his repeated requests to keep the state united, the high command had acted in haste and decided to divide AP. He said that despite his government introducing several schemes, which had significantly decreased the anti-incumbency factor, the bifurcation decision had made matters worse.

He reported that TRS men were claiming credit for creation of Telangana.

He also reportedly informed that the Narendra Modi factor and TRS activists taking credit for the Telangana state were also impacting the Telangana voter.

Mr Reddy informed the leaders that there was widespread resentment in Seemandhra over the bifurcation decision, otherwise things would have been entirely different in the upcoming elections.
Regarding taking up pro-poor measures, particularly the food security scheme, Mr Reddy informed that the AP government had been supplying food grains at Rs 1 per kg. He also distributed a booklet containing various programmes and schemes in this regard.

After keeping mum for sometime, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy has once again raised voice against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to form a separate Telangana. He cautioned millions of farmers in Seemandhra and Telangana regions of the serious consequences of division of the state. According to him, the bifurcation was done without addressing key issues of water, power and infrastructure, which could lead to deficit and bigger problems. He fears the lapses in water distribution would erupt.In Andhra Pradesh, the dams located in one region serve the needs of other region. For example, Srisailam dam is located in Rayalaseema, but it serves the irrigation needs of Rayalaseema, Telangana and Andhra regions. So, Kiran is worried as how can that waters be shared. Telangana comprises 68 pc of the catchment area of the Krishna river and 79 pc catchment area of Godavari river. Utilising these resources for the development of the region will be a big challenge for the state.Andhra Pradesh's major rivers include Godavari, Krishna and Pennar. According to the Krishna tribunal award, Maharashtra gets 560 tmc feet of water, Karnataka 700 TMC and Andhra Pradesh 811 TMC. The Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar dams are central to the Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh. (1 TMC equals 28.3 billion litres).The Nagarjunasagar dam is right on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and caters to the irrigation needs of Andhra and Telangana. Kiran feels the new state would badly hit irrigation projects.Godavari is less exploited as compared with Krishna and most of the water flows into the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari Waters Disputes Tribunal in 1975 awarded 1,480 TMC to Andhra Pradesh, but proponents of separate Telangana are demanding more than 60 pc of that water share.As for agriculture is concerned, Seemandhra regions are better irrigated and account for 60 pc of total crops cultivated in Andhra Pradesh. Telangana has over 65 pc agriculture pumpsets. But with Telangana expected to face at least 40-50 pc power shortage, the irrigation projects will be affected.Currently in Andhra Pradesh, the power generation is only 57 million units per day against a demand of 115 MU. Though Telangana boasts of major coal deposits, Seemandhra has more gas-based stations with higher installed capacity of power. The Ramagundam thermal power station is in Telangana but is controlled by the Centre.Kiran accused TRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao of misleading farmers with a promise to bring 10,000 MW from Chhattisgarh since the installed capacity of the neighbouring state was only 6300 MW.Before bifurcating the state, the Centre, Kiran feels, must have clarity on the status of Hyderabad, which several people from Seemandhra made their home after the formation of AP decades ago.Even as APNGO members are protesting against shifting of the secretariat employees to Seemandhra, Kiran rejected the TRS statistics and said out of 18,856 employees identified as non-locals under GO 610, 9,174 were repatriated and 4,062 were exempted as per the rules.As the capital of united AP for nearly 60 years, Hyderabad city has witnessed enormous growth and transformed into a large metropolis. In the process, many other regions of the State have been neglected. People from Andhra and Rayalaseema are heavily dependent on Hyderabad for health facilities, education and employment opportunities.

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APSRTC decides to make contract employees permanen:

Hyderabad, December 31:

The year 2014 would be auspicious for the contract employees of APSRTC. The Govt. of A.P. has decided to regularize the services of the contract and temporary employees of APSRTC. Nearly 24, 000 employees will benefit from it. It is said that the orders will be issued in 2 or 3 days. APSRTC Employees’ Union and RTC Telangana Mazdoor Union have welcomed this decision of the Govt. They termed it as the new year gift and said that the struggle of the unions has been successful.

--Siasat News

D.Ed First year exams postponed:

  Hyderabad, December 31: Authentic sources of Commission of Govt. Examinations informed that the first year examinations of D.Ed have been postponed. The revised schedule of examinations will be announced later.

Why not include Muzaffarnagar riot victims in the celebrations of Miladun Nabi: Wednesday, 1 January 2014 Hyderabad, January 01: Over 60 people were killed in the Muzaffarnagar riots. The women belonging to the minority community have been victimized through brutal rapes. Some incidents have been reported that younger girls were stripped naked in front of everyone and then burnt alive. Many girls have been kidnapped and are still missing. More than 30000 people are compelled to live in the camps in this killing cold. Some Muslim organizations and few philanthropists tried to heal the pain of riot affected people but much more needs to be done. With the blessed month of Rabiul Awwal on the horizon we can take this opportunity to help riot affected people. There is no better occasion to rekindle the fire of love for our Prophet (pbuh). Will it not be better to cut our daily expenses and donate the savings for riot victims? Will it not be better if we celebrate Miladun Nabi in a simple way and spend the amount for Muzaffarnagar riot victims? Persuading donations to the Muzaffarnagar victims Maulana Mufti Khaleel Ahmed said we should also include our brothers in the happiness of Miladun nabi by spending generously on them. Maulana Mufti Abdul Mughanni Mazahari president city Jamiatul Ulama-e-Hind said we should dedicate ourselves in good deeds during these two blessed months. Bother Asifuddin Mohammed cited the example of muhajirin and ansar; when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) arrived in Madina, he declared brotherhood between the Muhajirin and the Ansar. After the establishment of the Brotherhood between the Muhajirin and the Ansar, the Ansar were eager to divide their every possession with their new brothers. Quite a few Ansar even divorced some of their wives to give to their brothers who had arrived from Makkah without their families or without their wives. We can’t go to that extent but still we can donate few rupees to bring a ray of happiness in the lives of those refugees. He said. Siasat news Recruitments on VRO & VRA posts, time for MFD to wake up: Hyderabad, January 01: With the issue of notification regarding recruitments on the posts of Village Revenue Officer and Village Revenue Assistants, hectic activity began on various levels. According to revenue department nearly 7776 posts will be filled. The BC Welfare department has issued notification offering training to BC students at 22 training centres. Muslim youth included in BC (E) category can avail the training provided by the BC Welfare department. 2nd January 2014 is the last date for application. The 30-day training programme will begin from January 3. Students with less than 1 lakh annual family income are eligible. Interested students can get further details from BC welfare website apfcwelfare.cgg.gov.in If the Minority Welfare Department starts short term courses on par with BC welfare department it will help many Muslim youth to get government jobs. Siasat news Students get encouraged by scholarships : Hyderabad, January 01: Students get scholarship on the basis of their meritorious performance it helps in encouraging them. By receiving scholarship students can improve their performance. Today girls outshine boys hence they must be encouraged. These views were expressed by Mr. Zahed Ali Khan editor Siasat addressing the scholarship distribution function of Azra Masood Educational Charitable Trust, at Mahboob Husain Jigar Hall. He said the more languages one learns the more knowledge he becomes. Urdu is our mother tongue; Telugu is a state language while English is an international language. Being well-versed in these languages helps in getting a good position in the society. He congratulated Mir Shujat Ali Masood. Allama Aijaz Farrukh said all the sciences of the world originated from Islamic teachings. He further said students get encouraged after getting scholarship. Rs. 1 lakh 46 thousand were distributed among 112 students. Urdu teachers and lecturers were also given awards. Siasat news Telangana Bill to rock Andhra Assembly session starting Jan 3: Hyderabad, January 01: The Winter session of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, resuming on January 3, is expected to generate much heat as the debate on the draft Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation bill, 2013 is on the agenda. The Winter session of the Assembly began on December 12 and the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the house had decided to take up a debate on the draft bill, but that did not happen due to the din over the issue. The Assembly was adjourned on December 19 for resumption on January 3. The President had given time till January 23 for the legislature to return the draft bill after due deliberations when he sent it to the Assembly on December 12. The members are vertically divided on regional lines with those from Telangana seeking the House to quickly return the bill to the President giving its views in support of separate statehood for the region, while their Seemandhra (as Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema are together known) counterparts opposing it. The draft bill and debate in the assembly is expected to generate much heat as both the sides have called for protests in support of their respective demands during the session. TRS and other pro-Telangana outfits have planned to organise a massive sit-in in Hyderabad early this month to press for their demand that the proposed Telangana state should not have any restrictions like law and order being entrusted to Governor. This was contemplated as a way of addressing the concerns of safety and security to Seemandhra people living in Hyderabad. Significantly, TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao had met state Panchayat Raj Minister K Jana Reddy and other Telangana leaders last month and they decided to work in coordination over the draft bill and others in the interest of Telangana people. On the other hand, the pro-united Andhra employees and others have called for a shut-down on January 3, when the session resumes, in protest against the draft bill being taken up for debate. The pro-united Andhra outfits plan to step up their protests during the debate in the legislature. Some sections in the Seemandhra camp are opposed to any form of debate on the draft bill on the ground that it may amount to agreeing to division, while others favour participating in the debate on the draft and voicing their opposition. There are some who argue that the members should try to delay debate on the draft bill and seek more time from President so that division can be prevented before the fast-approaching 2014 general elections. YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), now campaigning against the division of Andhra Pradesh, asserts that the legislature should first pass a resolution in favour of keeping the state united to preempt bifurcation. Some Seemandhra Congress MPs and others suggest that the members from the two regions participate in the debate and record their opposition to the division. Shutdown in Telangana district over change in minister's portfolio: Hyderabad, January 01: Karimnagar district of Telangana region is observing a shutdown Wednesday to protest Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy's move in taking away the legislative affairs portfolio from Civil Supplies Minister D. Sridhar Babu. Shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed while buses of state-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) went off the roads in the district on a call given by the district unit of the Congress party. Congress workers took to streets raising slogans against the chief minister, burning his effigies and tyres. Telangana leaders across party lines have condemned the chief minister's action and described it as another attempt to stall formation of Telangana state. In a development late Tuesday, the chief minister divested Sridhar Babu of legislative affairs portfolio and allotted it to Primary Education Minister S. Sailajanth, who is opposing formation of a separate Telangana state. The move sparked a row as it came a couple of days before Andhra Pradesh assembly set to begin debate on the bill for formation of a separate Telangana state. The legislative affairs minister plays a key role by assisting the speaker in running the house and conducting the debate. Kiran Reddy, himself a staunch integrationist, was unhappy with Sridhar Babu for claiming that the debate on Telangana bill had started. This was in contrast to the chief minister's assertion the debate is yet to start. President Pranab Mukherjee had referred Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill 2013 to the state assembly Dec 12 for its views but it could be tabled only Dec 16. Amid the protests by legislators from Seemandhra, Sridhar Babu rose to support the bill and urged Deputy Speaker Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka to begin the debate. The chair asked leader of opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu to speak but he was not present in the house. Later, Sridhar Babu and other ministers from Telangana claimed that the debate has already started on the bill. Opposing the state's bifurcation, Seemandhra legislators stalled the house for four days. The assembly was adjourned till Jan 3. The second phase of the winter session will continue till Jan 23, the last date prescribed by the president for the assembly to send back the bill with its views. --IANS Traffic medians around Charminar, conspiracy against push-cart vendors: Hyderabad, January 01: Installation of traffic medians is in full swing at the prime roads of old city around Charminar. But these road dividers are becoming a menace for the commuters. Instead of ensuring free flow of traffic, these medians increase traffic congestion. From Mandi Meer Alam road to Charminar and from Makkah masjid to bus stand road, medians have been installed. Similarly road dividers are also installed from Gulzar Houz to Pathergatti. Despite this traffic flow is not smooth. Local businessmen are surprised over this and asking the question whether government has dropped the idea of Charminar pedestrian project or are they joking with the people of old city. When asked the officials fail to give proper reply. When the Charminar pedestrian project began lofty claims were made. Government released crores of rupees and the work began; but now medians are being installed in the name of ensuring free flow of traffic. One of the GHMC officer told that these dividers are being installed to evict pushcarts and roadside shops. The number of pus-carts and road-side shops has increased for a couple of years. So we are trying to evict them. This reflects what conspiracies are behind the developmental steps taken in old city. Small shop owners and push-cart vendors have to say that they are eking out their livelihood in this area for years. They have been assured time and again that they will not be harassed but the harassment by traffic police, municipality and local goons continues unabated. Siasat news MIM MLA in the dock: Hyderabad, December 31: The high court has directedGreater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation(GHMC) and AP State Wakf Board (APSWB) to take immediate steps to prevent the illegal construction going on at Takia Ibadullah Shah Saheb, a wakf property in Dabeerpura. It also asked Malakpet legislator Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala, among respondents, to explain why a petition seeking HC's intervention in the case should not be admitted. Justice Nooty Rammohana Rao on Monday issued the interim order after wakf protection activist Osman bin Mohammed al Hajiri in his petition claimed that Balala and the mutawalli of the wakf property Syed Kaleemullah Shah Qadri had constructed a structure within a Muslim graveyard which contradicted the purpose of wakf. He posted the matter for consideration after six weeks of giving the order. The other respondents include the GHMC commissioner, GHMC zonal commissioner (South), commissioner of police, APSWB chief executive officer and principal secretary of the minorities welfare department. Documents in TOI's possession show that Balala had sought GHMC's administrative sanction of Rs 10.20 lakh. A work order to the effect was issued on October 5. Another document shows the legislator recommending to the GHMC zonal commissioner (South) that work be taken up. A recent joint report filed by inspector auditor and task force officer of the APSWB, after a spot inspection of the property spread over 10,164 square yards, observed that the property was notified wakf land, therefore, construction could begin only after the approval of the board. "The brother of Ikramullah Shah Qadri, representing himself as mutawalli, stated that the work is being done with the funds of the MLA and it is for the purpose of (establishing) a Deeni madrassa. He is directed not to take up any construction work until he obtains permission from the board," the report read. Interestingly, in a letter datedApril 4, Kaleemullah requested the GHMC to construct the rooms so that they could be utilised for storing material. However, work continued unabated in spite of district collector MK Meena's intervention. In a letter sent to GHMC commissioner on December 16, Meena had requested the officer concerned to 'inquire into the matter and take necessary action'. When contacted, GHMC zonal commissioner (South) said: "I have got the order copy and have instructed Circle IV executive engineer Chandra Gopal to halt work immediately." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/MIM-MLA-in-the-dock/ar... Book release function in Urdu University: Hyderabad, December 31: Prof. Shameem Hanafi of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi will deliver an extension lecture on “The frontiers of Urdu Language and Literature” at Maulana Azad National Urdu University. Prof. Mohammed Miyan, Vice Chancellor of Urdu University will preside over the function and will release the book on “Abul Kalam Azad: Vision and Action” written by Prof. B. Shaik Ali, former Vice Chancellor of Goa University. This book has been translated into Urdu by Dr. Abul Kalam, Head of the Dept. of Urdu at Maulana Azad National Urdu University. --Siasat News Felicitation to Mr. Zahid Ali Khan by various organizations: Hyderabad, December 31: Many Social and Voluntary organizations felicitated Mr. Zahid Ali Khan, Editor of Siasat Urdu Daily on his social services. Replying to the felicitation, Mr. Zahid Ali Khan told that Allah (SWT) has selected me for performing social service. I thank Allah for this and continue to work for the Educational uplift of the Muslims. It is my desire that I will continue work for the cause of Urdu till my last breath and to see the youngsters progressing in every field. He told that the Hyderabadis are getting awards in various parts of the world. Mr. Shiv Prasad, former MLA told that Mr. Zahid Ali Khan is proud citizen of Hyderabad. His getting award in London is a matter of joy for all of us. Mr. Shanker Lal Yadav, Mr. Azam Khan, Mr. Sudheer Kumar, Mr. Srivastav, Mr. Vijay Singh, Mr. Ranjeeth Singh, Mr. Abdul Raheem and others were present on this occasion. --Siasat News

260 injured in Philippines New Year countdown:

MANILA: Philippine authorities said more than 260 people had been injured by fireworks or stray bullets in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve.
The victims of early celebrations on Tuesday included an eight-year-old boy in the central city of Cebu who lost his right hand due to a powerful firecracker and a 40-year-old woman in Manila with an accidental gun wound.
The Health Department said fireworks had injured 253 people while eight others were hit by stray bullets and warned that more injuries or even deaths were expected as the country of 100 million greets the New Year in typically noisy fashion.
Spokesman Eric Tayag said they were bracing for “50-80 fireworks related injuries every hour in the 12-hour period” before and after midnight.
It is a belief in the mostly Catholic nation that making noise to welcome the New Year drives evil spirits away and ushers in good luck.
But many take it to the extreme by firing guns into the air and letting off powerful firecrackers despite a government ban.
Last year, two children were killed by stray bullets while more than 400 people were injured.
The deaths had triggered widespread public calls for stricter gun controls in a country with a thriving black market for guns where unlicensed pistols can be bought for as little as $100.
By law shops are only allowed to stocks small fireworks but many still sell large ones that could maim or kill if not handled properly.
And on Tuesday, last minute customers were rushing to buy their supplies, ignoring government calls for solemn celebrations.
“It will not be complete without firecrackers. It’s a family tradition and we can’t stop it just like that,” said Jepy Roxas after buying boxes of powerful firecrackers.
Among the favorites are “Judas’ belt,” named after the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ, which consists of a string of triangular crackers that pop like machine gunfire when set off.
A longer version, known by the Filipino word for python, is wrapped around lamp posts or trees to be set off minutes before the clock strikes midnight.

Modi will now seek wife, says Jharkhand minister:

Ranchi, December 30:

BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, now seeking iron scrap from the people for the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel statue, will one day seek a wife from the common people, a Jharkhand minister said Monday, creating a political row.

"Earlier, the BJP were seeking bricks (to build the temple in Ayodhya). Now Modi is seeking iron (for the Patel statue). Later, he will seek gold, and a time will come when he will seek a wife from the people. Modi is a 'bewa' (widower)," Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Mannan Mallik told reporters in Dhanbad.

State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rabindra Rai has demanded the immediate removal of the minister.

"The minister is mentally sick and Chief Minister Hemant Soren should remove him from the cabinet. How can a mentally sick person work as minister," Rai told IANS.

The Jharkhand Congress has also disowned the statement made by the minister, a member of the party.

"We have come to know about the statement. We disown the minister's statement and there is no place for such language in politics," Jharkhand Congress spokesperson Shailesh Sinha told IANS.

On Sunday, Modi addressed a "Vijay Sankalp" rally in Ranchi and blamed the Congress for the miserable condition of the state.

The Jharkhand Congress Monday sought an apology from the Modi and the BJP for his comment.

"The BJP ruled for 10 of the 13 years of formation of the state. The misrule of BJP in the state is responsible for the misery of the state. Modi and BJP should apologise to the people," Jharkhand Congress president Sukhdeo Bhagat said in a press conference Monday.(IANS)

Pillion riding ban in Karachi on New Year's eve:

KARACHI: Pillion riding will remain banned on New Year's night in the city. 

The notification issued here by the ..






Government, army on same page on terrorism: Nawaz:

Muhammad Saleh ZaafirISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said on Monday that attacks by terrorists on innocent civilians and personnel of the law enforcement agencies were intolerable and the government and the military were on the same page about tackling ...



Bangladesh orders arrest of factory owners for deadly fire:

DHAKA: A Bangladesh court Tuesday ordered the arrest of owners of a garment factory where 111 workers were killed last year in the country´s worst such fire, after police laid charges.

The court in Dhaka issued the warrants for Delwar Hossain and his wife Mahmuda Akter and four others over the blaze that gutted the Tazreen factory where workers stitched clothes for Western retailers including Walmart.

Senior judicial magistrate Wasim Sheikh gave the order after declaring all six "fugitives" for failing to appear in court over charges laid by police earlier this month against 13 people over the tragedy, a prosecutor said. The magistrate formally accepted the charges against the 13 including the owners, factory managers and security guards, who all face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.

"Dhaka´s senior judicial magistrate Wasim Sheikh issued the warrants of arrest against the two fugitive owners ... and four other company officials for the Tazreen factory fire," prosecutor Anwarul Kabir told.

"The owners and 11 others have been charged with arson, culpable homicide not amounting to murder and death by negligence," Kabir said. Seven of those charged were in court or in custody.

The fire, the country´s deadliest at a garment factory, highlighted appalling safety problems in the sector, a mainstay of the economy, where about four million workers toil for some of the lowest sector wages in the world.

The country suffered an even greater tragedy just months later in April when the Rana Plaza garment factory complex collapsed in Dhaka´s outskirts, killing 1,135 people in one of the world´s worst industrial disasters.

The arrest order signals a toughening stand by local authorities against influential garment manufacturers, who openly flout safety rules for Bangladesh´s 4,500 garment factories, where deadly accidents are common.

Police last week said it was possibly the first time an owner has been charged over a fire in the sector, which accounts for up to 80 percent of the impoverished country´s exports.

Delwar Hossain, who since the tragedy has been barred from leaving the country, has been accused of breaching construction rules including building unsafe and narrow staircases in the nine-storey building.

Hossain, who is the managing director of the factory and his wife the chairperson, could not be contacted for comment despite several calls to his mobile phone numbers.

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LHC declares delimitation of constituencies in Punjab void:

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) Tuesday declared new delimitations of the constituencies in the province void.

A full-bench of the high court in its ruling directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to conduct new demarcation of the constituencies in the province.

The court also ruled to hold local bodies elections in accordance with the schedule.

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Rampur (UP): Attacking Rahul Gandhi, UP Minister Azam Khan has said that instead of effectively addressing the issue of Muslim backwardness, the Congress leader was focusing on the welfare of the homosexual community.
Criticising the Congress Vice-President, the SP leader on Wednesday told reporters that Gandhi did not offer any help to the riot victims staying in the Muzaffarnagar relief camps. He claimed that maximum number of communal riots had occurred during the Congress regime and 'it was Muslims who suffered maximum devastation'.
On the Communal Violence Bill, Khan said, "had Congress been sincere to combat communalism, the Bill could have been passed much earlier".
He slammed the Congress-led UPA government on the issue of granting reservations to Jats, saying "Conditions of Muslims is more pathetic in comparison to even Dalits."
Asserting that he was not against reservation for Jats, he said, "Muslims are members of the largest minority community who deserve and need reservations. Those facing worst economic adversities should be given preference."
Lawyers address the media outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday after the court held that gay sex is a criminal offence. Advocate Anand Grover, who had argued the case, said Naz Foundation would file a petition for a review of SC's decision on the verdict. Gay rights activists embrace each other during a protest in New Delhi. Gay rights activists who were inside the courtroom were visibly upset while some outside broke down and hugged each other in consolation.Gay rights activists hold placards during a protest in Bangalore after the Supreme Court order that upheld the Section 377(unnatural offences) of the Indian Penal Code by ruling that the colonial-era law criminalizing homosexuality will remain in effect in India, entailing punishment up to life term. The judgement was pronounced by Justice GS Singhvi on his last working day as a SC Judge.A placard is tied to an umbrella held by a gay rights activist during the protest meeting in Bangalore. Activists staged protests across the nation after the verdict. The activists called it a 'black day' for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and vowed to carry on the fight to restore their rights including seeking its review.Gay rights activists shout slogans during the protest meeting in Bangalore. As members of LGBT community expressed shock and disappointment at the verdict, Additional Solicitor General of India, Indira Jaisingh threw her weight behind them, saying the court position is an imposition of 'medieval mindset' on the people of the country.A gay rights activist holds a placard during the protest meeting in Bangalore. "It is surprising that the court, which does judicial review on many issues, has put the ball in the court of Parliament to decide on homosexuality", said Indira Jaisingh.Gay rights activists attend a protest meeting in New Delhi. "The verdict was totally unexpected from the Supreme Court. It is a black day for the community," Arvind Narayan, a lawyer of the Alternative Law Forum gay rights group said.Gay rights activists shouting slogans during a protest in New Delhi. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said a lifestyle choice cannot be illegal. "People can take whatever stand their religious/moral beliefs dictate regarding #LGBT lifestyle choices but is terming it illegal not wrong?" Omar wrote on Twitter.A gay rights activist delivers a speech during the protest in New Delhi. "I don't support the Supreme Court decision. I think the Delhi High Court order was practical and constitutional. We are not in favour of the SC's decision, it is regressive. SC must review it", said Janata Dal United (JD-U) leader Shivanand Tiwari.A gay rights activist reacts to a speech during the protest in New Delhi. "These relationships are unethical as well as unnatural. They create problems in society, both moral and social. This is a sin as far as Islam is concerned", said S.Q.R Ilyas, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.Gay rights activists talk as they gather for a protest in Mumbai. A gay rights activist smokes a cigarette while listening to a speaker during the protest in New Delhi. "We have to abide by the decision," Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said reacting to the verdict. Gay rights activists shouting slogans at a Delhi protest rally. "The opinion of the Supreme Court has to be respected by the government," Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal said. A gay rights activist holds up a placard during the protest in New Delhi. "The Supreme Court has respected the sentiments of the various religious communities of India. Today they are talking of homosexuality, tomorrow they will talk of having sex with animals," Yoga guru Ramdev welcomed the judgement by saying that homosexuality is a disease.LGBT activists burst balloons during a protest against the SC ruling in Mumbai. A group of gay activists hold a banner against section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in Mumbai. Coalition for Sex Workers and Sexual Minorities Rights (CSMR) said that the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the constitutional validity of the penal provision making gay sex an offence punishable with upto life imprisonment was "deeply disappointing." LGBT activists protesting against the gay sex verdict in Mumbai. Activists say that the verdict withdraws the protective arm of the constitution from LGBT persons and renders LGBT persons vulnerable to discrimination, violence and harassment.Hollywood actor and human rights activist Mia Farrow, Bollywood celebrities Aamir Khan, John Abraham, Filmmaker Onir and Farhan Akhtar too criticised the SC verdict.Activists staging a protest at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) venue of Kairali Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday against the SC verdict on homosexuality. When quizzed on the uproar against the gay sex verdict, Judge Singhvi said that those criticising the verdict must read it fully first - DC/A.V. Muzafar
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