28 April 2009
Ahmedabad, April 28: Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) prime ministerial candidate L.K. Advani said here Tuesday that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan could be considered for the prime minister's post in the future.
"The BJP has systematically groomed the second generation of its leaders for the prime ministerial post. I am amazed by the excellent work done by the Madhya Pradesh chief minister in the last three years," Advani said at a press conference.
"Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is also an able administrator so the BJP will decide on who holds the prime minister's post in the future.
"I feel very happy when Narendra Modi is praised in public forums. There is no dispute over the prime minister's post in the party. In fact, the Congress is a family-based party," he added.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Advani slams Congress over Quattrocchi
28 April 2009
Gandhinagar, April 28: The Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) decision to remove Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, the lone surviving suspect in the Bofors gun payoff case, from its list of wanted persons reveals that the Congress did not think it was coming back to power, BJP leader L.K. Advani said here Tuesday.
Condemning the move, Advani said: "Manmohan Sigh's party wanted to remove his name from the list. The decision to remove from the list indicates they think their party will not come back to power after the elections. I condemn the government's decision."
Addressing a press conference in his constituency, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate said: "Rajiv Gandhi's party secured a majority in the 1984 elections but because of Bofors, it lost power in the next elections.
"Quattrocchi was considered close to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and he was allowed to run away when (the P.V.) Narasimha Rao government was in power.
"Later, he was declared wanted by the CBI. He was arrested in Argentina, his accounts were defreezed and he was allowed to take the money and efforts were made to wind up the case."
Advani also accused the Congress of using the CBI for the political purpose.
The case against Quattrocchi, known to be close to the late Rajiv Gandhi, who was prime minister in 1987 when the bribery scandal broke, and his wife Sonia, has taken tortuous twists and turns after he was named in a CBI chargesheet as the conduit for the Bofors bribe in 1999.
But he has has managed to evade interrogation.
The nearest the CBI came to him was in February 2007 when Quattrocchi was detained in Argentina on the basis of an Interpol warrant.
But the CBI took time in translating documents that were to be presented in the designated court there and also put up a half-hearted effort towards his extradition. It finally lost the case for his extradition four months later.
Gandhinagar, April 28: The Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) decision to remove Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, the lone surviving suspect in the Bofors gun payoff case, from its list of wanted persons reveals that the Congress did not think it was coming back to power, BJP leader L.K. Advani said here Tuesday.
Condemning the move, Advani said: "Manmohan Sigh's party wanted to remove his name from the list. The decision to remove from the list indicates they think their party will not come back to power after the elections. I condemn the government's decision."
Addressing a press conference in his constituency, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate said: "Rajiv Gandhi's party secured a majority in the 1984 elections but because of Bofors, it lost power in the next elections.
"Quattrocchi was considered close to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and he was allowed to run away when (the P.V.) Narasimha Rao government was in power.
"Later, he was declared wanted by the CBI. He was arrested in Argentina, his accounts were defreezed and he was allowed to take the money and efforts were made to wind up the case."
Advani also accused the Congress of using the CBI for the political purpose.
The case against Quattrocchi, known to be close to the late Rajiv Gandhi, who was prime minister in 1987 when the bribery scandal broke, and his wife Sonia, has taken tortuous twists and turns after he was named in a CBI chargesheet as the conduit for the Bofors bribe in 1999.
But he has has managed to evade interrogation.
The nearest the CBI came to him was in February 2007 when Quattrocchi was detained in Argentina on the basis of an Interpol warrant.
But the CBI took time in translating documents that were to be presented in the designated court there and also put up a half-hearted effort towards his extradition. It finally lost the case for his extradition four months later.
Friday, April 24, 2009
BJP will win highest number of seats: Advani
21 April 2009
Bangalore: The Bharatiya Janata Party was poised to win the highest number of seats in parliament, senior BJP leader L.K. Advani said here Tuesday.
"So far as my assessment is concerned, it seems to me that the largest single party in the new Lok Sabha would be the BJP. It also seems to me that the BJP along with its allies (in National Democratic Alliance) would be the largest alliance in parliament," Advani told reporters here during his two-day visit to Karnataka for poll campaign.
Asked which party or alliance should be invited to form the next government, the NDA prime ministerial candidate said: "The conventions are there in this regard. A party that would win the highest number of seats would get the opportunity to form the new government."
Though Advani admitted he could not predict the exact number of seats the party or the NDA would win, he expressed confidence that they would be able to get the mandate of the people to form a government.
"My assessment is based on feedback I got after visiting about 80 parliamentary constituencies during this period for electioneering. I have also visited more constituencies in the last six months to participate in the party's 'vijay sankalp rath yatra', where I was able to assess the change in the mood," Advani recalled.
The 10 allies of the BJP in the NDA are Shiromani Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, Janata Dal-United (JD-U), Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), Rashtriya Lok Dal, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), Uttarkhand Kranti Dal and Kantapur Progressive Party in West Bengal.
Terming the 15th Lok Sabha elections more crucial for the country than political parties or individuals, Advani said had the BJP won the 2004 elections, the country would have achieved a lot.
"But we failed, principally because we were overconfident at that time and the climate also bred that overconfidence even among our opponents. This time, I have cautioned my party leaders and cadres against being overconfident but work hard with self-confidence," the former deputy prime minister said.
A sober Advani, however, declined to join issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks that he (Advani) had been indulging in mudslinging against him during the last five years.
Asked if he was in favour of a law that would allow only members of the Lok Sabha to become prime minister, Advani said it was up to the political parties to build a consensus on it, as an amendment to the law would require a two-thirds majority to pass it in parliament.
Bangalore: The Bharatiya Janata Party was poised to win the highest number of seats in parliament, senior BJP leader L.K. Advani said here Tuesday.
"So far as my assessment is concerned, it seems to me that the largest single party in the new Lok Sabha would be the BJP. It also seems to me that the BJP along with its allies (in National Democratic Alliance) would be the largest alliance in parliament," Advani told reporters here during his two-day visit to Karnataka for poll campaign.
Asked which party or alliance should be invited to form the next government, the NDA prime ministerial candidate said: "The conventions are there in this regard. A party that would win the highest number of seats would get the opportunity to form the new government."
Though Advani admitted he could not predict the exact number of seats the party or the NDA would win, he expressed confidence that they would be able to get the mandate of the people to form a government.
"My assessment is based on feedback I got after visiting about 80 parliamentary constituencies during this period for electioneering. I have also visited more constituencies in the last six months to participate in the party's 'vijay sankalp rath yatra', where I was able to assess the change in the mood," Advani recalled.
The 10 allies of the BJP in the NDA are Shiromani Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, Janata Dal-United (JD-U), Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), Rashtriya Lok Dal, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), Uttarkhand Kranti Dal and Kantapur Progressive Party in West Bengal.
Terming the 15th Lok Sabha elections more crucial for the country than political parties or individuals, Advani said had the BJP won the 2004 elections, the country would have achieved a lot.
"But we failed, principally because we were overconfident at that time and the climate also bred that overconfidence even among our opponents. This time, I have cautioned my party leaders and cadres against being overconfident but work hard with self-confidence," the former deputy prime minister said.
A sober Advani, however, declined to join issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks that he (Advani) had been indulging in mudslinging against him during the last five years.
Asked if he was in favour of a law that would allow only members of the Lok Sabha to become prime minister, Advani said it was up to the political parties to build a consensus on it, as an amendment to the law would require a two-thirds majority to pass it in parliament.
No Lalu, no UPA, indicates Paswan
22 April 2009
Patna: Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan indicated Wednesday that it would rethink its relationship with the Congress if Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) Lalu Prasad was not part of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
"Jo secular forces hain usme bitterness nahin aani chahiye. Lekin agar Congress aisa keh rahi hai, tho hum sochenge. (There should no bitterness among secular forces. But if the Congress is saying so, we will think about it)," Paswan said when he was asked if he would continue in the UPA if Lalu Prasad was not in it.
Paswan, who is in his constituency Hajipur, told a television channel that it was too early to comment on an alliance with the Third Front.
The LJP chief's comment comes a day after the Congress took umbrage at Lalu Prasad's remark that the UPA's prime ministerial candidate would be decided only after the elections. An irate Pranab Mukherjee, a Congress leader, said in that case there would be a question mark on whether Lalu Prasad would be in the UPA government after the Lok Sabha polls.
The RJD chief, who had said he considered Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a "nice man", responded by saying "time will tell who is with whom".
Later in the night, the tensions eased with Mukherjee saying that Lalu Prasad had spoken to him on telephone to convey that he would be with the Congress in forming a UPA government.
The LJP and RJD have tied up for an alliance in Bihar, leaving the Congress to go it alone in the 40 Lok Sabha seats.
Patna: Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan indicated Wednesday that it would rethink its relationship with the Congress if Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) Lalu Prasad was not part of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
"Jo secular forces hain usme bitterness nahin aani chahiye. Lekin agar Congress aisa keh rahi hai, tho hum sochenge. (There should no bitterness among secular forces. But if the Congress is saying so, we will think about it)," Paswan said when he was asked if he would continue in the UPA if Lalu Prasad was not in it.
Paswan, who is in his constituency Hajipur, told a television channel that it was too early to comment on an alliance with the Third Front.
The LJP chief's comment comes a day after the Congress took umbrage at Lalu Prasad's remark that the UPA's prime ministerial candidate would be decided only after the elections. An irate Pranab Mukherjee, a Congress leader, said in that case there would be a question mark on whether Lalu Prasad would be in the UPA government after the Lok Sabha polls.
The RJD chief, who had said he considered Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a "nice man", responded by saying "time will tell who is with whom".
Later in the night, the tensions eased with Mukherjee saying that Lalu Prasad had spoken to him on telephone to convey that he would be with the Congress in forming a UPA government.
The LJP and RJD have tied up for an alliance in Bihar, leaving the Congress to go it alone in the 40 Lok Sabha seats.
Digvijay Singh booked for 'threatening' Mayawati
22 April 2009
Lucknow: Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh has been booked for violating the model code of conduct after he allegedly threatened to "use" the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, police said Wednesday.
"The case against Digvijay Singh was registered Tuesday night on the directions of the district administration," Hardoi Deputy Superintendent of Police B.B. Chaurasia told IANS on phone.
At a campaign rally Monday in Mallwan locality in Hardoi, about 110 km from here, Digvijay Singh reportedly said the central government would "use" the CBI against Mayawati if she continued to harass Congress workers.
Lucknow: Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh has been booked for violating the model code of conduct after he allegedly threatened to "use" the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, police said Wednesday.
"The case against Digvijay Singh was registered Tuesday night on the directions of the district administration," Hardoi Deputy Superintendent of Police B.B. Chaurasia told IANS on phone.
At a campaign rally Monday in Mallwan locality in Hardoi, about 110 km from here, Digvijay Singh reportedly said the central government would "use" the CBI against Mayawati if she continued to harass Congress workers.
Could consider PM's post: Karat
Tirupati: CPM general secretary Prakash Karat Wednesday said that he could consider accepting the post of Prime Minister under "inevitable circumstances", even as he categorically ruled supporting the Congress in forming the next government. Though he claimed that he was not at all interested in the post of Prime Minister, Karat told reporters that he would think of it if there was no other option.
Regarding the Left parties support to the Congress post-polls, Karat outrightly ruled out any such possibility and said that a non-Congress, non-BJP grouping would emerge as the largest political set up to form the next government at the Centre.
The Left parties would not support Congress in forming the next government "under any circumstances", he said. Congress would 'undoubtedly' not be in a position to form the next government and has now become all alone with allies deserting it.
Regarding the BJP he said that the saffron party was not going to open its account in several states.
Karat, accompanied by TDP Chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, was here to take part in the last leg of campaigning that came to a halt Tuesday evening.
Regarding the Left parties support to the Congress post-polls, Karat outrightly ruled out any such possibility and said that a non-Congress, non-BJP grouping would emerge as the largest political set up to form the next government at the Centre.
The Left parties would not support Congress in forming the next government "under any circumstances", he said. Congress would 'undoubtedly' not be in a position to form the next government and has now become all alone with allies deserting it.
Regarding the BJP he said that the saffron party was not going to open its account in several states.
Karat, accompanied by TDP Chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, was here to take part in the last leg of campaigning that came to a halt Tuesday evening.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Varun files papers, shows signs of maturity
23 Apr 2009,
LUCKNOW: Emotions, shades of agressiveness with tinge of `patriotism' and humour - the speeches of Varun Gandhi at Nawabganj and Bareilly on Wednesday had almost all the elements of a maturing politician. Effort to avoid any legal hassles were evident in whatever the latest poster boy Varun Gandhi said in his maiden speech after his release on parole. He filed his nomination at Pilibhit collectortate at around 2 pm.
Varun's motorcade moved within a heavy security cordon on the route with an armed escort vehicle leading the fleet and half a dozen armed cops around him as personal security officers (PSOs) provided from Delhi and UP police. The venues of Varun's public meetings had heavy deployment of security personnel including jawans from the rapid action force (RAF) and provincial armed constabulary (PAC), apart from the district police as at least video cameras were pressed into operation to shoot each and every movement of the young Gandhi.
Dotted with oneliners like: "Samman ki ladai ladta rahunga" (Will fight for honour), "main chup nahin baithunga" (will not sit back quietly) "Chahe mujhe dobara Etah jaana pade" (Even if I had to go to Etah {Jail?} again), Varun's speech at Nawabganj though had shades of aggressiveness, there were evident efforts to abstain from stepping over the guidelines set by himself in his affidavit submitted before the apex court.
His speech at the second venue - Bareilly - showed a more mature and lively Varun. After a formal appeal for the party candidate from Bareilly, Varun, pointing towards mother Maneka Gandhi who was sitting on the stage, said that his mother cried when he went to jail. "Now you people have to reply to my mothers's tears," Varun said as the crowed shouted in affirmative.
With promises like "main peechhe nahin hatunga" (I will not retreat) and "main aapke bachchon ke samman ke liye jail gaya tha" (I went to jail for the sake of your children's honour and prestige), he claimed that he believed in ahimsa (non-violence) and that his family has taught him not to differentiate between classes and masses. Further, he cautioned: "Agar garibon ke samman ko, kisano ke samman ko, rashtra bhakto ke samman ko koi haani pahunchayega jaise ki 28 tareekh ko Pilibhit mein hua jahan gareeb kison ko goliyan aur laathi khani padi, to main chup nahin baithunga ... chahe mujhe phir Etah jaana parde" (If anyone will dare attack the honour of the poor, the farmers, or the devoted Indians like they did on March 28 in Pilibhit where poor farmers had to face police bullets and laathis, then I will not sit back. Even if it meant going to Etah again)," Varun said amidst thunderous applause.
On a lighter note, moments before Varun concluded his speech, he said: "Kaheen maine kuch galat to nahi kaha...pata chala phir yahan se seedhe Etah jaana pad jaye" (I hope I haven't said anything wrong ... else I might have to go to Etah directly from here). The crowd burst into peels of laughter as Varun left the dais waving to the crowd in appreciation.
However minutes before Varun reached the venue, a few banners and posters reading: "Jo Hindutva ki baat karega wohi desh par raj karega" and "Garv se kaho hum Hindu hain" (Whoever will talk of Hindutva will get to rule India and be proud to say that your are a Hindu) that were hanging on the stage and fluttering near it, were quickly removed. Though the organisers insisted that they had to be removed because of the strong winds, the reason was more than apparent.
At around 2 pm, Varun reached the Pilibhit collectorate where he filed his nomination papers with mother Maneka Gandhi by his side along with a select few party leaders.
LUCKNOW: Emotions, shades of agressiveness with tinge of `patriotism' and humour - the speeches of Varun Gandhi at Nawabganj and Bareilly on Wednesday had almost all the elements of a maturing politician. Effort to avoid any legal hassles were evident in whatever the latest poster boy Varun Gandhi said in his maiden speech after his release on parole. He filed his nomination at Pilibhit collectortate at around 2 pm.
Varun's motorcade moved within a heavy security cordon on the route with an armed escort vehicle leading the fleet and half a dozen armed cops around him as personal security officers (PSOs) provided from Delhi and UP police. The venues of Varun's public meetings had heavy deployment of security personnel including jawans from the rapid action force (RAF) and provincial armed constabulary (PAC), apart from the district police as at least video cameras were pressed into operation to shoot each and every movement of the young Gandhi.
Dotted with oneliners like: "Samman ki ladai ladta rahunga" (Will fight for honour), "main chup nahin baithunga" (will not sit back quietly) "Chahe mujhe dobara Etah jaana pade" (Even if I had to go to Etah {Jail?} again), Varun's speech at Nawabganj though had shades of aggressiveness, there were evident efforts to abstain from stepping over the guidelines set by himself in his affidavit submitted before the apex court.
His speech at the second venue - Bareilly - showed a more mature and lively Varun. After a formal appeal for the party candidate from Bareilly, Varun, pointing towards mother Maneka Gandhi who was sitting on the stage, said that his mother cried when he went to jail. "Now you people have to reply to my mothers's tears," Varun said as the crowed shouted in affirmative.
With promises like "main peechhe nahin hatunga" (I will not retreat) and "main aapke bachchon ke samman ke liye jail gaya tha" (I went to jail for the sake of your children's honour and prestige), he claimed that he believed in ahimsa (non-violence) and that his family has taught him not to differentiate between classes and masses. Further, he cautioned: "Agar garibon ke samman ko, kisano ke samman ko, rashtra bhakto ke samman ko koi haani pahunchayega jaise ki 28 tareekh ko Pilibhit mein hua jahan gareeb kison ko goliyan aur laathi khani padi, to main chup nahin baithunga ... chahe mujhe phir Etah jaana parde" (If anyone will dare attack the honour of the poor, the farmers, or the devoted Indians like they did on March 28 in Pilibhit where poor farmers had to face police bullets and laathis, then I will not sit back. Even if it meant going to Etah again)," Varun said amidst thunderous applause.
On a lighter note, moments before Varun concluded his speech, he said: "Kaheen maine kuch galat to nahi kaha...pata chala phir yahan se seedhe Etah jaana pad jaye" (I hope I haven't said anything wrong ... else I might have to go to Etah directly from here). The crowd burst into peels of laughter as Varun left the dais waving to the crowd in appreciation.
However minutes before Varun reached the venue, a few banners and posters reading: "Jo Hindutva ki baat karega wohi desh par raj karega" and "Garv se kaho hum Hindu hain" (Whoever will talk of Hindutva will get to rule India and be proud to say that your are a Hindu) that were hanging on the stage and fluttering near it, were quickly removed. Though the organisers insisted that they had to be removed because of the strong winds, the reason was more than apparent.
At around 2 pm, Varun reached the Pilibhit collectorate where he filed his nomination papers with mother Maneka Gandhi by his side along with a select few party leaders.
Varun Gandhi files nomination in Pilibhit; vows to fight for Poor
BJP's Lok Sabha candidate, Varun Gandhi has filed nomination from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh. Varun was accompanied by his mother Maneka Gandhi, while filing the nomination. Addressing the huge gathering at Pilibhit, Varun said that he always believed in 'Ahimsa' or 'Non-Violence'. He also said that he is not afraid to go to jail. Varun not only recounted his bad experience in jail, but also vowed to fight for the poor and farmers.
Varun Gandhi, who is contesting the polls for the first time, looked solid and determined in the Nawabganj rally, as he said, "I am ready to be sent to Etah jail again and again, but will keep fighting for the issues related the dignity of poor people". He also played an emotional chord, by saying, "The public will answer for my mother's tears".
While addressing a huge rally in Pilibhit, Varun Gandhi was at his best by saying, "I will not accept insults heaped on my people - poor, women and farmers. I was there for you before. I am more committed to you now. Going to jail was insulting. But I did not go for myself. I went to jail to preserve your self-respect and your children. I will always be there to protect you".
Varun Gandhi also talked about his father Sanjay Gandhi, "My father was always true to his words. I am like my father in this respect". He recounted his bad experience at Etah jail, saying, "Only I knew what I went through in the jail. I saw my mother crying at Etah jail. I value her tears. I will always stand up for the poor and farmers, even if I am sent to jail again and again".
Varun also took a dig on Mayawati, saying "we need to fight casteism and regionalism". Maneka Gandhi thanked people for their support to Varun. "I owe a lot to people of Pilibhit. I thank you for standing by my son during his tough times. He will always safeguard your interests", said Maneka.
Varun Gandhi, who is contesting the polls for the first time, looked solid and determined in the Nawabganj rally, as he said, "I am ready to be sent to Etah jail again and again, but will keep fighting for the issues related the dignity of poor people". He also played an emotional chord, by saying, "The public will answer for my mother's tears".
While addressing a huge rally in Pilibhit, Varun Gandhi was at his best by saying, "I will not accept insults heaped on my people - poor, women and farmers. I was there for you before. I am more committed to you now. Going to jail was insulting. But I did not go for myself. I went to jail to preserve your self-respect and your children. I will always be there to protect you".
Varun Gandhi also talked about his father Sanjay Gandhi, "My father was always true to his words. I am like my father in this respect". He recounted his bad experience at Etah jail, saying, "Only I knew what I went through in the jail. I saw my mother crying at Etah jail. I value her tears. I will always stand up for the poor and farmers, even if I am sent to jail again and again".
Varun also took a dig on Mayawati, saying "we need to fight casteism and regionalism". Maneka Gandhi thanked people for their support to Varun. "I owe a lot to people of Pilibhit. I thank you for standing by my son during his tough times. He will always safeguard your interests", said Maneka.
Varun faces 'threat for speaking as true Indian'
20 Apr 2009,
NEW DELHI: Controversial Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Varun Gandhi on Monday said he was facing a "threat for speaking as a true Indian Bharatiya Janata Party leader Varun Gandhi.
against terrorism", and asked the Election Commission to direct the Uttar Pradesh government to upgrade his security.
"IB (Intelligence Bureau) reports have disclosed a threat to my safety. Apparently, I am being targeted for speaking out as a true Indian against terrorism," Varun Gandhi wrote to the poll panel.
"Accordingly, there has been a request to the Uttar Pradesh government for an urgent review and upgrade of my security arrangements the elections when I will be campaigning within the state," he said.
He said: "Petty political considerations seem to have come in the way of even this routine procedure".
"I am, therefore, bringing the matter to your (poll panel's) attention so that you may direct the same to any untoward incident that would disrupt the electoral process."
Two days after the Supreme Court released him from jail on parole, Varun Gandhi Saturday accused the Uttar Pradesh government of political vendetta and requested the poll commission to transfer two top officials in Pilibhit constituency of Uttar Pradesh where he is to contest the election.
Varun Gandhi, who was in jail for his reported hate speeches against Muslims.
He was charged under the National Security Act (NSA) and arrested March 28 for making inflammatory remarks against Muslims.
NEW DELHI: Controversial Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Varun Gandhi on Monday said he was facing a "threat for speaking as a true Indian Bharatiya Janata Party leader Varun Gandhi.
against terrorism", and asked the Election Commission to direct the Uttar Pradesh government to upgrade his security.
"IB (Intelligence Bureau) reports have disclosed a threat to my safety. Apparently, I am being targeted for speaking out as a true Indian against terrorism," Varun Gandhi wrote to the poll panel.
"Accordingly, there has been a request to the Uttar Pradesh government for an urgent review and upgrade of my security arrangements the elections when I will be campaigning within the state," he said.
He said: "Petty political considerations seem to have come in the way of even this routine procedure".
"I am, therefore, bringing the matter to your (poll panel's) attention so that you may direct the same to any untoward incident that would disrupt the electoral process."
Two days after the Supreme Court released him from jail on parole, Varun Gandhi Saturday accused the Uttar Pradesh government of political vendetta and requested the poll commission to transfer two top officials in Pilibhit constituency of Uttar Pradesh where he is to contest the election.
Varun Gandhi, who was in jail for his reported hate speeches against Muslims.
He was charged under the National Security Act (NSA) and arrested March 28 for making inflammatory remarks against Muslims.
Karat snubs Pranab, says no backing Congress
23 Apr 2009,
NEW DELHI: On a day when foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee once again held out an olive branch to the Left saying he did not rule out the possibility of seeking the support of the communists, CPM boss Prakash Karat firmly snubbed Congress's peace offer.
Karat, who was in Tirupati alongwith TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, said Congress could only play a supporting role at the Centre. He said "under no circumstances" would Left support the formation of a Congress-led government, a point he had made strongly in an interview to TOI on April 2.
Coming as it does just ahead of the second phase of polling, Karat's comments are a blow to the Congress, which is already embroiled in a war of words with erstwhile allies like Mulayam Singh Yadav and Lalu Prasad. NDA has seized on Congress's spats to claim the party would end up being the "third force" after the elections.
Earlier in the day, Mukherjee said, "We are not ruling out any possibility. I am only saying that right now I do not think there will be a need for that." He has made this point before as had Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who has said he "was not ruling out or ruling in anything" with regard to post-poll alliances. He had said he was quite happy to work with the Left.
Karat has not relented from this position despite being asked what would be his choice if the alternative to a Congress-led government was a "communal" government headed by BJP. He said Congress had lost the mandate and so had the BJP, paving the way for a "third front" government.
Ruling out any chance of BJP coming to power, Karat explained 2009 will not be a repeat of 2004. He even had a role cut out for Congress. He said it can support a government led by non-Congress secular parties. "Results of 2004 will not be repeated in 2009. We are working for the defeat of Congress. There is no question of any understanding with Congress to help them form government," he had said earlier.
On the question of Left staking claim to the top job, Karat said Left was not thinking of its own PM. "First we have to decide if Left can join the government or not," he said.
As for an agency report from Tirupati quoting Karat that even he could be PM, the CPM boss told TOI, "It is a wrong report. Press conference was conducted on Tuesday morning and the report has come late on Wednesday. I have complained to the news agency editor."
Asked if Left will not support Congress-led alliance even if there is a possibility of BJP forming the government, Karat said, "There is no question of BJP coming to power."
Karat reiterated that UPA was bound to suffer the most as it was primarily an alliance of secular parties along with the Congress.
NEW DELHI: On a day when foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee once again held out an olive branch to the Left saying he did not rule out the possibility of seeking the support of the communists, CPM boss Prakash Karat firmly snubbed Congress's peace offer.
Karat, who was in Tirupati alongwith TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, said Congress could only play a supporting role at the Centre. He said "under no circumstances" would Left support the formation of a Congress-led government, a point he had made strongly in an interview to TOI on April 2.
Coming as it does just ahead of the second phase of polling, Karat's comments are a blow to the Congress, which is already embroiled in a war of words with erstwhile allies like Mulayam Singh Yadav and Lalu Prasad. NDA has seized on Congress's spats to claim the party would end up being the "third force" after the elections.
Earlier in the day, Mukherjee said, "We are not ruling out any possibility. I am only saying that right now I do not think there will be a need for that." He has made this point before as had Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who has said he "was not ruling out or ruling in anything" with regard to post-poll alliances. He had said he was quite happy to work with the Left.
Karat has not relented from this position despite being asked what would be his choice if the alternative to a Congress-led government was a "communal" government headed by BJP. He said Congress had lost the mandate and so had the BJP, paving the way for a "third front" government.
Ruling out any chance of BJP coming to power, Karat explained 2009 will not be a repeat of 2004. He even had a role cut out for Congress. He said it can support a government led by non-Congress secular parties. "Results of 2004 will not be repeated in 2009. We are working for the defeat of Congress. There is no question of any understanding with Congress to help them form government," he had said earlier.
On the question of Left staking claim to the top job, Karat said Left was not thinking of its own PM. "First we have to decide if Left can join the government or not," he said.
As for an agency report from Tirupati quoting Karat that even he could be PM, the CPM boss told TOI, "It is a wrong report. Press conference was conducted on Tuesday morning and the report has come late on Wednesday. I have complained to the news agency editor."
Asked if Left will not support Congress-led alliance even if there is a possibility of BJP forming the government, Karat said, "There is no question of BJP coming to power."
Karat reiterated that UPA was bound to suffer the most as it was primarily an alliance of secular parties along with the Congress.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Not interested in joining politics: Mohanlal
19 April 2009
Coimbatore: Malayalam superstar Mohanlal Sunday said he has no desire or intention to enter politics and was happy acting in films.
"Why should I? I am doing well in films and happy about it. Moreover, I have no interest in joining politics," he told reporters after inaugurating a jewellery showroom here.
Asked why he had failed to exercise his franchise in the April 16 Lok Sabha polls in Kerala when he had repeatedly urged the public not to desist from voting, Mohanlal said he was busy shooting in Hyderabad and so could not make it on time on the election day.
To another question on whether he had any particular role in mind which he wanted to essay but could not so far, he said, "I do not expect any particular role. I want to do characters and any different or distinct role and it has to come to me."
"The people of Kerala also do not want me to confine myself to a particular role or image. There is no stigma to any role. The fans and audience have accepted me and also whatever I am doing." Mohanlal said.
Stating that Malayalam cinema, despite a limited audience, has adapted well and caught up with latest technology, he said the Tamil film industry was also doing very well. He said he is presently doing a Tamil film with noted actor Kamalhassan, which is expected to hit the screens in July.
Coimbatore: Malayalam superstar Mohanlal Sunday said he has no desire or intention to enter politics and was happy acting in films.
"Why should I? I am doing well in films and happy about it. Moreover, I have no interest in joining politics," he told reporters after inaugurating a jewellery showroom here.
Asked why he had failed to exercise his franchise in the April 16 Lok Sabha polls in Kerala when he had repeatedly urged the public not to desist from voting, Mohanlal said he was busy shooting in Hyderabad and so could not make it on time on the election day.
To another question on whether he had any particular role in mind which he wanted to essay but could not so far, he said, "I do not expect any particular role. I want to do characters and any different or distinct role and it has to come to me."
"The people of Kerala also do not want me to confine myself to a particular role or image. There is no stigma to any role. The fans and audience have accepted me and also whatever I am doing." Mohanlal said.
Stating that Malayalam cinema, despite a limited audience, has adapted well and caught up with latest technology, he said the Tamil film industry was also doing very well. He said he is presently doing a Tamil film with noted actor Kamalhassan, which is expected to hit the screens in July.
UPA to decide on PM candidate after polls: Lalu
Patna: Manmohan Singh is not the final choice for prime minister if the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) comes back to power, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad asserted Tuesday and said the decision on the top job would be taken only after the elections.
Though the Congress has projected Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the man for the job if UPA wins the polls, key alliance partner Lalu Prasad said the decision would be taken by all the constituents of the UPA, not just the Congress.
"UPA is a confederation of secular parties and does not belong only to the Congress. We will sit together (after the elections) to chalk out a common minimum programme and in consultation with all our partners select the next PM," the railway minister said at a press conference here before leaving for the last day of campaigning for the second phase of polls on Thursday.
When asked whether he no longer supported Manmohan Singh for the prime minister's post, he said: "Manmohan Singh acche aadmi hain (Manmohan Singh is a nice man)."
21 April 2009
Lalu Prasad's statement comes just weeks after he declared at a press conference in Lucknow on April 3 that Manmohan Singh would be the prime ministerial candidate.
"...We are with the Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh. There are certain managers in the Congress who tried to create a rift between us during the seat sharing discussion. However, we still say that Manmohan Singh will be our PM candidate," he was reported as saying in Lucknow.
The latest remarks come two days after he accused the Congress of being responsible for the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"The BJP and Advani were mainly responsible for the demolition but the Congress cannot escape responsibility for its failure to protect it," he said at an election rally in Darbhanga.
Though the Congress has projected Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the man for the job if UPA wins the polls, key alliance partner Lalu Prasad said the decision would be taken by all the constituents of the UPA, not just the Congress.
"UPA is a confederation of secular parties and does not belong only to the Congress. We will sit together (after the elections) to chalk out a common minimum programme and in consultation with all our partners select the next PM," the railway minister said at a press conference here before leaving for the last day of campaigning for the second phase of polls on Thursday.
When asked whether he no longer supported Manmohan Singh for the prime minister's post, he said: "Manmohan Singh acche aadmi hain (Manmohan Singh is a nice man)."
21 April 2009
Lalu Prasad's statement comes just weeks after he declared at a press conference in Lucknow on April 3 that Manmohan Singh would be the prime ministerial candidate.
"...We are with the Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh. There are certain managers in the Congress who tried to create a rift between us during the seat sharing discussion. However, we still say that Manmohan Singh will be our PM candidate," he was reported as saying in Lucknow.
The latest remarks come two days after he accused the Congress of being responsible for the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"The BJP and Advani were mainly responsible for the demolition but the Congress cannot escape responsibility for its failure to protect it," he said at an election rally in Darbhanga.
BJP will win highest number of seats: Advani
21 April 2009
Bangalore: The Bharatiya Janata Party was poised to win the highest number of seats in parliament, senior BJP leader L.K. Advani said here Tuesday.
"So far as my assessment is concerned, it seems to me that the largest single party in the new Lok Sabha would be the BJP. It also seems to me that the BJP along with its allies (in National Democratic Alliance) would be the largest alliance in parliament," Advani told reporters here during his two-day visit to Karnataka for poll campaign.
Asked which party or alliance should be invited to form the next government, the NDA prime ministerial candidate said: "The conventions are there in this regard. A party that would win the highest number of seats would get the opportunity to form the new government."
Though Advani admitted he could not predict the exact number of seats the party or the NDA would win, he expressed confidence that they would be able to get the mandate of the people to form a government.
"My assessment is based on feedback I got after visiting about 80 parliamentary constituencies during this period for electioneering. I have also visited more constituencies in the last six months to participate in the party's 'vijay sankalp rath yatra', where I was able to assess the change in the mood," Advani recalled.
The 10 allies of the BJP in the NDA are Shiromani Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, Janata Dal-United (JD-U), Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), Rashtriya Lok Dal, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), Uttarkhand Kranti Dal and Kantapur Progressive Party in West Bengal.
Terming the 15th Lok Sabha elections more crucial for the country than political parties or individuals, Advani said had the BJP won the 2004 elections, the country would have achieved a lot.
"But we failed, principally because we were overconfident at that time and the climate also bred that overconfidence even among our opponents. This time, I have cautioned my party leaders and cadres against being overconfident but work hard with self-confidence," the former deputy prime minister said.
A sober Advani, however, declined to join issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks that he (Advani) had been indulging in mudslinging against him during the last five years.
Asked if he was in favour of a law that would allow only members of the Lok Sabha to become prime minister, Advani said it was up to the political parties to build a consensus on it, as an amendment to the law would require a two-thirds majority to pass it in parliament.
Manmohan Singh is a Rajya Sabha member.
Bangalore: The Bharatiya Janata Party was poised to win the highest number of seats in parliament, senior BJP leader L.K. Advani said here Tuesday.
"So far as my assessment is concerned, it seems to me that the largest single party in the new Lok Sabha would be the BJP. It also seems to me that the BJP along with its allies (in National Democratic Alliance) would be the largest alliance in parliament," Advani told reporters here during his two-day visit to Karnataka for poll campaign.
Asked which party or alliance should be invited to form the next government, the NDA prime ministerial candidate said: "The conventions are there in this regard. A party that would win the highest number of seats would get the opportunity to form the new government."
Though Advani admitted he could not predict the exact number of seats the party or the NDA would win, he expressed confidence that they would be able to get the mandate of the people to form a government.
"My assessment is based on feedback I got after visiting about 80 parliamentary constituencies during this period for electioneering. I have also visited more constituencies in the last six months to participate in the party's 'vijay sankalp rath yatra', where I was able to assess the change in the mood," Advani recalled.
The 10 allies of the BJP in the NDA are Shiromani Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, Janata Dal-United (JD-U), Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), Rashtriya Lok Dal, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), Uttarkhand Kranti Dal and Kantapur Progressive Party in West Bengal.
Terming the 15th Lok Sabha elections more crucial for the country than political parties or individuals, Advani said had the BJP won the 2004 elections, the country would have achieved a lot.
"But we failed, principally because we were overconfident at that time and the climate also bred that overconfidence even among our opponents. This time, I have cautioned my party leaders and cadres against being overconfident but work hard with self-confidence," the former deputy prime minister said.
A sober Advani, however, declined to join issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks that he (Advani) had been indulging in mudslinging against him during the last five years.
Asked if he was in favour of a law that would allow only members of the Lok Sabha to become prime minister, Advani said it was up to the political parties to build a consensus on it, as an amendment to the law would require a two-thirds majority to pass it in parliament.
Manmohan Singh is a Rajya Sabha member.
Cong will never check price rise: Sushma Swaraj
20 April 2009
Bhopal: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushma Swaraj Monday said that though the Congress government at the centre is led by an economist it will never be able to check price rise.
"How can one expect the Congress to control price rise since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, like other economists, feels that inflation was an indicator of growth rate," Swaraj told reporters here.
The BJP leader said that the United Progressive Alliance government led by the Congress has been furnishing figures about decline in inflation only to mislead the common man since the prices of essential goods like pulses, wheat and sugar were still sky rocketing.
"The common man will not eat the figures but he needs food grains at low price."
Swaraj, who is in charge of of the party's campaign in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, said that the BJP will bag 180-200 seats in the polls.
Bhopal: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushma Swaraj Monday said that though the Congress government at the centre is led by an economist it will never be able to check price rise.
"How can one expect the Congress to control price rise since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, like other economists, feels that inflation was an indicator of growth rate," Swaraj told reporters here.
The BJP leader said that the United Progressive Alliance government led by the Congress has been furnishing figures about decline in inflation only to mislead the common man since the prices of essential goods like pulses, wheat and sugar were still sky rocketing.
"The common man will not eat the figures but he needs food grains at low price."
Swaraj, who is in charge of of the party's campaign in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, said that the BJP will bag 180-200 seats in the polls.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Post polling, clashes surface among fronts
20 Apr 2009, ET Bureau
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The poll code of conduct apparently kept the ruling Left Democratic Front and the opposition United Democratic Front in Kerala on their best manners during the campaign weeks.
Now that polling is over, reports are coming in about ideological differences being sorted out physically.
Not surprisingly, one of those features the Janata Dal (S), which openly grumbled against its LDF coalition partner CPM during campaign time. On Saturday, miscreants hurled a stone at a car in which JD(S) Kozhikode district president and Vadakara MLA M K Premnath was traveling, at Vattoli in Kozhikode district.
JD(S) state president M P Veerendrakumar, who has been engaged in a verbal duel with CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan ever since JD(S) was denied the Kozhikode seat, described the attack on his party MLA as "fascist", and demanded stern action against the culprits.
Joining issue with the attack on the MLA, UDF convenor P P Thankachan alleged the CPM was perpetrating violence post polling in areas where it thought it would be the loser owing to the JD(S)'s decision to vote against the LDF candidates. There were reports of violence against JD(S) leaders and its offices in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Vadakara and Thiruvananthapuram.
In another development, police in Puthukkad let off two Congressmen who had been taken into custody on suspicion that they were part of a goonda team that had set off from Thrissur to Kannur. The duo were released from the police station after Congress workers gathered in front of the police station, protesting against their custody and stating that they were innocent.
In Kannur, the CPM had alleged a plot by Congress to assassinate expelled CPM leader A P Abdullakutty MP, and indirectly accused Congress MLA K Sudhakaran of masterminding the plot. However, Mr Sudhakaran and Mr Kutty have officially countered the allegation
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The poll code of conduct apparently kept the ruling Left Democratic Front and the opposition United Democratic Front in Kerala on their best manners during the campaign weeks.
Now that polling is over, reports are coming in about ideological differences being sorted out physically.
Not surprisingly, one of those features the Janata Dal (S), which openly grumbled against its LDF coalition partner CPM during campaign time. On Saturday, miscreants hurled a stone at a car in which JD(S) Kozhikode district president and Vadakara MLA M K Premnath was traveling, at Vattoli in Kozhikode district.
JD(S) state president M P Veerendrakumar, who has been engaged in a verbal duel with CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan ever since JD(S) was denied the Kozhikode seat, described the attack on his party MLA as "fascist", and demanded stern action against the culprits.
Joining issue with the attack on the MLA, UDF convenor P P Thankachan alleged the CPM was perpetrating violence post polling in areas where it thought it would be the loser owing to the JD(S)'s decision to vote against the LDF candidates. There were reports of violence against JD(S) leaders and its offices in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Vadakara and Thiruvananthapuram.
In another development, police in Puthukkad let off two Congressmen who had been taken into custody on suspicion that they were part of a goonda team that had set off from Thrissur to Kannur. The duo were released from the police station after Congress workers gathered in front of the police station, protesting against their custody and stating that they were innocent.
In Kannur, the CPM had alleged a plot by Congress to assassinate expelled CPM leader A P Abdullakutty MP, and indirectly accused Congress MLA K Sudhakaran of masterminding the plot. However, Mr Sudhakaran and Mr Kutty have officially countered the allegation
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Brace up for more of Advani on television
18 Apr 2009, ET Bureau
NEW DELHI: As the campaigning for the remaining four phases of Lok Sabha polls gathers momentum, BJP on Friday set the stage for unleashing a fresh wave of publicity blitzkrieg highlighting the Manmohan Singh government’s betrayal of the aam aadmi (common man), and the party’s mantra to reduce their sufferings.
BJP’s campaign-managers on Friday unveiled before mediapersons a set of five TV spots likely to go on-air from Saturday. The 15-minute-long commercials, with the themes of girl-child, aam aadmi, high taxes, black money and farmers, will be telecast on all prominent news channels. Party also plans to extend their coverage to FM radio channels.
The five themes have been drawn from BJP’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls. Besides offering a critique of the UPA government’s track-record on the economic front which, in the party’s assessment, has had a direct bearing on the common man, the commercials also advertise BJP’s attempts to marry populism with welfarism so as to enlist the backing of various sections of the society for its power project.
Thus, the publicity material on girl child professes BJP’s commitment to extend the Ladli Lakshmi Yojana, made popular by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in Madhya Pradesh, to the rest of the country if the NDA comes to power at the Centre. Under this scheme, the party has pledged to provide compulsory education to each girl, at least till the pre-college level. After completing Class 12, each student will be offered Rs 1 lakh so as to encourage them to take up higher education.
There are three spots highlighting the plight of the common man and the farmer. With the economy entering a high tax, high prices regime, the commercials will also attempt to publicise the saffron party’s formulae to improve their lot.
The party, for instance, has decided to offer 35 kg of rice or wheat at Rs 2 per kg to each BPL family every month.
The third spot seeks to pass on to the people the party’s resolve to raise the income tax exemption ceiling to Rs 3 lakh. And for the debt-ridden farmers, another commercial advertises BJP’s proposal to waive all agricultural loans, while offering fresh loans at 4% rate of interest.
Hoping to provide an impetus to the party’s ongoing campaign to kick off a nationwide debate on the black money stashed abroad in foreign banks and tax havens, the final spot seeks to assure the people that BJP, if installed in power, would go all out to ensure that this money comes back to the country so that it can be utilised for developmental works.
The commercials carry visuals of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Mr L K Advani and wind up with the main slogan of ``Strong leader, Decisive government.’’
The new set of commercials will supplement the spots already being beamed across the country, which have terrorism as their central theme.
NEW DELHI: As the campaigning for the remaining four phases of Lok Sabha polls gathers momentum, BJP on Friday set the stage for unleashing a fresh wave of publicity blitzkrieg highlighting the Manmohan Singh government’s betrayal of the aam aadmi (common man), and the party’s mantra to reduce their sufferings.
BJP’s campaign-managers on Friday unveiled before mediapersons a set of five TV spots likely to go on-air from Saturday. The 15-minute-long commercials, with the themes of girl-child, aam aadmi, high taxes, black money and farmers, will be telecast on all prominent news channels. Party also plans to extend their coverage to FM radio channels.
The five themes have been drawn from BJP’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls. Besides offering a critique of the UPA government’s track-record on the economic front which, in the party’s assessment, has had a direct bearing on the common man, the commercials also advertise BJP’s attempts to marry populism with welfarism so as to enlist the backing of various sections of the society for its power project.
Thus, the publicity material on girl child professes BJP’s commitment to extend the Ladli Lakshmi Yojana, made popular by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in Madhya Pradesh, to the rest of the country if the NDA comes to power at the Centre. Under this scheme, the party has pledged to provide compulsory education to each girl, at least till the pre-college level. After completing Class 12, each student will be offered Rs 1 lakh so as to encourage them to take up higher education.
There are three spots highlighting the plight of the common man and the farmer. With the economy entering a high tax, high prices regime, the commercials will also attempt to publicise the saffron party’s formulae to improve their lot.
The party, for instance, has decided to offer 35 kg of rice or wheat at Rs 2 per kg to each BPL family every month.
The third spot seeks to pass on to the people the party’s resolve to raise the income tax exemption ceiling to Rs 3 lakh. And for the debt-ridden farmers, another commercial advertises BJP’s proposal to waive all agricultural loans, while offering fresh loans at 4% rate of interest.
Hoping to provide an impetus to the party’s ongoing campaign to kick off a nationwide debate on the black money stashed abroad in foreign banks and tax havens, the final spot seeks to assure the people that BJP, if installed in power, would go all out to ensure that this money comes back to the country so that it can be utilised for developmental works.
The commercials carry visuals of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Mr L K Advani and wind up with the main slogan of ``Strong leader, Decisive government.’’
The new set of commercials will supplement the spots already being beamed across the country, which have terrorism as their central theme.
India's Lal Krishna Advani bidding for power in election
18 Apr 2009
The Telegraph UK
As voting began in the biggest election in history last week, Lal Krishna Advani, the grand old man of Indian politics, launched what will almost certainly be his last bid for power.
Lal Advani: India's leader is seeking power in the country's election
The 81-year-old political veteran set off on a punishing five-stop tour of Madhya Pradesh state by executive jet and helicopter, a tough schedule for a man who began his career back when India was still in British hands.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that he leads is challenging the ruling Congress Party in a mammoth one-month-long election campaign, running from the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the fishing villages of the south. More than 700 million people will vote, the contest debating the great issues of caste, poverty, corruption and Hindu-Muslim tensions.
In an executive jet owned by a wealthy supporter, Mr Advani ranged over his main campaign themes high above the northern states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where India's growth miracle has failed to materialize and families are hungry.
"The country depends on agriculture, yet the government pays too much attention to services," he claimed. "This government has neglected the farmer."
That is just one of many wrongs he is pledging to set right. He also wants to halt the rise of parties representing the country's low caste "untouchables", tackle corruption, and take a tougher stand on terrorism.
The election has caught India's voters at a moment of great uncertainty. Patriotic fervour is high and there is still a sense that India is moving up and punching its weight on the global stage. In the last two years it has successfully launched a lunar mission, and one of its biggest companies has developed the £1,300 Nano car. Indians have acquired prestigious global companies like Jaguar and Land Rover.
But confidence has been hit by the global recession, and the economy is now growing at a much slower rate. At such a time, this should be a shoo-in election for the BJP, the main opposition party Mr Advani helped create and to which he has dedicated much of his long life.
The BJP first came to prominence in the 1980s as a Hindu extremist party, ruthlessly exploiting anti-Muslim feeling in the 1990s to finally win power at the end of the decade. In office it toned down its sectarian rhetoric and reinvented itself as a party of economic progress, a strategy which seemed successful until its surprise defeat in 2004.
Since then its Congress rivals have cruised on India's growth, as the economy expanded beyond eight per cent.
Now growth is slowing, and terror is stalking the sub-continent. India has been humbled by devastating terrorist attacks in Delhi, Jaipur and in Mumbai, where its elite troops and police were humiliated over a three-day televised siege by just ten militants.
The under-developed states of India's eastern flanks have also been plagued by Maoist 'Naxalite' insurgents. On the first day of the phased polls last Thursday, the Maoists killed 19 people, including elite state commandos and paramilitary police, and kidnapped three officials.
In among all this confusion, the calm and dignified elder statesman figure of Mr Advani beams out from election billboards - an image of a strong leader, exuding calm purpose, experience, and wisdom.
There are conflicting reports on his chances of victory. Opinion polls indicate he is fighting a losing battle, with a weakened Congress likely to get back into power through a coalition with low-caste, regional and leftist parties.
But one captain of industry, who asked not to be named – a sign that the main parties may be closer than many think – predicted a close contest.
"The BJP's campaign is gathering momentum, and it would be wrong to write him off. Mr Advani is very determined to be prime minister," he told The Sunday Telegraph.
After landing in Jabalpur, Mr Advani and his entourage switched to a helicopter. Then at the small town of Katni he emerged into a protective phalanx of black uniformed National Security Guard commandos with machine guns. Then he was ushered in to a bullet-proof white Ambassador car, the Indian version of the old British Morris Oxford.
At the first rally, he was garlanded with marigolds from supporters, and then denounced Congress's record in government.
"Sixty years after the Britishers left, our people are still living in poverty," he said to rousing cheers. He singled out Indian businessmen and corrupt officials who have spirited away billions of dollars of government money into Swiss bank accounts. It has been an effective issue for Mr Advani, who is regarded as personally honest despite a number of corruption scandals which tainted his government when he was in power.
He said the issue had played well with ordinary voters, many of whom waited for him in temperatures of 40 degrees centigrade.
Away from the crowd, in the calm of his private jet, Mr Advani said he wanted to save India from the growing influence of caste-based parties that he believed would increase social tensions. His new guise as national healer has come as a surprise to those who remember his party stoking hatred of Muslims during his campaign to rebuild a Hindu temple on the site of the Babri Mosque at Ayodhya in northern India.
The bigotry was quietly dropped, though, when the BJP came to power in 1998. Instead the party focused on building a reputation as economic liberals and hawkish patriots.
His challenge in this election has been as much to live down the memory of his last government as it to condemn the Congress incumbent. Voters recall the corruption and, more importantly, soaring onion prices when the BJP was in power – a major issue for poor voters.
These days, Mr Advani tries to cast himself as a responsible, moderate statesman. He refused to back calls from within his party for retaliatory strikes on Pakistan following the terrorist attack on Mumbai last November. "It's only something a government can decide," he said.
Muslims, however, remain uneasy. In the giant northern state of Uttar Pradesh, their nerves have been jolted further by the campaign speeches of Varun Gandhi, whose family have provided successive Congress Party leaders, but who himself is standing as a BJP candidate. He has become a party poster-boy since he was jailed for threats to "cut off" the hands of Muslims who dared "lift a finger against Hindus."
BJP support in Uttar Pradesh has risen following his fiery speeches, raising the possibility of Mr Ghandi perhaps one day being a successor to the ageing Mr Advani. Mr Advani's has his reservations about Mr Ghandi, but they seem to be mainly about his age, rather than his sectarian rhetoric. "He's a young boy who has just come into politics for the first time." he said. "The state government has used a draconian law against him and it's this which has raised him up in the eyes of people," he said.
Such attitudes will do little to reassure Indian Muslims, who make up between ten and 20 per cen of the population. Yet Mr Advani is unapologetic. The world's largest democracy only exists in the first place because of Hinduism's tradition of tolerance, he insists.
"India has succeeded as a democracy because its people are able to tolerate a diametrically opposite view," he said. "India is essentially Hindu, and therefore secular and democratic."
And with that final blast of self-assured rhetoric, the octogenarian who may soon become the country's leader got back in the helicopter and headed for the next election stop.
By Dean Nelson in Bhopal
The Telegraph UK
As voting began in the biggest election in history last week, Lal Krishna Advani, the grand old man of Indian politics, launched what will almost certainly be his last bid for power.
Lal Advani: India's leader is seeking power in the country's election
The 81-year-old political veteran set off on a punishing five-stop tour of Madhya Pradesh state by executive jet and helicopter, a tough schedule for a man who began his career back when India was still in British hands.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that he leads is challenging the ruling Congress Party in a mammoth one-month-long election campaign, running from the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the fishing villages of the south. More than 700 million people will vote, the contest debating the great issues of caste, poverty, corruption and Hindu-Muslim tensions.
In an executive jet owned by a wealthy supporter, Mr Advani ranged over his main campaign themes high above the northern states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where India's growth miracle has failed to materialize and families are hungry.
"The country depends on agriculture, yet the government pays too much attention to services," he claimed. "This government has neglected the farmer."
That is just one of many wrongs he is pledging to set right. He also wants to halt the rise of parties representing the country's low caste "untouchables", tackle corruption, and take a tougher stand on terrorism.
The election has caught India's voters at a moment of great uncertainty. Patriotic fervour is high and there is still a sense that India is moving up and punching its weight on the global stage. In the last two years it has successfully launched a lunar mission, and one of its biggest companies has developed the £1,300 Nano car. Indians have acquired prestigious global companies like Jaguar and Land Rover.
But confidence has been hit by the global recession, and the economy is now growing at a much slower rate. At such a time, this should be a shoo-in election for the BJP, the main opposition party Mr Advani helped create and to which he has dedicated much of his long life.
The BJP first came to prominence in the 1980s as a Hindu extremist party, ruthlessly exploiting anti-Muslim feeling in the 1990s to finally win power at the end of the decade. In office it toned down its sectarian rhetoric and reinvented itself as a party of economic progress, a strategy which seemed successful until its surprise defeat in 2004.
Since then its Congress rivals have cruised on India's growth, as the economy expanded beyond eight per cent.
Now growth is slowing, and terror is stalking the sub-continent. India has been humbled by devastating terrorist attacks in Delhi, Jaipur and in Mumbai, where its elite troops and police were humiliated over a three-day televised siege by just ten militants.
The under-developed states of India's eastern flanks have also been plagued by Maoist 'Naxalite' insurgents. On the first day of the phased polls last Thursday, the Maoists killed 19 people, including elite state commandos and paramilitary police, and kidnapped three officials.
In among all this confusion, the calm and dignified elder statesman figure of Mr Advani beams out from election billboards - an image of a strong leader, exuding calm purpose, experience, and wisdom.
There are conflicting reports on his chances of victory. Opinion polls indicate he is fighting a losing battle, with a weakened Congress likely to get back into power through a coalition with low-caste, regional and leftist parties.
But one captain of industry, who asked not to be named – a sign that the main parties may be closer than many think – predicted a close contest.
"The BJP's campaign is gathering momentum, and it would be wrong to write him off. Mr Advani is very determined to be prime minister," he told The Sunday Telegraph.
After landing in Jabalpur, Mr Advani and his entourage switched to a helicopter. Then at the small town of Katni he emerged into a protective phalanx of black uniformed National Security Guard commandos with machine guns. Then he was ushered in to a bullet-proof white Ambassador car, the Indian version of the old British Morris Oxford.
At the first rally, he was garlanded with marigolds from supporters, and then denounced Congress's record in government.
"Sixty years after the Britishers left, our people are still living in poverty," he said to rousing cheers. He singled out Indian businessmen and corrupt officials who have spirited away billions of dollars of government money into Swiss bank accounts. It has been an effective issue for Mr Advani, who is regarded as personally honest despite a number of corruption scandals which tainted his government when he was in power.
He said the issue had played well with ordinary voters, many of whom waited for him in temperatures of 40 degrees centigrade.
Away from the crowd, in the calm of his private jet, Mr Advani said he wanted to save India from the growing influence of caste-based parties that he believed would increase social tensions. His new guise as national healer has come as a surprise to those who remember his party stoking hatred of Muslims during his campaign to rebuild a Hindu temple on the site of the Babri Mosque at Ayodhya in northern India.
The bigotry was quietly dropped, though, when the BJP came to power in 1998. Instead the party focused on building a reputation as economic liberals and hawkish patriots.
His challenge in this election has been as much to live down the memory of his last government as it to condemn the Congress incumbent. Voters recall the corruption and, more importantly, soaring onion prices when the BJP was in power – a major issue for poor voters.
These days, Mr Advani tries to cast himself as a responsible, moderate statesman. He refused to back calls from within his party for retaliatory strikes on Pakistan following the terrorist attack on Mumbai last November. "It's only something a government can decide," he said.
Muslims, however, remain uneasy. In the giant northern state of Uttar Pradesh, their nerves have been jolted further by the campaign speeches of Varun Gandhi, whose family have provided successive Congress Party leaders, but who himself is standing as a BJP candidate. He has become a party poster-boy since he was jailed for threats to "cut off" the hands of Muslims who dared "lift a finger against Hindus."
BJP support in Uttar Pradesh has risen following his fiery speeches, raising the possibility of Mr Ghandi perhaps one day being a successor to the ageing Mr Advani. Mr Advani's has his reservations about Mr Ghandi, but they seem to be mainly about his age, rather than his sectarian rhetoric. "He's a young boy who has just come into politics for the first time." he said. "The state government has used a draconian law against him and it's this which has raised him up in the eyes of people," he said.
Such attitudes will do little to reassure Indian Muslims, who make up between ten and 20 per cen of the population. Yet Mr Advani is unapologetic. The world's largest democracy only exists in the first place because of Hinduism's tradition of tolerance, he insists.
"India has succeeded as a democracy because its people are able to tolerate a diametrically opposite view," he said. "India is essentially Hindu, and therefore secular and democratic."
And with that final blast of self-assured rhetoric, the octogenarian who may soon become the country's leader got back in the helicopter and headed for the next election stop.
By Dean Nelson in Bhopal
Advani warns BJP workers against complacency
18 Apr 2009, PTI
PUNE: BJP's prime ministerial candidate LK Advani has warned his party workers against self-complacency which, he said, had led to the NDA's defeat in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.
"Although the NDA had many achievements to its credit when it went for the last elections, it was overconfidence on our part that resulted in the defeat," Advani said addressing a meeting here last night.
He said the BJP workers were not going to repeat that mistake in this elections and their positive approach would lead the party to victory.
Advani said the Congress-led UPA had "disintegrated" and all of its constituents were harbouring individual Prime Ministerial ambitions.
He reiterated that BJP would bring back the black money deposited by Indians in the Swiss bank.
PUNE: BJP's prime ministerial candidate LK Advani has warned his party workers against self-complacency which, he said, had led to the NDA's defeat in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.
"Although the NDA had many achievements to its credit when it went for the last elections, it was overconfidence on our part that resulted in the defeat," Advani said addressing a meeting here last night.
He said the BJP workers were not going to repeat that mistake in this elections and their positive approach would lead the party to victory.
Advani said the Congress-led UPA had "disintegrated" and all of its constituents were harbouring individual Prime Ministerial ambitions.
He reiterated that BJP would bring back the black money deposited by Indians in the Swiss bank.
If voted, advani will hunt black bucks
18 Apr 2009
MUMBAI: NDA’s prime ministerial candidate L K Advani on Friday accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of failure to effectively raise the issue of black money stashed away in secret Swiss bank accounts and other tax havens.
Mr Singh only paid lip service to this issue at the global forum, Mr Advani alleged at a specially-convened press conference here on Friday. Mr Advani looked least interested in responding to the broadside being mouthed against him by Congress leaders, including Mr Singh. The BJP veteran strictly restricted his press conference to questions about what he called an issue of ‘national importance’.
Only once did Mr Advani betray his willingness to get even with Mr Singh. “ BJP does what it says. It was in 1964 that the Jan Sangh committed itself to a nuclear India. In 1998, the BJP government carried out nuclear test. This is just one instance of BJP actually doing what it promised,” Mr Advani said referring to Mr Singh’s criticism that the BJP leader was “strong in words but weak in action”.
Asked if an issue as intricate of Indian money parked offshore could have any resonance with the electorate, Mr Advani said BJP did not want to make it an election plank and that it was keen on building a national consensus as a pre-requisite to join the ‘global crusade’ against banking secrecy and tax havens. Yet, Mr Advani accused Congress of mocking at BJP’s effort in this regard and appealed the voters to “punish Congress that has no political will to fight corruption and crime money”.
“We will continue to raise this issue during the elections also if the government continues to scoff at it. BJP has not picked this up from Wikipedia as Congress would like to believe. It is a real issue and countries like France, Germany, and even the Obama administration are seriously pursuing it at the global level. Only India has been found wanting, thanks to our government’s casual handling of the issue,” Mr Advani alleged.
Asked what steps the NDA government had taken during its six-year rule in this regard, Mr Advani said there was absolutely no scope for doing anything. “It is only after the rich western countries took up this issue that an opportunity has opened up for India. Even if India had exerted pressure earlier to bring back illegal money, it could not have worked as the west would not have supported such efforts. It is the global financial crisis that has compelled the west to act and so this is time for India to act as well,” Mr Advani said.
On his part, the BJP veteran assured that NDA, if voted to power, would do whatever it takes to bring bank black money stashed away in secret Swiss bank accounts and other tax havens around the world. Mr Advani promised legal action against politicians including those from BJP if found guilty. The BJP has demanded that UPA government appoint a special ambassador to the April 25 G-20 meeting to work with the G-20 nations in this ‘crusade’ against secret banks and tax havens.
Mr Advani pointed out that the Obama administration was planning to bring in a specific anti-tax haven legislation, assuring that NDA would pass a similar law in India if voted to power.
A four-member task force of experts appointed by Mr Advani has estimated the Indian wealth in Swiss bank accounts and other tax havens to be in the range of Rs 25 lakh crore and Rs 70 lakh crore. A report by this task force, which Mr Advani made public at the press conference, maintains that the “fact of the loot” could not be questioned though there could be a debate on the “maths of the loot.”
The report, however, points out that the credibility of the estimates about Indian black money parked abroad is reinforced by the total figure of 575 lakh crore officially given by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development at the G-20 summit.
MUMBAI: NDA’s prime ministerial candidate L K Advani on Friday accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of failure to effectively raise the issue of black money stashed away in secret Swiss bank accounts and other tax havens.
Mr Singh only paid lip service to this issue at the global forum, Mr Advani alleged at a specially-convened press conference here on Friday. Mr Advani looked least interested in responding to the broadside being mouthed against him by Congress leaders, including Mr Singh. The BJP veteran strictly restricted his press conference to questions about what he called an issue of ‘national importance’.
Only once did Mr Advani betray his willingness to get even with Mr Singh. “ BJP does what it says. It was in 1964 that the Jan Sangh committed itself to a nuclear India. In 1998, the BJP government carried out nuclear test. This is just one instance of BJP actually doing what it promised,” Mr Advani said referring to Mr Singh’s criticism that the BJP leader was “strong in words but weak in action”.
Asked if an issue as intricate of Indian money parked offshore could have any resonance with the electorate, Mr Advani said BJP did not want to make it an election plank and that it was keen on building a national consensus as a pre-requisite to join the ‘global crusade’ against banking secrecy and tax havens. Yet, Mr Advani accused Congress of mocking at BJP’s effort in this regard and appealed the voters to “punish Congress that has no political will to fight corruption and crime money”.
“We will continue to raise this issue during the elections also if the government continues to scoff at it. BJP has not picked this up from Wikipedia as Congress would like to believe. It is a real issue and countries like France, Germany, and even the Obama administration are seriously pursuing it at the global level. Only India has been found wanting, thanks to our government’s casual handling of the issue,” Mr Advani alleged.
Asked what steps the NDA government had taken during its six-year rule in this regard, Mr Advani said there was absolutely no scope for doing anything. “It is only after the rich western countries took up this issue that an opportunity has opened up for India. Even if India had exerted pressure earlier to bring back illegal money, it could not have worked as the west would not have supported such efforts. It is the global financial crisis that has compelled the west to act and so this is time for India to act as well,” Mr Advani said.
On his part, the BJP veteran assured that NDA, if voted to power, would do whatever it takes to bring bank black money stashed away in secret Swiss bank accounts and other tax havens around the world. Mr Advani promised legal action against politicians including those from BJP if found guilty. The BJP has demanded that UPA government appoint a special ambassador to the April 25 G-20 meeting to work with the G-20 nations in this ‘crusade’ against secret banks and tax havens.
Mr Advani pointed out that the Obama administration was planning to bring in a specific anti-tax haven legislation, assuring that NDA would pass a similar law in India if voted to power.
A four-member task force of experts appointed by Mr Advani has estimated the Indian wealth in Swiss bank accounts and other tax havens to be in the range of Rs 25 lakh crore and Rs 70 lakh crore. A report by this task force, which Mr Advani made public at the press conference, maintains that the “fact of the loot” could not be questioned though there could be a debate on the “maths of the loot.”
The report, however, points out that the credibility of the estimates about Indian black money parked abroad is reinforced by the total figure of 575 lakh crore officially given by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development at the G-20 summit.
Overconfidence cost us in 2004: Advani
17 Apr 2009
PUNE: Senior BJP leader and NDA's prime ministerial candidate Lal Krishna Advani has called upon party workers and supporters to guard against overconfidence', which, he said, was the sole factor behind the NDA's loss in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls.
"The way the UPA has disintegrated over the last one month and the emergence of a number of prime ministerial aspirants has forced me to think that over confidence about victory in the polls should not set in among our workers and supporters," Advani told a well-attended election rally in support of BJP-Shiv Sena nominee from Pune, Anil Shirole, here late Friday evening.
Advani's 30-minute speech was high on the development agenda as he consciously avoided the political rhetoric and undue criticism of the UPA government at the Centre. There was no reference to the weak PM' issue nor any excessive thrust on the UPA's failures.
"We missed in 2004 due to over confidence," Advani said, adding, the difference between the BJP and the Congress wasn't much 138 seats to 145 seats. "This time there should be no mistake. I have been telling the media that one key difference this time is the absence of over confidence. However, the UPA's disintegration may generate a false sense of victory and we have to guard against it," he said. "We have to do micro-management of each polling booth to see that our nominee wins."
Advani based his speech on the development and transformation' of the BJP-ruled states Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat to drive home the point that the party's national level leadership made a conscious attempt to incorporate development initiatives taken by these states, in its poll manifesto. This includes the Laadli Laxmi' scheme to promote female literacy and Rs 2 per kg rice scheme in Chhattisgarh, he said.
Advani referred to the NDA's six-year rule from 1998 and 2004 as the model government' that worked for strengthening the nation and changed the way the world looked at India and Indians, by way of the Pokhran nuclear tests, besides projects like Golden Quadrilateral and North South East West corridor. "Further, if we are able to utilise our grasp over infotech (IT) we can totally change this country," he said. Advani promised to eliminate corruption through e-governance besides using IT for creating a national registry of citizens and containing the infiltration problem.
The BJP leader reaffirmed his party's commitment to bring back the huge amounts of black money stashed in the Swiss banks, while pointing out that his consistent follow-up with the UPA regime has failed to evoke the desired response.
Referring to farmers' suicides in the state as a matter of shame, Advani said the BJP's formula would be "Work for every hand and water for every farm." He referred to the NDA's pet project of inter-linking of rivers and said that such mega projects were "very much doable".
PUNE: Senior BJP leader and NDA's prime ministerial candidate Lal Krishna Advani has called upon party workers and supporters to guard against overconfidence', which, he said, was the sole factor behind the NDA's loss in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls.
"The way the UPA has disintegrated over the last one month and the emergence of a number of prime ministerial aspirants has forced me to think that over confidence about victory in the polls should not set in among our workers and supporters," Advani told a well-attended election rally in support of BJP-Shiv Sena nominee from Pune, Anil Shirole, here late Friday evening.
Advani's 30-minute speech was high on the development agenda as he consciously avoided the political rhetoric and undue criticism of the UPA government at the Centre. There was no reference to the weak PM' issue nor any excessive thrust on the UPA's failures.
"We missed in 2004 due to over confidence," Advani said, adding, the difference between the BJP and the Congress wasn't much 138 seats to 145 seats. "This time there should be no mistake. I have been telling the media that one key difference this time is the absence of over confidence. However, the UPA's disintegration may generate a false sense of victory and we have to guard against it," he said. "We have to do micro-management of each polling booth to see that our nominee wins."
Advani based his speech on the development and transformation' of the BJP-ruled states Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat to drive home the point that the party's national level leadership made a conscious attempt to incorporate development initiatives taken by these states, in its poll manifesto. This includes the Laadli Laxmi' scheme to promote female literacy and Rs 2 per kg rice scheme in Chhattisgarh, he said.
Advani referred to the NDA's six-year rule from 1998 and 2004 as the model government' that worked for strengthening the nation and changed the way the world looked at India and Indians, by way of the Pokhran nuclear tests, besides projects like Golden Quadrilateral and North South East West corridor. "Further, if we are able to utilise our grasp over infotech (IT) we can totally change this country," he said. Advani promised to eliminate corruption through e-governance besides using IT for creating a national registry of citizens and containing the infiltration problem.
The BJP leader reaffirmed his party's commitment to bring back the huge amounts of black money stashed in the Swiss banks, while pointing out that his consistent follow-up with the UPA regime has failed to evoke the desired response.
Referring to farmers' suicides in the state as a matter of shame, Advani said the BJP's formula would be "Work for every hand and water for every farm." He referred to the NDA's pet project of inter-linking of rivers and said that such mega projects were "very much doable".
Advani for strong action to bring back wealth stashed abroad
BJP leader L.K. Advani shows the interim report of a task force on black money in Swiss banks and other tax havens, at a press meet in Mumbai.
MUMBAI: Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate L.K. Advani on Friday demanded vigorous action to bring back Indian wealth hoarded in secret Swiss bank accounts and other tax havens in the world.
At a press conference here, Mr Advani pointed out that United States President Barack Obama planned anti-tax haven laws, and promised similar laws if the National Democratic Alliance came to power.
The new government would take part in the global mission to recover illegal wealth and it was a doable undertaking, he said.
Mr. Advani released the interim recommendations of a task force set up by him on the steps to be taken to bring back such money.
The task force comprises S. Gurumurthy, chartered accountant and investigative writer, Ajit Doval, security expert, R. Vaidyanathan, Professor of Finance, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and Mahesh Jethmalani, lawyer and BJP candidate for the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha constituency.
It was the party’s concern for the economy and security that prompted the move. The issue of black money was linked to security, especially after the National Security Adviser referred to the stock market boom due to terror funds. There were at least 70 tax havens all over the world.
MUMBAI: Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate L.K. Advani on Friday demanded vigorous action to bring back Indian wealth hoarded in secret Swiss bank accounts and other tax havens in the world.
At a press conference here, Mr Advani pointed out that United States President Barack Obama planned anti-tax haven laws, and promised similar laws if the National Democratic Alliance came to power.
The new government would take part in the global mission to recover illegal wealth and it was a doable undertaking, he said.
Mr. Advani released the interim recommendations of a task force set up by him on the steps to be taken to bring back such money.
The task force comprises S. Gurumurthy, chartered accountant and investigative writer, Ajit Doval, security expert, R. Vaidyanathan, Professor of Finance, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and Mahesh Jethmalani, lawyer and BJP candidate for the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha constituency.
It was the party’s concern for the economy and security that prompted the move. The issue of black money was linked to security, especially after the National Security Adviser referred to the stock market boom due to terror funds. There were at least 70 tax havens all over the world.
BJP to act against tax havens in 100 days, says Advani
April 18, 2009
Will use the money for public welfare, infrastructure projects.
Throwing up a serious issue of unaccounted Indian wealth stashed in secret banks and tax heavens across the world, the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has promised to act on the menace within the first 100 days of the party forming the government.
L K Advani, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate who released the recommendations of a task force on the road map to bring the estimated $500 billion (Rs 25 lakh crore) to $1.4 trillion (Rs 70 lakh crore) of Indian money lying in Swiss banks and other tax heavens around the world, back to the country, also pledged to use the said money for public welfare and infrastructure projects.
The report was prepared by a panel comprising former Intelligence Bureau chief Ajit Doval, S Gurumurthy, Dr R Vaidyanathan from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani.
Releasing the panel’s “interim recommendations” in Mumbai, Advani said that the Congress was taking the issue lightly though the Western nations, led by Germany and the US, had launched a virtual crusade against the Swiss banks and 50 other tax heavens after discovering that secretly stashed funds were even being used by terrorists. The BJP, he said, would send the report of the task force to US President Barack Obama, German leaders as also to the leaders of various political parties on the country.
Taking a veiled dig at the Congress, Advani said most of the money from India had been taken to the tax havens in the times of the Nehruvian socialist regime which had imposed high taxes. He alleged that later, the Indian money reaching these tax havens came from the kickbacks in various defence and other deals between the government and the firms.
The task force recommended that the government make tough domestic laws against the Indian clients of the secret banks. India must play a proactive role in the global efforts to coerce the governments of the tax haven countries to end secrecy in banking, Advani said.
More importantly, the panel seeks raising a strong public opinion on the issue, which could force the government to act against the operators of illegal monies. The report cites the example of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who, due to public pressure, had to reverse his stand against acting on tax havens in the Berlin G-20 meeting.
The BJP, which has made the Indian money in tax haven a key issue in its media campaign and the party manifesto, has decided to launch opinion polls on this in states ruled by the party. Gujarat has already launched it.
Advani today wondered why the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government did not ask the German government to provide the details of the Indian names from the LGT bank’s secret records, which Berlin had managed to get. The BJP, if voted to power, would send a special emissary to Germany to get details of Indian names in the LGT bank’s secret records, he said.
The BJP leader also criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for not “joining the protocol than raising this key issue from Indian perspective’’ at the recent G-20 meet at London.
The report has also asked the government to appoint a special ambassador with adequate knowledge of tax havens and secret banking issues to work with the G-20 specifically for framing India-friendly rules. It says unless New Delhi joins the global initiative to prove its seriousness on the issues, no country would help it get its money back.
Will use the money for public welfare, infrastructure projects.
Throwing up a serious issue of unaccounted Indian wealth stashed in secret banks and tax heavens across the world, the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has promised to act on the menace within the first 100 days of the party forming the government.
L K Advani, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate who released the recommendations of a task force on the road map to bring the estimated $500 billion (Rs 25 lakh crore) to $1.4 trillion (Rs 70 lakh crore) of Indian money lying in Swiss banks and other tax heavens around the world, back to the country, also pledged to use the said money for public welfare and infrastructure projects.
The report was prepared by a panel comprising former Intelligence Bureau chief Ajit Doval, S Gurumurthy, Dr R Vaidyanathan from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani.
Releasing the panel’s “interim recommendations” in Mumbai, Advani said that the Congress was taking the issue lightly though the Western nations, led by Germany and the US, had launched a virtual crusade against the Swiss banks and 50 other tax heavens after discovering that secretly stashed funds were even being used by terrorists. The BJP, he said, would send the report of the task force to US President Barack Obama, German leaders as also to the leaders of various political parties on the country.
Taking a veiled dig at the Congress, Advani said most of the money from India had been taken to the tax havens in the times of the Nehruvian socialist regime which had imposed high taxes. He alleged that later, the Indian money reaching these tax havens came from the kickbacks in various defence and other deals between the government and the firms.
The task force recommended that the government make tough domestic laws against the Indian clients of the secret banks. India must play a proactive role in the global efforts to coerce the governments of the tax haven countries to end secrecy in banking, Advani said.
More importantly, the panel seeks raising a strong public opinion on the issue, which could force the government to act against the operators of illegal monies. The report cites the example of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who, due to public pressure, had to reverse his stand against acting on tax havens in the Berlin G-20 meeting.
The BJP, which has made the Indian money in tax haven a key issue in its media campaign and the party manifesto, has decided to launch opinion polls on this in states ruled by the party. Gujarat has already launched it.
Advani today wondered why the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government did not ask the German government to provide the details of the Indian names from the LGT bank’s secret records, which Berlin had managed to get. The BJP, if voted to power, would send a special emissary to Germany to get details of Indian names in the LGT bank’s secret records, he said.
The BJP leader also criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for not “joining the protocol than raising this key issue from Indian perspective’’ at the recent G-20 meet at London.
The report has also asked the government to appoint a special ambassador with adequate knowledge of tax havens and secret banking issues to work with the G-20 specifically for framing India-friendly rules. It says unless New Delhi joins the global initiative to prove its seriousness on the issues, no country would help it get its money back.
People chasing Advani , Sonia in web
17 Apr 2009, PTI
NEW DELHI: It's funny how politicians chase the reclusive common man for votes in the real world and how people search for these very politicos in the cyberworld.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi and BJP's prime ministerial candidate L K Advani have emerged among the most- searched-for politicians on search engine giant Google India, as the country completed polling in the first phase of staggered elections to the 543-member Lok Sabha.
According to the latest trend available on Google, a large number of people had looked up the internet for information on Manmohan Singh, Mayawati and Narendra Modi, besides Sonia Gandhi and Advani.
Interestingly, the search meter had shot up after various political camps engaged in verbal violence during campaigning.
Congress star campaigner Rahul Gandhi, considered as prime minister material by his party, too is among the top search item in the virtual world along with his cousin Varun Gandhi.
Varun made headlines after an alleged hate-speech in Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency from where he's contesting the election and people were looking for details of what he had spoken that has pushed him to the fore.
Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, who was convicted for illegal possession of arms in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, and Telugu super star-turned-politician Chiranjeevi were also in demand by netizens.
NEW DELHI: It's funny how politicians chase the reclusive common man for votes in the real world and how people search for these very politicos in the cyberworld.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi and BJP's prime ministerial candidate L K Advani have emerged among the most- searched-for politicians on search engine giant Google India, as the country completed polling in the first phase of staggered elections to the 543-member Lok Sabha.
According to the latest trend available on Google, a large number of people had looked up the internet for information on Manmohan Singh, Mayawati and Narendra Modi, besides Sonia Gandhi and Advani.
Interestingly, the search meter had shot up after various political camps engaged in verbal violence during campaigning.
Congress star campaigner Rahul Gandhi, considered as prime minister material by his party, too is among the top search item in the virtual world along with his cousin Varun Gandhi.
Varun made headlines after an alleged hate-speech in Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency from where he's contesting the election and people were looking for details of what he had spoken that has pushed him to the fore.
Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, who was convicted for illegal possession of arms in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, and Telugu super star-turned-politician Chiranjeevi were also in demand by netizens.
Varun goes speechless
18 Apr 2009 ET Bureau
NEW DELHI: A day after he was released on parole from the Etah central jail on the orders of the Supreme Court, Varun Gandhi, the BJP’s candidate from the Pilibhit Lok Sabha seat, said he was not in favour of violence as a tool in politics, but vowed to continue raising his voice against “anti-national forces”.
With the Supreme Court and the Uttar Pradesh government keeping a close tab on his utterances, the Gandhi family scion was understandably restrained. He stayed away from the media glare all through the day, preferring to remain closeted with his mother Menaka Gandhi and other close friends. He issued a statement later in the day, touching on subjects such as terrorism and his resolve to fight the menace.
“Indians should unite to face the threat of terrorism (emanating from) neighbouring countries. We need to rise and face this menace boldly and I shall continue to raise my voice against anti-national forces,” Mr Gandhi said.
The young BJP leader was on Thursday granted a conditional bail for a fortnight.
In keeping with the conditions set by the Supreme Court for his release, every word uttered by him will be scrutinised by the Pilibhit district administration, and his political opponents. Varun Gandhi, consequently, took recourse to the option of issuing a written statement so as to eliminate any scope of confusion.
The BJP leader has been released on parole a day earlier to enable him to file his nomination papers for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, and also to solicit votes for himself and his party on the condition that he would not indulge in any conduct likely to disturb communal harmony.
The 29-year-old Gandhi family scion expressed happiness over the relief provided to him by the Supreme Court, and said he was looking forward to being vindicated “fully” by the highest court of the land.
“I should also like to answer all the other false charges being levelled against me. Let me make it clear I do not and never have advocated violence as a tool in politics,” he maintained. Mr Gandhi said his immediate task was to form a government which will be in the “best interests” of India.
He also invoked his family history to underscore the point that he was not going to be cowed down in these trying times. “History shows that my family has always been strengthened by times of adversity. I too am being tested and shall not be found wanting,” he added.
Varun Gandhi is expected to visit his constituency, Pilibhit, on Tuesday to file his nomination papers.
NEW DELHI: A day after he was released on parole from the Etah central jail on the orders of the Supreme Court, Varun Gandhi, the BJP’s candidate from the Pilibhit Lok Sabha seat, said he was not in favour of violence as a tool in politics, but vowed to continue raising his voice against “anti-national forces”.
With the Supreme Court and the Uttar Pradesh government keeping a close tab on his utterances, the Gandhi family scion was understandably restrained. He stayed away from the media glare all through the day, preferring to remain closeted with his mother Menaka Gandhi and other close friends. He issued a statement later in the day, touching on subjects such as terrorism and his resolve to fight the menace.
“Indians should unite to face the threat of terrorism (emanating from) neighbouring countries. We need to rise and face this menace boldly and I shall continue to raise my voice against anti-national forces,” Mr Gandhi said.
The young BJP leader was on Thursday granted a conditional bail for a fortnight.
In keeping with the conditions set by the Supreme Court for his release, every word uttered by him will be scrutinised by the Pilibhit district administration, and his political opponents. Varun Gandhi, consequently, took recourse to the option of issuing a written statement so as to eliminate any scope of confusion.
The BJP leader has been released on parole a day earlier to enable him to file his nomination papers for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, and also to solicit votes for himself and his party on the condition that he would not indulge in any conduct likely to disturb communal harmony.
The 29-year-old Gandhi family scion expressed happiness over the relief provided to him by the Supreme Court, and said he was looking forward to being vindicated “fully” by the highest court of the land.
“I should also like to answer all the other false charges being levelled against me. Let me make it clear I do not and never have advocated violence as a tool in politics,” he maintained. Mr Gandhi said his immediate task was to form a government which will be in the “best interests” of India.
He also invoked his family history to underscore the point that he was not going to be cowed down in these trying times. “History shows that my family has always been strengthened by times of adversity. I too am being tested and shall not be found wanting,” he added.
Varun Gandhi is expected to visit his constituency, Pilibhit, on Tuesday to file his nomination papers.
Varun Gandhi out on good conduct vow
17 Apr 2009
NEW DELHI: NSA detenue and BJP candidate for Pilibhit Varun Gandhi appeared to be turning into a polarising issue on Thursday when Supreme Court gave him interim bail till May 1 after extracting promise of impeccable behaviour and not to give any speech against any community.
While SC's order came in the teeth of opposition from the Mayawati government which argued that Varun might not observe the commitment, the BJP immediately announced its plan to get him to campaign in other UP constituencies that go to polls in the following phases.
Varun's one-line undertaking not to give any inflammatory or provocative speech did not satisfy a Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices P Sathasivam and J M Panchal, which asked him to give an elaborate undertaking in the face of Mayawati government's opposition to his release even on interim bail. Varun's counsel Mukul Rohtagi agreed immediately.
UP government's counsel, senior advocate Harish Salve, said the state opposed his release even on interim bail despite Varun agreeing to give a lengthy undertaking not to utter a word against any community, race or religion.
Expressing reservations over Varun's undertaking, he said, "The UP government knows of an undertaking given in 1992 and how it was violated to disastrous effect." Salve was recalling an undertaking given by then UP chief minister Kalyan Singh to do everything to protect Babri masjid from kar sevaks, but not keeping his word leading to demolition of the disputed structure.
The objection takes on significance in view of the charge from Samajwadi Party as well as the Congress that Mayawati government's use of NSA against Varun was intended to polarise the electorate and that it was acting in tandem with the BJP.
The Bench said it was inclined to release Varun on "temporary bail/parole initially up to May 1, 2009, on the condition that he will make an undertaking to the following effect:
"I, Feroze Varun Gandhi undertake that I will not by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise, promote or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste or community or any other ground whatsoever, disharmony or feelings or enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religion, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities, or commit any act which is prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different religious, racial, language of regional groups or castes or communities and which disturb the public tranquillity during the period of interim bail."
On filing this undertaking before the Etah jail superintendent, he would be released on bail on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 50,000 with two sureties in the like amount, the Bench ordered. It also asked him to file a similar undertaking before the Supreme Court by Monday.
In addition to these stringent conditions attached to his interim bail, the court also asked him to keep the Pilibhit district magistrate posted about his movements during electioneering.
This means, the Mayawati government has got a handle to move the SC to cancel the interim bail prior to May 1 if Varun gives any speech that does not conform to the undertaking.
NEW DELHI: NSA detenue and BJP candidate for Pilibhit Varun Gandhi appeared to be turning into a polarising issue on Thursday when Supreme Court gave him interim bail till May 1 after extracting promise of impeccable behaviour and not to give any speech against any community.
While SC's order came in the teeth of opposition from the Mayawati government which argued that Varun might not observe the commitment, the BJP immediately announced its plan to get him to campaign in other UP constituencies that go to polls in the following phases.
Varun's one-line undertaking not to give any inflammatory or provocative speech did not satisfy a Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices P Sathasivam and J M Panchal, which asked him to give an elaborate undertaking in the face of Mayawati government's opposition to his release even on interim bail. Varun's counsel Mukul Rohtagi agreed immediately.
UP government's counsel, senior advocate Harish Salve, said the state opposed his release even on interim bail despite Varun agreeing to give a lengthy undertaking not to utter a word against any community, race or religion.
Expressing reservations over Varun's undertaking, he said, "The UP government knows of an undertaking given in 1992 and how it was violated to disastrous effect." Salve was recalling an undertaking given by then UP chief minister Kalyan Singh to do everything to protect Babri masjid from kar sevaks, but not keeping his word leading to demolition of the disputed structure.
The objection takes on significance in view of the charge from Samajwadi Party as well as the Congress that Mayawati government's use of NSA against Varun was intended to polarise the electorate and that it was acting in tandem with the BJP.
The Bench said it was inclined to release Varun on "temporary bail/parole initially up to May 1, 2009, on the condition that he will make an undertaking to the following effect:
"I, Feroze Varun Gandhi undertake that I will not by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise, promote or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste or community or any other ground whatsoever, disharmony or feelings or enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religion, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities, or commit any act which is prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different religious, racial, language of regional groups or castes or communities and which disturb the public tranquillity during the period of interim bail."
On filing this undertaking before the Etah jail superintendent, he would be released on bail on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 50,000 with two sureties in the like amount, the Bench ordered. It also asked him to file a similar undertaking before the Supreme Court by Monday.
In addition to these stringent conditions attached to his interim bail, the court also asked him to keep the Pilibhit district magistrate posted about his movements during electioneering.
This means, the Mayawati government has got a handle to move the SC to cancel the interim bail prior to May 1 if Varun gives any speech that does not conform to the undertaking.
Lalu attacks Congress over Babri demolition
18 Apr 2009 PTI
MANIGACHI: In controversial remarks, RJD chief Lalu Prasad has said the Congress too was responsible for the demolition of the Babri mosque as it did nothing to prevent it.
"Babri masjid was razed to the ground and Congress too is responsible for it as it did nothing to prevent it," he said addressing an election meeting at Manhgachi in Bihar's Darbhanga district yesterday.
"If anyone continue to talk nonsense, I will reveal more," he said, without elaborating.
Lalu, who had recently been chastised by the Election Commission for his 'crush-under-the-roller' remark against BJP candidate Varun Gandhi.
MANIGACHI: In controversial remarks, RJD chief Lalu Prasad has said the Congress too was responsible for the demolition of the Babri mosque as it did nothing to prevent it.
"Babri masjid was razed to the ground and Congress too is responsible for it as it did nothing to prevent it," he said addressing an election meeting at Manhgachi in Bihar's Darbhanga district yesterday.
"If anyone continue to talk nonsense, I will reveal more," he said, without elaborating.
Lalu, who had recently been chastised by the Election Commission for his 'crush-under-the-roller' remark against BJP candidate Varun Gandhi.
Friday, April 17, 2009
SC orders release of Varun Gandhi on parole
16 Apr 2009, PTI
NEW DELHI: In a conditional reprieve for detained BJP leader Varun Gandhi, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered his release on parole for two weeks after he gave an undertaking to Etah jail authorities that he will not make inflammatory speeches.
The apex court imposed a stringent condition that 29-year-old Varun, held under the National Security Act, will not make any speech against a community, religion, race and disturb public order during the period of parole.
"Having regard to the facts and circumstances, we are inclined to release him on parole for two weeks on condition that he will give an undertaking before the superintendent of Etah Jail that he will not make such speeches during the parole which is likely to cause communal disturbance and hatred among any caste and community," a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said.
NEW DELHI: In a conditional reprieve for detained BJP leader Varun Gandhi, the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered his release on parole for two weeks after he gave an undertaking to Etah jail authorities that he will not make inflammatory speeches.
The apex court imposed a stringent condition that 29-year-old Varun, held under the National Security Act, will not make any speech against a community, religion, race and disturb public order during the period of parole.
"Having regard to the facts and circumstances, we are inclined to release him on parole for two weeks on condition that he will give an undertaking before the superintendent of Etah Jail that he will not make such speeches during the parole which is likely to cause communal disturbance and hatred among any caste and community," a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said.
Varun Gandhi to campaign during two week parole: BJP
16 Apr 2009,
NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Thursday that Varun Gandhi would campaign for the party during his two-week parole granted by the Supreme Court.
"The Bharatiya Janata Party welcomes the Supreme Court decision. Varun Gandhi is an active party worker. He will campaign for the party," BJP spokesperson Balbir Punj told reporters after the Supreme Court ordered the "forthwith release" of the party's candidate from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh.
This would enable him to file his nomination by the deadline April 24.
"Where all he will go and for whom he will campaign will depend on Varun's comfort and demand from candidates to campaign for them - there are a lot of people who want him to campaign for them," Punj added.
The court said Varun Gandhi would be released Thursday after submitting an affidavit to the authorities in Etah jail, where he has been since April 1, that he will not make provocative speeches during the poll campaign. He would be filing a similar affidavit to the Supreme Court by Monday.
Varun Gandhi's lawsuit challenging the invocation of the National Security Act (NSA) will be heard in the apex court May 1.
"We believe when the Uttar Pradesh government's decided to slap the National Security Act, it was acting under vendetta. They grossly misused the act. We didn't trust them then and we don't now," Punj said.
"Justice has been done partially at least," Punj concluded, adding that "everything would become clear in the hearing".
The Gandhi scion has been in jail for around two weeks and had been arrested after a series of campaign speeches vilifying Muslims, the tapes of which he said had been doctored.
NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Thursday that Varun Gandhi would campaign for the party during his two-week parole granted by the Supreme Court.
"The Bharatiya Janata Party welcomes the Supreme Court decision. Varun Gandhi is an active party worker. He will campaign for the party," BJP spokesperson Balbir Punj told reporters after the Supreme Court ordered the "forthwith release" of the party's candidate from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh.
This would enable him to file his nomination by the deadline April 24.
"Where all he will go and for whom he will campaign will depend on Varun's comfort and demand from candidates to campaign for them - there are a lot of people who want him to campaign for them," Punj added.
The court said Varun Gandhi would be released Thursday after submitting an affidavit to the authorities in Etah jail, where he has been since April 1, that he will not make provocative speeches during the poll campaign. He would be filing a similar affidavit to the Supreme Court by Monday.
Varun Gandhi's lawsuit challenging the invocation of the National Security Act (NSA) will be heard in the apex court May 1.
"We believe when the Uttar Pradesh government's decided to slap the National Security Act, it was acting under vendetta. They grossly misused the act. We didn't trust them then and we don't now," Punj said.
"Justice has been done partially at least," Punj concluded, adding that "everything would become clear in the hearing".
The Gandhi scion has been in jail for around two weeks and had been arrested after a series of campaign speeches vilifying Muslims, the tapes of which he said had been doctored.
Vajpayee appeals to voters to back NDA
16 Apr 2009,
NEW DELHI: With voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections taking place on Thursday, BJP used its trump card to swing the mood in favour of the party and Advani with a sentimental appeal from party patriarch Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In 2004, he had appealed to voters through a recorded message that reached people through phone calls. This time, it is back to the good old days of printed pamphlets that are being distributed by hand.
Urging voters to come out and vote, the former PM shared his fears about a fractured mandate if people did not vote decisively.
Hinting at the uncertainty about a clear mandate, Vajpayee said the nation is standing at crossroads leading to three paths. "While one road leads to UPA government which has a record of five years of criminal neglect of development and security, the second leads to those parties whose priority is to somehow stitch up an alliance to come to power. The third road leads to BJP-led NDA which can give the country political stability, development, good governance and security to which it is committed, as it has already been proved during the six years of NDA rule."
As this is the first election that the Vajpayee-Advani duo is not fighting together since 1952, the elder of the two has appealed to voters on why they should vote for Advani to be PM.
Praising Advani, Vajpayee said, "In all these years, my dream and that of my colleagues was to make India a strong, prosperous nation... There were many who joined me on the way but the closest and most talented comrade through my journey was Advaniji... Having working together, I have been in awe of his wisdom, clarity of thought and his skill to carry people along... He has played a great role in taking BJP to its present heights... His unblemished character and firm commitment and personality...is what the nation needs today."
NEW DELHI: With voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections taking place on Thursday, BJP used its trump card to swing the mood in favour of the party and Advani with a sentimental appeal from party patriarch Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In 2004, he had appealed to voters through a recorded message that reached people through phone calls. This time, it is back to the good old days of printed pamphlets that are being distributed by hand.
Urging voters to come out and vote, the former PM shared his fears about a fractured mandate if people did not vote decisively.
Hinting at the uncertainty about a clear mandate, Vajpayee said the nation is standing at crossroads leading to three paths. "While one road leads to UPA government which has a record of five years of criminal neglect of development and security, the second leads to those parties whose priority is to somehow stitch up an alliance to come to power. The third road leads to BJP-led NDA which can give the country political stability, development, good governance and security to which it is committed, as it has already been proved during the six years of NDA rule."
As this is the first election that the Vajpayee-Advani duo is not fighting together since 1952, the elder of the two has appealed to voters on why they should vote for Advani to be PM.
Praising Advani, Vajpayee said, "In all these years, my dream and that of my colleagues was to make India a strong, prosperous nation... There were many who joined me on the way but the closest and most talented comrade through my journey was Advaniji... Having working together, I have been in awe of his wisdom, clarity of thought and his skill to carry people along... He has played a great role in taking BJP to its present heights... His unblemished character and firm commitment and personality...is what the nation needs today."
Rahul works hard, his website harder
14 Apr 2009,
NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi spends over 16 hours a day on the campaign trail, but that's nothing compared to what his website does - it's on 24X7.
He manages to cover two states a day and address four public meetings, while his website 'pressbrief.in' relays as many meetings and that too across the world.
The customised portal also replays streaming videos and audio of past public meetings of not just Rahul, but that of the entire Nehru-Gandhi family.
The site, run by what Congressmen call "Team Rahul, feeds the media with latest videos, photographs and speeches of Rahul, Priyanka and Sonia, and has all that the party offices, the media and the cable networks need.
"Rahul says that he is preparing for the long haul and is looking forward. We have the same motto. To make an impact silently and slowly," a person associated with site said.
Talking about the site, another source said a team has been put together at all levels across the country and whenever a speech of these three members of the family is delivered, a person in the audience connects his mobile to the Delhi office of the website.
"The speech is transcribed in three languages -- Hindi, English and Urdu -- in the next 15-20 minutes and put up on the website along with the video, wherever possible" the source explained.
Sources said currently as many as 175 small-and-medium- size newspapers in the country are downloading materials from Rahul's site free of cost on real-time basis.
"Apart from this, the high-resolution videos can be downloaded and several local cable networks, which cannot send their reporters and camerapersons to cover the events due to some constraints, use the site extensively," a source said.
Within half-an-hour of Congress President Sonia Gandhi delivering a speech at Vidarbha in Maharashtra, the video was uploaded on the website.
Moreover, no editorial inputs can be found in the information provided in the site so that the party offices across the country can use it for propaganda.
Currently, the website mainly only has information on the most watched political family of the country. "The site is evolving in a phased manner. It was started sometime back and gradually lots of media-friendly inputs have been incorporated," said a source.
NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi spends over 16 hours a day on the campaign trail, but that's nothing compared to what his website does - it's on 24X7.
He manages to cover two states a day and address four public meetings, while his website 'pressbrief.in' relays as many meetings and that too across the world.
The customised portal also replays streaming videos and audio of past public meetings of not just Rahul, but that of the entire Nehru-Gandhi family.
The site, run by what Congressmen call "Team Rahul, feeds the media with latest videos, photographs and speeches of Rahul, Priyanka and Sonia, and has all that the party offices, the media and the cable networks need.
"Rahul says that he is preparing for the long haul and is looking forward. We have the same motto. To make an impact silently and slowly," a person associated with site said.
Talking about the site, another source said a team has been put together at all levels across the country and whenever a speech of these three members of the family is delivered, a person in the audience connects his mobile to the Delhi office of the website.
"The speech is transcribed in three languages -- Hindi, English and Urdu -- in the next 15-20 minutes and put up on the website along with the video, wherever possible" the source explained.
Sources said currently as many as 175 small-and-medium- size newspapers in the country are downloading materials from Rahul's site free of cost on real-time basis.
"Apart from this, the high-resolution videos can be downloaded and several local cable networks, which cannot send their reporters and camerapersons to cover the events due to some constraints, use the site extensively," a source said.
Within half-an-hour of Congress President Sonia Gandhi delivering a speech at Vidarbha in Maharashtra, the video was uploaded on the website.
Moreover, no editorial inputs can be found in the information provided in the site so that the party offices across the country can use it for propaganda.
Currently, the website mainly only has information on the most watched political family of the country. "The site is evolving in a phased manner. It was started sometime back and gradually lots of media-friendly inputs have been incorporated," said a source.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Vajpayee appeals to voters to back NDA, Advani
16 Apr 2009,
NEW DELHI: With voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections taking place on Thursday, BJP used its trump card to swing the mood in favour of the party and Advani with a sentimental appeal from party patriarch Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In 2004, he had appealed to voters through a recorded message that reached people through phone calls. This time, it is back to the good old days of printed pamphlets that are being distributed by hand.
Urging voters to come out and vote, the former PM shared his fears about a fractured mandate if people did not vote decisively.
Hinting at the uncertainty about a clear mandate, Vajpayee said the nation is standing at crossroads leading to three paths. "While one road leads to UPA government which has a record of five years of criminal neglect of development and security, the second leads to those parties whose priority is to somehow stitch up an alliance to come to power. The third road leads to BJP-led NDA which can give the country political stability, development, good governance and security to which it is committed, as it has already been proved during the six years of NDA rule."
As this is the first election that the Vajpayee-Advani duo is not fighting together since 1952, the elder of the two has appealed to voters on why they should vote for Advani to be PM.
Praising Advani, Vajpayee said, "In all these years, my dream and that of my colleagues was to make India a strong, prosperous nation... There were many who joined me on the way but the closest and most talented comrade through my journey was Advaniji... Having working together, I have been in awe of his wisdom, clarity of thought and his skill to carry people along... He has played a great role in taking BJP to its present heights... His unblemished character and firm commitment and personality...is what the nation needs today."
NEW DELHI: With voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections taking place on Thursday, BJP used its trump card to swing the mood in favour of the party and Advani with a sentimental appeal from party patriarch Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In 2004, he had appealed to voters through a recorded message that reached people through phone calls. This time, it is back to the good old days of printed pamphlets that are being distributed by hand.
Urging voters to come out and vote, the former PM shared his fears about a fractured mandate if people did not vote decisively.
Hinting at the uncertainty about a clear mandate, Vajpayee said the nation is standing at crossroads leading to three paths. "While one road leads to UPA government which has a record of five years of criminal neglect of development and security, the second leads to those parties whose priority is to somehow stitch up an alliance to come to power. The third road leads to BJP-led NDA which can give the country political stability, development, good governance and security to which it is committed, as it has already been proved during the six years of NDA rule."
As this is the first election that the Vajpayee-Advani duo is not fighting together since 1952, the elder of the two has appealed to voters on why they should vote for Advani to be PM.
Praising Advani, Vajpayee said, "In all these years, my dream and that of my colleagues was to make India a strong, prosperous nation... There were many who joined me on the way but the closest and most talented comrade through my journey was Advaniji... Having working together, I have been in awe of his wisdom, clarity of thought and his skill to carry people along... He has played a great role in taking BJP to its present heights... His unblemished character and firm commitment and personality...is what the nation needs today."
India to Vote in 5-Stage Election /Voice of America
New Delhi
15 April 2009
Polling officers check carry electric voting machines to be used in the first phase of elections, as security personnel look on in Jammu, India, Wednesday, 15 April 2009
India's month-long staggered general election begins Thursday, pitting the ruling Congress Party-led coalition against the opposition alliance, headed by the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. Several regional parties are also in the fray and are likely to play a strong role in deciding who will head the next government in the world's largest democracy.
Voting begins Thursday
Thursday's voting will be largely concentrated in eastern and northern India, including some of the country's poorest and least-developed areas.
The vote marks the first stage of an election that is being held in five stages, ending on May 13.
The two principal political alliances - the ruling Congress Party and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party - have campaigned on promises of uplifting the economic condition of poor people, who form the bulk of the country's 714 million voters.
Who are main candidates?
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 76, is the man who will head the government, if the Congress Party is successful.
"I came to office with the promise to wipe every tear from every farmers eye," Singh said. "I sincerely believe we have worked hard to do that. We will not rest till we see every farmer, every worker, every young man and woman have renewed faith in their future and a secure livelihood."
Prime Minister Singh's main opponent is 81-year-old Lal Krishna Advani - the Bharatiya Janata Party's choice for prime minister, if it wins.
But the BJP, which lost power in 2004, has been hampered by divisions in its ranks, and accusations that it has stoked tensions between India's Hindu majority and Muslim minority. Political analysts say the party is unlikely to emerge a frontrunner. But Advani feels differently.
"I think I am optimistic," Advani said.
A key role will be played by regional parties, several of which have come together to form a loose alliance, called the "Third Front". Many of these parties have grown on caste and linguistic lines in the diverse country. Local issues dominate their poll agenda. These parties are expected to garner a fair share of the vote.
Analysts expect fragmented vote, weak coalition
Most political analysts expect a weak coalition to emerge, because the vote is expected to be more fragmented than in previous elections. As a result, it could take days of deal-making before it is clear who will head India's next government
Many polls have tipped the Congress Party as the likely victor, but say its ability to form a government will depend on how much support it can garner from regional parties.
If neither of the two main alliances is able to cobble a government together, a leader from a smaller party may make a bid for power.
Difficult to predict outcome
Delhi University Professor and political analyst Mahesh Rangarajan says it is difficult to predict the final outcome.
"The BJP does not seem to be in the race, barring the unforeseen," Rangarajan said. "Congress is in the race because it is slightly better placed. We are all expecting a coalition in which regional parties, smaller parties have a larger say. Or we cannot rule out some sort of a third front."
The voting is held in stages because of the enormous logistics of arranging polling booths and adequate security for the world's largest democratic exercise. More than 800,000 polling stations will be set up, guarded by two-million security personnel who will be rotated through the country. Votes will be counted, May 16.
15 April 2009
Polling officers check carry electric voting machines to be used in the first phase of elections, as security personnel look on in Jammu, India, Wednesday, 15 April 2009
India's month-long staggered general election begins Thursday, pitting the ruling Congress Party-led coalition against the opposition alliance, headed by the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. Several regional parties are also in the fray and are likely to play a strong role in deciding who will head the next government in the world's largest democracy.
Voting begins Thursday
Thursday's voting will be largely concentrated in eastern and northern India, including some of the country's poorest and least-developed areas.
The vote marks the first stage of an election that is being held in five stages, ending on May 13.
The two principal political alliances - the ruling Congress Party and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party - have campaigned on promises of uplifting the economic condition of poor people, who form the bulk of the country's 714 million voters.
Who are main candidates?
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 76, is the man who will head the government, if the Congress Party is successful.
"I came to office with the promise to wipe every tear from every farmers eye," Singh said. "I sincerely believe we have worked hard to do that. We will not rest till we see every farmer, every worker, every young man and woman have renewed faith in their future and a secure livelihood."
Prime Minister Singh's main opponent is 81-year-old Lal Krishna Advani - the Bharatiya Janata Party's choice for prime minister, if it wins.
But the BJP, which lost power in 2004, has been hampered by divisions in its ranks, and accusations that it has stoked tensions between India's Hindu majority and Muslim minority. Political analysts say the party is unlikely to emerge a frontrunner. But Advani feels differently.
"I think I am optimistic," Advani said.
A key role will be played by regional parties, several of which have come together to form a loose alliance, called the "Third Front". Many of these parties have grown on caste and linguistic lines in the diverse country. Local issues dominate their poll agenda. These parties are expected to garner a fair share of the vote.
Analysts expect fragmented vote, weak coalition
Most political analysts expect a weak coalition to emerge, because the vote is expected to be more fragmented than in previous elections. As a result, it could take days of deal-making before it is clear who will head India's next government
Many polls have tipped the Congress Party as the likely victor, but say its ability to form a government will depend on how much support it can garner from regional parties.
If neither of the two main alliances is able to cobble a government together, a leader from a smaller party may make a bid for power.
Difficult to predict outcome
Delhi University Professor and political analyst Mahesh Rangarajan says it is difficult to predict the final outcome.
"The BJP does not seem to be in the race, barring the unforeseen," Rangarajan said. "Congress is in the race because it is slightly better placed. We are all expecting a coalition in which regional parties, smaller parties have a larger say. Or we cannot rule out some sort of a third front."
The voting is held in stages because of the enormous logistics of arranging polling booths and adequate security for the world's largest democratic exercise. More than 800,000 polling stations will be set up, guarded by two-million security personnel who will be rotated through the country. Votes will be counted, May 16.
Tougher action against Varun if he violates undertaking: Mayawati
16 Apr 2009, PTI
LUCKNOW: Describing BJP leader Varun Gandhi, who was detained by her government under National Security Act (NSA), as a "threat" to law and order, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati on Thursday said even more stringent action would be taken against him if he violates his undertaking not to make inflammatory speeches.
A close watch would be kept on Varun's activities after his release from jail following a Supreme Court order, Mayawati told reporters in Lucknow.
"Our government feels that Varun is a threat to law and order of the state and we will keep a close watch on his activites after his release", she said.
"Though I will not like to make any comment on SC decision to grant parole to Gandhi, my government is of the view that his release could vitiate public order in the state. We have strongly contended in the court not to release Gandhi", Mayawati said.
She said Varun in his undertaking given to the apex court has promised not to make inflammatory speeches.
"Such an undertaking was given by the then chief minister Kalyan Singh in Ayodhya issue but Congress and BJP had connived and the Babri Mosque was demolished there. And his (Singh's) undertaking proved to be of no use", Mayawati said.
"As Varun belongs to the same party (BJP), we have to see how much he follows what he promised in his undertaking", the chief minister said.
"If Varun behaves like Kalyan Singh, our government will initiate stricter legal action against him", she said adding her government would ensure that he does not repeat his act.
LUCKNOW: Describing BJP leader Varun Gandhi, who was detained by her government under National Security Act (NSA), as a "threat" to law and order, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati on Thursday said even more stringent action would be taken against him if he violates his undertaking not to make inflammatory speeches.
A close watch would be kept on Varun's activities after his release from jail following a Supreme Court order, Mayawati told reporters in Lucknow.
"Our government feels that Varun is a threat to law and order of the state and we will keep a close watch on his activites after his release", she said.
"Though I will not like to make any comment on SC decision to grant parole to Gandhi, my government is of the view that his release could vitiate public order in the state. We have strongly contended in the court not to release Gandhi", Mayawati said.
She said Varun in his undertaking given to the apex court has promised not to make inflammatory speeches.
"Such an undertaking was given by the then chief minister Kalyan Singh in Ayodhya issue but Congress and BJP had connived and the Babri Mosque was demolished there. And his (Singh's) undertaking proved to be of no use", Mayawati said.
"As Varun belongs to the same party (BJP), we have to see how much he follows what he promised in his undertaking", the chief minister said.
"If Varun behaves like Kalyan Singh, our government will initiate stricter legal action against him", she said adding her government would ensure that he does not repeat his act.
17 killed during first phase of polling for LS
16 Apr 2009
NEW DELHI: Round one of India's Election 2009 ended Thursday with millions queuing up in 17 states and union territories to vote in a new government amid Maoist violence that marred the democratic exercise in several places and left at least 17 dead.
The world's largest democratic exercise began early at 7 a.m. and ended at most places at 5 pm. A majority of the states reported moderate turnout despite the Maoist attacks on polling centres and security personnel.
Indians voted in 124 constituencies to pick a new 545-seat Lok Sabha in the first step of a four-phased exercise that is widely expected to throw up a split verdict. The Maoist violence affected a dozen constituencies.
About 143 million of India's 714 million voters were eligible to exercise their franchise in the first of five rounds in 185,552 polling centres. A total of 1,715 candidates were in the fray, with over 300,000 electronic voting machines used.
Tens of thousands of election staff and security personnel kept vigil as people voted in all the constituencies of Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Island and Lakshwadeep. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Manipur, Orissa and Jharkhand saw partial voting.
But it was a bloody start to the ambitious exercise with Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand and Maharashtra seeing violence and intimidation as Maoist guerrillas tried to implement their election boycott through the barrel of the gun.
At least 17 people were killed as cadres of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist, which seeks to carry out an agrarian-based revolution, targeted polling officials and security personnel across the insurgency hit states.
Landmine blasts in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand saw 14 people getting killed. In Jharkhand's Latehar area, seven Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and two others heading to an election centre were killed when their bus was blown up.
In neighbouring Chhattisgarh, five polling officials died when Maoists detonated a landmine in Rajnandgaon district. A paramilitary trooper was shot dead in an exchange of bullets in the Maoist stronghold Dantewada.
In adjoining Bihar, a policeman and a Home Guard were killed when over a dozen Maoists opened fire at a polling station in Gaya district.
Reports of gun battles, booths being raided, voters being attacked and electronic voting machines being torched came in from several places in the affected states.
But voters braved it all at the end of the day.
In Andhra Pradesh, once a Maoist bastion, there was 60-65 percent voter turnout, 65 percent in the three parliamentary constituencies of Assam and 60-70 percent in Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, also in the northeast. Manipur was lower at 40 to 50 percent.
In violence-hit Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar, about 50 percent of the voters turned to cast their franchise.
Long queues were seen outside booths in Kerala with officials estimating that the turnout would be about 60 percent. It was highest in Ernakulam with 67.5 percent and surprisingly low in Thiruvananthapuram, where the Congress fielded star debutant, former UN under-secretary general Shashi Tharoor, with 45.4 percent.
With 124 of 543 seats going to the polls, the day was decisive for the main political parties battling for power with several key leaders in the fray.
One of them was Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, who accused the rivals of intimidating voters in his constituency in Saran in Bihar.
Cabinet minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said in his constituency Bhandara-Gondia in Maharashtra: "We are with the Congress as alliance partners. That does not stop us from having good relations with the Left. In fact, we may need them later."
Finally, Thursday was all about the struggle to reach the coveted seat of power in Delhi.
As defence minister and Congress leader A.K. Antony said: "Gone are the days of a single party ruling the country. Hence, even though there are secular parties contesting against us in states, when it comes to forming a government in Delhi we will seek the support of all secular parties."
And this is how BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley put it: "The way the campaign progressed and looking at the voting trends in all the states where we are in strength, we are going to improve our performance."
The exercise was also about the people and their determination to vote, no matter what.
Like Kamla Devi, 102, who came to vote at Gurah Brahamana in Jammu region. It was the 20th time she was doing so and the canny voter refused to disclose who she had supported.
NEW DELHI: Round one of India's Election 2009 ended Thursday with millions queuing up in 17 states and union territories to vote in a new government amid Maoist violence that marred the democratic exercise in several places and left at least 17 dead.
The world's largest democratic exercise began early at 7 a.m. and ended at most places at 5 pm. A majority of the states reported moderate turnout despite the Maoist attacks on polling centres and security personnel.
Indians voted in 124 constituencies to pick a new 545-seat Lok Sabha in the first step of a four-phased exercise that is widely expected to throw up a split verdict. The Maoist violence affected a dozen constituencies.
About 143 million of India's 714 million voters were eligible to exercise their franchise in the first of five rounds in 185,552 polling centres. A total of 1,715 candidates were in the fray, with over 300,000 electronic voting machines used.
Tens of thousands of election staff and security personnel kept vigil as people voted in all the constituencies of Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Island and Lakshwadeep. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Manipur, Orissa and Jharkhand saw partial voting.
But it was a bloody start to the ambitious exercise with Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand and Maharashtra seeing violence and intimidation as Maoist guerrillas tried to implement their election boycott through the barrel of the gun.
At least 17 people were killed as cadres of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist, which seeks to carry out an agrarian-based revolution, targeted polling officials and security personnel across the insurgency hit states.
Landmine blasts in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand saw 14 people getting killed. In Jharkhand's Latehar area, seven Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and two others heading to an election centre were killed when their bus was blown up.
In neighbouring Chhattisgarh, five polling officials died when Maoists detonated a landmine in Rajnandgaon district. A paramilitary trooper was shot dead in an exchange of bullets in the Maoist stronghold Dantewada.
In adjoining Bihar, a policeman and a Home Guard were killed when over a dozen Maoists opened fire at a polling station in Gaya district.
Reports of gun battles, booths being raided, voters being attacked and electronic voting machines being torched came in from several places in the affected states.
But voters braved it all at the end of the day.
In Andhra Pradesh, once a Maoist bastion, there was 60-65 percent voter turnout, 65 percent in the three parliamentary constituencies of Assam and 60-70 percent in Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, also in the northeast. Manipur was lower at 40 to 50 percent.
In violence-hit Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar, about 50 percent of the voters turned to cast their franchise.
Long queues were seen outside booths in Kerala with officials estimating that the turnout would be about 60 percent. It was highest in Ernakulam with 67.5 percent and surprisingly low in Thiruvananthapuram, where the Congress fielded star debutant, former UN under-secretary general Shashi Tharoor, with 45.4 percent.
With 124 of 543 seats going to the polls, the day was decisive for the main political parties battling for power with several key leaders in the fray.
One of them was Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, who accused the rivals of intimidating voters in his constituency in Saran in Bihar.
Cabinet minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said in his constituency Bhandara-Gondia in Maharashtra: "We are with the Congress as alliance partners. That does not stop us from having good relations with the Left. In fact, we may need them later."
Finally, Thursday was all about the struggle to reach the coveted seat of power in Delhi.
As defence minister and Congress leader A.K. Antony said: "Gone are the days of a single party ruling the country. Hence, even though there are secular parties contesting against us in states, when it comes to forming a government in Delhi we will seek the support of all secular parties."
And this is how BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley put it: "The way the campaign progressed and looking at the voting trends in all the states where we are in strength, we are going to improve our performance."
The exercise was also about the people and their determination to vote, no matter what.
Like Kamla Devi, 102, who came to vote at Gurah Brahamana in Jammu region. It was the 20th time she was doing so and the canny voter refused to disclose who she had supported.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Arun Jaitley: on BJP alliances in UP
10 Apr 2009
"In the last two years, our party has grown in Uttar Pradesh as a major anti-Samajwadi Party and anti-BSP force. Hence, a tie-up with these parties is unlikely.”
Politics makes for strange bedfellows and in what is proving to be hugely fractious run up to the general elections, anything goes. So, whatever any political party or politician says these days must be taken with a pinch of salt. Arun Jaitley may currently believe that the BJP's existence in UP (whatever little that remains of it) is owed to its anti-SP/BSP stand, but the fact is that the very same BJP has had coalitions with BSP in the past, even though they proved to be acrimonious and short-lived. What compulsions would result in what marriages post election results is anybody's guess.
"In the last two years, our party has grown in Uttar Pradesh as a major anti-Samajwadi Party and anti-BSP force. Hence, a tie-up with these parties is unlikely.”
Politics makes for strange bedfellows and in what is proving to be hugely fractious run up to the general elections, anything goes. So, whatever any political party or politician says these days must be taken with a pinch of salt. Arun Jaitley may currently believe that the BJP's existence in UP (whatever little that remains of it) is owed to its anti-SP/BSP stand, but the fact is that the very same BJP has had coalitions with BSP in the past, even though they proved to be acrimonious and short-lived. What compulsions would result in what marriages post election results is anybody's guess.
Advani gets Nitish backing for top post
11 Apr 2009,
BUXAR: Its ideological differences with the BJP notwithstanding , JD(U) on Friday strongly reiterated its support for L K Advani as NDA’s prime ministerial candidate with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Advani together giving an oust-UPA call at an election rally in Buxar.
"India needs an effective and honest leadership and not the one which is leading the country at present,’’ Advani said, adding, though Manmohan Singh is the PM, it is 10 Janpath which takes decisions.
Nitish echoed Advani, went a step further and said a weak PM has created a situation where Union ministers consider themselves as prime ministers of their departments . ‘‘ Such a weak government deserves to go and voters should ensure it by voting decisively in favour of NDA,’’ he said.
Nitish was among the first few to demand action against BJP’s Varun Gandhi for his hate speech. Narendra Modi is not a hero in the eyes of Nitish . He has also gone on record to say ‘kuchh bhi ho sakta hai’ after the polls instead of claiming an NDA win. But not even an iota of bitterness was in evidence between the two leaders when they indulged in UPA-bashing here.
BUXAR: Its ideological differences with the BJP notwithstanding , JD(U) on Friday strongly reiterated its support for L K Advani as NDA’s prime ministerial candidate with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Advani together giving an oust-UPA call at an election rally in Buxar.
"India needs an effective and honest leadership and not the one which is leading the country at present,’’ Advani said, adding, though Manmohan Singh is the PM, it is 10 Janpath which takes decisions.
Nitish echoed Advani, went a step further and said a weak PM has created a situation where Union ministers consider themselves as prime ministers of their departments . ‘‘ Such a weak government deserves to go and voters should ensure it by voting decisively in favour of NDA,’’ he said.
Nitish was among the first few to demand action against BJP’s Varun Gandhi for his hate speech. Narendra Modi is not a hero in the eyes of Nitish . He has also gone on record to say ‘kuchh bhi ho sakta hai’ after the polls instead of claiming an NDA win. But not even an iota of bitterness was in evidence between the two leaders when they indulged in UPA-bashing here.
Modi now terms Congress party a 'gudiya'
12 Apr 2009
SHRAWASTI (Uttar Pradesh): After taunting the Congress party with his "budhiya" (aged woman) comments, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Sunday termed the 125-year-old national party a "gudiya" (doll).
Addressing a poll rally in this Uttar Pradesh district, Modi said: "Ab mein Congress ko budhiya nahin, gudiya kahoonga (Now I will refer to the Congress not as an aged woman, but a doll).
Modi's "budhiya" comments had evoked sharp criticism from the Congress party, which said he should apologize to women and the elderly. Modi had likened the Congress to an aged woman and said it was a burden on the country.
Taking up cudgels on behalf of the Congress, Priyanka Gandhi, the 37-year-old daughter of party president Sonia Gandhi, had also asked Modi Saturday whether she looked old.
Shrawasti is 300 km from Lucknow.
SHRAWASTI (Uttar Pradesh): After taunting the Congress party with his "budhiya" (aged woman) comments, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Sunday termed the 125-year-old national party a "gudiya" (doll).
Addressing a poll rally in this Uttar Pradesh district, Modi said: "Ab mein Congress ko budhiya nahin, gudiya kahoonga (Now I will refer to the Congress not as an aged woman, but a doll).
Modi's "budhiya" comments had evoked sharp criticism from the Congress party, which said he should apologize to women and the elderly. Modi had likened the Congress to an aged woman and said it was a burden on the country.
Taking up cudgels on behalf of the Congress, Priyanka Gandhi, the 37-year-old daughter of party president Sonia Gandhi, had also asked Modi Saturday whether she looked old.
Shrawasti is 300 km from Lucknow.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
PM has voluntarily abdicated authority: Advani
11 April 2009
New Delhi: Reiterating his charge that Manmohan Singh is a weak prime minister, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) prime ministerial candidate L.K. Advani said Manmohan Singh had "voluntarily abdicated authority".
In an interview to CNN-IBN TV channel, Advani said: "You have a situation in which the prime minister holds office but has no authority, while the person who wields the authority has no accountability", hinting at Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
"This is not a democracy," said Advani, adding that Manmohan Singh had "voluntarily abdicated authority".
He also said Manmohan Singh's weakness as prime minister was "patently" visible and "very clear".
"I have known cases where the prime minister has proposed some course of action but he is not able to implement it unless he gets clearance from the Congress party president," Advani said.
The BJP leader said: "I described him as a weak prime minister in the context of the fact that I have seen prime ministers earlier who had the support of only four MPs in the house and yet they were never at a disadvantage."
"I have seen Chandrashekar, I have seen H.D. Deve Gowda," Advani added.
His comments come a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during an interaction with women journalists in New Delhi, said he did not wish to have a television debate with Advani as he did not want to accord Advani the privilege of being "an alternative prime minister".
New Delhi: Reiterating his charge that Manmohan Singh is a weak prime minister, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) prime ministerial candidate L.K. Advani said Manmohan Singh had "voluntarily abdicated authority".
In an interview to CNN-IBN TV channel, Advani said: "You have a situation in which the prime minister holds office but has no authority, while the person who wields the authority has no accountability", hinting at Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
"This is not a democracy," said Advani, adding that Manmohan Singh had "voluntarily abdicated authority".
He also said Manmohan Singh's weakness as prime minister was "patently" visible and "very clear".
"I have known cases where the prime minister has proposed some course of action but he is not able to implement it unless he gets clearance from the Congress party president," Advani said.
The BJP leader said: "I described him as a weak prime minister in the context of the fact that I have seen prime ministers earlier who had the support of only four MPs in the house and yet they were never at a disadvantage."
"I have seen Chandrashekar, I have seen H.D. Deve Gowda," Advani added.
His comments come a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during an interaction with women journalists in New Delhi, said he did not wish to have a television debate with Advani as he did not want to accord Advani the privilege of being "an alternative prime minister".
Mulayam criticises Mayawati for threatening ECI
Luckow: Samajwadi party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav Saturday took strong exception to the threat given by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati to the Election Commission of India(ECI) over removal of a senior officer.
''Such act by a political leader was condemnable and threatening a constitutional body should be taken seriously by the ECI'', he added.
Talking to reporters here Mr Yadav said the Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP) leader blaming ECI for the removal of an officer prove that there was something 'fishy'.
''Even after removal of the said officer by the ECI, the UP government has appointed him in the same department with giving more powers'', he said.
Asking for stringent action against the UP government, the SP supremo said the bureaucracy was 'demoralised' while only a handful of officials were having the cream posts.
Mr Yadav alleged the BSP was trying to rake up caste and the BJP leaders the religion in the campaigning for the first phase of polling in UP.
''The efforts of BSP and BJP were to divide the voters on the line of caste and religion which should be prevented by the ECI'', he said
''Such act by a political leader was condemnable and threatening a constitutional body should be taken seriously by the ECI'', he added.
Talking to reporters here Mr Yadav said the Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP) leader blaming ECI for the removal of an officer prove that there was something 'fishy'.
''Even after removal of the said officer by the ECI, the UP government has appointed him in the same department with giving more powers'', he said.
Asking for stringent action against the UP government, the SP supremo said the bureaucracy was 'demoralised' while only a handful of officials were having the cream posts.
Mr Yadav alleged the BSP was trying to rake up caste and the BJP leaders the religion in the campaigning for the first phase of polling in UP.
''The efforts of BSP and BJP were to divide the voters on the line of caste and religion which should be prevented by the ECI'', he said
BJP launches 'referendum' on black money in Gujarat
11 Apr 2009,
AHMEDABAD: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Saturday launched a two-day "referendum" in Gujarat, soliciting voters' views on bringing back the black money of Indians stashed in tax havens abroad.
The initiative follows instructions of Chief Minister Narendra Modi who wants the exercise to be completed in two days. The results of the 'referendum' would be made public April 15, a senior party official said.
Cardboard 'ballot boxes' were put up in 2,000 polling centres across the state for the voters to express their views on whether India should bring back the unaccounted funds Indians have parked in banks in Switzerland and other countries.
LK Advani, BJP's prime ministerial candidate and nominee for the Gandhinagar seat, raised the issue last month, ahead of the Group of 20 (G20) summit in London where the matter was discussed.
Since then, Advani as well as other BJP leaders have been highlighting the issue, promising to repatriate the black money, worth an estimated Rs.25 lakh crore, and use the same for development works, if voted to power.
AHMEDABAD: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Saturday launched a two-day "referendum" in Gujarat, soliciting voters' views on bringing back the black money of Indians stashed in tax havens abroad.
The initiative follows instructions of Chief Minister Narendra Modi who wants the exercise to be completed in two days. The results of the 'referendum' would be made public April 15, a senior party official said.
Cardboard 'ballot boxes' were put up in 2,000 polling centres across the state for the voters to express their views on whether India should bring back the unaccounted funds Indians have parked in banks in Switzerland and other countries.
LK Advani, BJP's prime ministerial candidate and nominee for the Gandhinagar seat, raised the issue last month, ahead of the Group of 20 (G20) summit in London where the matter was discussed.
Since then, Advani as well as other BJP leaders have been highlighting the issue, promising to repatriate the black money, worth an estimated Rs.25 lakh crore, and use the same for development works, if voted to power.
BJP trying to achieve breakthrough in Kerala
11 Apr 2009, PTI
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Undeterred by successive failures to win a single assembly or Parliament seat from Left dominated Kerala, a determined BJP is making all out effort to reverse the trend by pouring in resources and manpower to win at least two Lok Sabha seats from the state this time.
The party is engaged in hectic campaigning to win from capital Thiruvananthapuram from where high-profile Congress candidate and former UN diplomat, Shashi Tharoor is contesting besides Kasargode bordering Karnataka.
While the BJPs' state unit chief P K Krishnadas himself is in the fray in Thiruvananthapuram, the party has fielded K Surendran in Kasargode.
Struggling to achieve a breakthrough, BJP had put up its best-ever performance in the state in 2004 Lok Sabha polls during which its senior leader and former Union Minister O Rajagopal got 2.28 lakh votes but lost to CPI in a triangular contest.
The post-poll assessment of the party was that the high power campaign unleashed by it had antagonised sections of voters, especially those belonging to minority communities who rallied behind CPI candidate late P K Vasudevan Nair.
This time round, the party has decided to avoid fanfare but is reaching out to the voters in every nook and corner of the sprawling constituency.
Krishnadas says the party's high hopes are based on "a silent under current flowing through the area, which is more powerful than any visible signs".
"LDF's tie-up with PDP led by Abdul Nasser Madani and offer of support to the UDF by Popular Front (an allegedly radical outfit earlier known as NDF) has made the BJP the only alternative to the majority of voters", he claimed.
"It is the national leadership's decision that, as the state unit chief, I should lead from the front the electoral battle", Krishnadas, who is criss-crossing even the remotest hamlet on the periphery of the state capital, told reporters.
The BJP strategist also thinks that the presence of BSP's A Neelalohithadasan Nadar, who is likely to pocket a good chunk of Nadar and Dalit votes, has made it a four-cornered contest and division of votes might help the party scrape through.
"It is important to mobilise each and every party supporter and sympathizer to the polling booth and that is what we are planning to do", an RSS activist said.
In Kasargode, the party has been mounting a stretched and intense campaigning with the candidate Surendaran staying there since his candidature was cleared months before.
Though a Left bastion, the Saffron party has some roots there since its Jan Sangh days and the party's ascension in Karnataka just across the border has enhanced its confidence this time. Palakkad is another seat where BJP is expecting to do well, where former state unit chief C K Padmnabhan is working hard.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Undeterred by successive failures to win a single assembly or Parliament seat from Left dominated Kerala, a determined BJP is making all out effort to reverse the trend by pouring in resources and manpower to win at least two Lok Sabha seats from the state this time.
The party is engaged in hectic campaigning to win from capital Thiruvananthapuram from where high-profile Congress candidate and former UN diplomat, Shashi Tharoor is contesting besides Kasargode bordering Karnataka.
While the BJPs' state unit chief P K Krishnadas himself is in the fray in Thiruvananthapuram, the party has fielded K Surendran in Kasargode.
Struggling to achieve a breakthrough, BJP had put up its best-ever performance in the state in 2004 Lok Sabha polls during which its senior leader and former Union Minister O Rajagopal got 2.28 lakh votes but lost to CPI in a triangular contest.
The post-poll assessment of the party was that the high power campaign unleashed by it had antagonised sections of voters, especially those belonging to minority communities who rallied behind CPI candidate late P K Vasudevan Nair.
This time round, the party has decided to avoid fanfare but is reaching out to the voters in every nook and corner of the sprawling constituency.
Krishnadas says the party's high hopes are based on "a silent under current flowing through the area, which is more powerful than any visible signs".
"LDF's tie-up with PDP led by Abdul Nasser Madani and offer of support to the UDF by Popular Front (an allegedly radical outfit earlier known as NDF) has made the BJP the only alternative to the majority of voters", he claimed.
"It is the national leadership's decision that, as the state unit chief, I should lead from the front the electoral battle", Krishnadas, who is criss-crossing even the remotest hamlet on the periphery of the state capital, told reporters.
The BJP strategist also thinks that the presence of BSP's A Neelalohithadasan Nadar, who is likely to pocket a good chunk of Nadar and Dalit votes, has made it a four-cornered contest and division of votes might help the party scrape through.
"It is important to mobilise each and every party supporter and sympathizer to the polling booth and that is what we are planning to do", an RSS activist said.
In Kasargode, the party has been mounting a stretched and intense campaigning with the candidate Surendaran staying there since his candidature was cleared months before.
Though a Left bastion, the Saffron party has some roots there since its Jan Sangh days and the party's ascension in Karnataka just across the border has enhanced its confidence this time. Palakkad is another seat where BJP is expecting to do well, where former state unit chief C K Padmnabhan is working hard.
BJP trying to achieve breakthrough in Kerala
11 Apr 2009, PTI
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Undeterred by successive failures to win a single assembly or Parliament seat from Left dominated Kerala, a determined BJP is making all out effort to reverse the trend by pouring in resources and manpower to win at least two Lok Sabha seats from the state this time.
The party is engaged in hectic campaigning to win from capital Thiruvananthapuram from where high-profile Congress candidate and former UN diplomat, Shashi Tharoor is contesting besides Kasargode bordering Karnataka.
While the BJPs' state unit chief P K Krishnadas himself is in the fray in Thiruvananthapuram, the party has fielded K Surendran in Kasargode.
Struggling to achieve a breakthrough, BJP had put up its best-ever performance in the state in 2004 Lok Sabha polls during which its senior leader and former Union Minister O Rajagopal got 2.28 lakh votes but lost to CPI in a triangular contest.
The post-poll assessment of the party was that the high power campaign unleashed by it had antagonised sections of voters, especially those belonging to minority communities who rallied behind CPI candidate late P K Vasudevan Nair.
This time round, the party has decided to avoid fanfare but is reaching out to the voters in every nook and corner of the sprawling constituency.
Krishnadas says the party's high hopes are based on "a silent under current flowing through the area, which is more powerful than any visible signs".
"LDF's tie-up with PDP led by Abdul Nasser Madani and offer of support to the UDF by Popular Front (an allegedly radical outfit earlier known as NDF) has made the BJP the only alternative to the majority of voters", he claimed.
"It is the national leadership's decision that, as the state unit chief, I should lead from the front the electoral battle", Krishnadas, who is criss-crossing even the remotest hamlet on the periphery of the state capital, told reporters.
The BJP strategist also thinks that the presence of BSP's A Neelalohithadasan Nadar, who is likely to pocket a good chunk of Nadar and Dalit votes, has made it a four-cornered contest and division of votes might help the party scrape through.
"It is important to mobilise each and every party supporter and sympathizer to the polling booth and that is what we are planning to do", an RSS activist said.
In Kasargode, the party has been mounting a stretched and intense campaigning with the candidate Surendaran staying there since his candidature was cleared months before.
Though a Left bastion, the Saffron party has some roots there since its Jan Sangh days and the party's ascension in Karnataka just across the border has enhanced its confidence this time. Palakkad is another seat where BJP is expecting to do well, where former state unit chief C K Padmnabhan is working hard.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Undeterred by successive failures to win a single assembly or Parliament seat from Left dominated Kerala, a determined BJP is making all out effort to reverse the trend by pouring in resources and manpower to win at least two Lok Sabha seats from the state this time.
The party is engaged in hectic campaigning to win from capital Thiruvananthapuram from where high-profile Congress candidate and former UN diplomat, Shashi Tharoor is contesting besides Kasargode bordering Karnataka.
While the BJPs' state unit chief P K Krishnadas himself is in the fray in Thiruvananthapuram, the party has fielded K Surendran in Kasargode.
Struggling to achieve a breakthrough, BJP had put up its best-ever performance in the state in 2004 Lok Sabha polls during which its senior leader and former Union Minister O Rajagopal got 2.28 lakh votes but lost to CPI in a triangular contest.
The post-poll assessment of the party was that the high power campaign unleashed by it had antagonised sections of voters, especially those belonging to minority communities who rallied behind CPI candidate late P K Vasudevan Nair.
This time round, the party has decided to avoid fanfare but is reaching out to the voters in every nook and corner of the sprawling constituency.
Krishnadas says the party's high hopes are based on "a silent under current flowing through the area, which is more powerful than any visible signs".
"LDF's tie-up with PDP led by Abdul Nasser Madani and offer of support to the UDF by Popular Front (an allegedly radical outfit earlier known as NDF) has made the BJP the only alternative to the majority of voters", he claimed.
"It is the national leadership's decision that, as the state unit chief, I should lead from the front the electoral battle", Krishnadas, who is criss-crossing even the remotest hamlet on the periphery of the state capital, told reporters.
The BJP strategist also thinks that the presence of BSP's A Neelalohithadasan Nadar, who is likely to pocket a good chunk of Nadar and Dalit votes, has made it a four-cornered contest and division of votes might help the party scrape through.
"It is important to mobilise each and every party supporter and sympathizer to the polling booth and that is what we are planning to do", an RSS activist said.
In Kasargode, the party has been mounting a stretched and intense campaigning with the candidate Surendaran staying there since his candidature was cleared months before.
Though a Left bastion, the Saffron party has some roots there since its Jan Sangh days and the party's ascension in Karnataka just across the border has enhanced its confidence this time. Palakkad is another seat where BJP is expecting to do well, where former state unit chief C K Padmnabhan is working hard.
Manmohan Insulted us-Mulayam
11 Apr 2009 PTI
LUCKNOW: SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Saturday accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of "overlooking and insulting" his party which had saved the Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and general secretary Amar Singh at the release of party's manifesto in Lucknow. (Reuters)
UPA government from being voted out of power over the Indo-US nuclear deal.
"We saved you from resigning. Just think once what have you given us in return ... You overlooked us and at times even insulted us," Yadav said while releasing the party manifesto here.
The SP chief said the Prime Minister has now said that he was ready to resign if the nuclear deal did not go through.
Singh had on Friday said that he would have resigned if the Indo-US civil nuclear deal had not gone through.
The SP leader promised to tackle issues of terrorism, economic recession and unemployment if voted to power.
"We have addressed some important issues including how to tackle terrorism and economic recession and plight of the farmers in brief," Yadav said.
He said there were three important issues including that of agriculture, which have been addressed by the party in its manifesto.
"Gandhiji used to say that agriculture is like a god for a hungry man which except SP other political parties have forgotten. Without promoting agriculture, the country cannot progress," he said.
The SP supremo said that while security of international boundaries will be the priority of his party, the SP will also make efforts to maintain harmonious relations with neighbouring countries including Pakistan and Bangladesh.
"We have always made efforts and will continue with its endeavour of maintaining good relations with the neighbouring countries. Till the time boundaries exist, terrorism can not be rooted out. The party is against the concept of boundaries," he said.
On unemployment, the SP supremo said that the problem cannot be tackled only by providing government jobs."The only solution to the problem of unemployment is setting up cottage and small and medium scale industries," he said.
Mulayam said that though there was some impact of global meltdown on the Indian economy, but economic recession could have been avoided in the country.
LUCKNOW: SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Saturday accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of "overlooking and insulting" his party which had saved the Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and general secretary Amar Singh at the release of party's manifesto in Lucknow. (Reuters)
UPA government from being voted out of power over the Indo-US nuclear deal.
"We saved you from resigning. Just think once what have you given us in return ... You overlooked us and at times even insulted us," Yadav said while releasing the party manifesto here.
The SP chief said the Prime Minister has now said that he was ready to resign if the nuclear deal did not go through.
Singh had on Friday said that he would have resigned if the Indo-US civil nuclear deal had not gone through.
The SP leader promised to tackle issues of terrorism, economic recession and unemployment if voted to power.
"We have addressed some important issues including how to tackle terrorism and economic recession and plight of the farmers in brief," Yadav said.
He said there were three important issues including that of agriculture, which have been addressed by the party in its manifesto.
"Gandhiji used to say that agriculture is like a god for a hungry man which except SP other political parties have forgotten. Without promoting agriculture, the country cannot progress," he said.
The SP supremo said that while security of international boundaries will be the priority of his party, the SP will also make efforts to maintain harmonious relations with neighbouring countries including Pakistan and Bangladesh.
"We have always made efforts and will continue with its endeavour of maintaining good relations with the neighbouring countries. Till the time boundaries exist, terrorism can not be rooted out. The party is against the concept of boundaries," he said.
On unemployment, the SP supremo said that the problem cannot be tackled only by providing government jobs."The only solution to the problem of unemployment is setting up cottage and small and medium scale industries," he said.
Mulayam said that though there was some impact of global meltdown on the Indian economy, but economic recession could have been avoided in the country.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Seven saffron stars
10 Apr 2009, ET Bureau
NEW DELHI: Even states-Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh-accounted for a bulk of the seats bagged by BJP in 2004. If the saffron party nurses any realistic chance of retaining, if not improving, its tally, it'd be again banking its hopes on the same clutch of states. The seven states together provided the lion's share of 111 seats to BJP's overall kitty of 138 seats in the Lok Sabha five years ago. The individual share of these states was Madhya Pradesh (25), Rajasthan (21), Karnataka (18), Gujarat (14), Maharashtra (13), Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh (10 each).
Of these, four-Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh -are ruled by the party. It lost power in Rajasthan in the assembly polls held late last year while Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have remained out of its grasp for some time now.
The party's strategists are pinning their hopes on a repeat performance in these states to help them retain their tally in the next Lok Sabha. The principal opposition party, it'd appear, had reached its peak in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. BJP brass is thus devising strategies to ensure that their party does not lose any significant ground in these four states. State-level satraps such as Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Raman Singh, B S Yeddyurappa and Vasundhara Raje, thus, have a crucial role to play in the party's power-project.
In the remaining three states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, they're hoping for an improved show. They're looking towards Narendra Modi to deliver at least 18-20 seats. In the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, they feel the party had reached its nadir in 2004, when it could emerge victorious in only 10 of the 80 seats, and was one of the primary factors responsible for NDA's defeat.
The party's decision to forge a pre-poll alliance with former union minister Ajit Singh's RLD and the perceived anti-incumbency confronting the Mayawati government is giving confidence to the BJP leaders that they'd be able to better their tally in Uttar Pradesh. They feel Brahmins, who formed a critical factor in BSP's spectacular show in the assembly polls held in the state in May 2007 may have started deserting Ms Mayawati's party and gravitating back towards BJP.
BJP and its alliance partner, the Shiv Sena, had together won 25 of the 48 seats in Maharashtra. With the Congress-NCP combine staring at alliance problems and a bout of anti-incumbency disadvantage, the NDA is sanguine about its prospects in the state.
While the seven states together accounted for 111 of the 138 seats won by BJP in 2004, the remaining 27 seats were provided by Orissa (7), Bihar (5), Punjab, Uttarakhand (3 each) Arunachal Pradesh, Assam (2 each), Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Delhi (1 each).
With BJP's alliance with BJD collapsing in Orissa, the party leadership is bracing for a reduction in their share from the state, but are hoping to make up for the losses, if any, by winning more seats in Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam and Himachal Pradesh.
NEW DELHI: Even states-Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh-accounted for a bulk of the seats bagged by BJP in 2004. If the saffron party nurses any realistic chance of retaining, if not improving, its tally, it'd be again banking its hopes on the same clutch of states. The seven states together provided the lion's share of 111 seats to BJP's overall kitty of 138 seats in the Lok Sabha five years ago. The individual share of these states was Madhya Pradesh (25), Rajasthan (21), Karnataka (18), Gujarat (14), Maharashtra (13), Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh (10 each).
Of these, four-Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh -are ruled by the party. It lost power in Rajasthan in the assembly polls held late last year while Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have remained out of its grasp for some time now.
The party's strategists are pinning their hopes on a repeat performance in these states to help them retain their tally in the next Lok Sabha. The principal opposition party, it'd appear, had reached its peak in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. BJP brass is thus devising strategies to ensure that their party does not lose any significant ground in these four states. State-level satraps such as Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Raman Singh, B S Yeddyurappa and Vasundhara Raje, thus, have a crucial role to play in the party's power-project.
In the remaining three states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, they're hoping for an improved show. They're looking towards Narendra Modi to deliver at least 18-20 seats. In the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, they feel the party had reached its nadir in 2004, when it could emerge victorious in only 10 of the 80 seats, and was one of the primary factors responsible for NDA's defeat.
The party's decision to forge a pre-poll alliance with former union minister Ajit Singh's RLD and the perceived anti-incumbency confronting the Mayawati government is giving confidence to the BJP leaders that they'd be able to better their tally in Uttar Pradesh. They feel Brahmins, who formed a critical factor in BSP's spectacular show in the assembly polls held in the state in May 2007 may have started deserting Ms Mayawati's party and gravitating back towards BJP.
BJP and its alliance partner, the Shiv Sena, had together won 25 of the 48 seats in Maharashtra. With the Congress-NCP combine staring at alliance problems and a bout of anti-incumbency disadvantage, the NDA is sanguine about its prospects in the state.
While the seven states together accounted for 111 of the 138 seats won by BJP in 2004, the remaining 27 seats were provided by Orissa (7), Bihar (5), Punjab, Uttarakhand (3 each) Arunachal Pradesh, Assam (2 each), Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Delhi (1 each).
With BJP's alliance with BJD collapsing in Orissa, the party leadership is bracing for a reduction in their share from the state, but are hoping to make up for the losses, if any, by winning more seats in Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam and Himachal Pradesh.
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