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CBI court summons Dr. Manmohan Singh

  A special court of CBI formed to handle the illegal allocation of coal blocks of Talabira II coal block in Odisha, has summoned notices today to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Kumar Mangalam Birla, former chief secretary of Coal Ministry P C Parakh, M/s Hindalco and it’s officials Shubhendu Amitabh and D Bhattacharya.   The special court judge Bharat Parashar, who served the summons to the six accused in this case has asked them to personally appear before the court on April 8th. They were charged under sections 120B, 409 of the IPC and under Sections 13(1) (c) and 13(1)(d)(3) of PCA. The notices are served in connection with the case pertaining to Talabira-II coal block in Odisha in 2005.   Former Prime Minister Singh was summoned because he was holding the coal portfolio during 2005, when his ministry allocates 15 percent share to Hindalco Company.   However, Congress party has strongly defended him in the parliament stating he is not accountable for allocating 15 percent share to the Hindalco Company as the decision was taken by the board lead by then then chief secretary of the coal ministry P C Parakh and others.   However, union minister Prakash Javadekar replied “Dr. Manmohan Singh is paying for the sins of the Congress party. Dr. Manmohan Singh responding on summons “Of course, I am upset but this is part of life. I have respect for the judicial process. I have stated my position before the CBI. I have issued statements also justifying what we did.”   All other accused in this case also state that they are innocent and did no wrong. If, so whom to be blamed in this scam?

Won’t release separatists anymore: J&K government

  The J&K government, which has planned to release around 800 separatists from the jail, has dropped the idea after the BJP and the Central government have issued stern warnings to it. Hence, it announced that it has no plans to release any prisoners anymore. Suresh Kumar, the chief secretary of the home ministry has made this announcement on yesterday.   However, the J&K government is not in a position to arrest the hard-core separatist Masarat Alam again, unless it levies fresh charges against him. So, it gives an opportunity to the opposition parties to criticize the BJP and the NDA government.   Though the dust may settle down in few days, but the J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has clearly indicated about his obsession for separatists, terrorists and Pakistan during two weeks of ruling. So, he may dance to their tunes again in future also and so the BJP may expect some fresh troubles from him sooner or later. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that sharing power with Mufti government is not important for his party than protecting the integrity of the country. If he is really serious about he said then he should ensure that there is no influence of external forces on the J&K government and the Chief Minister should strictly abide by the constitution of India.

Jagan’s idea back fires again

  Often Jagan speaks and acts over smart. As a result, he badly struck with it and lets his party dearly pay for it. There are several instances for it. He has been desperately waiting to enter into NDA alliance for a long time, but didn’t get entry. Yet, he is very hopeful and has been trying to create rift between the two parties, while sending feelers to the BJP and NDA government about his readiness to join it. He tried his trick again in the Assembly, but it back fires at him.   Responding to his suggestion to expel the two BJP ministers from the Chandrababu cabinet, Minister Kamineni Srinivasa Rao said “It seems Jagan Mohan Reddy is very desperate to join our alliance if TDP quits. That is why he is provoking them for it. But, he very well knows that our parties are strongly bonded to each other and we are determined to develop the state. But, Jagan Mohan Reddy seems has no interest in the development of the state. He is self-centered person. We won’t allow corrupted persons join our party.”   BJP MLA Vishnu Kumar Raju replying to Jagan’s criticism on CM Chandrababu Naidu said “In fact, Chandrababu Naidu is not obsessed with the media, but he is boldly facing the media questions. He very well knows what is good for the state and doing the same."   "Our BJP is committed for the development of the state. Even if our NDA government ignores, we won’t let them ignore it. We will keep pressurizing our high command until it implement all the promises made to the state in the AP Reorganization Bill. It seems Jagan Mohan Reddy is very desperately waiting to see our alliance break up, so as he can join our NDA alliance. But, it is impossible. We work together and develop the state. We won’t allow corrupted leaders and parties into our NDA alliance,” said Vishnu Kumar Raju.

Jagan gives peculiar explanation for his silence

  YSR Congress party president Jagan Mohan Reddy has given a very peculiar answer to the TDP MLAs criticism made against him for not speaking on the funds allocation in the central budget.   He said “Why should I speak on those issues? Are Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacting on the issues like these? Their official spokespersons will speak on their behalf. Similarly, Mr. Somayajulu is speaking about the budget allocations and other issues in the parliament on behalf of me and my party. Then why should I react on every issue?”   “TDP MLAs are blaming me for not reacting on this issue. But, why the Chief Minister is not withdrawing his ministers from Modi cabinet and why is not removing the BJP ministers from his cabinet, when he is not happy with the BJP and NDA government? Chandrababu Naidu is speaking the media on every issue because he is obsessed with the media. But, I am not,” said Jagan Mohan Reddy.   Obviously, he made it clear that he doesn’t want to speak against Modi or his government, although the matters are related to the state or effecting the interests of the state. At the same time, he is blaming the Chief Minister as media obsessed for speaking on the issues. Actually, Chandrababu Naidu should hesitate to speak against the BJP and Modi government because his party has alliance with it and is also partner in his government. But, he is boldly speaking against them, whereas Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has nothing to do with the BJP or NDA government, can boldly criticize them but he is remaining silent and also giving very peculiar explanation for it.   He appears to believe himself that he also is no less to Sonia Gandhi and Narendra Modi, wehreas he is a president of regional party. He takes peculiar excuses and gives very peculiar explanations for his silence. But, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has made it clear that BJP is not interested in him or having alliance with his YSRCP. Yet, he prefers to remain silent and maintain safe distance from the central government for the reasons that everyone knows very well.   While maintaining safe distance from the NDA government, he is desperately trying to create rift between the TDP and the BJP. If, the CBI makes any move against him, then he will start crying foul against the BJP and NDA government also. In other words, Jagan Mohan Reddy is categorically stating that he is interested in securing his political future than anything else.

Can a handful MLCs merge their party with the other?

  TDP and Congress parties have been appealing the Telangana Assembly Speaker Madhusudhanachary to disqualify their MLAs and MLCs, who joined the TRS but not quitting their MLA and MLC posts. Even the High Court has served notices to the state government for this reason. But, the Speaker has not taken any action against them till now.   While the TDP and the Congress parties are demanding for action, the Telangana Legislative Council Chairman Swamy Goud gave a shock to the TDP. He approved the resolution passed by the 5 TDP MLCs, who declare that they are the representatives of their TDP and willing to merge their party with the TRS. Interestingly, Chairman Swamy Goud approved their resolution and also allotted seats to them in the ruling TRS side thus officially recognizing them as TRS MLCs.   If a handful MLAs or MLCs can take such crucial decisions, then no political party in the country can survive. Council Chairman may not find any objections or problem in merging the other parties with his party, but what if the concerned parties knock the court doors challenging his decision.

Police arrests TTDP MLAs at Gun Park

  Telangana Assembly Speaker suspended the 11 TDP MLAs from the house for entire period of the sessions for insulting the national anthem and disrupting the house proceedings. Minister Harish Rao said that they can be sent to jail but his government has spared them. But, he or the Chief Minister has no answers to the question asked by the BJP floor leader Lakshman. He asked why the TDP MLAs only punished and why the TRS MLAs are spared.   Actually, both TDP and TRS MLAs have had a fight in the floor in front of his eyes during Governor’s address. But, CM KCR has taken action on the TDP MLAs only, but said he needs to watch the video footage to verify whether the TRS MLAs also indulged in it. This kind of dual standards maintaining by the government is not welcomed by anyone.   They were not even to stage a silent protest at Gun Park today. Police have arrested them and shifted to police station a short while ago, stating they have no permission to stage dharnas in the Gun Park now, as section 144 has been imposed in the surrounding areas of the Assembly. Is this what we call democracy?

Can Government of India ignore their meetings?

  Relations between India and Pakistan have been straining ever since Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit had a meeting with Kashmiri separatist Hurriyath leaders in New Delhi last year, ignoring the objections of Indian Government. Hence, India has called off the high level meeting between foreign secretaries of India-Pakistan scheduled to be held last year in Islamabad.   However, Pakistan not regrets for the developments instead it let its High Commissioner to meet Kashmir separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday. Abdul Basit takes pains to meet him at Kashmir and briefed him about the recent meeting held between India and Pakistan foreign secretaries. They also discussed about the consequent developments taking place after release of the Kashmiri Separatist Masarat Alam. He also invited Geelani to Islamabad to attend Pakistani Day to be celebrated on March 23.   Later speaking to the media, Abdul Basit said, “Kashmir is the core issue of all problems arising between India and Pakistan. Unless, it is resolved there may not be any improvement in the situation.”   The newly sworn in chief minister of J&K State Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is not only speaking on behalf of Pakistani terrorists and the Kashmiri separatists but also released a hard core separatist Masarat Alam from jail without the Central government permission. If seen all these developments together, it seems the Chief Minister of the state, Pakistan High Commissioner and the separatists are cooking some conspiracy against the country. Hence, it is high time for the central government to deal them all with a firm hand.

AP government issued cheques to Nelapadu farmers

  The AP government has started making agreements with the farmers of Thullur mandal today for transferring their ownership rights to the state government. The government also has issued cheques to the 104 farmers of Nelapadu village, who are first to offer their lands for constructing the capital city. CRDA CEO Srikanth handed over the cheques to the farmers. Joint Collector Sridhar and some revenue officials were also present in this process.   Srikanth has appreciated and thanked the farmers for voluntarily coming forward offering their lands to the government. He assured them government will ensure they get full benefit from these land transfer deal. So far, the state government has received consent letters from the farmers handing over 32, 000 acres of land. However, farmers of Undavalli, Bethapudi and few other villages are still not willing to handover their lands to the state government. Hence, the officials are trying to pursue the farmers.

BJP lands in troubles with PDP attitude

  The NDA government is facing a tough time in the parliament over release of the hardcore Kashmiri separatist Masarat Alam from the jail by the J & K government. Opposition parties in both houses are strongly protesting his release.   Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu also agreeing with their arguments said “Of course this is really a very serious issue. It concerns the entire country and not just one party or the other.”   He plainly admitted that the J&K Government has not consulted the BJP or the Center before releasing the separatist. He assured the members of the house that either Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is handling the J&K security matters or Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make a statement over this matter.   However, when the opposition parties continued their protests in the house, Prime Minister Modi stood up and denounced the release of Masarat Alam. He said that he also shares the outrage of the members over this issue.   He said the decision of J&K government was unacceptable and assured the members that his government will take appropriate action very soon.   While the NDA government is facing an embarrassing situation in the parliament because of its alliance partner PDP, Chief Minister of the state Mufti Mohammad Sayeed categorically stated, “The decision taken by my government is appropriate and is in accordance with our constitution. His release will ensure peace in the state. Hence, the Center also should abide by our decision.”   Obviously, his statement has added fuel to the fumes. Congress party has demanded the BJP to come out of J&K government immediately. If seen the rapid and harsh reactions between the BJP and PDP, it seems the days are numbered for the J&K Government.

Satyam Case adjourned

  The Nampally special Court, which is expected to deliver its final verdict on the multimillion Satyam Computers scam today, has adjourned the case to 9th April. The special court has taken up this case in the year 2010 and gone through thousands of documents and 226 witnesses during all these years. This is second time it has postponed its verdict. Earlier, in December last year the court was expected to announce its verdict, but postponed it today. Now once again, it postponed the case to next month. Former Chairman of the Satyam Computers Ramalinga Raju, his two brothers, auditors Vadlamani Srinivas, Gopala Krishnan and many former managers of the company were prime accused in this multimillion scam.

CM Chandrababu will have Camp Office at Vijayawada also

  AP CM Chandrababu Naidu has tried to convince his employees to shift from Hyderabad to Vijayawada, but in vain. He even prepared to build a temporary capital city at Amaravati for them but they are averse to move with such a short notice. Hence, the Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alone is shifting to Vijayawada very soon.   The R&B officials are readying his camp office in the Irrigation department office located at Governorpeta in Vijayawada. Renovation works are nearing completion and the building will be ready for occupation in the next month. CM will occupy entire ground and first floors of this building. Some of the wings of the irrigation department located in the second floor have been shifted to somewhere else citing security reasons. However, the Irrigation Minister Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao will have his office in the second floor of this building.   City police have submitted an audit report to their head office on the security situation of this building. Chief Minister’s security officials are also paid a visit to the building to assess the security situation of the building and its surround areas. CM will stay in this office three days a week. He will use a separate convoy, while his stay at Vijayawada. They were already transported to Vijayawada few days back.   If, he stays at this camp office, he will be able to closely monitor the construction activities of the capital city and also make the people feel the government is close to them. No surprise, if his stay at Vijayawada may encourage or force some of his officials and employees to shift to Vijayawada.

Nothing wrong if shoots Indian Fishermen: Sri Lanka PM

  Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickramesinghe appears to be throwing wrench in the Indo-Sri Lanka relations, while the newly elected Maithripala Sirisena is trying to re-building confidence between the two countries. Prime Minister Ranil stated that there is nothing wrong if the Sri Lankan Navy personal shoots the Indian fishermen if enters Sri Lankan territorial waters.   He said “This is our waters. Hence, we have all rights to protect our territorial area and to stop the Indian fishermen entering into it. If someone tries to break into my house, I can shoot. If he gets killed, law allows me to do that. Therefore, the shooting of Indian fishermen does not amount to human rights violations.”   “The fishermen of our northern and southern regions are having some issues between them but they are trying for a reasonable settlement. So, we have stopped the fishermen of northern region to fish at Katchatheevu area. That's how the Indian fishermen had the chance to peep into.”   “Our Navy men forced to shoot at the Indian fishermen, only when they try to trespass and fish in our territorial waters. After all, why should they enter into our territorial waters and why blame us for shooting them? Katchatheevu is a part of Sri Lanka and the Indian government acknowledges it. Then why create trouble for both countries? I know it is a part of Tamil Nadu politics.”   He further said, “It is right time for the Tamil refugees to return to their homeland. If they have doubts and they want some more time, just give them some more time.”   “We keep the India-Sri Lanka relations separate from Sino-Sri Lanka relations. Both are important for us,” said Ranil Wickramesinghe.   If, he believes that all these developments are part of Tamil Nadu politics, then being the Prime Minister of his country, he can straightway approach his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and try to resolve the issue permanently rather than making such rude statements that is embarrassing to both countries.   His statement is also underlining a point that he is averse to have a strong bilateral relationship with India as he appears to be more aligned with China. Prime Minister Ranil Wickramesinghe has made this statement when his counterpart of India Narendra Modi is about to visit Sri Lanka very soon. His timing of statement is also strengthening these apprehensions. He spells his mind in the interview given to Thanthi TV broadcast on Friday night. He should think beyond the fishermen issue for the sake of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Is Venkaiah locking his government with his assurances?

  Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has once again reiterates that his NDA government is committed to implement all the promises made in the AP Reorganization Bill-2014 and will not take ‘U’ turn on its commitment made to the people of the AP state. He said that his government is facing problem in granting special status to the state because the previous UPA government did not included it in the AP Reorganization Bill. He said however, still the central government is trying to accord special status to the state. He said that he will keep pressurizing for it until it is granted.   He assured that his ministry will release sufficient funds for constructing the capital city. He said initially, he will release Rs.1, 000 crores for this purpose and promised to release more funds once the state government submits all related documents to the Center.   Speaking about Polavaram Project, he said, “Actually, it would have completed long ago, but remained unfinished because the previous government has neglected it. However, I will take initiative to ensure sufficient funds are released to it once the Polavaram Project Authority submits its project report."   It is nice to hear him giving such a strong assurance even in the prevailing situation. He has been giving such assurances since last nine months, but when nothing was granted to the state in the budget, people and the opposition parties think that he is bluffing the people. Hence, he should realize that his every assurance is binding him and his NDA government further. In case, if he fails to convince his government, it may adversely impact on his political career and also on his party. So, better he speak after his government implement any of the promises or speak about the promises that are already implemented by it during last nine months.

AP and Telangana budget sessions begins from today

  Andhra Pradesh and Telangana State budget sessions will begin from today. AP State sessions will begin first with Governor Narasimhan’s address to both houses at 8.55 am. Then, Telangana State budget sessions will begin with his address to both houses at 11.00 am today. Hence he has to rush to Telangana Assembly soon after he finishes his speech in the AP Assembly.   AP Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu will present the full budget for the years 2015-16 on March 12th. His counterpart of Telangana Etela Rajendar will present the full budget of his state on March 11th. Since, the AP government has introduced agricultural budget for the state, it will be presented by agriculture minister Prattipati Pulla Rao on March 13th.   Since the budget sessions of both states will be conducted in same period and in the same premises, speakers of AP and Telangana State Assemblies Dr. Kodela Shivaprasada Rao and Madhusudhanachary have met well ahead of the budget sessions and discussed about various measures to be taken for a smooth conduct of the Assembly sessions without any friction between the members of both states. They have given necessary directions to the police officials of their respective states for making elaborate security arrangements at Assembly and surrounding areas. Police of both states were deployed at all entrance gates and in the surrounding areas. The budget sessions of both states may conclude around March 27th.

Of course there are differences with Rahul: Jairam

  Former Union Minister and the senior most leader of the Congress party in an interview given to a leading English daily has admitted that there are difference between seniors and the party vice president Rahul Gandhi. He said however, they can’t be seen as a clash or differences but to be seen as a generation gap only.   He said “Our president Sonia Gandhi is 69 and Vice-president Rahul Gandhi is 45. I am 61. So, it is quite natural our way and level of thinking also different from him. But, it doesn’t mean we have differences.”   Responding to another question, whether it is time to think beyond Gandhi family, he said “Our party is a fine mix of young and experienced leaders. Rahul has his own ideas to lead the party. So, I think he should be given a chance.”   Speaking about his concerns of losing the strong holds of the party, “Of course, we have a reason to worry. We have lost our strong hold states Delhi, Maharashtra and Haryana. We have our backs to the wall. It is not a year or two task but 10 years task. I hope Rahul will do something to improve our situation.”   He admitted that the timing of Rahul Gandhi taking leave is quite wrong. "But, he need some time to bounce back with his full energies. All I know is when he returns, he will play pivotal and may recharge the party with his dynamic leadership."   Hence, the reason for his leave for absence might be the differences cropped up between Rahul Gandhi and the seniors in the party. No surprise, even if he differs with his mother Sonia Gandhi on the style party is functioning. So, it is like boycotting from the house. So, are the party leaders expecting him back to work anytime?   But, still the question remains there awaiting answer whether the Congress couldn’t look beyond Gandhi family? Are none of the seniors worth Rahul Gandhi in the Congress party? Let the Congress spell the answers.

Pawan Kalyan takes “U’ turn?

  Pawan Kalyan is behaving like a typical political leader. While, he was at Thullur yesterday, he threatens to sit on fast unto death to get justice to the farmers. He promised the farmers that he will fight against the state government on their behalf. But, he surprised everyone by switching his stand on this issue.   He said “I do not intend to create troubles to the state government or the Chief Minister. I wish he should rule the state till 2024. I went there because people living there have invited me. I went there to remind the government about the problems that farmers are facing. I came to know around 90 per cent of the farmers have given their farm lands to the government voluntarily for constructing the capital city. But, what about the remaining 10 per cent? I went there to speak on behalf of them.”   “I would like to ask the government that is it necessary to build capital city bigger than Singapore? It takes 20 years’ time to build Singapore, where there is zero corruption. If we want to construct bigger city than Singapore, then how many years it will take? If we can build it in a short period, it is well and good. But, is it possible? Otherwise what happens? A civil war may erupt due to unrest in the capital region because the social and economic conditions are disturbed. So, I suggest the government to reconsider its plans and spare the fertile lands and crops,” said Pawan Kalyan.   But, he hardens his voice against Modi government. He said “BJP has promised to grant special status to the AP State, but taken ‘U’ turn on it later saying that other states are opposing this proposal. If so, is it now aware about this problem earlier? If so, why did it promised to the people and why is it taken ‘U’ turn on this issue. BJP is not keeping its promise made to the people. How can it expect the people of the state believe its promises anymore?”

Let the Nirbhaya Documentary aired!

  Government of India has banned the screening of ‘Daughter of India’ documentary film made by British filmmaker Leslee Udwin for BBC, following the objections from the Indian Parliamentarians. It even asked the British Government not to air the film, but the film was aired by BBC channel-4 on Thursday.   However, the father of Nirbhaya has welcomed the BBBC’s move and stated that “Everyone should watch the film. If a man can speak like that in jail, imagine what he would say if he was walking free. The documentary exposes what is happening. If the country has taken a decision, we have to accept it.”   The documentary contains the interviews of Nirbhaya’s parents, the police, legal experts, doctors who attend her case till her last minutes and also the prime accused Mukesh Kumar, who is awaiting his death sentence in Tihar Jail.   Renowned novelist Chetan Bhagat also agrees with Nirbhaya’s father’s arguments. He tweets, “Forget ban, #IndiasDaughter is must watch. Anyone who watches will understand devastation caused by regressive attitudes. Face it. Fix it.”   However, the persons involved in this heinous crime are still manage to escape/prolong their punishment even the fast track court is handling their case. Instead of demanding for their immediate punishment, people, politicians and the government of India indulged in arguments over banning the documentary film. Neither the government nor the people’s representatives appears to be worried about increasing rape incidents in the country. Although, hundreds of such crimes are taking place across the country, no one is paying attention to them, but spare time to tweet on the documentary film airing.

US Ambassador Lippert injured in psycho attack

  The US Ambassador to South Korea, Mark W Lippert was badly injured in an attack by a miscreant, while he was addressing the members of Korea Council for Reconciliation and Co-operation at a meeting held at Seoul on Thursday. The miscreant, who secured entry to the meeting, has attacked the US ambassador Mark W Lippert with a knife while he was giving a speech. Mark was badly injured in the attacks. He had deep cut on his face and on left wrist. The members present on the stage have come to his rescue and saved him from the miscreant attack.   Later they handed over the miscreant to police. Police, identified him as Kim Ki Zang, a mentally disorder person. He was opposing the joint military operation by South Korea and the US. He was also demanding for reunion of South and North Koreas. North Korean government has welcomed the attack on the US Ambassador as it is also strongly opposing the the US-South Korea joint military operation.

Chandrababu responds to PK’s criticism

  Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has stated “There is a misbelief in some political leaders that the capital city will have only few government office buildings only. If so we can build the capital city in five or ten acres of land or even can accommodate them all in few high rise buildings. But, it is of no use to anyone. Even the farmers in the capital region won’t get any benefit out of it. I want to build world class capital city that creates enough wealth to the state and to the farmers. Political parties should have foresight and think above their agendas and political benefits, when it is about development of the state."   "My dream is the capital city should be wealth generator for the state. The industries, offices, business houses and many other things that come in and around capital city will generate employment and wealth. Farmers will benefit from it first and the rest next. So, I appeal the farmers, politicians and all others to join hands with the state government in building the capital city,” said Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.