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Anna Hazare Arrested: Sent to Tihar Jail

Anna Hazare has been sent to seven days in judicial custody. He is being taken to Tihar Jail. The 74-year-old anti-corruption crusader refused to apply for bail after being arrested in the capital today. Delhi Police say Mr Hazare had to be detained and then placed under "preventive arrest" to maintain law and order in the capital. Because the activist leader refused to obey orders not to fast. A united Opposition has slammed the government, saying it is Emergency again. And demanded that Anna be freed.  Now.  The government says it was "a painful duty" to arrest him. In a very high-level huddle, senior ministers Pranab Mukherjee and P Chidambaram met Rahul Gandhi a little after noon on Tuesday. This after the Opposition forced an adjournment of Parliament over the issue. In cities, big and small, across the country, angry people have taken to the streets in protest against Anna Hazare's arrest.      

Chandrababu Naidu Condemns Anna Hazare Arrest

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said that the police action against Hazare was totally "undemocratic and unconstitutional." Asking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to apologise to the nation for action against Hazare and other social activists. Speaking to the media at NTR Bhavan, Naidu said the police action against Hazare and his team is "the height of the despotic rule of the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre that is suppressing all civil rights."      

Jagan Faults Chandrababu Naidu For Land Allotments

It was all the fault of N Chandrababu Naidu, said YSR Congress president Jaganmohan Reddy. Referring to the AP High Court ordering a comprehensive CBI probe into his assets and the alleged quid pro quo land allotments made by the Y S Rajasekhara Reddy government between 2004 to 2009, Jagan told media on Monday that his father only followed the industrial policy that was formulated and pursued by his predecessor Naidu. After unfurling the national flag at his party office in Jubilee Hills yesterday, Jagan said, "Why are Naidu's land allocations not being probed? My father had only followed the policies of Naidu in allotting land to industries, ports and SEZs. It is unfair to selectively target YSR. He helped the Congress return to power twice, both in the state and the Centre." Jagan made it clear that all the land allotments were cleared by the then Cabinet and that it should take the responsibility for all the decisions of the YSR government. Jagan claimed that all the investors who pumped in money into his companies are genuine and that what flowed in was legal money. "My friend Prasad invested Rs 256 crore and in return, got Rs 500 crore. This is absolutely transparent and can be verified by anyone. And contrary to what is being alleged, there are only three investors in Bharathi Cements and all of them got good returns before I sold my stake to a foreign company recently," he said. Jagan also refuted allegations of any irregularities or violations of the Prevention of Corrpution Act and Money Laundering (Prevention) Act by investors in Jagathi Publications, Bharathi Cements and Sandur Power Company, all of which are owned by him.  

Chiranjeevi Announces Supprt to Anna Team

Prajarajyam president K Chiranjeevi has come out in open support of Anna Hazare's fast and his fight against corruption. After the merger of the two parties, Chiranjeevi is scheduled to formally join the Congress on August 20 and has emerged as perhaps the only political leader from the ruling party circles to align with Hazare. Addressing the media after unfurling the national flag at the Chiranjeevi blood bank on Monday, the PRP chief said anyone who fights corruption needs to be encouraged and commended. Thanking social activists for their unstinted fight against corruption, Chiranjeevi said a stage has come where people have become intolerable to corruption. "I am pained at the plundering of mineral wealth by certain vested interests. It makes me wonder whether people are really enjoying the fruits of freedom or are still being exploited by these few people under the garb of power," Chiranjeevi pointed out. However, he went on to add that the fight against corruption will have to be within the constitutional frame work. Calling for a wider debate on the Lokpal bill, Chiranjeevi felt that the proposal from civil societies to bring the PM and judiciary under the bill may not be practical.  

Mystery Shrouds Sonia Gandhi's Health

Since the sudden announcement on 4 August that India's most powerful politician Sonia Gandhi was to undergo surgery in the United States, barely a word has leaked out about her health. The silence in most of the Indian media about the 64-year-old's condition and the refusal of the ruling Congress party to divulge information has raised some uncomfortable questions about transparency in the world's biggest democracy. On India's boisterous cable news channels, which are normally quick to pressure and criticise the government, Gandhi has featured rarely, with news and debates focused on corruption or the national cricket team's recent defeats. The Italian-born Gandhi is the widow of assassinated former premier Rajiv Gandhi and wields enormous clout from her power-broking position as Congress party president and coalition chairperson. Since she was admitted to hospital, aides to the leader have confirmed she spent 24 hours in intensive care and was recovering from successful surgery at an undisclosed location, believed to be New York. The government has argued that further disclosures would be made by the famously media-shy political boss if she desired. "Only that much information would be shared which they would want to share," Information Minister Ambika Soni said last week. Speaking on Monday, Gandhi's politician son Rahul, who has been left jointly in control during his mother's convalescence, told journalists that "she is much better" without elaborating. In the absence of concrete information about the woman who heads the ruling party and chairs the ruling coalition, speculation has been rife on social networks. A few anonymously sourced news reports have attempted to fill the void. The investigative current affairs magazine Tehelka reported that Gandhi was operated on at New York's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, while the Deccan Herald newspaper said she had undergone surgery for cervical cancer. And with no confirmation or refutal from the official sources, the mystery still persists around Sonia Gandhi's health.  

Jagan Mohan Reddy to Move SC Today

YSR Congress president and Kadapa Lok Sabha member YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will move the Supreme Court on Tuesday against the High Court order which directed the CBI to investigate his wealth. Speaking to mediapersons on Monday, he maintained that there were no irregularities in the investments made into his companies Jagati Publications or Bharati Cements. "All those who had invested made a lot of money. It was India Cements, Dalmia Cements, his friend Nimmagadda Prasad (Matrix Laboratories) and French cement biggie Vicat who had invested in Bharati Cements and made a lot of money in the bargain," he said, substantiating his argument that the investments made in his companies were not a gesture of thanksgiving to YS Rajasekhara Reddy by those who had received government land. "India Cements and Dalmia Cements had invested about 95 crore each and made upto Rs 150 crore each. Similarly, Prasad had invested Rs 265 crore and made Rs 550 crore." Reddy said the direction given by the High Court for a CBI probe into his assets should be viewed as part of the Congress game plan to single him out and tarnish his image. "God is there. He will protect me," he said. Jagan said that after he had left the Congress, the party leaders had been trying to isolate him and tarnish his image.

Anna's Preventive Arrest Ahead of Proposed Fast

Social activist Anna Hazare has been taken under preventive arrest by the Delhi Police ahead of his proposed fast against corruption on Tuesday. Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and Manish Sisodia have been also taken into preventive custody by the Delhi police. Hazare has been arrested under Section 107/51. He will now have to appear before a magistrate to get bail. Hazare and his supporters were taken into custody before he was to proceed to the venue of his fast in JP Park where prohibitory orders are in place. He was taken to the General Officers Mess in Civil Lines area of New Delhi and Delhi Police have called a magistrate to the mess to complete necessary formalities. The magistrate will decide whether Hazare and his supporters will be sent to judicial custody or given bail. The Gandhian was taken earlier detained from Mayur Vihar before he was to proceed to the venue of his fast in JP Park where prohibitory orders are in place. Around 500 supporters were with Anna at the time of his detention. Chanting 'Bharat Mata ki jai' and 'Vande Matram,' supporters created hurdles in the way of the police which were trying to detain him.  

Anna Hazare Should Reconsider His Proposed Fast

Noted Gandhian and social activist Natwar Thakkar today urged Anna Hazare to "seriously reconsider" his decision to go on fast from August 16 on Lokpal issue. "I feel worried about the news (of Anna's proposed fast) and as a fellow social worker I feel worried about this," Thakkar said in a statement to the press. "I consider Anna Hazare as an esteemed friend and a person dedicated to selfless service, but I would like to mention in all humility that I find it difficult to agree with his decision to go on fast and strongly urge him to change his decision," Thakkar said. Anna's first fast outside New Delhi's Jantar Mantar in April had earned nation-wide support and forced the Centre to agree to form a joint committee to look into the matter, he said. The main difference however remained that the Prime Minister and members of judiciary were not brought under the purview of the Lokpal. The bill has been introduced and all parties will give their opinions according to democratic norms, Thakkar said. "We must see that the democratic institutions are respected and appeal that the draft bill should be allowed to pass through its prescribed course as even after this there will be scope for amendments," the Gandhian said. "As a humble student of Gandhian thought, I thought he was most careful before resorting to fast and for him it was a last resort. In one of his writings Gandhiji makes a distinction between a fast and a hunger strike," Thakkar, the founder secretary of the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram said.

Noose Tightening Around Jagan Investors

Apart from CBI, the state government is also tightening the screws on the investors in Jagan's enterprise which sprang up during his dad's tenure as CM. In line with this, the state government has issued notices to Investors in Jagan's companies. Hetero drugs which has invested in Jagati publications, is also under Govt. scanner on allegations that company has not fulfilled its promise of giving employment to local people. APIIC had taken over 1,000 acres of land in 10-15 villages for setting up an SEZ in Polepally in Jedcherla mandal in 2007 for pharmaceutical park. During procurement of land, as part of rehabilitation the land losers in the SEZ area were promised jobs. Now, the displaced people of Mudireddypally, Gollapalli, Polepally, Chenelli and nearby villages are demanding jobs, but to no avail. Last week a woman named Sungunti Anjamma who failed to get any job in the SEZ, committed suicide. Government has sought details about the employment provided by the companies and benefits received from the government. Hetero has invested in companies managed by Jagan and his wife Bharathi. Recently, CBI also seized some files related to Polepally SEZ and correspondence of Hetero drugs on that allotment. Another Major jolt for Jagan is expected from the state government’s examination of sale of shares as lead promoter in Raghuram Cements (now Bharati Cements) to a foreign company after obtaining huge tracts of Lime stone mines in Kadapa district during his fathers regime. YS Jaganmohan Reddy sold a 51 per cent stake in Bharathi Cements to French firm Vicat SA for a huge undisclosed sum. In less than four years, Jagan constructed the cement factory and sold his majority share for a huge sum as the company owns 2307 acres of lime stone mines. State Govt. officials are also exploring the options available under the law to cancel the lease holding of mines to a Cement factory with more than 51% holding by a foreign entity. Govt. officials are examining steps that the state government can take to resume the lands given to these companies. All possible ways are being explored to book these companies if they are found to be indulging in any irregularities, according to a top official in the government.  

Drama Behind Resignation of MLA, Perni Nani

The state government has also decided to reduce the land allotment for the Machilipatnam port from the promised 6000 acres to 2000 acres. This has irritated the local ruling party MLA (now with YSR cong.), Perni Nani to such an extent that he submitted his resignation against the reduction of the land allotment. This not only shows how these private entrepreneurs who benefited from the YSR government control public representatives, but also the involvement of Public representatives in Real estate deals. There are rumors about nexus between him and TDP MP, Konagalla Narayana in Land dealss in and around machilipatnam port. Narayana was also supposed to resign but hasn't done so till now. All studies including that of the Planning Commission suggest that not more than 2000 acres, is required for a port, it is absurd on the part of companies to ask for 6000 acres, and more so on the part of Local MLA who seems hell bent on protecting the interest of private entrepreneur rather than public from his constituency. In order to pacify the agitating MLA, CM Kiran Reddy assured that he will look into the matter personally and resolve it ASAP. But the chances are remote. Machilipatnam port project was originally awarded to the Ramalinga Raju-promoted Maytas and Nagarjuna Construction Company. But after the Satyam scam broke out, Navayuga Engineering stepped in as the lead promoter. Both NCC and Navayuga were given large number of irrigation contracts during the YSR regime and both companies maintain close relations with Jagan.

Lokpal Bill: Arvind Kejriwal Doubts Govt's Intentions

Civil activist and Anna Hazare supporter Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the Indian government is no more interested to talk on the controversial Lokpal Bill. Kejriwal has said that the government is just pretending to hold talks on the matter. The activist further said that if the government was really interested in talking about the matter seriously, then they would have directly spoken to them instead of making statements in the media. Home Minister P Chidambaram had said in a press conference that the government is ready to talk over the Lokpal bill issue but it is left for the activist Anna Hazare to decide on the matter. Kejriwal had responded after the Home Minister had issued the statement. The India Against Corruption activist added that Hazare would respond only if there was any invitation from the centre. Meanwhile, Hazare and his team has announced a campaign to turn off the lights on 15th August from 8pm t0 9 pm to support his cause.  

Chiranjeevi: A Congress Hero in The Making

Megastar turned politician and Praja Rajyam Party chief K Chiranjeevi, who enjoyed a mammoth fan fallowing hitherto, is going to become a fan of Congress himself. Consequent to PRP's merger with Congress Party in February this year, Chiranjeevi will formally become a Congress member on 20 August in presence of Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. This has certainly upset his lakhs of fans all over the state. There are over seventy lakh people who voted for Chiranjeevi and his social justice slogan in 2009 elections. "We have always loved Chiranjeevi and were happy that he started a party after his film career and we voted for him. But now he has joined the Congress while we wanted him to lead a separate party," lament heart-broken fans. Even though both the megastar and the Congress are keen to project the merger as a win-win situation, it will not be that easy for the partymen as well as his fans to digest.  

Babai Getting Closer to Abbai

As per sources, Vivekananda Reddy is trying hard to get back into family fold. To give credence to this, recently he even shared stage with Jagan Mohan Reddy at a YSR statue unveiling function. He even spoke in support of Jagan in that function saying it is not proper for the government to corner Jagan on issues that have taken place during YSR's tenure and approved by the entire cabinet. People who were present at the function felt that Viveka has eventually realized the fact that 'blood-relation' is much dearer than party and politics. But there were also some skeptics, who say "Neither it's 'raktasambandham' nor 'bonhomie', but is a 'covert operation'.  

TDP's Revanth Lambasts Lagadapati Rajagopal

TDP leader Revanth Reddy lambasted Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal for his double standards. He questioned, how can Lagadapati invest in the companies owned by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, when he knew that Jagan is corrupt person. Revanth cited some recent instances when allegedly Lagadapati Rajagopal termed Jagan as corrupt person. Referring to the High Court orders, Revanth Reddy said that it has been revealed by the court that MP Lagadapati has made huge investments in Jagan's companies. Some differences might have cropped up between them in sharing the loot and that's the reason he is calling Jagan Mohan Reddy a corrupt person now. But while looting the public, they were both chums together. If Lagadapati Rajagopal has any sincerity, he should write to CBI about Jagan's wrongdoings otherwise it is to be construed that he is also a partner of Jagan in the corruption.      

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Astrologers Warn of God's Wrath

The group of astrologers who conducted an astrological examination or 'devaprasnam' at the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram has concluded that family members of those who open its yet untouched vault B would die, said an expert on Thursday. They also warned against videography of the treasure discovered so far. Speaking to reporters late night after the conclusion of the four-day 'devaprasnam', chief priest K. Padmanabha Sharma said that no videography of the temple's unearthed treasure trove should take place. The ritual 'devaprasnam' reportedly found that taking the treasure, which is located inside the vault of the temple, out of the temple complex would affect the sanctity of the shrine. It also cautioned against opening the yet to be examined vault called 'Vault B', as it is located below the sanctum sanctorum. "Opening the secret vault will weaken the sanctum sanctorum and will invite the deity's anger," said Padmanabha Sharma. The ritual also pointed out that the treasure faces threat of theft and needs more security. The temple, among the richest in the world, has six vaults. Five of these were opened on the orders of the Supreme Court and a treasure trove estimated to be more than Rs.1 lakh crore was discovered. Vault B was not touched by a committee that was appointed by the court for stock taking of the temple's treasures last month. The astrological examination that began at the temple on Monday involved discussions among the members of the team headed by Mathur Narayanan Renga Bhatt, an expert in conducting rituals. The discussions concluded that it would be best that vault B was left unopened. The experts concluded that if anyone opened the vault, one of his family members may die either due to a snake bite or consumption of poison. The findings of the 'Devaprasnam' come at a time when a five-member committee appointed by the supreme court has begun its work, that is to decide on the security, inventory and preservation of the articles inside the underground vaults. "We had divided the security plan into two, one which has to be implemented immediately and the permanent set up. The immediate security system will be put in place in two weeks and the other one will be completed by December," said Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy.  

Jagan Arrest Likely: CBI Readying FIR

Complying with the High Court's orders, the Central Bureau of Investigation is set off for a full-scale investigation in to YS Jagana Mohan Reddy's companies and investments. CBI is all set to file FIR against Jagan on Friday. Though, CBI officials are tightlipped, it is very likey that Jagan may be arrested, say the sources. It is said that cases will also be filed against companies and individuals who invested in Jagan-promoted enterprises as kickback for favourable land deals. According to CBI sources, the case requires multi-disciplinary investigating teams to gather evidence. Once the cases are filed, the agency would go full-throttle and Jagan's arrest can not be ruled out because of concern that he may tamper with the evidence. CBI's corporate wing will probe the alleged money laundering activity in raising investments for Jagati Publications, Indira Television, Janani Infrastructure, Carmel Asia and Sandoor Power. The CBI will also probe charges of hawala transactions and income tax evasion against Jagan. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), too, is sending a team to work with CBI to unravel complex financial deals involving dozens of companies. The cases against Jagan will be under different sections of the Indian Penal Code, Prevention of Corruption Act and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as directed by the court.

Vigilance Report Says Villas Belong to Jagan

Vigilance and Enforcement officials think that several of the benami villa plots in Emaar Township might actually belong to the Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's wife, Ms Y.S. Bharathi Reddy, Mr K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao's relative, Mr K. Raghu and others. The villa plots were sold to a small group of people and in some cases, more than one plot was sold to a single individual or family or company. For instance YSR's close aide Mr Ramachandra Rao's relative, Mr Raghu, purchased villa plots in his, his wife Ramadevi's, his son's and his mother's names. Cricketer V. Chamundeswarinath purchased three villa plots and Stylish Homes Real Estate Pvt Ltd purchased four villas. According to Vigilance, Mr Sattikonda and Mr T.V.B. Jagannadh, shown as directors of Akash Estate Private Limited, which purchased villas, were actually audit assistants working for salaries of 35,000 and 25,000. The entire investment of 2.14 crore and share investment of 50,000 each, was made by Mr M. Srinivas Reddy of the Hetero group of companies.

How EMAAR Properties Robbed APIIC

The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) and Dubai based Emaar Properties entered into an agreement in August 2003 to develop the Boulder Hills project on 535 acres in Manikonda village opposite the Indian School of Business (ISB). As per this agreement, APIIC’s stake in the integrated township project was 26%. The main charge leveled by APIIC against Emaar Properties is that it surreptitiously entered into another agreement with a subsidiary to develop a residential and commercial complex and a golf course, because of which APIIC's stake was greatly reduced and the state lost a revenue of almost Rs 5,000 crore. As per the collaboration agreement between Emaar and APIIC, the 26% stake of APIIC had to be maintained at all times. Also, it was specifically agreed upon that the joint venture companies will not enter into any agreement or arrangement with any person or party without the prior written consent of APIIC. Both these conditions were flouted by Emaar. However, Emaar subsequently entered into a secondary agreement with its subsidiary Emaar MGF Land Ltd to develop the Emaar Hills Township Project. As a result of the secondary agreement, APIIC stake in the project got reduced to 4% from the original 26% and with regard to profit sharing, Emaar MGF was to get 95% while the APIIC was left with only 5%. Of the 535 acres on which the township was to come up on, 285 acers was sold at Rs 29 lakh per acre when the prevailing market value of the prime land in Gachibowli at that time was Rs one crore per acre. Of the remaining area, 235 acres was leased out to Emaar MGF for a period of 66 years for developing a golf course for which APIIC was to get a negligible 2% of the total revenue that the private player would make from the golf course. Last year, Congress MLAs D L Ravindra Reddy and P Shankar Rao had demanded a CBI enquiry on the grounds that certain politicians and bureaucrats had colluded with the private company and greatly reduced the state's interests in the project. Subsequently, the vigilance and enforcement wing of the AP government then headed by present director general of police Dinesh Reddy took up the matter and reportedly found massive irregularities in allotment of land for private residences. Many of the allottees were found to be benamidars who were proxies for VIPs and VVIPs in the state. The AP High court on Wednesday came down heavily on the government for not acting tough as was required of it in spite of having clinching proof of robbing public assets and the exchequer, ordered a full-fledged CBI probe into the Emaar-APIIC deal.

Rosaiah Likely to be Tamilnadu Governor

Former chief minister K Rosaiah is likely to be appointed governor of Tamil Nadu in place of S S Barnala, whose term has run out. The proposed gubernatorial assignment for Rosaiah is part of a larger exercise of appointments to Raj Bhawans. According to home ministry sources, Uttarakhand governor Margaret Alva is likely to be shifted to Rajasthan to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Prabha Rau. Alva's replacement is likely to be from the northeast. The appointments are expected to be announced shortly. Ministry sources said Delhi Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna, who has been indicted by the Shunglu panel as well as CAG, will continue for the time being.