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Vol-02. Issue-11. Bhopal. Monday Page-12. Price-`5/-

he State

DECEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 15, 2013

POSTAL REGD. MP/BHOPAL/4-323/2013-15 RNI NO. MPENG\2012\46415

Has Virat Kohli's footage irked Team India?

It was my dream to meet Shah Rukh Khan, says Sunny Leone

AAPs success alarms complacent politicians

C
omplacent politicians from the big parties were alarmed as millions of Delhi voters chose the Aam Aadmi Party, a political party founded only a year ago by Arvind Kejriwal to fight corruption. Kejriwals AAP won 28 of the 70 seats in the Delhi assembly, with the BJP winning 31 and Congress reduced to just eight. With general election looming next year, these recent trends demonstrate the ability of Indias unusually impassioned electors to reshape politics in dramatic and unpredictable ways. It was a triumph of democracy . One of the implications of AAPs success is how the rules of politics are beginning to change. Supported by idealistic volunteers and financed by small donations from the public, the AAP not only survived in the cut-throat and corrupt world of Indian politics but also performed brilliantly . Its sudden success in Delhi suggests that the first-time voters in next years general election will be a force to be reckoned with. By contrast, for Congress these latest state elections were a debacle. Young, educated and urban voters who want economic growth and skilled employment are impressed neither by the partys populist policies food subsidies and rural job schemes nor by its dynastic leadership. The hapless Rahul Gandhi is assumed to be Congresss candidate for prime minister but has yet to display either the desire or the ability to do the job. Political analysts say Congress could lose half its seats in

parliament in the coming election, leaving it with only about 100 in the 545-seat lower house. If the BJP remains favourite to win the election and head the next national government, it is largely because Narendra Modi appeals to Indias aspirational young voters, speaking eloquently of the need for economic development and rejecting suggestions that he would stoke old-fashioned communalist passions between Hindus and the Muslim minority . The so-called Modi wave is still sweeping up Indian voters disenchanted with Congress; in the Rajasthan election, the BJP won nearly eight times as many seats as Congress. But the emergence of the AAP in Delhi means that a third front national government of regional and minor parties, as opposed to the usual coalition dominated by Congress or the BJP, remains one possible outcome of the election.

How WE look it !

. . . C ar t o o n b y K G O JH A

kgo jha @red iff mail. com

BHOPAL December 9 to December 15, 2013

Chhattisgarh

WE THE STATE

Cong was soft on Raman 10 hardcore Maoists surrender in CG Singh govt, didnt take advantage of many issues
again in opposition when the newly elected legislators meets to elect their new leader. Infighting has surfaced once again as warring factions have alleged a possible sabotage by the other group. Chhitranjan Bakshi, veteran leader of Communist Party of India ( CPI) said, "Congress has not only failed to act as a credible opposition, but also went soft on Raman Singh government and on many issues pertaining to people including corruption, land acquisition, plunder of natural resources.. Two recent incidents are enough to throw light on the state of affairs in the Congress. After the May 25 Maoist attack that had eliminated its frontline leaders, including the then PCC chief Nandkumar Patel, Congress failed to politically corner the Raman Singh government on the issue of alleged lapses in providing security to the party's 'Parivartan Yatra'. Instead, a war broke out between the state party organisation faction and former chief minister Ajit Jogi's group even as Congressmen themselves floated conspiracy theories to floor the state's first chief minister. Just ahead of the polls, another issue came handy to Congress when the state chief secretary himself put up a note to the government, suggesting a probe into alleged corruption in the school education department. It sparked a controversy putting powerful school education minister Brijmohan Agrawal and the chief secretary at loggerheads-forcing chief minister Raman Singh to intervene to settle the row. Surprisingly , opposition Congress did not lap it up to make it a political issue ahead of the elections. RAIPUR: Ten Naxalites, including two couples, recently surrendered at the court in Bijapur district. The Maoists were part of the National Park area committee of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist). They expressed their willingness to join the political mainstream. They said they were disappointed by the "high-handedness of senior cadres and atrocities on tribals by them." Police said those surrendered, include Sonu Korsa ,24, his wife Korsa Bodhi, 25, Madkam Joga, 27, his wife Madkam Budhri, 25, Budhram Hapka, 30, Arjun Telam, 20, Korsa Kosa, 20, Mahadev Gawde, 24, Vijay Majji, 28, and Midium Dewa, 23. Sonu Korsa, who possessed an INSAS rifle, had joined the Naxalite movement in 2005 and was working in the Bijapur region. Korsa Bodhi was a member of the medical team of National area park committee since 2007. Police said Maoists fled from their camps and reached the police. Among those who have surrendered Madkam Joga is a hardcore rebel and he was heading the local guerrilla squad group since 2008 and possessed a SLR rifle. His wife Madkam Budhri, worked with him. Budhram Hapka LGS, was an influential commander from Bairamgarh region.

BSP loses grip even over SC communities in CG

RAJIV TIWARI Email: [email protected]

RAIPUR

nfighting in the Congress is intensifying following partys defeat in assembly polls. Party in Chhattisgarh is now in disarray after the defeat. Congress leaders have withdrawn into a shell, saying reasons for debacle need to be analyzed in detail. All the factions in Congress are blaming one another for having put up rebel and dummy candidates to defeat official candidates and a fresh row could erupt

RAIPUR: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) won only one seat this time against two seats that it won in the 2008 elections in Chhattisgarh. BSP lost both Pamgarh and Akaltara, which it had won in 2008, but managed a win at Jaijaipur, an unreserved seat. BJP had won nine of ten seats reserved for Scheduled Castes. BSP founder Kanshi Ram had contested his maiden Lok Sabha polls from Chhattisgarh region's Janjgir in 1984 in undivided Madhya Pradesh. Nearly three decades later, BSP has virtually lost its grip even over the Scheduled Caste community-forcing SC voters to shift their loyalties to BJP and Congress in state's bipolar politics. Mayawati had canvassed support for her party candidates in Janjgir-Champa where the party finished third. In other parts of the state, like Takhatpur, Bilaigarh (SC), Beltara, Baloda Bazaar, Sarangarh (SC), Masturi (SC) and Kasdol, BSP secured a convincing third position by winning almost more than 15,000 votes in more than half of these constituencies. Congress wrested the Akaltara seat from BSP this time, while Pamgarh went to BJP. Saurabh Singh, who had won Akaltara seat on a BSP ticket, had joined Congress just before the assembly polls but he could not get the ticket. Congress fielded Chunnilal Sahu, who won the seat by an impressive margin. BSP's Santanlal Ratre was relegated to the third position.

Clean sweep by BJP in Korea despite sabotage

formance as an MLA was good, grassroots party leaders tried to scuttle his chances of getting a ticket and when that failed, they tried sabotage. On the other hand, the Congress candidates from all three constituencies were backed wholeheartedly by one of the strongest signatures of the district, Ramchandra Singh Deo, scion of the erstwhile royal family of Korea. Deo represented the Baikunthpur constituency four times, which is still a record here. He was also deputy chairman of planning commission and later irrigation minister in undivided MP, and also state finance minister. Though he has shifted base to Kolkata, he actively campaigned for Congress candidates. It was his presence that had given hopes to Congress in the district. He, however, left for Kolkata immediately

RAIPUR In the Korea district the BJP made a clean sweep bagging all the three seats.

Among three BJP candidates, the stakes were higher for Bhaiyalal Rajwade. In the last assembly, he was appointed parliamentary secretary . Although his per-

after results. The Korea district reposed faith in BJP in all its three assembly constituencies - Baikunthpur, Bharatpur Sonhat and Manendragarh. With Korea turning saffron, some of its representatives may find a place in Raman Singh's cabinet. This time around, barring Bhaiyalal Rajwade, BJP had changed its sitting MLAs for the remaining two constituencies of the district. BJP fielded Champa Devi Pawle from BharatpurSonhat, instead of Phoolchand Singh and Shyam Bihari Jaiswal from Manendragarh instead Deepak Patel. Incidentally, Patel bagged the 'Best MLA' award in the last assembly. The main Opposition Congress, however, repeated its candidates from all three constituencies of the district.

BHOPAL December 9 to December 15, 2013

Editorial

WE THE STATE

ASTROLOGY
11-12-2013- Wednesday - Margshrish Mah Shuklapaksh-Navami Positive directions - North and West Bad time - 12:16 pm to 1:36 pm Good time - 6:55 am to 8:15 am and 2:57 pm to 5:37 pm 12-12-2013-Thursday - Margshrish Mah Shuklapaksh-Dashmi Positive directions - East and North Bad time - 1:36 pm to 2:57 pm Good time - 6:55 am to 8:15 am and 10:26 am to 1:35 pm and 4:17pm to 5:37 pm 13-12-2013- Friday - Margshrish Mah Shuklapaksh-Ekadashi Positive directions - East and North Bad time - 10:26 am to 12:16 pm Good time - 6:55 am to 10:25 am and 12:17 pm to 1:36 pm and 4:17 pm to 5:37 pm 14-12-2013- Saturday - Margshrish Mah Shuklapaksh-Dwadashi ( Pradosh ) Positive directions - East and South Bad time - 9:35 am to 10:26 am Good time - 8:15 am to 9:34 am and 12:16 pm to 4:17 pm 15-12-2013- Sunday - Margshrish Mah Shuklapaksh-Trayodashi Positive directions - East and South Bad time - 4:17 pm to 5:37 pm Good time - 8:15 am to 12:16 pm and 1:36 pm to 2:57 pm 16-12-2013- Monday - Margshirsh Mah Shuklapaksh-Chaturdashi Positive directions- East and South Bad time - 8:15 am to 9:35 am Good time - 6:55 am to 8:14 am and 9:36 am to 10:26 am and 1:36 pm to 5:37 pm 17-12-2013- Tuesday -Margshirsh Mah Shuklapaksh -Poornima Positive directions- West and South Bad time - 2:57 pm to 4:17 pm Good time - 9:35 am to 1:36 pm By AACHARYA SARVESH E-Mail: [email protected] Mobile: 9826609192

Delhi Elections 2013:

Will Congress learn from AAP?

VASTU TIPS FOR BEDROOMS

Colors on the walls of the bedroom should be soft and not gaudy. Lighting also should be gentle and soft in the bedroom. A pleasant painting or any favorite picture should be placed at the location where it can be immediately seen when one enters the bedroom. No other life, like plants or an aquarium, should be placed in the bedroom. The bedroom floor is just as important as the rest of the room. It should always be spick-and-span. There should not be any clutter around.

he massive defeat of Congress in the Assembly elections is the message of change from the people of the country. Sonia Gandhi admits that people were unhappy with the ruling Congress. Rahul Gandhi on the other hand wants to learn the strategy from AAP. He wants to involve people in the election like the way Arvind Kejriwal did .He is now going to follow Arvind Kejriwal as a new Strategy for 2014. Does Rahul Gandhi know that AAP is against corruption? Congress as a new strategy is planning to involve common man more in party, but does the common man really want to join Congress? Is there any scope for a common man to join and survive in the Congress? These are few questions which needs introspection. Since 1947 till today, Congress party has ruled India for maximum years almost 50 years, little less or more...so what were they doing all this time, that they have to still do introspection? Any common man of India knows that what the problem is...Scams, scams and scams, almost each and every minister has done some scams plus superiority complex, inflation, corruption, not answerable to general public, misuse of power in every big section, weak (main) leadership, no consideration for middle class as they keep paying taxes and only promises to 'so called' very poor for 1 or 2 Rs per kg grains, only secular and secular words don't work, housewives cannot buy onion 1 kg for Rs. 100 and other vegetables not less than 80 or 50 a kg. Big

BIPIN SASI

talks don't work, political parties have to reach to middle class too and see that how their budget has gone topsy turvy that they cannot afford basic amenities like food. This can go on and on. People of India are fed up, they now want a change and change is inevitable in this world. The Congress party has a lot to unlearn first. They must stop brag on what their forefathers have done decades ago. They must give up pseudo secularism, dynasty politics, and minority appeasement. The party will take decades to gain people's faith again. Congress must be patient until then.

Congress both underestimated the support that AAP had in Delhi and foreign countries. Many NRIs supported AAP campaign in the last moment. There have been several theories about the AAP but this election shows that the voters have not chosen to buy them. It wont be a Delhi centric party anymore but AAP will require time to show the magic in other cities.

AAP wont be a Delhi centric party anymore. AAP is setting good norms and standards either BJP/Congress change themselves and adopt fair practices. It seems that both leading parties have realized that they have to adopt fair practices else will be rooted out shortly . When a party is not democratic in their own candidate election, how they can even talk about running a democratic country? Both national parties doesnt want to come under RTI, doesnt want to share their funding sources. Let Congress learn these things from AAP. Both BJP and Congress underestimated Aam Admi Party and the power of a common man. In India it was always believed that election can be won by muscle power and money . Both BJP and Congress know that AAP dont have huge money to run the campaign .BJP and

Will political parties adopt fair practices?

Outgoing Chief Minister Sheila Dixit issued a brief statement in which she said that the party needed to analyse its crushing defeat in the Delhi assembly polls. Why they want to analyse? Why they dont want to read the sentiments and mood of people. Congress leaders still believe that defeat in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi might not reflect on national mood ahead of Lok Sabha polls due next year. Analysts said the results have raised questions about Rahul Gandhi's political strategy and skills to sway voters. He has been a reluctant politician and leader. His future is uncertain as of now. Election results have proved that India remains a vibrant, functioning democracy constantly improving towards the ultimate goal. The party now needs a vibrant leader to make stand against Arvind Kejriwal and Narendra Modi. This may be the high time for Congress to rightly estimate the power of a common man. Selection of a historical face would not help Congress in any manner.

Results have raised questions about Rahul Gandhi's political strategy and skills:

BHOPAL December 9 to December 15, 2013

Politics

WE THE STATE

Cong paid for unpopularity of its MLAs in Chhattisgarh

C
RAIPUR ongress paid dearly for anti-incumbency of its MLAs in Chhattisgarh. As many as 27 of the 38 party MLAs lost in the tightly-contested elections, a loss that offset the gains made in Bastar region. PCC chief Charandas Mahant hinted at internal sabotage behind the loss of strong MLAs in such big numbers. On the other hand BJP leaders, including Narendra Modi, roamed the state asking Congress to clarify if Jogi was its CM candidate. It was aimed at reviving memories of his government that is resented by many for lawlessness. The Congress, however, chose to ignore the query and didnt announce its CM candidate. An answer either way was bound to increase the partys problems. A refusal would have displeased Jogi who had the ability for sabotage while an answer in the affirmative would have seriously dented the party's chances. A senior Congress functionary admitted that the urban voters overwhelmingly voted for BJP. The leadership void in Congress was created by the killing of state Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel in the Naxal attack in Bastar in May. Patel was groomed over two years by sidelining Jogi with little doubt on who would be the poll mascot. The sudden killing ahead of elections left the state Congress headless.

Modis development credentials his strongest card as PM candidate

JP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has softened his stand on Article 370. Earlier he had favoured withdrawal of special status for J&K. To call for a debate, instead, is a much more sensible and desirable position. Modi committed a factual error by claiming that Kashmiri women married to non-Kashmiri men will lose their domicile rights. However, this error has since been rectified. Article 370 does imply substantial restraints on people from the rest of India getting jobs, education, prop-

erty, etc in the state. On the other hand there are no restraints on security forces empowered by the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from pouring in. It can be argued that these restraints and excesses together create an extremely anomalous situation and these issues should be considered for the sake of the state. Modi invoked Vajpayee and the latter's call of Insaniyat, Jamhuriyat and Kashmiriyat. Vajpayee put BJP's divisive manifesto promises on the backburner when he was Prime Minis-

ter. In the run-up to 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Modi must make it clear that he will do the same. BJP must distance itself from backward-looking obsessions like building a grand temple in Ayodhya after having destroyed a long-standing mosque there. Then only reasonable propositions like debating Article 370 and ushering in a uniform civil code can be fruitfully debated. Modi's strongest card as PM candidate lies in his development credentials and proposing a vision of India as a modern economy and society .

BHOPAL December 9 to December 15, 2013

Feature

WE THE STATE

India Mourns
Mandela the Gandhian

he death of Nelson Mandela triggered an outpouring of tributes from Indians who feel a special connection to the great man, seen by many as one of the worlds most successful followers of the ways of Indias independence leader: Mahatma Gandhi. India announced five-days of mourning Friday in honor of the former South African president and anti-apartheid revolutionary who died at his home in Johannesburg late Thursday . He was a true Gandhian, said Indias Prime Minister Manmohan Singh through the official twitter account of his office. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. The man who led the movement to replace to India.

He was one of two non-Indians to ever be awarded the countrys highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna or Jewel of India. The other was Mother Teresa. As a strong follower of Gandhi, Mr. Mandela was also awarded the International Gandhi Peace Prize by the Indian government in 2001. Mr. Mandelas campaign to end the apartheid regime of South Africa echoed Mr. Gandhis struggle against the British rule in India. Mr. Mandela was one of Gandhis true heirs, said veteran social activist and longtime Gandhian, Chunnibhai Vaidya. Both had the same goals and both achieved freedom for their countries through non-violent means. Around 15 Gandhian organizations in the state of Gujaratwhere Gandhi was born and where many of his most avid followers still residewill conduct prayer meetings for

Mr. Mandela over the weekend. Mahatma Gandhis grandson, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who met Mr. Mandela a number of times over the years, said the South African visionary used the techniques of mass resistance he learned from the Mahatma. The world today needs more leaders like them, he said. Its a very complicated world that is facing many crises which were not (around) when the two were fighting, for their causes, he said. Gandhi lived in South Africa for nearly two decades. He initially moved there to work as a lawyer in Durban in the late 1800s. He fought for the rights of Indians in the country facing racial discrimination. On returning to India, Gandhi continued to practice the non-violent methods he had developed in South Africa. The fact that they both fought for the civil rights of the sub-

jected people in South Africa and they used the same methods make their life and work very similar, said Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, former chairman of Indian Council of Historical Research, a New Delhibased think tank. Scholars are quick to point out that there were also major differences between the two. During Mr. Mandelas early days, he and other members of the African National Congress party did not have complete faith in the policy of non-violence, said M.P. Mathai, a scholar and dean of Gandhi Research Foundation, a research organization in the western state of Maharashtra.

South Africas apartheid regime with a multi-racial democracy had strong connections

In extreme situations they believed violence was justified, he said. Gandhi was uncompromising on non-violence. However during decades of imprisonment, Mr. Mandela grew to appreciate the importance of non-violence, said Mr. Mathai. He was a totally changed man after that.

BHOPAL December 9 to December 15, 2013

Capital

WE THE STATE

Poll outcome in MP sorely disappointing for Third Front

RAJIV TIWARI Email: [email protected] Bhopal he poll outcome in Madhya Pradesh was sorely disappointing for the Third Front especially Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP). The Third front could not make any impact and the polity in the state remained bipolar with the combined strength of the BJP and the Congress consistently growing. As State politics turns increasingly bipolar, both BSP and SP are greatly disappointed. While the reason why the SP and BSP could not gain foothold in the State is a matter of deeper analysis, one reason could be that MP is not as caste-ridden as UP and Bihar and the appeal of both these parties is solely caste- based. Significantly merely five days before polling, BSP supremo Mayawati promised the people of Madhya Pradesh something even chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan in his wildest fit of generosity in public would not have dared. Every landless poor in MP, she announced, would be given three acres of public land if her party came to power in the state. But the people did not take her seriously and the BSP failed to make any impression. The BSP started making inroads into the Vindhya Pradesh and Gwalior- Chambal areas of the state in 1990 but it could never

reach the position of even being a Kingmaker, what to speak of the King. Its vote percentage could grow from 3.54 per cent in 1990 to 8.97 per cent in 2008 and this time, it fell to 6.28. That means it has barely managed to double its vote share in 23 years. As for SP, it could never cross the 5 per cent

mark. The Independents are also being cold- shouldered by the voters. The number of winner Independents has fallen from 10 in 1990 to 3 this time. The vote share of parties and candidates other that BJP and Congress has also been shrinking. The cumulative vote share of

BJP and Congress has never been less than 70 per cent since 1990. It was 79.42 per cent in 1993 and this time it has crossed the 80 per cent mark. The two parties have cumulatively secured 81.24 per cent votes (BJP 44.97, Congress 36.37) this time. Both have gained at the cost of other parties.

Buoyed by win, BJP now confident of bettering Lok Sabha tally in MP

Rajgarh by Narayan Singh Amlawat and Hoshangabad by Rao Uday Pratap Singh, who switched over to BJP few days before polling day . There are 29 Lok Sabha seats in MP. Of them 17 are with BJP. Buoyed by the 2013 landslide, BJP is confident of wiping out the last standing Congress citadels. However, all four seats in Scindia's Gwalior have been won by BJP. Though Scindia is an MP from Guna, a BJP victory in Gwalior is a huge psychological blow to Jyotiraditya. In Guna Lok Sabha seat, five assembly seats are with Congress and three belong to BJP, including Shivpuri, which was won by Yashodhara Raje Scindia, his aunt. Meanwhile, the Congress appears to have lost the support of its tribal votebank. BJP sweep is complete in all seven assembly segments of Kantilal Bhuria's Ratlam-Jhabua Lok Sabha constituency . In 2008, Congress still had one seat with it while one was won by an independent. In Dewas, Sajjan Singh Verma is threatened by saffron forces with all 8 assembly segments conquered by BJP. In Dhar parliamentary seat, 6 out of 8 assembly segments are with BJP. In Ujjain, Congress was deceived by his own MP Premchand Guddu when he manipulated a Vidhan Sabha seat for his son. All 8 assembly segments of Ujjain Lok Sabha seat are now with BJP. In Mandsaur parliamentary seat held by Minakshi Natarajan, 7 of 8 seats are taken over by BJP.

BHOPAL After the landslide win in assembly polls, the BJP is confident of bettering its Lok Sabha tally in 2009 when Con-

gress managed to wrest 12 parliamentary seats which include Guna by Jyotiraditya Scindia, Shahdol by Rajesh Nandini, Mandala by Basori Singh Masram, Chhindwara by Kamal Nath,

Dewas by Sajjan Singh Verma, Ujjain by Premchand Guddu, Mandsaur by Minakshi Natrajan, Ratlam by Kantilal Bhuria, Dhar by Gajendra Singh Rajukhedi, Khandwa by Arun Yadav,

BHOPAL December 9 to December 15, 2013

Glamour

WE THE STATE

Salman Khan: I had no intentions to be a star

ctor Salman Khan, who has a huge fan following across the globe, says he had no intentions of becoming a star. "I took birth in a family which was a part of this industry. By luck, I got this platform thanks to Sooraj Barjatya who gave me a break, and luckily the film also worked. I have no contribution in it," Salman Khan told reporters Thursday during the trailer launch of 'Jai Ho'. "I had no intentions to be a star. I like to travel by rickshaw, cycle. I am enjoying my success and when I don't have it, then also I will enjoy," he said. The actor who has lost his temper several times said fans should not cross their limits. "Fans tend to cross their line at times. They get into personal lives. At times, fans get carried away," he said. Salman also promoted Aamir Khan's 'Dhoom 3' by wearing a hat similar to what Aamir has been wearing during promotions. "'Jai Ho' bhi Dhoom machayegi," Salman said.

e have all watched Koffee With Karan with the idea that it's a spontaneous outpouring of celebrity hearts. But it looks like some of it is as scripted as the movies. Katrina recently told Bollywood Life that, "Before the shoot of the episode, Karan hosted a dinner where Kareena and I were present. Kareena said to me that she will pull everyone's leg (on the show). She asked me if she can say it (sister-in-law remark) in a fun wayand that was okay with me." We wonder if this is really true or just one more ruse of Katrina's to deny her alleged affair with Ranbir.

Shocking: Was Koffee With Karan Scripted?

NEW DELHI

It was my dream to meet Shah Rukh Khan, says Sunny Leone

unny Leone today said it was a dream come true for her to meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan at the special screening of Kaizad Gustad's 'Jackpot' in Mumbai. Sunny, who was here to promote her Hindi film 'Jackpot',told reporters, "It (meeting Shahrukh) was a dream come true.I am a fan of Bollywood and those you have been watching on screen for years, happen to meet you, you feel extremely nice.They are so down to earth and humble." On Naseeruddin Shah, who is cast opposite her in the film,she said it was a dream to act opposite the veteran actor, who commands immense respect in Bollywood. "Working with Mr Naseer is a dream for me. You learn a lot on and off camera; how he conducts himself; how he acts on camera. You learn as a new actor and new actress," she said. "Hopefully people would say, yes Sunny you did a better job acting in this movie than your

BANGALORE

first one. For obvious reasons that you know your first movie you are nervous facing the camera but this film was extremely comfortable." The 32-year-old Indo-Canadia adult film star, who made her return to India with reality show Bigg Boss, is hoping that people would like her performance in 'Jackpot'. She said she is learning things about India and Bollywood,which is completely different from Hollywood. "I have learnt so much over the last three years. It is almost like going to school again. I am learning Hindi, learning to dance and learning all these little things about this industry, how it works. It's completely different than Hollywood. I have been told how Katrina Kaif also learnt them all, slowly but surely," she added. Indian-origin Sunny was born in Canada. She later moved to the US with her family . She was 19 when she ventured into the world of adult films. She made her Bollywood film debut with 'Jism 2'.

BHOPAL December 9 to December 15, 2013

Rajasthan

WE THE STATE

Vasundhara loyalist Mehrishi likely

to be next CS of Rajasthan
JAIPUR

enior bureaucrat Rajiv Mehrishi, who is a Vasundhara Raje loyalist, is expected to be the next chief secretary of Rajathan. Mehrishi is currently on deputation to Centre and holding the post of Union secretary with the department of fertilizers in the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in New Delhi. Mehrishi got into good books of Raje when he was the principal secretary (finance) during her first term as the

chief minister of the state from 2003 to 2008. The 1978-batch IAS officer would replace the current incumbent CK Mathew, who is likely to be shifted as deputy chairman of the state planning board, sources said. Mathew has taken a long leave after he was accused by the BJP of favouring the then Congress government prior to the December 8 assembly polls when the model code of conduct was in place. Mathew's leave will end on December 13. Additional chief secretary CS Rajan has been holding the charge of chief secretary ever since Mathew proceeded on leave before the state assembly elections.

BJPs decision to bring Raje as state president paid off

SANGEETA SHARMA E-mail: [email protected] JAIPUR

he BJP decision to bring Vasundhara Raje back as the state unit's president paid off in Rajasthan as the party won by a historic margin. There were several protests and senior members raised objections but the party high command went ahead and handed over the reins of the party to Raje, who was the most popular face among the masses. She took over as the state president in February , but the formal announcement on her being the chief ministerial candidate came at the launch of her Suraaj Sankalp Yatra in April. It was a gamble that paid off for the party , as with the passage of time and during the course of the yatra, support and popularity of Raje increased manifold. The party's decision to declare Narendra Modi as its prime ministerial candidate added to its prospects in the state. The announcement helped in mobilizing party workers, who worked hard to ensure party's splendid performance in the state. Raje's team worked hard on a well-planned campaign against the Ashok Gehlot government and in favour of the BJP . After choosing to stay behind the curtains for a long time, Raje, since February , lashed out at the state government at every opportunity and never missed a chance to react strongly or question chief minister Ashok Gehot's every move.

After the alleged 'absenteeism' of four years, Raje and the BJP were suddenly everywhere, taking to the streets and holding protest campaigns against the state government.

Despite Raje being given a free hand, she had to work to get everybody's support and portray a united face of the party . She also had to iron out her differences with the RSS and

the RSS-backed leaders in the state. Members, known to be her detractors like Ghanshyam Tiwari and Prahlad Gunjal, were included in the party's first list of candidates.

BHOPAL December 9 to December 15, 2013

World

WE THE STATE

Sign language interpreter at Mandelas

funeral has faced murder charge

T
hamsanqa Jantjie, the fake sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandelas memorial on Tuesday, has faced a number of criminal charges in court, including a murder charge in 2003, according to South Africa TV channel eNCA. eNCA's investigations have found that Thamsanqa Jantjie, who is being treated for schizophrenia, has also faced rape (1994), theft (1995), housebreaking (1997), malicious damage to property (1998), murder, attempted murder and kidnapping (2003) charges, the channel reported. According to the eNCA story, most of the charges were dropped because Jantijie was apparently mentally unfit to stand trial. However, he was convicted of theft and given a three-year sentence but it was not certain whether he had served time for the crime or not. Jantjie was seen on stage making hand gestures next to Barack Obama during the US Presidents speech. It emerged later that those gestures were not in fact sign language and Jantije was merely waving his hands about. At that point his name

and his whereabouts where unknown but he subsequently came forward to identify himself claim he suffered from schizophrenia and that he had an attack while on stage and began hallucinating and hearing voices in his head. "There was nothing I could do, he said. I was alone in a very dangerous situation. I tried to control myself and not show the world what was going on. I am very sorry, its the situation I found myself in. eNCA claims that the court records it scrutinised shows that the murder and kidnapping case against Jantjie and several others was referred to the South Gauteng High Court in 2004 but the court file for the case is empty . It is unclear how Jantjies background was not checked before he was appointed to translate speeches into sign language at Mandelas memorial.

US opposes Supreme Court verdict criminalising gay

WASHINGTON xpressing concern over the Indian Supreme Court verdict which ruled that gay sex is illegal, the US has said that it is opposed to any action that criminalise consensual same sex between two adults. "We oppose any action that criminalises consensual same-sex conduct between adults. LGBT rights are human rights. We call on all governments to advance equality for LGBT individuals around the world," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said on Wednesday . "We are in regular touch about these issues and others with India. I don't have anything specific to readout for you in terms of future meetings or conversations about this," she said. Responding to a question, Psaki said it is for the Indian Government to take a decision or any steps it want to take to protect the rights of the gay and lesbian community after the Supreme Court order in this regard. "That's a decision that the Indian government would make. We obviously don't make decisions on behalf of other governments and their legislation. So I expressed our deep concern about any ef-

forts around the world to not recognise that LGBT rights are human rights and that's a message we'll continue to convey," she said. Meanwhile, a top American LGBT organisation has joined hands with their Indian counterpart in opposing the latest verdict of the Supreme Court, which rules gay sex illegal. "This is a sad day for India and for the world," said Joe Mirabella, Director of Communications for All Out, a top American LGBT organisation, which has a membership of more than a million. "No one should

have to go to jail because of who they are or who they love. We stand in solidarity with India's human rights community," she said. India's Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling from 2009 that decriminalised the love between two men. Now, gays could once again face prosecution under section 377, which makes it illegal to perform 'unnatural offences'. People found guilty of violating section 377 could face 10 years in prison, it said. "Sadly this ruling now brings the total number of

countries that make it a crime to be gay, lesbian, bi, or trans from 76 to 77," Mirabella said. "It essential that we bring that number to zero. No person should have to sacrifice their family or freedom, safety or dignity, because of who they are or who they love," she said. India faces an election in May, making the political climate for a legislative change in the near future more difficult.

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BHOPAL December 9 to December 15, 2013

Commerce

WE THE STATE

Diamond Park project near Indore may move forward now

ig industrial projects such as the Diamond Park venture coming up in Rangwasa near Indore will now move forward as the assembly elections are over. The Audhyogik Kendra Vikas Nigam (AKVN) Indore that had got a detail project report (DPR) prepared through

INDORE

a consultant is awaiting clearance, which is stuck due to technical reasons. Officials said certain formalities need to be completed and the project will move forward after model code of conduct ends. The project will be developed on a public-private partnership (PPP) model with an investment of Rs 175 crore on infrastructure development.

The park, which is proposed to be a hub for cutting and polishing of diamonds, will have an SEZ and a non-SEZ zone, and so will suit diamond processing units with 100% export-based operations. A residential colony, helipad, hospital and education centre are also proposed to be set up. The development agency will also carry basic infrastructure, including roads and sewerage sys-

tem. Tenders will be taken out for selection of the development agency . While several companies had evinced interest in the project being developed on 118 hectares of land, no one has yet signed an agreement with the government. In fact, the gems and jewellery park project, popularly known as Diamond Park, has been lying in the cold storage for the past many years.

Monsoon Rains Cool Onion Prices at Last

ome staple foods are at last becoming cheaper thanks to the delayed arrival of summer crops, providing relief to millions of Indians who couldnt afford onions last month. Prices of onions, tomatoes and other vegetables have fallen by more than 50% from their peak levels in November when unseasonal rains damaged the crops that were about to be harvested and pushed up many food prices to record levels. Since then the prices of vegetables that have benefitted from the steady monsoon rains this year have plunged. In Delhis Azadpurs wholesale market, onion prices have fallen to around 20 rupees per kilogram from 60 rupees per kilo-

gram. Tomatoes are selling for between 10 rupees to 20 rupees per kilogram from 50 rupees and green peas are selling for between 5 rupees to 10 rupees a kilogram down from 30 rupees to 40 rupees a kilogram. We expect the prices to fall even further this month, said Rajinder Kumar Sharma, general secretary of the Azadpur wholesale fruit and vegetable market. The moisture in the soil due to an unusually long monsoon season will continue to help the crops. The lower prices were too late to save the countrys ruling party . The high food prices had stoked public outrage and are one of the main reasons why the Congress Party was decimated in recently

state elections. The monsoon season extended more than a month beyond the normal close in mid-September, delaying the harvest of vegetables which usually comes in October. The lower food prices are expected cool Indias wholesale price indexthe most widely watched indicator of inflation in the subcontinentwhich has been stuck above the central banks comfort level for years. Food prices account for about 15% of the index which decides the WPI inflation rate which recently hit an eight month high of 7%. We should see lower inflation by the second half of December, said D.K

Joshi, chief economist at rating firm Crisil. He said the prices are likely to continue to slide over the following three months thanks to a bumper winter crop. The fall in food prices could be the excuse the Reserve Bank of India needs to avoid hiking its key interest rates again, economists said. While the central bank has been raising rates to keep inflation in check, the country needs lower rates to help jump start the economy which has seen its growth slow to a 10-year low. If the inflation comes down, the RBI may not tinker with rates, and around March, may cut rates if it is convinced that inflation will continue to move downwards, said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at CARE Ratings.

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BHOPAL December 9 to December 15, 2013

Has Virat Kohli's footage irked Team India?

Sports

WE THE STATE

he temperature appears to be rising ahead of the Test series in South Africa, with the Indian team management denying reports of demanding an explanation from host broadcaster SuperSport for editorialising their content related to a video clip of Virat Kohli. During the third game at centurion, the broadcaster carried a clip of Kohli being stuck in the ribs by Dale Steyn during the

first one-dayer at Wanderers. Veteran South African journalist Neil Manthorp reported that coach Duncan Fletcher summoned the director of the coverage that ran with a caption, "Kohli - Softened Up". It was followed up by a footage of Kohli clutching an ice pack to the blow on the dressing room balcony, and then rehearsing the pull stroke during a net session. Fletcher reportedly told the director that this wasn't objective broadcasting, but editorialising of content. Sources in the Indian team have, however, insisted that Fletcher wanted footage of the bowlers. The communications manager of SuperSport was quoted as saying, "I'm not sure what SuperSport did wrong. We are in the business of producing good television. "We reflected what occurred and there was a genuine storyline there. It sounds like good television to me."

I am not retiring, says Mary Kom Pele hopes Brazil to

win 2014 World Cup

T

he 30-year-old, who has taken a brief sabbatical from the game after the birth of her third child, was in the capital to launch her autobiography 'Unbreakable'. As she unveiled the book, the former Khel Ratna awardee made it clear that she had no plans to hang her gloves just yet. "I just want to say and request that I am not going to retire," said the affable Manipuri even before was asked about it by the media. "My humble request is please support me, I will try my best to win a medal for the country," she added. The autobiography, which details her rise to the top from a modest background, was launched by Sport Minister Jitendra Singh and two-time Olympic medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar, whom Mary Kom addressed as 'big brother'.

"I wrote this book in short time. It is about my struggle. I want children to be inspired by it," said Mary Kom. Sushil was effusive in praise of Mary Kom, calling her the toughest of the six Indians who won medals at the London Olympics last year. "She is the strongest among the six of us. All those who have supported her have actually done the country proud. She is a fantastic person and a truly great athlete. I congratulate her for this book," said the soft-spoken wrestler. The Sports Minister said Mary Kom was an example of how sports can unite. "I am Minister of State (Defence) as well and when I travel to places like Ladakh and I talk to people, she is the hero there. It shows that sports is a binding factor," said Singh.

Costa Do Suipe (Brazile), Dec 7: Brazilian soccer legend Pele put his faith in Brazil of winning next year's World Cup on home soil here Friday during the draw ceremony. Before the 32 qualified teams being drawn into eight groups for the finals, Pele, presented as a special ambassador, was asked on the stage by the host whether he believes Brazil could make to the final. "I think we will be in the final," Xinhua quoted 73-year-old Pele, the living legend, as saying. He followed up to remember how his father cried after Brazil suffered the shock loss to Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup final. "I can always remember my father crying after we lost the World Cup to Uruguay in 1950." Just eight years later the then 17-year-old Pele helped Brazil to win their first of five titles so far. "So I don't want my kids to see me crying! I hope we will win!" said Pele.

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BHOPAL December 9 to December 15, 2013

Nation

WE THE STATE

High food prices, corruption led to Congs downfall

S. MANI NEW DELHI

pelling buses to switch to natural gas. She was among those who had shrugged off the threat posed by AAP. But the results showed how wrong she was. She herself had to face defeat at the hands of Kejriwal. Historian Ramachandra Guha said charisma of

Email: [email protected]

he B.J.P.s success in four states seems

largely driven by the sour anti-incumbency

ruption. In Delhi, the biggest sensation, however, Aam Aadmi Party .

mood, high food prices and anger over cor-

the Gandhi family is basically more or less gone.

was an unexpectedly strong showing by the year-old The results make it clear that the Congress Par-

The results, he added, represented the voice of a

much younger group of voters who do not rememined, of Indira Gandhi or the martyrdom of Rajiv Gandhi. The results in four states show people no longer

ber the contributions or sacrifices, real or imag-

tys welfare programmes and customary promises

can no longer compel a younger, urbanized elecage of leadership at a time when voters crave it.

torate, and that the party has failed to project an imOnly a year ago, Sheila Dikshit appeared to be a

cast their votes based on caste, family or religion. Todays voters, especially the younger ones, are

formidable incumbent, credited with spearheading Delhis subway system and easing pollution by com-

more receptive to a discourse that harps on educapopulism.

tion and jobs, and less to one that is redolent with

RTI reveals over Rs 20 lakh were spent on UPAs anniv celebrations

ver Rs 20 lakh was spent in the fourth anniversary celebrations of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). The party spent Rs 6,871 per guest, with total expenditure on the May 22 event coming to Rs 20,61,359. This was revealed in an RTI document obtained by an RTI activist here. RTI document available with RTI applicant Urvashi Sharma states that out of 522 guests invited to the function, only 300 eventually turned up. The total cost incurred on floral decoration was Rs 10,896, while electricity charges for the day was Rs 3,03,770. The bills pertaining to catering and tent charges are still under process, and as per RTI documents, they stand at Rs 6,30,874 and Rs 11,15,819. The sum total of these charges is Rs 20,61,359. Ironically only a few months ago Congress MP from Firozabad Raj Babbar had said that a person can have full meals all day for Rs 12, while his former Rajya Sabha colleague Rashid Masood claimed a meal can be bought for Rs 5 in Delhi's Jama Masjid area. The non-vegetarian dinner package,

LUCKNOW

which was ordered from Taj Palace Hotel as buffet dinner for 300 guests, was worth Rs 6,30,874. The per head cost incurred on the lavish food was Rs

1,525 for the event, which lasted for nearly 5 hours from 7.00 pm to midnight. RTI applicant had claimed that the

prime minister's office had earlier expressed its inability to provide the list of the guests invited for the occasion owing to security reasons.

AAP can cash on voters crying out for an alternative political force
But if AAP is to expand beyond Delhi and make a mark in the 2014 general elections, it seek to form governments and lead by example.

NEW DELHI he stupendous success of Aam Aadmi

ing parties who often seem like clones of

each other and thus deny real choice to voters have been responsible for poor governance. But for that AAP must make a serious bid for performances.

Party (AAP) in the Delhi assembly polls has enthused the party cadres.

power and go beyond commendable electoral Both Congress and BJP had dismissed AAP

must show an appetite for governance. It must There`s no denying that several electoral con-

in the poll run up the former refusing to acknowledge AAP as a serious party while the

stituencies especially long-neglected urban centres are crying out for an alternative political force. AAP`s secular motto of transparency and integrity in politics could find many takers in metropolitan cities like Mum-

latter described it as a vote stealer. The two national parties underestimated the groundswell of anger against incumbent legislators and their cynical brand of politics. The AAP`s simple message of honest and clean governance torate, transcending narrow vote banks.

bai, Kolkata and Chennai where the contend-

resonated with a wide cross-section of the elec-

Owned Printed and Published by M.M.Baig. Printed at lucky, 267, Pragati Nagar, Shahanshah Garden, Bhopal (MP) and published from H.No.101, A-SECTOR INDRAPURI BHEL, WARD NO.63 DIST BHOPAL-462021, M.P. Tele/FAX 0755-4292545,Mob.09425029901 [email protected] RNI No. MPENG\2012\46415 Editor: M.M. BAIG -Responsible for selection of News & Articles under PRB Act, Subject to Bhopal jurisdiction