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November 2003
No threat to my govt: Antony
Sunday, November 30, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister AK Antony said on Sunday that his government faced no threat despite the toppling game of the CPM. Talking to reporters, he said majority of the people in the State did not want Marxist rule immediately and hence attempts at toppling his government would not succeed. Apparently referring to the reported statement of PCC President K Muraleedharan that he wished to see the defeat of ruling United Democratic Front(UDF) candidate in the December 1 Thiruvalla Assembly by-election, Antony said it was unfortunate that such statements came from persons in responsible positions. Efforts at weaken the UDF and the Congress were not expected from persons holding responsible positions, he added.
Kerala retains title
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Bangalore Nov. 29. Kerala retained the overall team championship title with 242 points in the HUDCO National Youth athletics championship that concluded at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday. Tamil Nadu with 198 points secured the runner-up tag. Kerala topped the women's section with 142 points while Tamil Nadu led the men's segment with 91 points. The final day ushered in 11 new meet records while Karnataka's B.G. Nagaraj and Tamil Nadu's K.N. Priya emerged as the fastest man and woman of the championship respectively.The host's moment of delight turned out to be a surprise as Nagaraj won the 100m dash with a new meet record of 10.64s. K.N. Priya bagged a double as she topped the women's 100m hurdles and later did an encore in racing past her rivals in the 100m sprint. Priya set a new meet record in the 100m hurdles at 13.80s that clipped Debi Bose's earlier mark of 14.30s set at Pondicherry, 1996. Priya was also aided by the wind factor at 2.6 metre per second in the hurdles. Priya, who had a low key performance at the recent Afro Asian Games at Hyderabad, attributed her comeback to better confidence levels. "At the Afro Asian I was a little nervous as it was an international meet," said the MBA student from M.O.P. Vaishnav College, Chennai. Priya was adjudged as the `best women athlete' of the championship. The results: Winners only: Men: 100m: 1. B.G. Nagaraj (Kar), 10.64s NMR, Old: 10.77s 110m hurdles: 1. Manjunath B. Godi (Kar), 14.54s NMR, Old: 14.63s400m: 1. P.S. Sreejith (Ker), 47.46s NMR, Old: 48.31s 4 x 400m relay: 1. Jammu and Kashmir, 3:18.17s1500m: 1. Binesh Soman (Ker), 3:56.72s 3000m steeple chase: 1. Chandra Shekar (Kar), 9:46.78s 10000m: 1. S. Raghunathan (TN), 32:25.41s 20km walk: 1. Anil Kumar (Har), 1:32:49.3s NMR, Old: 1:34:16.8s High jump: 1. P.J. Victor Jaba Singh (TN), 2.03m Triple jump: 1. M. Ranjith (Ker), 14.88mShot put: 1. Jagmander Singh (Chn), 15.91m Decathlon: 1. P.J. Victor (TN), 6541 pts, NMR, Old: 6497 ptsWomen: 100m: 1. K.N. Priya (TN), 12.11s 100m hurdles: 1. K.N. Priya (TN), 13.80s NMR, Old: 14.30s 400m: 1. Iyaleen Samantha (AP), 54.60s NMR, Old: 55.22s4 x 400m relay: 1. Kerala, 3:48.51s 1500m: 1. Sinimole Paulose (Ker), 4:32.67s NMR, Old: 4:36.59s 3000m steeple chase: 1. L. Manjula (Kar), 11:34.32s; 10000m: 1. Preeja Sreedharan (Ker), 38:31.07s; 10km walk: 1. Ravina Antil (Har), 52:19.51s NMR, Old: 52:33.00s High jump: 1. M. Sangeetha (TN), 1.71m NMR, Old: 1.69m Triple jump: 1. V.S. Libiya (Ker), 12.75m NMR, Old: 12.56m Javelin: 1. S. Saraswathi (TN), 43.86m Discus: 1. Nisha (Del), 41.55mHeptathlon: 1. Manju Paulose (Kar), 4658 pts
K. Karunakaran's bid fizzles out
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Senior Congress leader K.Karunakaran’s bid to unseat Chief Minister A.KAntony seems to have fizzled out, at least for the time-being, with Karunakaran failing to meet his deadline .According to Karunakaran's adversaries, only 19 MLAs are now with him today, in place of 26 MLAs, when Karunakaran started his latest battle. The decision to meet Kerala Governor on Friday was reversed at the last minute, owing to health reasons. But it has become apparent that the veteran leader has failed to amass the adequate strength of legislators to topple the government. Despite claims by Karunakaran’s ardent supporters that the Leader had not given up and that he could not meet the Governor only because he was not keeping well, the group appeared to be dejected. The faction’s cup of woes was full with Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman himself confirming that Karunakaran had lost the support of two more MLAs - Therambil Ramakrishnan and V.J.Paulose from the 21 MLAs he had with him of late. The Speaker said at a news conference here that six more MLAs would desert Karunakaran the moment he decided to leave the party. Two other MLAs of the Karunakaran faction, PJ.Joy and Varkala Kahar, had deserted the group recently, objecting to Karunakaran’s move to join hands with the CPM to unseat Antony. Now, Karunakaran would have to think twice before splitting the Congress Legislature Party, as without a minimum of 21 MLAs in the 63-member CLP, the faction would invite the provisions of the anti-defection law. What came as a crucial turning point in the ongoing tussle in the Congress party between the supporters of Karunakaran arid Antony was the lack of support for Karunakaran from any of the UDF partners. The attempts of the Karunakaran faction to engineer splits in some of the UDF partners including the IUML, the Kerala Congress (M) and the JSS also did not succeed.
Mohanlal Mega Show :A colourful extravaganza
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Mohanlal Mega Show turns out to be a colourful extravaganza Sunday November 30 2003 00:46 IST KOCHI: The much-awaited Mohanlal Mega Show, which was organised on Saturday at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in connection with the silver jubilee of the actor's entry into tinseldom, turned out to be a colourful extravaganza despite the unexpected rains which, to some extent, dampened the festive spirit of the fans who gathered in strength at the Stadium. Several of the programmes like the carnival featuring major tinsel celebs, which were planned to mark the beginning of the event, had to be dropped thanks to an unfriendly climate which dominated most of the evening. The show began around 7.30 pm with a display of the traditional performing arts of Kerala. Then actor Jayaram spoke a few words on his ace colleague who was the hero of the day and invited him to address the audience. Lal himself showed up then and spoke to a joyous crowd, thanking them for granting him so long an innings on the silver screen. Yukta Mookhey, former Miss World, also spoke a few words on Mohanlal whom she held in high esteem. A series of cultural programmes featuring stars both from Bollywood and Kollywood like Anil Kapoor, Rima Sen, Rambha, Vinaya Prasad, Lekshmi Gopalaswamy and Ramesh Aravind, besides a whole galaxy of artistes from Malayalam including Mammootty, were also staged on the occasion. Filmmaker T K Rajeev Kumar directed the show which was supervised by veteran directors I V Sasi and Joshi. The mammoth stage, on which the programme was held, was designed by art director Sabu Cyril. The audience were allowed entry into the venue from 2 pm itself and, by 4 in the evening, thousands occupied their seats inside the Stadium. However, the rains caused great discomfiture for the audience, especially those who were seated at the middle part of the Stadium. The policemen and the volunteers of the show, had a tough time controlling an irate crowd who gathered in strength right in front of the stage. Later Mohanlal himself had to come out and appeal to the fans to keep their cool until the rains subsided. Many of the audience, especially women and children, left the venue by that time. But many others were still waiting outside in long queues braving the rains, to gain entry into the venue
Secular Democratic Front not viable: Ahmed
Sunday, November 30, 2003
KOZHIKODE: The declaration by KPCC President K Muraleedharan that his father K Karunakaran is all set to float a new secular democratic front in the state has drawn flak from various constituents of the UDF. The first to fire a salvo was E Ahmed, General Secretary of Muslim League. "I do not understand what is the relevance of such a front in Kerala right now. The proposed Front lacks credibility, viability amd stability," said E Ahmed while speaking to mediapersons at Kozhikode. Ahmed made a scathing attack on the CPM for its efforts to topple the Antony administration. "They have become a laughing stock for their offer of support to one and all for the toppling game,"said Ahmed in a no holds barred attack against the Communists in the harshest ever language. "The UDF won the last election because of the anti-people policies of the LDF. Now, to say that we have to join hands with them is nothing but cheating the people of Kerala," said Ahmed.
Karunakaran will float secular democratic fronti
Sunday, November 30, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While daring Chief Minister A.K.Antony to ensure the victory of the UDF candidate in the Tiruvalla Assembly byelection, KPCC president K.Muraleedharan on Saturday said that his father and senior Congress leader K.Karunakaran would soon float a secular democratic front as he did not expect any justice from the Congress high command. Addressing a public meeting at Pettah this evening, Muraleedharan said that Antony would have to face the music after December 4. Murali gave enough hints on the ‘I’ group effort to defeat the UDF candidate in Tiruvalla byelection when he said that he would be delighted to know how Antony would react to the ‘Tiruvalla debacle’. Murali told the gathering, most of them from the CPM, that Karunakaran had taken a political decision and he would go on fighting till the end. ‘‘We do not need the people who set agendas and conditions. Karunakaran is following the political stance of the Congress high command. And who could challenge him? Sooner or later Sonia Gandhi would realise that there is no future for the Congress without Karunakaran,’’ he said. Referring to Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman’s disclosure that six MLAs from the ‘I’ faction would switch over to the ‘A’ camp, Murali said that a person like Vakkom would go to any extent to salvage the image of the Antony Government for personal gains. Murali said that a national daily was doing the public relations work for Antony and the Government led by him. ‘‘And this paper would go to any extent to garner support for Antony,’’ he said. Vanchiyoor Congress block committee president Vanchiyoor Mohanan presided over the function.
Fake stamp papers: Reg Dept submits report
Sunday, November 30, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As many as 8,666 applications were submitted throughout the State for issuing certified duplicate copies of land deeds since April 2001. The Registration Department authorities have submitted a report in this regard to Rural Development and Registration Minister C.F.Thomas. The report followed a directive from the Minister to examine whether fake stamp papers were being used in the State in the wake of the fake stamp paper scam that rocked the country. A comparison of the number of applications during the last two years with those during the previous years would help in identifying if there were any chances of preparing deeds using fake stamp papers and later applying for certified duplicate copies after destroying the one made using the fake stamp papers, registration authorities said. According to the registration authorities, the preliminary examination has not revealed any use of the fake stamp papers in the State. A final conclusion could be arrived at only after further examinations, sources said. The details of applications from vendors for reimbursement of spoiled stamp papers during the last two years are also being collected since there are chances of stamp paper vendors fraudulently claiming refund from the Government saying that the original ones were spoiled and not used. Registration IG P C John has convened a meeting of the district registrars next week to review the situation, according to sources. Of the 8,666 applications for certified duplicate copies, the maximum was at Thiruvananthapuram with 1,400, followed by Kollam 1,105. The lowest number of applications were received at Wayanad (141). The number of applications received in other districts ranged between 500 and 900. Duplicate copies were issued on most of these cases, sources said.
Join LDF, Shanawas advises Murali
Sunday, November 30, 2003
ERNAKULAM: KPCC Vice-President MI Shanawaz advised the KPCC President K Muraleedharan and senior leader K Karunakaran to join ther Left Democratic Front since that is the only option available to the father-son duo as of now. "All this talk of floating a new Secular Democartic Front is nothing but an attempt to enter the LDF through the back -door," said Shanawaz while addressing mediapersons at Ernakulam.
IA withdraws 7-day scheme from 3 sectors
Saturday, November 29, 2003
INDIAN Airlines (IA) has decided to withdraw the seven-day advance purchase ticket scheme (D-7) on specific flights between three sectors, namely, Mumbai-Calicut, Chennai-Mumbai and Cochin-Mumbai, from December 1 this year. Official sources told Business Line that the decision was taken to withdraw the D-7 promotional fare scheme as other promotional schemes already exist on these sectors. In a statement, the airline has said that the D-7 scheme stands withdrawn on flights IC-596/598/595 and 597 on the Mumbai-Calicut sector while it has also been withdrawn on flight IC-571 operating on the Chennai-Mumbai sector. The airline has also decided to revise the fares on the seven and 21-day advance purchase scheme from December 1 this year. IA has announced that from December 1 this year, a one-way Delhi-Bangalore ticket booked seven days before travel will now cost Rs 8,750, up from the existing fare of Rs 8,540, while the same on the Delhi-Chennai circuit will cost Rs 7,800, up from Rs 7,390 at present. Similarly, passengers booking their ticket at least 30 days before travel will pay Rs 4,500 for the Delhi-Chennai sector, up from the existing fare of Rs 3,710.
A Mohanlal not many know
Saturday, November 29, 2003
KOCHI: A memoir that bares all, is what is new from Mohanlal Unlimited. Turning the light on his life, on and off-screen, actor Mohanlal is coming out with a biography soon that will present ‘‘a Mohanlal not many know.’’ To be published by Mathrubhumi Books, the biography will be in two parts, one a personal account by the actor himself, and the other, a look on his life from outside, by Moncy Joseph. The book is being processed and is expected to be released in a few months’ time. ‘‘I decided to write the memoir as many people and magazines are bringing out their versions without my consent. It will be a narrative of what I have experienced so far, in films as well as in personal life, and it will cover all aspects of life, from politics to art,’’ said Mohanlal. And he denied that it is part of the Mohanlal brand marketing. ‘‘I don’t think I need marketing at this stage of my life. I am announcing this right now so as to discourage other biographies in the making.’’ The book will unveil a lot of secrets about the real life Mohanlal, he said. And no, it will not be serialised as in his film, ‘‘Ayal Kathayezhuthukayanu’’. And there will be a lot of incidents that Mohanlal has not told anyone before, said Moncy Joseph, who is also providing the research and editorial support for this project. ‘‘It will present to you a Mohanlal quite different from what you have seen on and off the screen’, he said. Mathrubhumi Books is reinvesting in Mohanlal by bringing out this book, said O K Johney, development manager. The date of release of the book will be announced later, he said
I refuse to budge: Muraleedharan
Saturday, November 29, 2003
I refuse to budge: Muraleedharan 29-November-2003 VAIKOM: KPCC President K Muraleedharan stated that there is no question of his resigning voluntarily. He challenged the high command to use political influence, to ensure his removal. Murali who was staying in the Guest House in Velloor in connection with the ongoing privatisation of HNL, was sharing his thoughts with the newsmen who met him here today. Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman is not doing justice to the high office held by him. Antony is using the Speaker to play politics, he observed.
Kottakkal ayurvedic hospital opened in Kochi
Saturday, November 29, 2003
KOCHI: Writing a new chapter in healthcare, Vaidyaratnam P S Varier's Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, has opened Kottackal Arya Vaidya Sala Ayurvedic Hospital and Research Centre at Sree Sudheendra Medical Mission Complex here. Padmanabhadasa Uthradom Tirunal Marthanda Varma, Maharaja of Travancore, inaugurated the centre at a function held at the Fine Arts hall on Friday. "Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to life and, with the opening of this hospital, it will be reaching out to more people" he said. Quoting Bhagavad Gita, he said that body is a field that needs to be taken care of very well. Justice K S Paripoornan, former judge of Supreme Court, presided over the function. "P S Varier's mission was to spread ayurveda to all parts of the world and to serve the poor. Kottackal Arya Vaidya Sala is built on pure service", he said. Dr P K Warrier, managing trustee and chief physician of Arya Vaidya Sala, and S Prabhakara Prabhu, president of Sree Sudheendra Medical Mission, also spoke at the function. Dr C K Ramachandran, noted physician from Kozhikode, Prof M V Pylee, former vice-chancellor of Cochin University of Science and Technology, and T M V Shenoy, president of Dr Padiar Memorial Homeo College and Hospital, offered felicitations
Election campaign ends in Thiruvalla
Saturday, November 29, 2003
THIRUVALLA: The election campaign in connection with Thiruvalla by-election ended. This is a seat which was won by late Mammen Mathai with a 10,000 votes majority. Election has been necessitated following his death. Hoping to ride on the sympathy wave, late Mammen Mathew's widow, Elizbeth Mammen Mathai is standing as UDF candidate. Dr Varghese George is the LDF candidate. The election is on December 1st. On December 4th the results will be declared.
I wont go to LDF: Therambil
Saturday, November 29, 2003
THRISSUR: Therambil Ramakrishan MLA stated that he is still with the 'I' group. However he expressed reservations about forming an alternate ministry with the support of Left Front. He was talking to pressmen who met his here today. Once having stood as a candidate of one Front and having won the election, it is unfair to desert the front, he stated. Therambil clarified that it was due to health reasons that he desisted from attending the 'I' group rally the other day. He expressed optimism that the high command would be able to sort out the impasse gripping the Congress. Following the backing out of Therambil, Karunakaran has lost the backing of two MLAs.
Kerala gets gold medal in Int Trade Fair
Saturday, November 29, 2003
New Delhi: Kerala bagged the gold medal while Chhattisgarh got silver in the category of state pavilions in the 14-day long India International Trade Fair, participated by 44 delegations from 28 countries, that concluded here on Thursday. Among the foreign pavilions, Turkey got the gold medal and Iran received the Silver, while commedation awards were given to China and Thailand. Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura bagged gold and silver medals, respectively in the category of North Eastern states, while commendation awards in the Union Territory pavilion was given to Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. The Power Ministry received gold and the Steel Ministry got silver medal in the category of central government pavilions. Among the PSUs, North Eastern Development and Finance Corporation Ltd and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd bagged gold and silver medal, respectively. A statement by India Trade Promotion Organisation, organiser of the event, said Haryana pavilion continued to be a major business success story as evident from the fact that it elicited enquiries and booking of more than 5,230 export orders covering marble, handicrafts, automobilies, offset printing equipment, electrical goods, leather and herbal items. Rajasthan pavilion grossed cumulative business of Rs 1.58 crore for marble and handicraft items. Kerala, banking on its spices, marine food and handicrafts, accounted for counter sales of over Rs 45 lakh, besides 128 enquiries for exports and 95 for domestic sales. West Bengal Pavilion received over 1,000 export enquiries for lealther, jute products and handicrafts.
Govt ease the difficulty of job seekers to UAE
Saturday, November 29, 2003
New Delhi: Kerala will make arrangements for the comfortable stay of those who come here for certificate attestation to go to the United Arab Emirates for jobs. State Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Minister M.M. Hassan told newsmen here on Thursday that if there was delay on the part of the Centre to find a solution to the problem of getting the certificates of discerning job seekers attested by the HRD ministry, External Affairs Ministry and the UAE embassy in New Delhi, the Kerala government would take appropriate steps to ease their difficulties, including arrangements for their stay at Travancore House. The three-member cabinet sub-committee consisting of Hassan, Labour Minister Babu Divakaran and Works Minister Dr M.K. Muneer on Thursday held discussions with External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and brought to his attention the difficulties being faced by job seekers from Kerala. Hassan said Sinha had promised to find a solution without further delay. The committee requested Sinha to take steps to create a 'single window'clearance system for the attestation of certificates. He said they would meet Labour Minister Sahib Singh Verma on Friday to represent the difficulties being caused by the VISA rules of the UAE making it compulsory for those visiting the gulf emirates to pay return air fare, in advance. The sub-committee will again visit New Delhi on December three when it would meet Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, Human Resources Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi and the UAE Ambassador to represent to them the certificate attestation issue and to seek immediate remedial measures.
The fake drama will end with Tvla results: CM
Saturday, November 29, 2003
The fake drama should end with Thiruvalla results: CM THIRUVALLA: Chief Minister AK Antony asked to end the fake drama of Opposition and those ready to join them against the government should end with Thiruvalla by-election results. This drama company should not be allowed anywhere else to play their drama. Antony was addressing an election meeting of UDF candidate Adv Elizebath Mammen Mathai. The players should not be allowed to go out of Thiruvalla. This drama company should be closed and the members should be dispersed by the people at Thiruvalla, CM added. I know the people are not satisfied. I have a private sorrow, since I took oath as chief minister some people are intentionally creating problems to sabotage a good atmosphere for governance, Antony said. Ministers KM Mani, Cherkulam Abdualla, PK Kunjalikutty, and Nalakathu Soopy, Ramesh Chennithala MP, and M Murali MLA also spoke.
Arabian Thriller Express Derails in Kuwait
Friday, November 28, 2003
Kuwait: The much awaited "Star Show " by the upcoming, Super star and company failed to rise to the expectations of the high charged expatriate crowd in the Gulf state of Kuwait. The show named Arabian Thriller Express comprises most of the sort after stars of malayalam film industry.The chain of shows started in Kuwait on 25th and is expected to go arround the gulf countries on a month long journey. The show is lead by the South Indian Superstar Dileep and 50 other famous Indian Cine artists such as Kalabhavan Mani, Kavya Madhavan, Cochin Haneefa, Devayani, Harisree Ashokan, Kalpana, Nadirsha, Bhavana, Jothirmayi, Nita Das, Salim Kumar and the one and only Undapakkru. The directors of the show are South Indian hit makers, Lal Jose and G.S. Vijayan. But in Kuwait the apetite of the crowd was not satisfied and problems started as Kalabhavan Mani started his numbers.. A section of the crowd erupted and created a scene and eventually the whole show was affected. Although the express had a bad experience in the starting station itself, we hope the train will gather momentum and reach its full potential in the stops ahead!!!
Sun Selects IITM-Kerala for e-learning
Friday, November 28, 2003
Sun Microsystems Inc has named Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala (IITM-K) as a Sun Regional Center of Excellence (COE) for e-learning. The first Regional COE selected in India, IIITM-K will join an elite group of only four universities worldwide recognized by Sun for e-learning technologies. IIITM-K will provide education to students and staff through an advanced e-learning program called Education Grid, which allows students to take classes by logging on to the Internet to listen to and review their lectures, and holding tutorial discussions via an online forum.
Give me back my 18 months: Karunakaran
Friday, November 28, 2003
NEW DELHI: Old warhorse K Karunakaran, who is fighting an unrelenting battle against Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony, is believed to have mooted a compromise formula of rotational chief ministership in Kerala. He has suggested that he be made the chief minister for the next year and a half and Antony could rule for the last year of the remaining term. It is not known what the party high command has to say about the idea but Kerala Congress leaders have taken a dim view of it. A senior AICC leader reacted angrily by asking: ``Does he think Kerala is a banana state?'' Earlier, the former chief minister had set Id as the deadline for the party to remove Antony but he suffered a setback on Wednesday with two of his minister-supporters issuing statements that they were not with him. Two MLAs who were considered part of his group of 21 have reportedly refused to accompany him to call on the Governor. The high command's inability to take action against Karunakaran despite his repeated defiance has affected its prestige and may trigger a similar show of revolt in other states. There is also growing pressure on Sonia Gandhi to take action against KPCC chief Muraleedharan and she may not be left with any other option but to give him the marching orders. ``There is virtually no PCC chief in Kerala today and the high command's first priority is to have a president who goes by the AICC advice,'' said a party leader. Sacking Muraleedharan would, however, widen the chasm between the two groups and make the situation irretrievable. Muraleedharan, who is Karunakaran's son, is working in tandem with his father and party leaders say the PCC office is being used not to build up the Congress but to demolish it. It is an open secret that Muraleedharan is working for the defeat of the official Congress nominee in the forthcoming bypoll in Thiruvella and is helping the LDF nominee. Sonia, it seems, was in favour of removing Muraleedharan in April this year after dissident activity in the Rajya Sabha elections, but it was Antony who opposed the move. ``He had hoped to placate Karunakaran but that didn't work,'' said a senior leader. ``That was Antony’s biggest mistake.'' Meanwhile, AICC general secretary Vayalar Ravi has hinted at the possibility of the high command toughening its stand. He told this Indian express newspaper:``Discipline is a must and it can bring Congressmen together.'' There is a view here that the number of MLAs who are with Karunakaran will go down from 21 to 16 if action is taken against Muraleedharan. Some legislators who are with him today are afraid to switch sides lest the high command goes in for a compromise which would make their position untenable. A change of guard in Kerala is not being ruled out for Antony appears to have lost the confidence of the minorities and this is bothering not just partymen but also some of the UDF allies. But the party MLAs will not support Karunakaran in the saddle. Last time when Karunakaran was forced to quit following a spy scandal, he still had 18 months of his term to complete. He seems to be hung up on those 18 months, say sources, and that is why his compromise formula talks about allowing him to lead the state again, even if it is for one and a half years
Union govt do away with emigration deposit
Friday, November 28, 2003
NEW DELHI: Kerala Minister for Parliamentary Affairs MM Hassan said here that the Union Governement has decided to do away with the vexatious rule which required all emigrants to deposit an amount equal to the return air-fare with the Labour Ministry prior to their departure to foreign countries in search of jobs. As per the law enacted by the union government, each migrant worker was required to deposit amounts varying from Rs 15,000-Rs 36,000 with the Labour Ministry. The decision to revoke the rule which caused strong resentment among migrant labourers was taken following the strong lobbying done by Kerala Government, said Hassan, after his meeting with Union Minister sahib Sing Verma. The Minister also said that he has requested the Union Minister for Civil Aviation RP Rudi to reduce the air-fare in the Kerala -West Asia sector.
Karunakaran in for more trouble, says Speaker
Friday, November 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: "In the event of K Karunakaran splitting the party and forms an alliance with the Opposition LDF, six MLAs belonging to his faction will leave him," said Vakkom Purushothaman, Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Speaking to mediapersons, Purushothaman denied the allegation of the Karunakaran faction that he is threatening and blackmailing some of the MLAs. "Over the last couple of days , two MLAs have left Karunakaran. I have not threatened or blackmailed anybody so far. It will be worthwhile to remember that the Speaker does have some constitutional powers regarding anti-defection and disqualification process, "said Purushothaman. "26 became 21 and now it is just 19 with reports of more MLAs ditching those who plan to sabotage the present ministry," said Purushothaman refering to the claims made by the Karubnakaran faction about the number of MLAs with it. Purushothaman scoffed at reports that the Opposition LDF is planning to complain about him. "To whom are they going to complain amout me? If they have the majority, let them bring a no-confidence motion against me. Then we will see," challenged Purushothaman who also declared that he does not gave any group interests. The Spaeaker also said that he has decided not to pursue the action against some of the MLAs in the I faction as recommended by the Congress High Command through a fax. This follows a request by the Chief Minister's office that the matter be considered closed,"said Purushothaman.
Karunakaran calls off meeting with Governor
Friday, November 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Having failed to muster the magic figure of 34 MLAs, senior Congress leader K Karunakaran called off his meeting with Governor Sikander Bhakt which was scheduled for Friday morning. As per the plans of the senior leader, he was to visit the raj Bhavan with the list of 34 MLAs in the UDF who want a leadership change in the state. With the 40 MLAs in the opposition LDF kitty, it would have been a cakewalk for Karunakaran to Cliff House from the rented Jawahar Nagar bunglow. But fate chose otherwise. "The Leader is not well and doctors have advised him complete bed rest,"said V Balaram an MLA belonging to the Karunakaran faction to mediapersons who reached the former's residence in full strength. Balaram denied reports appearing in a section of the press that a couple of MLAs have ditched the Leader. But the two 'unwell' MLAs ,Therambil Ramakrishnan and VJ Poulose are yet to come out with clarification that they are still with Karunakaran. Asianet News Thiruvananthpuram Bureau's PG Suresh Kumar, who is a Karunakaran faction specialist reports that there ia a pal of gloom written all over Leader's camp. "Though they deny reports that Leader could not muster the required numbers, in private, most of the party insiders are of the opinion that Karunakaran is waging a losing battle. The present illness of the Leader in all probability could be a face saving tactic,"continues Suresh's report. Yet another MLA Sundaran Nadar owing allegiance to the Leader is having second thoughts and that is going to be more bad news for Karunakaran.
CBI inspects BSNL's prepaid cards division
Friday, November 28, 2003
KOCHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday inspected the pre-paid cards division of the BSNL following a series of complaints the agency had received from the public.The complaints were mainly about the poor quality of Excel cards distributed in many parts of Kochi. The agency sleuths told BSNL officials that the customers were put to a lot of hardships due to the inferior quality of the cards. "There were complaints that the secret code embedded on the coupons were found erased, when they were opened by the customers. There were also complaints about printing," sources said.Citing the poor quality of coupons and cards, many customers expressed apprehension about forged coupons flooding the market. Moreover, the unfortunate lot who couldn’t retrieve the secret number by scratching the cards had a tough time getting a duplicate one issued.The CBI also received complaints about cross-distribution of cards. Though the BSNL has demarcated areas for licencees, not many franchisees follow the area specification. "But the BSNL said they were helpless to curb this. We have asked them to set right these issues," sources said. Maintaining that it was not a raid, CBI sources termed the episode as an inspection to point out certain anomalies that caused confusion among the public. "Given the chances for forgery in this business, we have to treat each complaint seriously. But today we found no evidence hinting at a lapse on the part of BSNL leading to the confusion," sources said. The agency has given a three-page letter to the BSNL officials detailing the reasons behind the inspection. "The letter will explain why the CBI carried out the operation. It is for the BSNL to rectify the anomalies. The agency has also asked the BSNL to carry out an internal assessment for streamlining its distribution of pre-paid cards," sources pointed out. A top BSNL official, confirming the CBI inspection, told that they would look into the issue. "Yes, the agency has given us a lengthy communique. We will look into it tomorrow," he said.
Condition of former Kerala CM Nayanar stable
Friday, November 28, 2003
NEW DELHI: The condition of former Kerala Chief Minister E K Nayanar, who is undergoing treatment for coronary artery disorder at the Escorts Heart Institute here, is stated to be stable. His condition is stable and there was no need to panic, hospital sources said on Thursday. Doctors at the institute would perform cardiac angiography on him, they said.
ADB official gets hostile reception
Friday, November 28, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A senior Asian Development Bank (ADB) official got a hostile reception Thursday by the Democratic Youth Federation on India (DYFI) activists, when she landed at the international airport here with her husband. Asha Newson, chief of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) team in charge of Kerala, got a rude shock when she landed here on a Sri Lankan airlines flight from Colombo at 9 a.m. Angry DYFI activists started shouting slogans and advanced towards her as she came out of the exit gate of the international airport. Police posted at the airport immediately stepped in and arrested 50 DYFI activists. But the agitation was clearly a planned one. More activists arrived and were seen engaged in a heated argument with police officials. Newson, who was moved to a luxury hotel in the city by police officials, appeared shaken by the incident and refused to comment. The first installment of Rs. 6 billion has already been given to Kerala in August this year. Newson is visiting the state for further discussions with the government on releasing the next installment, expected to come by April next year. The ADB office in the city had come under attack last year as well. Activists of an extreme left outfit called Porattam had ransacked the office, throwing out computers and smearing the office with tar.
An earnest approach, with Ammakilikoodu
Friday, November 28, 2003
An earnest approach, with AMMAKILIKOODU It's an earnest approach to know what happens in the minds of those people who are abandoned by their children at old age. Three old women, their problems their life at an old age home is what AMMAKILIKOODU is all about. Story penned by Ranjit, AMMAKILIKOODU is being directed by his Padma Kumar. Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Sukumari and KPAC Lalitha are leading their life in Karunalayam, which is owned by Eradi. Eradi now wants all these people to evacuate the old home. With nowhere to go, these women do not agree to evacuate. Eradi now employs Vivek to evacuate these people. Initially Vivek (Indrajit) really tries hard to emotionally force these women to leave the home. But then he falls for the love and care that they show. Here he meets Akila (Navya Nair). Akila's mother also stays in Karunalayam. This is because her father ill-treats her mother. Vivek and Akila get closer and now they have something nice planned for these nice people who have been deserted by their family. Kaithaparam pens the lyrics for which scores music for the film. AMMAKILIKOODU is being produced by Gargi Films.
Chakram rolls
Friday, November 28, 2003
CHAKRAM rolls Lohithadas has begun production of his new film CHAKRAM (WHEEL). Lohithadas has penned the script. Much confident Lohithadas also directs CHAKRAM after the success of his last film KASTHOORIMAN. CHAKRAM is an ill-fated movie. Earlier Director Kamal tried to direct this Lohithadas story. He casted Dileep and Mohanlal as lead characters. Johny Sagarika was the producer. But after half of it's shooting was over, Kamal was forced to drop this project. Ego clash between actors, director and scriptwriter killed this project, according to reports. Now Lohita Das wants to revive his old CHAKRAM. He himself directs his own story with new casts. He made some changes in the script according to new heroes. Prithviraj and Jayasurya will perform in the lead male roles. Meera Jasmine is the heroine. Story of CHAKRAM centres on the life of a lorry driver, Chandrahasan. Prithviraj is doing the central role. Vijeesh, NAMMAL fame, acts as a cleaner of Chandrahasan's lorry. Chandrahasan has one aim in life, which is to find out that man who troubled his life. He lives to accomplish his dream. Chandrahasan treads through all illegal ways of life. But all these travels were to fullfill his dream. Kochin Haneefa, Sreehari and Mahesh also act in this film. He has given earlier some other names like SREE CHAKARAM and KALLACHOOTHU to his film. But now Lohitadas again changed and fixed his movie's name to CHAKRAM.
Mullavalliyum Thenmavum
Friday, November 28, 2003
Mullavalliyum Thenmavum Director V.K.Prakash Producer Vindhyan Music Ouseppachan Cast Kunchakko Boban, Chaya Singh, Indrajeet If you are looking for a candyfloss romance story with good songs, sentiments and drama then go ahead and watch Mullavalliyum Thenmavum directed by V.K.Prakash and his team from the ad world. It has been packaged with ace cameraman Thiru’s amazing camerawork, Manmohan Anchan and Bava’s art direction, Antony’s crisp editing and above all seven peppy songs tuned by Ouseppachan. But the story is wafer-thin and looks like a conceptualised 30 seconds ad film! Shelly (Kunchakko Boban), an orphan and Rajasri (Chaya Singh) are lovers who have eloped due to parental opposition and together they live in a shack near the sea. Shelly, a fine artist had an assignment with the Kerala Tourism department to complete a sculpture by the seaside. They live together in different rooms along with Thenmozhi (Kalyani) a 12 year-old Tamil girl. Rajasri does not want to get married without the permission of her mother (Sree Vidya) and she asks Shelly to wait until her mother agrees. Finally after a lot of romance, fun and songs Raji’s mother comes with the ‘thali’ but the inevitable happens. Meanwhile the couple’s good friends Lalu Alex and his wife with the help of Andre (Inderjeet) another sculptor tries to finish the project. Andre adds the necessary twist to the story that leads to the climax. Clearly Vindhyan’s plot cannot hold the film together and what saves the film to a very large extent is the technical department. The highlights are the Varkala locations beautifully etched by Thiru’s close up shots and Ouseppachan’s peppy music that resembles some old Rahman numbers. Among the cast it is Chaya Singh who has come out with an excellent performance. Kunchakko Boban is equally brilliant as Shelly. Inderjeet as Andre steals the thunder in the latter half of the film. Verdict: Average
Vamanapuram Bus Service
Friday, November 28, 2003
Mohanlal’s latest film Vamanapuram Bus Service is directed by debutant Sonu Sisupal. In this comedy caper Mohanlal is ‘Lever’ Johnny (see pic) a bus conductor and an ardent MGR fan who not only dresses like him but also hums his hit numbers. For Mohanlal who acted as MGR in Mani Ratnam classic Iruvar, it is an added advantage as he resembles the legend in body language and mannerisms. The evergreen dream song Rajavin Parvai En Pakkam…Rani En Pakkam from AVM’s Anbe Vaa has been re-enacted by Mohanlal, which later adds to the twist in the climax. The shooting has commenced in Guruvayoor and the film will be over in one schedule. Lakshmi Gopalaswamy is Mohanlal's heroine.
Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu
Friday, November 28, 2003
Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu Director Viswanathan Producer Johny Sagarika Music Stefen Devassy Cast Mohanlal, Jyothirmayi, Jagathy, Salim Kumar Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu can be labelled as one of Mohanlal’s worst films. What a waste of a gifted actor in an enterprise that is likely to make you tear your hair with grief. Devoid of continuity, craft and coherence, the result is chaotic. Viswanathan, the debutant director should go back to his ‘guru’ Priyadarshan to learn the basics of direction before he attempts another film. Hariharan Pillai (Mohanlal) a simpleton is a hardworking civil contractor. Hari runs his own construction company with his uncle cum supervisor (Cochin Haneefa), carpenter Vasu (Jagathy) painter Sundaran (Salim Kumar) and others. Satyapalan (C.I.Paul), a rich moneylender takes Hari for a ride and cheats him after he constructs a palatial house for him. Satyapalan’s daughter Kavya (Jyothirmayi) after an initial tiff with Hari falls in love with him! How Hari sorts out things and marries Kavya forms the rest of this predictable fare. Even the great Mohanlal cannot prop-up this regressive piece of kitsch due to a dilapidated screenplay (ever heard of Sunil Impress?) and an over-the-top direction. It is archaic and looks like a Sasikumar (a hit director of 70’s) film. Mohanlal sleepwalks through the film and Jyothirmayi a talented actress sadly lacks glamour and oomph to do the role of Kavya. Jagathy and Salim Kumar cracks corny jokes with a lot of double meaning that leaves you cold.The music of debutant Stefen Devassy is rehash. There is not even one redeeming factor in this technically slipshod enterprise. At the end contrary to the title, you leave the theatre whining and totally unhappy! Verdict: Unhappy Times
Gaurisankaram
Friday, November 28, 2003
Kavya in Gaurisankaram Malayalam cinema will very soon witness a film on Naga's. Lord Naga (snake god) is believed to be one of the most powerful gods. This film has been named as GAURISANKARAM. Nemom Pushparaj will be directing this film. This will be his debut directorial film. So far he has done art direction for about 80 films. Gauri and Sankaran are childhood buddies. As they grow up their friendship grows up into love. They get married. Life seems to be bliss. But then... Sankaran family home is very ancient and they believe in worshiping the snake gods. His family also believes that there exists a snake god and snake goddess in their family home. This also becomes a reason for the separation of Gauri and Sankaran. Madambu Kunjikuttan is penning GAURISANKARAM's story. Kavya Madhavan plays the role of Gauri and new face Munna has been cast opposite her. Munna happenes to be the nephew of yester year actress Jayabharathi. Other's in the star cast include Sukumari, Urmila Unni and Oduvil. M Jayachandran scores the music for this film.
'AMMA' angry with Mohanlal
Friday, November 28, 2003
'AMMA' angry with Mohanlal Mohanlal, the general secretary of AMMA (the artistes association of Kerala filmdom) did not bother to inform the body about the programme that was conducted in Trivandrum to celebrate 25 years of the star in filmdom. The organisation feels that the star should have for courtesy sake sent a formal letter stating his intention to hold this event. The next meeting of AMMA will discuss this. Mohanalal's reply to this charge is, Let them attack, praise or ask very hurting questions. I have no anger against anybody. I am at peace.
I play Sister Helen-Urvashi
Friday, November 28, 2003
Urvashi is back in Malayalam Urvashi, one of the most talented actresses in Malayalam is back after a break. After her marriage with Manoj.K.Jayan she had literally retired from Malayalam and was concentrating more on Television and character roles in Tamil films. Now she is acting in Alex Thankachan’s Abhayatheeram, where she plays the role of a nun. The shooting is progressing in and around Alleppy. Said Urvashi: I did not take up any offer in Malayalam as nothing interesting came my way and I was bored to play the stereotype roles. In Abhayatheeram, I play Sister Helen, a role that I have not done so far. The role is very challenging.
'CBI Diary Kurippu - 3' shooting begins
Friday, November 28, 2003
'CBI Diary Kurippu - 3' shooting begins Oru CBI Diary Kurippu-3 has started rolling in Kochi. Mammootty plays Sethurama Iyer who is now the deputy chief of CBI. He comes to Kerala for an investigation. The make-up and costumes of the CBI Officer have not changed except his hairstyle. Mukesh who played Iyer’s assistant Chacko in both the films as the Kerala Police officer is now deputed to the CBI. According to scriptwriter S.N.Swamy: It is another investigative story about a murder. The pattern and narrative of this film will be the same as the original.
'Mullavalliyum Thenmavum', An experimental film
Friday, November 28, 2003
'Mullavalliyum Thenmavum', An experimental film Mullavalliyum Thenmavum starring Kunchakko Boban, Chaya Singh, Indrajeet and Geetu Mohandas is already in news, as some creative heads from the advertising world have come together to make this experimental film. Mullavalliyum Thenmavum has an impressive technical team with Manmohan Anchan a sculptor of repute as art director along with Bava. Antony known as the fast cutter for his 30 second ad films is the editor who has already made a name with feature films like Kaakha Kaakha in Tamil. The foot tapping music of Ouseppachan and ace cameraman Thiru’s camera is the major highlights of the film and above all the award winning ad filmmaker V.K.Prakash directs it. V.K. Prakash has done films like Punaradhivasam in Malayalam and Freaky Chakra in English both art films. He told that Mullavalliyum Thenmavum will be technically superior with excellent performance from the lead pair. He also added that it would be a feel good romantic film for the youth. The story is told as a musical narrative and has seven songs. The cast is all young and vibrant and the performance of Chaya Singh of Thiruda Thirudi fame is said to be outstanding. The seven peppy songs in the film are sung by all new crooners like Jyolsana, Ganga, Gayathri, Franko and Indrajeet.
Shooting of Naran in January
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Shooting of Naran in January: The shooting of Naran starring Mohanlal will begin in January, said producer Antony Perumbavoor. Antony said as the script was not ready, the project was postponed and also said the news that this film had been dropped is baseless. Mohanlal has given thirty days dates for Sonu Sishupal's film and after that he will be doing Fazil's new film. After completing these films, he will be doing Naran. The shooting of Naran produced under the banner of Navarasa will take place in Kozhikode.
Sathyan's Jayaram film named Manassinakkare
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Manassinakkare: Sathyan Anthicaud's latest Malayalam film starring Jayaram in the lead role has been named Manassinakkare. Another speciality of the film is that Sheela, actress of yesteryears is making a comeback through this film after a 17 year sabbatical. The shooting of the film is fast progressing in Pattambi. The film produced by Subair under the banner of Varnnachitra has a new heroine Nayan Thara. Ranjan Pramod pens script for the film. Also include Innocent, Oduvil, Mammookoya, Sukumari and many others. The film is said to be a Christmas release.
Life is Laugh Laugh
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Life is Laugh Laugh: Rajeev Anchal's new film starring Mohanlal has been named Life is Laugh Laugh. The film will be completely shot in America and apart from Mohanlal casts include Jyothirmayi, Jagathy Sree Kumar, Innocent, Babu Antony and many others. The film will be a Vishu release.
Runway in Kannur
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Runway in Kannur: The shooting of Runway directed by Joshi began on October 31st in Kannur Jail. It will also be shot in Walayar and Ottappalam. Kavya Madhavan is the heroine of the film.
Ready to convene Assembly in 48 hours if Governor recommends: Antony
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister A.K.Antony on Monday dared Opposition leader V.S.Achuthanandan to withdraw the palmolein case against Congress leader K.Karunakaran if he believed in what Karunakaran had been saying on the issue. ``I will convene the Assembly in 48 hours if the Governor directs me to do so after being convinced by the list of 71 MLAs demanding the removal of my Government,'' Antony said. Naming Karunakaran for the first time since the launching of the anti-Antony campaign by the `I' group in the Congress, Antony hit out at both Achuthanandan and Karunakaran for their latest gimmicks to topple his Government. At the weekly Cabinet briefing, Antony questioned the morality of the Opposition in labelling the partners of the UDF as anti-people and at the same expressing readiness to accept them as soon as they crossed over to the LDF. ``Is Achuthanandan waiting with his fixed deposit of 40 MLAs to get the support of 31 more such anti-people MLAs from the UDF?'' Antony asked. In reply to KPCC president K.Muraleedharan, Antony said that those who wanted to topple his Government should resort to the established norms for the same. ``If you don't know the procedure I will tell you what to do,'' Antony said, obviously referring to Muraleedharan's latest statement in this regard. Antony said that the Opposition move was to create a situation worse than the ``Aya Ram, Gaya Ram'' period. ``I have no doubt about my majority. In case of a trial of strength in the Assembly there could be erosion in the fixed deposit of the LDF,'' Antony said. Antony said that the venue to unseat a Government was the Assembly. The Assembly would be convened in January for the presentation of the full Budget for the next year. Those who wanted to topple the Government would get at least 30 opportunities to vote against the Government. ``The Government will have no choice but to go if it loses the majority in the Assembly,'' Antony said. ``I will tell you another option. If you have the support of 71 MLAs, then prove it before the Governor. If the Governor is convinced, he can ask me to convene the Assembly and prove the majority. In that case, I will recommend the convening of the Assembly in 48 hours. You can prove the majority in the Assembly,'' Antony assured Muraleedharan. Antony said that the days of throwing out an elected Government through other means had gone. ``This Government did not come to power by breaking the tiles of the Secretariat,'' he said. The floor of the Assembly was the only place where one can prove one's strength, he said. Antony said that Achuthanandan should withdraw the palmolein case and apologise to the people for levelling baseless charges against Karunakaran. Karunakaran had been claiming all these years that he was being hunted by the Opposition in the palmolein case. Achuthanandan never believed it and dragged the case up to the Supreme Court. ``Now Achuthanandan is believing what Karunakaran says and hence he (Achuthanandan) should withdraw the palmolein case against the Congress leader,'' Antony said.
Shakeela
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Shakeela Shakeela, the South Indian sex siren needs no introduction, for Shakeela, is a fantasy woman. The queen of Malayalam soft porn films surprised everyone in Andhra Pradesh recently by appearing in the mainstream Telugu film, JAYAM. More surprising news is that she plays decent college lecturer role, contrary to her usual roles: distressed - and -sex starved-middle-aged wife. Her decision to play character roles might disappoint the average moviegoer in South India who pays anything for to get a glimpse of her cleavage but she insists that she would not do only such roles henceforth. What made her to take this drastic step? Does she want a change or pressure from bigwigs? She answers all these questions and more to D.G.Bhavani. Excerpts from the chat... These days, you are appearing more in Tamil and Telugu films than your Malayalam films.. Yes. I don’t want to continue in Malyalam. I have decided to quit from the Malayalam films. So, I am in Telugu and Tamil. What made you to take up the decision? I accept that I have come to this stage because of Malayalam industry. It gave me everything that I wanted - money, fame and a career. And of course, a life that I ever imagined. But one has to move. One needs to do different things all the while. I am afraid, it is not the convincing reason.. See..you know what type of films I have acted in. My first Malayalam film, KINNAAARA TUMBIGALl, had good storyline. The story demanded some ‘glamour’, you know, what I mean. So I obliged it. I thought initially that I was doing such roles because the story demanded to be glamorous. I believed it. Soon, the films have started to become big hits. And the greedy producers have started cashing in on my ‘sultry image’. Slowly they have drifted from the message oriented stories and shot the films within 15 days with limited budget. They have incurred huge amounts. Though I got my money, but my image has deteriorated. People have started calling me with all the phrases, ‘sexy bomb’, ‘Shakalaka Baby’, ‘ripe aunty’ ..etc., And some even went on further accusing me that my films have affected the film industry’s health and wealth. Some made cheap comments on me. That’s why I don’t want to continue in Malayalam. We have heard that your films fitted directly against the films that have Mohan Lal and Mamootty. That is untrue. Though, I have heard these things, I deny them. Think rationally, Mohan Lal and Mamootty are the super stars. No one can defeat them. And I am small heroine to fit against them. My films have different audience. My films never affected their collections. But people say that Mamootty has threatened buyers not to buy the films that you have acted in? I don’t know. And I don’t think Mamootty would do such thing. It might be a rumour. Some argue that it is because of the threat from the bigwigs that you are doing Telugu and Tamil films. Is it true? I told you already why I have been doing Telugu films. There are no threats from anyone. Will you do more Telugu films? Yeah. But only the decent ones. I don’t want to make another mistake here.
Bahrain to host Arabian Thriller Express
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
BAHRAIN: The Indian School Grounds at Isa Town in Bahrain is all set to host the Arabian Thriller Express on Wednesday. Around sixty cinema and TV artists from Kerala will perform the Arabian Thriller Express, a mega entertainment show featuring songs, mimicry , dance and skits for the expatriates in this Gulf country. The show, the main attraction of which will be film actor Dileep ,will start at 8 pm local tome. Tickets for the show are priced BD25 (reserved class, admit three), BD10 (reserved class, admit one), BD10 (unreserved, admit two), BD6, BD4 and BD3 (admit one). Special reserved class front seats, admitting five people, are available at BD100. Kalabhavan Mani,Cochin Haneefa,Salim Kumar, Harisree Asokan, Jyotirmayi, Kavya Madhavan, Mannya, Bhavana and Nitya Das, Kalpana, singers Reemi Tomy, Fahad and Vidhu Prathap are the other stars who will be particiapting in the event which has been labelled as a non-stop mega entertainment event. The directors of the show are Lal Jose and G. S. Vijayan. The Arabian Thriller Express' stop over include Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the UAE.
Id-Ul-Fitr; Lakhs offer prayers in the state
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Lakhs of faithfuls offered Id prayers in Mosques and public places of the State today on the occasion of 'Cheriya Perunnal', marking the end of one month of fasting and prayers. Id-Ul-Fitr heralds the beginning of Shavval month, the 10th month of Hijra calendar, which is very sacred to Muslims all over the world. Coming with the new moon, this festival marks the end of Ramzan, the ninth month of the Muslim year. It was during this month that the holy Koran was revealed. Muslims keep a fast every day during this month and on the completion of the period, which is decided by the appearance of the new moon, Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated with great devotion. Prayers are offered in mosques and Idgahs and elaborate festivities are held. The sizeable Muslim community in Kerala have their Ids in common with Muslims across the world. Idu'l Fitr, Idu'l Zuha and Id-i-Milad are the three festive occasions widely celebrated by Muslims in India. The 'Shavvval masappiravi' was observed in 11 centres of the state on Monday evening. In Thiruvananthapuram, hundreds of devotees offered prayers in the morning at Palayam mosque. The prayers were led by Imam Hamsa Maulavi Farooqui. The Nadavathul Mujahedeen organised Id prayers at Manjalikulam maidan. In Kozhikode, thousands gathered in Kozhikode beach stadium and Muthalakulam maidan to offer prayers in the morning. In small towns and villages, apart from the mosques, cultural organizations and clubs has also made special arrangements to offer Id prayers. Kerala Governor, Chief Minister and Opposition Leader greeted Muslims on the occasion of Id-Ul-Fitr.
Will palm oil case be withdrawn: CM asks Opposition
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Chief Minister A.K.Antony on Monday asked whether the Opposition leader V.S.Achutanandan will be ready to withdraw the pam oil case against the former Chief Minister K.Karunakaran, in view of their new friendship. speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting Antony pointed out that the case had gone up to Supreme Court. If Achutanadan has belief in Karunakaran's statement of having 34 MLA's behind him, he should also believe in Karunakaran's assertion that he is innocent in Pam oil deed, the Chief Minister added. Assembly session on January 2004 Chief Minister A K Antony said that the government has lifted ban on PSC appointments and the vacancies would be filled before December first week. The decision has taken over the demands put forward by the youth organisations in the state. All Departments would be directed to get rank lists from the Public Service Commission. The government has taken decision to grant land for C.H Mohammad Koya Foundation in Thiruvananthapuram.
LDF pledges total support to "alternative govt"
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
The opposition LDF in Kerala on Sunday demanded that the AK Antony Government step down as the state administration had come to a standstill and reiterated its complete support to an alternative set-up. LDF convenor Paloli Mohammadkutty told mediapersons after the daylong deliberations of the Front that there was no reason to disbelieve that senior Congress leader K Karunakaran had secured the support of 34 Congress MLAs. Paloli said the functioning of the present government had come to a standstill and there was no point in it continuing like this. Stating that there was no need to wait till December 1 to resolve the standoff in the ruling Congress party, Paloli said the government should resign immediately. If Antony was confident of his majority, why he was hesitating to accept the LDF demand to immediately convene a session of the state assembly, he wondered. Stating that there was no need to disbelieve Karunakaran's recent statement that he had mustered the support of 34 Congress MLAs, the LDF convenor said that the veteran leader was perhaps waiting for the right moment to meet the Governor. With the infighting in the Congress becoming increasingly public, a split in the party seemed likely, he added. While the LDF was not setting any conditions for extending support to Karunakaran, discussions would be held on the government's policies and programmes, he said. On the December 1 by-election to the Thiruvalla assembly constituency, Paloli said a recent assessment of the ground situation indicated that the LDF was in a strong position there.
'I' group MLA's meets Karunakaran
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
'I' group MLA's today met Senior Congress leader K.Karunakaran at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram and held discussions with him. The meeting was held informally to discuss the present political scenario and finalise the group's next course of action. Twenty one MLA's of 'I' faction including the ministers were present at the meeting. 'I' group will meet the Kerala Governor Sikhandar Bhakth on November 26, with the list of 34 MLA's, supporting them in the State Assembly.
Murali flays Congress high command
Monday, November 24, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KPCC president K Muraleedharan MP on Sunday criticised the Congress high command for delaying a solution to the problems in the party unit in the State. Muraleedharan told newsmen at the KPCC headquarters here that the party high command had found time to appoint a new PCC president in Tamil Nadu recently in no time. But the high command was not ready to take up the issues in Kerala before the Assembly elections on December 1. ``The Congress has not the status of even an Opposition party in Tamil Nadu. But this did not deter the party high command from taking a quick decision on the issue in Tamil Nadu,'' the KPCC president said, adding that if the high command had cared to devote even half the time it spent on the Tamil Nadu issue, the problems in Kerala would not have gone to the present situation. Muraleedharan said that the administration in Kerala was remaining paralysed. But even this did not move the high command for taking a quick decision, he said. Asked about the statement of UDF convener Oommen Chandy and other Antony faction leaders that senior Congress leader K Karunakaran would not get the support of even half of the MLAs now standing by him for his move to seek the support of the CPM to remove Chief Minister A K Antony, Muraleedharan asked: ``Will these people who issue statements ask Antony to resign if a list of 71 MLAs (opposing the Chief Minister) was given to the Governor? Or will they continue to cling on to power citing technical grounds ?'' In reply to a question, Muraleedharan justified the Karunakaran faction's decision to work for the defeat of the UDF candidate in the Tiruvalla byelection, saying that when the other UDF leaders were claiming a victory for the UDF candidate sidelining the `I' group, it was left with no option but to prove its strength. ``It shows once again that these people did not learn anything from the past (UDF defeat in the Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency),'' he said. The KPCC president said that he was sure of the faction that he would align with in case of a split in the party.
Statewide project to eliminate hepatitis B infection
Monday, November 24, 2003
The Kerala government has launched a statewide comprehensive hepatitis B immunization project to control and eradicate the disease from the state in near future. Starting with the districts of Ernakulam, Aalappuzha and Pathanamthitta in the first phase, the programme would be extended to other districts in the second phase starting within a few months. As per the plan, the government would encourage vaccination against hepatitis B among the public. Along with other vaccination programmes, all the government hospitals in the state would give vaccination against hepatitis B to infants and children. Besides, the government would launch awareness campaigns in different parts of the state. State health minister P Shankaran launched the statewide programme at General Hospital, Kochi, last week, said state health department sources. Elaborating the gravity of the disease, the sources said one out of every twenty Indians are infected with the hepatitis B virus. Annually 10 lakh out of the 2.5 crore newborns in India become victims to it. One per cent of the deaths in India are due to hepatitis virus induced infection. The virus causes 80 per cent of liver cancer and 68 per cent of liver disorders in the country. More than 2.5 per cent of hepatitis B virus carriers are prone to liver cancer with ageing. In a global perspective, 30 per cent of the global population (200 crore) carry the virus, including chronic infection for 35 crore people. About 10 lakh people die of hepatitis B infection every year, mainly due to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The infected virus remains in blood and gland secretions, and later affects the liver. Lack of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain, jaundice, coloured urine, scars, rheumatic pain etc. are some of the immediate symptoms of the disease. Children and infants are more prone to the disease, said sources.
Thiruvalla Poll: LDF brimming with confidence
Monday, November 24, 2003
TIRUVALLA: With hardly 10 days remaining for the Tiruvalla Assembly byelection, the LDF camp is brimming with confidence. The LDF camp believes that a series of factors which had worked against it during the last elections have turned in favour of its candidate Varghese George in this NRI town. The 'under-development' of the constituency, Government's 'lacklustre' performance, its 'anti-minority postures' and the fracas within the Congress are some of the major factors that the LDF hopes would come to the rescue of its candidate. The LDF camp believes that the December 1 bypoll will witness a major shift in the traditional UDF votes in favour of the LDF. It is also banking on the recent inner-party rivalries in the Congress which had spilled out into the open. "Of course, the Assembly segment is noted for the strong presence of organised communities. But we don’t think that the members of these communities are simply being led by their own self-interests. Our poll plank has a major thrust on social and political agendas", said LDF key poll strategist Thomas Issac. The LDF poll managers also point out that the majority of the seven local bodies within the Assembly segment, including the Tiruvalla municipality, are being controlled by the LDF. Countering the UDF claims that Tiruvalla was one of the strongest UDF seats, the LDF recalls that Mammen Mathai had literally scraped through in the 1991 elections. In the election, which witnessed a strong sympathy wave after the murder of Rajiv Gandhi, Mammen Mathai’s majority was a mere 1800 votes. "The UDF survived in the following elections simply at the mercy of the BJP", claims former Tiruvalla MLA Mathew. T. Thomas who is also the LDF election committee convener. After completing its door-to-door campaigns and family meets, the LDF has kicked off its public campaign. But, by rallying all its heavywieghts behind its candidate Elizabeth Mammen, the UDF is slowly regaining lost ground on the campaign front. "We have overcome our the initial hurdles. At present, the LDF is on the defensive", says election committee chairman and DCC president K. Sivadasan Nair. Congress stalwarts P J Kurien and Ramesh Chennithala MP are making all-out efforts to ensure the victory of Elizabeth Mammen. Through his deft moves, Kerala Congress(Mani) leader K.M. Mani is leading the battle of ballots from the frontline. The BJP, with the backing of the Sangh Parivar, is making all-out efforts to regain its lost face in Ernakulam. That its candidate Prathapachandra Varma is a Sangh Parivar man is an advantage for the BJP.
Orthodox Church to back UDF
Monday, November 24, 2003
TIRUVALLA: The influential Orthodox Church leadership has finally decided to throw its weight behind UDF candidate Elizabeth Mammen Mathai in the byelection to the State Assembly from the Tiruvalla constituency. Church supreme head Catholicos Basaelios Mar Thoma Mathews II has sent a message to all the parish churches coming under Tiruvalla requesting the concerned clergy and the laity representatives to report at the Church headquarters on Tuesday. At the meeting, the Catholicos would ask them to make a retreat from all the ongoing activities initiated by them against the UDF candidate in Tiruvalla, highly placed Church sources said. The crucial decision comes in the wake of the Church leadership holding two separate meetings with Chief Minister A K Antony and Revenue Minister K M Mani during the last two days. At the meeting with Antony the emissary of the Catholicos complained that the three-member Cabinet sub-committee constituted to resolve the Church crisis was ineffective. The Church messenger also made personal complaints against a Minister who according to the Church was keen to deny natural justice to the Church. ``The Chief Minister assured us that he would personally monitor the developments on the Church issue henceforth. He offered all co-operation from the Government to ensure that justice is not denied to the Malankara Church,'' the Church messenger who met the Chief Minister told . The Church leadership also received a similar assurance from Mani when a team comprising Metropolitans Yuhanan Mar Milithios and Thomas Mar Ahanasios met the Minister at Ernakulam the other day. Later, the Minister also visited the Catholicos and convinced him of the Government's sincerity in resolving the Church issue. However, top leaders of the Church dismissed the possibilities of the Church coming out with an open statement announcing the decision to support the UDF in the byelection. ``Majority of our believers are UDF voters. Following the Government assurance, the Catholicos would ask the local churches to desist from their move to oppose the UDF. A senior bishop will also visit Tiruvalla tomorrow and appeal to the local Church leaders to refrain from their activities,'' sources added.
Murali dares Antony, LDF pledges support
Monday, November 24, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the war of attrition in the faction-ridden Congress in Kerala continues unrelented, KPCC chief K Muraleedharan on Sunday asked Chief Minister A K Antony whether he would quit if the rival camp came out with a list of 71 MLAs, even as the LDF pledged its total support for an alternative government. Responding to Antony 's repeated challenge to the Karunakaran camp to go and meet the Governor with the required numbers, Muraleedharan said "those who are making such assertions should first make clear whether they would quit if the rivals came out with the numbers." The LDF convenor said Karunakaran's claim of having the support of 34 UDF MLAs could be taken at face value and the backing of the 40 LDF MLAs would be there to help the formation of an alternative set-up sans the Indian Union Muslim League. Meanwhile, a Karunakaran group firebrand and KPCC general secretary T Sarathchandra Prasad said in Kochi that problems in the party could be resolved only by replacing Antony with either Karunakaran or Muraleedharan.
Govt. abolishes 3,510 posts
Sunday, November 23, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Nov. 22. The State Government has abolished with immediate effect 3,510 posts out of the 17,195 posts identified by it as surplus. A Government Order issued on Wednesday (November 19), the day on which the Cabinet decided to lift the ban on recruitment and extend the validity of PSC rank lists up to March 31, 2004, says that the 3,510 posts will stand abolished with immediate effect. It also says that in case any of these 3,510 posts are not vacant now, they would be treated supernumerary in the departments concerned. This means that these posts would cease to exist as and when the current incumbent leaves it. Among the posts that have been abolished with effect from November 19, the highest number (652) belongs to the Department of Survey and Land Records. The Directorate of Medical Education under the Department of Health and Family Welfare has lost 553 posts, the Department of Water Resources 363 posts, the Department of Registration 326 posts, the Department of Industries and Commerce 262 posts, the Department of Fisheries 202 posts, the Department of General Education 155 posts and the Department of Printing 105 posts. The Government had decided to go in for downsizing in early 2002 as part of its economy measures and constituted a committee comprising the Principal Secretary, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, and the Secretary, Finance (Expenditure) to identify the surplus staff in consultation with the Heads of Departments concerned. The Government had also constituted a Manpower Cell in the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms to attend to redeployment of excess staff identified by the Committee of Secretaries. There were also discussions with representatives of service organisations on the subject. The number of surplus posts was pegged at 17,195 at the end of this exercise. The November 19 Order indicates that the Government has still not completed the exercise. Although it has identified 17,195 posts as surplus, it has identified only 11,658 for immediate redeployment/abolition. The Order says that 3,570 have already been abolished, 2,915 have been redeployed to the Local Self-Government Institutions and 1,663 are yet to be redeployed to the local bodies. The 3,510 posts that have been abolished by virtue of the November 19 Order form part of this.
Three KPCC gen secretaries for ouster of Murali
Sunday, November 23, 2003
KOCHI: KPCC general secretaries Benny Behnan, Joseph Vazhakkan and Ajai Tharayil on Saturday demanded the removal of K Muraleedharan from the post of KPCC president in view of his alleged nexus with the CPM to topple the UDF Ministry. Speaking at a press conference here, they said the Congress activists in the State cannot work for the party when Muraleedharan holds the KPCC president's post. Behnan questioned the wisdom of senior Congress leader K Karunakaran to demand removal of A K Antony from chief ministership when the latter enjoys the support of majority MLAs in Congress Legislative Party. He also challenged Karunakran to prove the claim that he enjoys the support of 34 MLAs. Congress activists cannot accept a KPCC president who openly campaigned for the CPM candidate in Ernakulam bypoll and is keeping away from Tiruvalla bypoll campaign. He also alleged that Muraleedharan was spearheading a campaign to topple several Congress-ruled local bodies with the support of the CPM.
Major film fests no longer culture-oriented
Sunday, November 23, 2003
KOCHI: Filmmaker Shaji N Karun has stressed the need for setting up small groups and finding new screening locations for the promotion of good cinema in developing countries. "Cannes, Venice and Berlin festivals are no longer culture-oriented, but lay more emphasis on marketing strategies. This is evident from the fact that an actress like Aishwarya Rai was invited to the jury at Cannes." "Committed filmmakers are losing space in this scenario," he said while inaugurating the `Festival of World Cinema' organised by the Centre for Studies in Culture and Heritage of Cochin (Corporation of Cochin) and the P J Antony Memorial Foundation Film Society at the EMS Memorial Town Hall here on Saturday. Possibilities in visual media are yet to be explored fully in India, he said. ``Visual media will be as important to the 21st century as literature was to the 20th century. It must be made a part of school curriculum so that the younger generation will be able to `decipher' the medium,'' he said. The symbols of developing countries are being smothered in cinema where the western system of criticism is the yardstick of analysis. The `pace' of cinema, which varies in different cultures, is lost due to this, he said. On Saturday, three films were screened at the Town Hall. They were `Under the Olive Trees' by the Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarastami, the Swiss film `The Invitation' by Claude Goretta and `I Am Cuba' by Russian film maker Mikhail Kalatazov. On Sunday, `Nishad' by Shaji N Karun will be screened at 10 am. A film on the historical events in Poland, `With Fire and Sword,' will be screened at 3 pm. The festival will conclude with Mohsen Makhmalbaf's acclaimed film `Gabbeh' at 6 pm.
NCC to be made part of CBSE curriculum
Sunday, November 23, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The NCC would be made part of the curriculum in CBSE schools by the next academic year, said NCC Directorate Deputy Director General Brigadier M.P.S.Bajwa at a news conference here on Saturday. Disaster Management course had been made compulsory in many schools in the country, he said. The Centre was also considering a proposal to make NCC compulsory in all schools, he said. He said that the directorate had adopted three HIV-infected children. The directorate had agreed to finance the education and treatment of HIV-affected Vidya of Pathanamthitta. The Directorate had identified 10 HIV-affected children in the State, he said. NCC had been imparting the disciplines of leadership and spirit of adventure in the 74,210 cadets in the State, he said. One of the important agendas of the NCC directorate was to increase the number of girl-cadets in the State. The NCC was planning campaigns for making the parents aware of their children joining the NCC which inculcates a sense of discipline, he said. He requested the State Government to increase the budgetary allocation for the activities of the NCC in the State. Last year the budgetary allocation was Rs 19 crore. The expenses of the NCC was jointly met by the State Government and the Union Government. More than 60 percent of the budgetary allocation was being used for training, he said.
VSS supports UDF in Thiruvalla
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Kottayam: Viswakarma Service Society (VSS) would support the UDF in Thiruvalla, society leaders said. At a news conference here they said that the board meeting of the society held the other day elected VP Bhaskarakarma (Kotarakkara) and Adv. V. Ganesan (Thiruvanthapuram) as new president and general secretary of the VSS. R. Appu is the new vice-president and V. Ananthakrishnan treasurer. G. Manian Achari, P. Udayabhanu, M.M. Sasindradas and V.C. Nadarajan are the board members. Steps were being taken to strengthen the VSS, they said.
Ministerial team to visit Delhi for Gulf Malayalees
Sunday, November 23, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A team of Ministers comprising Information Minister M.M.Hassan, PWD Minister M.K.Muneer and Labour Minister Babu Divakaran will be sent to New Delhi to press various demands including removal of restrictions on issuing of visas and setting up of centres for the attestation of certificates of job-seekers in the State. CARGO TERMINAL: In a letter, Chief Minister A.K.Antony has urged the Union Minister for Shipping Shathrughnan Sinha to review the Centre’s decision to set up the proposed cargo terminal at Mullackal which is the finishing point of Nehru Trophy boat race.
I-group will be reduced by half, says Chandy
Sunday, November 23, 2003
MALAPPURAM: UDF Convener Oommen Chandy has said the number of MLAs in the I-group would be reduced by half if K Karunakaran attempted to align with the CPM to form an alternative government. Speaking to mediapersons at the District Congress Committee office here on Saturday, before proceeding to attend the Abdurahiman Sahib Memorial Meet, Chandy said that Karunakaran would never be able to muster the required number of MLAs to form an alternative government. The claim that the I-faction had the support of 34 MLAs was totally baseless, he said. ‘‘Karunakaran had the support of 26 MLAs in the beginning when he raised the demand for a leadership change. He lost three MLAs when he tried to defeat the Congress candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections with the support of the CPM. Two more MLAs deserted him when he decided to join hands with the CPM to split the Congress party,’’ Chandy said, and added that the present strength of the I-group would be reduced to half if Karunakaran decided to float a new party or sit as a separate block in the Assembly. ‘‘On the other hand, A K Antony has the solid support of 42 Congress MLAs despite all the attempts being made to entice them. The Congress MLAs have made it clear that they would not yield to the Aya Ram-Gaya Ram culture,’’ he said. ‘‘Karunakaran committed a big mistake when he decided to take his demand for leadership change outside the UDF. That is the reason why he has been steadily losing support from the very beginning,’’ Chandy added. He said KPCC President K Muraleedharan should first participate in the UDF election campaign at Tiruvalla if he was sincere in his offer to resolve the current crisis through talks. He said it was now up to the Congress high command to take appropriate steps to settle the problems in the State unit.
Jayaram, Biju Menon reunite
Sunday, November 23, 2003
The trouble with having a hit is- the pair sticks along. This doesn't happen for hero-heroine alone. This happens even when two heroes work together. Like in the case of Jayaram and Biju Menon. Though reports are still conflicting about the success of 'Ivar', Jayaram and Biju Menon are going to star together again a film to be directed by Aby Jose. The film's shooting commences in the month of November. The film is about the bond between brothers. The heroines haven't been decided yet. But, KPAC Lalitha, Janaardhanan, Saajan Palluruthi play important roles.
Alternative Cinema- score 101
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Hakim is not someone everybody knows. But, he has sworn to make 101 short films of five minutes duration. So, where does he get the ideas for these films? "From my own life. My wife Devi Menon does the story and screenplay." Hakim had started his career as Jayaraj's assistant director from the film 'Johnny Walker' right up to 'Thilakkam'. He had also showed his mettle as a director by making a film with only Kalabhavan Mani in the film 'Guard'. One of his five minute long films is 'Josephum Chila Chinthagalum'. The film is about Jesus Christ's father. "Joseph is someone who didn't dump his wife whe he kew that she was pregnant with someone else's kid. Actually, I think he is the one who has to be worshipped more than Jesus Himself," he argues. The film has more than 860 stars, none of them from the cine industry. Of the 101 films, Hakim has completed 10 films. Just 91 more to go, Hakim!
Swargachitra's battle for Christmas honors
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Swargachitra Appachan is back with three Malayalam films. The films that he bought are Joshi's film starring Dilip and Kavya Madhavan, which has been named Walayar Check Post, K Madhu's Mammootty film Sethurammayar and Sidharthan's Kakkakarumban. All these films will be released during the coming Christmas season. Mohanlal's Hariharanpilla Happy Aaanu will be the first film to be released for Christmas. Viswanathan directs the film. Vipin Mohan's Pattanathil Sundaran for Liberty Thara starring Dilip and Navya Nair is another film, which will be released during the season. Shafi's Jayasurya, Kavya film will also be released for Christmas.
Antony attend Karunakaran's Iftar party
Sunday, November 23, 2003
At loggerheads over supremacy in Congress in Kerala, an Iftar party hosted by senior party leader K Karunakaran brought him under one roof with his bitter rival Chief Minister A K Antony here on Friday evening. Antony , who made a brief appearance at the venue, left early while other leaders stayed on. When journalists crowded around Karunakaran readying to shoot questions, the senior leader said: "I am sure journalists here are sensible enough not to ask political questions on an occasion like this." "All I want to say is that God is supreme and extend my Ramzan greetings to everyone," he said. Karunakaran, heading the I faction, has vowed to bring down the Antony Government by Nov 25. The presence of Leader of the Opposition in the assembly V S Achuthanandan, Deputy leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, CPI-M state Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and LDF convenor Paloli Mohammed Kutty evoked interest in the wake of reported new-found bonhomie between the I faction and the CPI-M.
Cong leadership urged to remove KPCC chief
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Cong leadership urged to remove KPCC chief NOVEMBER 22, KOCHI Three KPCC general secretaries on Saturday urged the Congress high command to remove KPCC president K Muraleedharan for what they called his 'anti-party' activities and said he was a 'liability' to the party in Kerala. Speaking at a press meet here, Benny Behanan, Ajay Tharayil and Joseph Vazhakan said Muraleedharan was instrumental in putting up a 'rebel' candidate during the Rajya Sabha election and also responsible for the defeat of Congress candidate M O John in the Ernakulam bypoll on Sept 23. His participation and criticism of Chief Minister A K Antony at the November 19 rally here was 'unbecoming' for his post. Hitting out at Muraleedharan for not participating in the campaign of UDF candidate Elizabeth Mammen Mathai for the December one Tiruvalla bypoll, they said Congress workers within Kerala were not keen on seeing him continue in the post. On veteran leader, K Karunakaran's claim of having the support of 34 MLAs, Behanan said the 'I' faction had lost four MLAs so far. More would desert their camp if a decision was taken to split the party. If Muraleedharan was under the impression that he could occupy the Chief Minister's post with the support of the Left, that would remain 'a dream', they said.
Demand for CBI probe into Marad incident
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov. 22. : BJP Kerala unit today demanded the state Government to take immediate steps to order CBI investigation into the May 2 Marad violence which claimed nine lives. Addressing a press conference here today, party state President P S Sreedharan Pillai said the Government was 'delaying' the order for the CBI probe even though a decison in this regard was taken by the cabinet nearly two months before. He said the Government's justification that it was waiting for legal opinion on the matter was unsatisfactory. The CBI probe into the incident was one of the agreements that paved the way for rehabilitation of displaced minority families from the area.
Row breaks out over school backed by NRIs
Saturday, November 22, 2003
A row has erupted over a school being built near here with funds from non-resident Keralites, with the managing trustee accusing a state government official of undue interference in the project. The School of Excellence is being built on a six-acre plot on the outskirts of this city with Rs.11.4 million provided by a dozen Keralites based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). But the school's managing trustee James Joseph has lashed out at Alphons Kannanthanam, an Indian Administrative Service officer who conceptualised the scheme, saying the latter was interfering in the functioning of the charitable trust that is running the school project. Joseph complained to Chief Minister A.K. Antony that Kannanthanam was involved in a serious breach of conduct by campaigning for funds in the UAE for the charitable trust after he was refused permission to join it. Joseph, however, told reporters here Thursday that the trouble between him and Kannanthanam would in no way affect the smooth functioning of the school that would start functioning in June next year. "If any of the investors have any doubt about the functioning of the school, they are free to take back their investment," said Joseph. The row erupted after Joseph reportedly put his foot down to prevent Kannanthanam's brother K.J. Roy, one of the trust's directors, from interfering in its functioning. Roy filed a police complaint against Joseph, accusing him of forgery and cheating non-resident Keralite investors who were not made trustees after collecting money for the school. "In the board of directors meeting held (on Thursday) it was decided to remove Roy from the post of director and also Kannanthanam as conceptualiser," said Joseph. "We have decided to appoint three new people who have committed to bring in funds. We require another Rs.30 million to complete the school." Joseph said he would soon travel to the UAE to brief investors about the school. "There is absolutely no problem and with Kannanthanam and his brother out of the project, things would be much smoother and we would have more investors," he said. Kannanthanam is yet to react to this controversy.
Tourism Minister says he is ready to give up
Saturday, November 22, 2003
MALAPPURAM: Tourism Minister Prof K V Thomas on Friday said he was ready to sacrifice his post if that would solve all the problems in the State unit of the Congress. Speaking to mediapersons after holding talks with IUML supremo Panakkad Syed Muhammedali Shihab Thangal at his Kodapanakkal residence, Thomas said everyone should have to make sacrifices for solving the crisis in the party. He added that a minister remains in the Cabinet as long as he enjoys the confidence of the Chief Minister. Thomas said his discussion with Shihab Thangal was related to the recently-launched 'Pilgrim Progress' tourism project, which showcases the major pilgrim centres of Kerala. He had come to Panakkad to show a copy of the handbook released by the Tourism Department in connection with the project and to seek Shihab Thangal's views on the project. Thomas said the deadline set by the ‘Leader’ will extend forever. "The November deadline has now been extended to December. On Saturday it will become January. There is no problem with these deadlines." Thomas said there was nothing special in the 'I' group rally held at Ernakulam recently. He said the Marine Drive could accommodate only 35,000 people. "If we have to accommodate a crowd of one lakh, then we have to opt for the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium," Thomas said.
BHEL bags Rs 168 crore contract for plant
Saturday, November 22, 2003
NEW DELHI: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Larsen and Tourbo (L&T) have bagged a Rs 168 crore order for setting up a 100 megawatt hydro-electric project in Kerala. The turnkey order for Kuttiyadi project is due for commissioning in three-and-a-half years. Located at Kakkayam, about 50 km from Kozhikode, the power plant will generate electricity utilising a 625-metre water-head of river Kuttiyadi. It will be one of the largest hydro power stations in Kerala. BHEL has supplied and commissioned 10 hydro-generating sets of various ratings totalling 336 megawatt in Kerala.
Emergency medical care centre at Sabarimala
Saturday, November 22, 2003
KOCHI : Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research centre has begun providing Emergency Medical and Cardiac care at Pamba in Sabarimala for the benefit of the pilgrims visiting the hill shrine of lord Ayappa. AIMS attended to nearly 7000 pilgrims during December-January 2002-2003, according to an institute press release here. The total strength of AIMS medical team at Sabarimala is 30, including cardiologist, Anesthetist and physicians. Last year, ISRO, Bangalore had installed a telemedicine facility at the Sabarimala medical unit to facilitate long distance medical consultations and this year also a similar request had been made.
Moon mission in four yrs, says ISRO chief
Saturday, November 22, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: India will have its own payload going around the moon in another four years to study the lunar surface, which would throw light on the origin of the universe, ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair said on Friday. "It will also help create a scientific temperament in students. Now it is for the space community to absorb the challenge and perform," Nair said inaugurating the 40th anniversary of launching of 'sounding' rockets from the Thumba Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre here. Observing that ISRO's activities took birth at Thumba, he said the ambition now was to go to the moon. "We are at a stage to create space-loving launch vehicles. We have well established GSLV, PSLV which are the workhorse of the launch vehicle community," he said. Recalling the sight of the first rocket launch from Thumba, which he witnessed from the Engineering College campus here, he said the soil of Thumba was 'fertile' as it could groom national leaders including President A P J Abdul Kalam. "Strong hands, will and commitment of leaders of VSSC have reached us here."
I believe Karunakaran: V S
Saturday, November 22, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan stated that he does not dismiss as tall claim senior leader K Karunakaran stand that he enjoys the support of 34 MLAs .V S was talking to pressmen who met him here today. Irrespective of the tricks Chief Minister A K Antony may have up his sleeve, his ouster by early December is inevitable. If Antony believes that he enjoys majority, he should prove it in the Assembly. V S caustically noted that the Opposition's 40 MLAs are with Karunakaran something akin to fixed deposit.
Kerala workers badly hit by new emigration rule
Saturday, November 22, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A new rule stipulating that all those going abroad to work as individuals on a single visa and not as a group should deposit money with the Protector of Emigrants have badly hit Kerala workers. The rule came into effect November 16 and is applicable to all those requiring clearance - who don't have a graduation degree - from the Protector of Emigrants. President of the Kerala Association of Travel Agents K V Muraleedharan said the new rule would actually help emigration officials to get hefty amounts by way of bribes. According to him, the number of people being granted emigration clearance has dropped sharply. On an average, close to 1,200 people are granted emigration clearance in Kerala every day. Of them, about 500 would have to deposit the money. According to him, the number of people being granted emigration clearance has dropped sharply. On an average, close to 1,200 people are granted emigration clearance in Kerala every day. Of them, about 500 would have to deposit the money. "We know for certain that the number of people who have paid the deposit is very few and those who do not have the money to bribe are waiting," said Muraleedharan. K Sudhakaran, protector of emigrants here, said before the new rule 175 people would be cleared. "Since the new rule was implemented, we have cleared just two who deposited the amount," he said. "It could be a possibility that passengers are going through Mumbai, but I don't know anything," he said. Kerala has a record 1.6 million non-resident Keralites (NRKs), of which close to 80 percent are in the Gulf. State Minister for NRKs M M Hassan said the government was aware of the hardships and they were doing their best to highlight the problem at the centre. He said state Chief Minister A K Antony would take up the issue at a parliamentarians' conference next week.
AICC backs Antony on Adivasis issue
Saturday, November 22, 2003
NEW DELHI: In spite of the strictures passed against the Antony Government in Kerala by the NHRC, the Congress High Command backed the State Government to the hilt. Defending Chief Minister A K Antony, Congress President's Political Secretary Ambika Soni told this website's newspaper, "Antony has always been following the law of the land and would abide by the NHRC directives." Ambika Soni said that now that the NHRC has given instructions to the Kerala Government, she was sure that Congress Chief Minister would follow the same. Asked why on its own the AICC did not direct Antony to hold judicial inquiry as demanded by others, Ambika Soni said that on their own they could not have held inquiry. Now, that the NHRC has issued directives to the State Government, she was sure that the State Government would go alongwith it.
Kunhalikutty meets Karunakaran
Saturday, November 22, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Industries Minister and Muslim League (ML) leader P K Kunhalikutty held discussions with senior Congress leader K Karunakaran. The closed door meeting held at Karunankaran's residence here lasted for about 45 minutes. Later, Karunakaran said the meeting was cordial. Muslim League, the second biggest partner of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF), is on a mission to settle the crisis in the UDF, following renewed factional feuds in the Congress. Party MP E Ahmed had met Congress President Sonia Gandhi twice in this regard and other AICC leaders recently.
Parayam
Friday, November 21, 2003
Chandran owners of a workshop during his college days had loved a girl and lost. Now married and with a son Raju who is the personal manager of the theme park Dream World and a daughter. Chandran wants to see his son love somebody and get married. Raju meets Sudha who works in Reliance Customer Care Centre and falls for her. Chandran who see the change in his son and learns about the affair and does whatever he could do to help his son's love affair. Raju who goes to the hostel to tell Sudha about his love happens to see an incident which leaves him speechless. What happens next forms the rest of the story Jishnu and Bhavana are Raju and Sudha. Innocent is Chandran and also include Cochin Haneefa, Salim Kumar, Nedumudi Venu, Vijeesh, KPAC Lalitha and Suja Karthika. Suresh Poduval writes the screenplay and dialogues for the story by Jafar. Music by Mohan Sithara lyrics by Kaithapram cinematography by Jain Joseph the film is produced by David Kachappilli under the banner of Chinku Achu Cinemas.
Mohanlal
Friday, November 21, 2003
Mohanlal, who completed 25 years in films talks about his innings in filmdom.Excerpts: How would sum up your 25 years in filmdom? I entered films without any ambition. So nothing depressed me. Work wise I am happy and feel that nothing has changed. My friends who are with me 25 years back are still with me. Personally the death of my brother is something I miss. What changes do you see in the last 25 years? Not much. Some faces are missing while some new faces have come up. Technically we have improved but then I am not wise enough to tell about it since I know only acting. What about the changes in the production and distribution sector? Even when I had a production or distribution company I left it to my friends and my brother in law. I know only about acting and so I cannot talk about serious issues. Which characters have been challenging and strenuous to act? I have acted whatever characters that come my way, I do it all with as much of sincerity as I can. The very days I was fortunate to work with talented directors and technicians, artistes who inspired me and might have evened shaped me. Is language a barrier when acting in non Malayalam films? Language is not a hindrance. If one keeps the language aspect apart acting in a Hindi or Tamil film to me is just like acting in a Malayalam film. What was your character in Thiranottam, your first film which is unreleased? My character in the film was that of a somewhat mentally retarded servant who is a witness to happenings in the house of a nymphomaniac and a doctor coming to treat him it was a fun film. Are you going to act in one more Sanskrit play? Doing a play without knowing the language is tough. Many scholars and people from NSD were involved so it went off. I am not sure whether I will act in a stage play. Your son Pranav is following in your footsteps? < Once he completes his studies, he can come to films if he wants to. I have given him the freedom to choose his career. I will not ask him to come nor would I say keep away. It's his wish.
Symphony
Friday, November 21, 2003
Jijo Samson and his friends arrive at the resort to do a musical album for Dominic Aachayan. Sudhi, a pop singer in the same musical troupe likes Jijo but the latter does not respond. Jijo is in love with Sandra. He professes his love to Sandra who promises to come and meet him but never turns up. Later on the aborted love affair creates problems for him and how he deals with it forms the rest of the story. I V Sasi who was a hit maker in the 80's have launched his daughter Anu in Symphony, a musical love story. Anu plays the role of Sudhi which has lot of scope to emote. The film has new star casts including Shiva, a Kasaragod Malayalee popular in Kannada films and Anjana Varma, a model from Mumbai. Being a musical, the film boasts of good songs written by Kaithapram and tuned by Deepak Dev. Siva, a native of Kasargod is at present residing in Bangalore. After his graduation, he was working in a software company. I V Sasi who was in search of a fresh face for quite some time was impressed by the looks cast him as Jijo Samson in Symphony Deepak had composed music for Chronic Bachelor. Altogether six songs have been recorded. The cast includes Jagathy, Sudheesh, and Jagadhish. Famous Bollywood model Anjana Varma has been signed as the heroine. Mahesh Mitra writes the script for the film, which is produced by Thankachan under the banner of Egna Films.
Adnan Sami in Malayalam
Friday, November 21, 2003
Adnan Sami has been signed by Jayaraj to sing for his new venture For The People. This film is a musical one. Lots of experimentation is to happen in this film. Jani will debut as a music director. Kaithaparam will write the lyrics, which will be sung by Yesudas, Shanker Mahadevan, Bombay Jayashree, and Venugopal along with Adnan Sami. Earlier Jayaraj had given us hit films like Thilakkam. This time he is all set to experiment with new star cast. The story is by Dr Iqbal Kuttipuram.
Sathyan's Jayaram film named Manassinakkare
Friday, November 21, 2003
Sathyan Anthicaud's latest film starring Jayaram in the lead role has been named Manassinakkare. Sheela, actress of yesteryears is making a comeback through this film after a 17-year gap. The shooting of the film is fast progressing in Pattambi. The film produced by Subair under the banner of Varnnachitra has a new heroine Nayan Thara. Ranjan Pramod writes the script for the film. The cast includes Innocent, Oduvil, Mammookoya, Sukumari and many others. The film is slated for a Christmas release.
Fake currency seized, four arrested
Friday, November 21, 2003
KANHANGAD (Kerala): Police on Thursday seized fake Indian currency worth Rs 80,000 here and arrested four persons in this connection. Acting on a tip off, police raided a lodge here, seized fake currencies in Rs 500 denomination and arrested four persons, police sources said. Later, a police team raided the residence of one Abdul Razak at Manikkoth , and seized another Rs 10,000 in fake currencies, also in Rs 500 denomination, a computer and a printer said to have been used for printing the notes. Four persons were arrested, they said adding that Razak could not be arrested as he was not at his residence when the raid was carried out. Further questioning of the arrested revealed that the gang members wanted to pass the fake notes to a party in the neighbouring Payyannur town in Kannur district, police said.
Efforts on to modernise govt hospitals: Antony
Friday, November 21, 2003
KOCHI : Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Thursday said that efforts would be made to modernise all government hospitals, including medical college hospitals, and provide the latest facilities to the patients. Addressing a function after inaugurating the new hospital complex of the General Hospital , built at a cost of Rs 6 crore, he said that the government was trying to find the resources for modernising hospitals. He urged the doctors and nurses to be more service oriented. The chief minister also said that good work done by government officials would be rewarded. Antony said government servants should not take advantage of the prevailing political uncertaintly and stop doing work. Such employees would not be spared, he warned. Health minister P Sankaran, Tourism minister, K V Thomas, SC/ST minister, M A Kuttapan and former Supreme Court judge, V R Krishna Iyer were among those who attended the function.
If you feel ashamed to campaign for UDF, resign: Thomas
Friday, November 21, 2003
KOCHI: Tourism Minister K V Thomas said that those ministers (Kadavoor Sivadasan and P Sankaran) who are criticising Chief Minister A K Antony should think whether they should continue as ministers in the Ministry led by Antony. Thomas told mediapersons here that if KPCC president Muraleedharan feels ashamed to campaign for the UDF candidate in Tiruvalla, he has the freedom to resign from that post. `If I think that I am unfit to continue as a minister, I would resign without any hesitation'', he said. On the claim of K Karunakaran that Antony will be removed by Ramzan, Thomas said that this is November, December will come next and then New Year, but nothing will happen to the Congress party or A K Antony. Even though the Karunakaran faction had assembled 21 MLAs in the rally held on Wednesday, they would not support the demand for the removal of Antony. Thomas also ruled out the possibility of dethroning Antony and said that the Chief Minister was elected as the Congress parliamentary party leader by the MLAs and not nominated as done in the case of the KPCC president. The people in Kerala had given a mandate in the election to undertake development activities. Thomas refuted the allegations that there was administrative stagnation in Kerala. He said that there should be a positive approach for undertaking developmental works and the LDF should also cooperate in it. Answering a question on the massive rally organised by the Karunakaran faction, he said that the people had seen what happened in Kochi and the `mileage' received. If the `I' group has the confidence of massive support from the people, they should have shown the courage to resign and face fresh mandate, he added.
Antony gives it back to Karunakaran
Thursday, November 20, 2003
ERNAKULAM: Thursday belonged to Chief Minister AK Antony. In a tounge in the cheek reply to senior Congress leader K Karunakaran, the chief minister told mediapersons at Ernakulam that he does not believe the party will split or there is any trouble brewing up in UDF against his leadership. I am always ready for discussions to thrash out issues. But some people are bent upon removing me from the chief ministership. I am not ready for any disscussions for my removal from the present position," said Antony without mentioning anybody by name. It is clear that the chief minister had Karunakaran in his mind. In the Wednesday rally held at Ernakulam, Karunakaran had declared that he will see to it that Antony will be ousted by Ramazan
Milma milk, curd to cost more
Thursday, November 20, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Milma milk will cost Re 1/- more from Friday onwards. This was announced at Thiruvananthapuram by PR Sanjeev, Managing Director, Milma. The price of toned milk will be Rs.14/-per litre while the standardised milk will cost Rs.16/- per litre. Milma curd will be dearer by Re1/- . The Milma MD told mediapersons that the price hike was necessitated by the incresed procurement price the Kerala State Milk Marketing Federation has to pay the dairy farmers. The procurement price is being increased by 83 ps per litre. "The dairy farmers were receiving the same procurement price for the last four and half years and it is time we compensated them suitably taking ibnto account the increased cost of production,"said Sanjeev. A pension scheme for the farmers is on the anvil, the details of which are being worked out, said the Milma MD.
Antony writes to PM on single window clearance
Thursday, November 20, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister AK Antony has written to Prime Minister AB Vajpayee requesting him to set up a single window clearance set-up here to attest the qualifying certificates of job-seekers abroad by the Ministries of Human Resource Development and External Affairs. Presently job-seekers have to go to Delhi to get the certificates attested by these Ministries putting them in great hardships. He has also requested the Prime Minister to do away with the practice of insisting return ticket fares from job-seekers by the Union Labour Ministry. An estimated 2.5 million Malayalees are now working in the Gulf countries alone and the absence of consulates of any of these countries in Kerala were also causing great difficulties to the non-resident Keralites. To minimise their difficulties the Chief Minister asked the Extern Affairs Ministry to open Consulates of Gulf countries in Kerala.
Karunakaran sets Nov 25 as deadline
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Kochi, Nov 19 In an impressive show of strength, defiant senior Congress leader K Karunakaran today set a virtual deadline to party high command to effect change of leadership in Kerala by November 25 or else Chief Minister A K Antony would be made to quit. Addressing a large gathering of supporters here, he ruled out compromise on the demand for leadership change and said "this situation of uncertainty will not prolong." "We will make the Chief Minsiter resign. There is no compromise on that," thundered Karunakaran. He said his supporters cannot be taken lightly any more and "attempts to trample us will not be permitted," drawing from the crowd roars of support. The problem plaguing the PCC can be solved in a minute by Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Antony, he said. The veteran leader said though he was aged he still had the energy and the will power to bring down Antony. "Wherever we go, the tri-colour flag of the party will be ours." KPCC President and Karunakaran's son K Muraeedharan lashed out at the Antony government describing its two-and-half-year rule as a "bus with punctured tyres". "The government cannot boast of any achievement," he alleged. Earlier, Karunakaran supporters took out a massive rally from the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium to the convention venue. Besides Electricity Minister Kadavoor Sivadasan and Health Minister P Sankaran, 21 MLAs close to Karunakaran attended the meeting. Karunakaran's daughter and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation chairperson Padmaja Venugopal was also present.
Panicker expresses support for Antony
Thursday, November 20, 2003
KOTTAYAM: PK Narayana Panicker, General Sectretary, Nair Service Society (NSS), an organisation which claims to represent the Nairs in Kerala, came out in support of the Antony Government. Panicker, who claims that he represents the Nairs of the state, said in a statement that he is against the move to topple the UDF Government, citing the Karunakaran-Antony factional feud. Panicker also described the move to topple the Antony Government as "undemocratic and against social justice.
Antony will be unseated: Karunakaran
Thursday, November 20, 2003
ERNAKULAM: Senior Congress leader K Karunakarn reasserted his resolve to displace Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony but told party workers to wait for a litle more time. Addressing a huge state-level rally of Congress(I) workers organised here to commemorate the birth anniversary of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the octogenarian leader said even at this age he would be at the forefront to secure the leadership change in the Congress-led UDF which, he said, had failed to rise to the expectations of the people. The rally, convened to demonstrate Karunkaran's show of strength in the state, and attended by 21 Congress(I) MLAs, was addressed also by KPCC President K Muraleedharan besides state Health Minister P Sankaran and Electricity Minister Kadavoor Sivadasan, among others. Delivering his special address, Muraleedharan said his conscience did not permit him to keep away from the rally being attended by 80 per cent of the state's Congress workers. Rally organising committee Chairman and |
