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September 2003
Kerala PCB gives Plachimada Coke plant a clean chit
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, Giving a clean chit to the controversial bottling plant of soft-drink major Coca Cola at Plachimada in Palakkad district, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) today said the presence of heavy metals in the solid wastes generated by the plant were well within permissible limits. The KSPCB, which submitted its report to the State Government, said the results of the analysis conducted on the samples of sludge, water and soil, showed that the water in the wells located around the company and land applied with the sludge as manure were not contaminated with heavy metals like cadmium, lead and chromium. A controversy arose after the BBC report on high concentration of cadmium and lead in the sludge from the industry and in nearby wells. Following that, the Government had directed the KSPCB to conduct a detailed study on the issue. ''The concentration of cadmium and other heavy metals in the sludge were found to be below the prescribed limit under the 1989 Hazardous Waste (management and handling) Rules (amended in 2003) and hence the solid waste generated from the company will not come under the purview of hazardous waste,'' the report said. However, the Board advised people against using the sludge as manure for agriculture. The company should handle the solid wastes generated in the Plachimada factory adhering to the procedures and safeguards prescribed under the amended Hazardous Waste Management Rules.
All because of Antony, alleges Karunakaran
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Terming the Ernakulam byelection result as an 'eye opener for all,' veteran Congress leader K Karunakaran said the whole responsibility for the party's set back in its stronghold rest with Chief Minister A K Antony. Reacting to party candidate M O John's defeat by over 20,000 votes, Karunakaran told reporters at his residence at Jawahar Nagar that he hoped the verdict would open the eyes of everyone, including the party leadership. However, he refused to answer a question on whether he would demand the resignation of the Chief Minister. "We have lost six Assembly segments and it is not a good trend," he said, adding that a lost for the Congress candidate was always painful for him. But the result was not a surprise for him, he said, amid distribution of sweets and 'victory processions' by his loyalists outside the house. "Neither I want to put the blame on the Chief Minister, nor want to discuss the merits and demerits at this stage. But they ( Antony and his supporters) should learn a lesson from the byelection verdict.
Lobbying in `I' group?
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
THRISSUR Hectic lobbying was on in the Congress `I' group in Thrissur following reports that three of the senior group leaders, the KPCC treasurer, C.N. Balakrishnan, Therambil Ramakrishnan, MLA, and the DCC president, M.P. Bhaskaran Nair, were defecting to the `A' group. The reports were triggered off following a meeting the three leaders had with the Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, and the UDF convener, Oommen Chandy, at the Government Guest House, Ramanilayam, here on Saturday. The prominent `I' group leaders, P.C. Chacko and N. Venugopal, rushed to Thrissur on Sunday to hold talks with Mr. Balakrishnan and dissuade him from quitting the group. Mr. Chacko later told The Hindu here that Mr. Balakrishnan had assured him that he would not defect from the group and that there was no shift in his stand. According to Mr. Chacko, there was no significance in the meeting the leaders had had with Mr. Antony and Mr. Chandy. "Mr. Balakrishnan told me that he meets Mr. Antony whenever the latter came to Thrissur. So it was only a routine meeting on Saturday also. The three leaders had met Mr. Chandy because he was also there at Ramanilayam when they went to meet the Chief Minister,'' Mr. Chacko said. He also clarified that there was no significance in the reported statement of Mr. Balakrishnan that he would stand by the party when a disciplinary action was taken against the `I' group leaders in the wake of the dissident activities in the Ernakulam by-election. ``Mr Balakrishnan was present at the last group meeting we had called in Thrissur and our feeling is that he will be present at the next meeting as well,'' Mr. Chacko said. When contacted, Mr. Balakrishnan also sought to underplay the significance of his meeting with the Chief Minister and said that it was only a routine meeting. However, many within the `I' group and the `A' group aver that the three `I' group leaders had almost shifted their loyalty. In fact, fissures had appeared within `I' group in the district quite some time back, with one faction being led by the KPCC general secretary, P.P. George, MLA, and the other by Mr. Balakrishnan. The MLAs, V. Balaram, T.V. Chandramohan, and T.U. Radhakrishnan, as well as the DCC office-bearers, including C.N. Govindankutty and P.A. Madhavan, are with the `I' group led by Mr. George. Mr. Ramakrishnan, Mr. Bhaskaran Nair and some other office-bearers were with Mr. Balakrishnan in this inner-group rivalry. The position of Savithri Lakshmanan, MLA, was not known clearly. The issue was remaining unresolved even after the interventions of the group supremo, K. Karunakaran, and the KPCC president, K. Muraleedharan.
Anger in John camp
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
KOCHI: Even before the final results were out, a pall of gloom descended on the UDF election committee office at KPCC Junction where the UDF candidate M O John had settled down to watch the counting of votes on Monday. Clad in a crisply-starched khadi shirt and dhoti, John had arrived at the election committee office by 8 am accompanied by KPCC general secretary Benny Behannan and Tripunithura MLA K Babu to watch the live telecast of poll analysis on TV. The first sigh of disbelief erupted in the UDF camp when LDF's Sebastian Paul wrested the lead from John shortly after 9 am. Even though he had an overall lead of 4000-plus votes in the first round, John was lagging behind in Ernakulam, a traditional UDF stronghold, and Mattanchery. "It's only a matter of 67 votes. The lead could change in our favour anytime," Benny Behanan was heard pacifying anxious Congressmen who crowded around him and John as the lead fluctuated. But the anxiety deepened within half-an-hour with Sebastian Paul's lead climbing to over 10,000 votes. Another shock came with UDF losing out in Aluva, John's stronghold. The Congressmen had accepted the inevitable when, nearing 11 am, the announcements were out declaring Sebastian Paul as the winner by a margin of 22,134 votes. Angered by the defeat, KSU activists took out a march shouting slogans against senior Congress leader K Karunakaran and burnt his effigy in front of the nearby DCC office. Later speaking to mediamen, John said he "accepted people's verdict." He attributed his defeat to the consolidation of Muslim sentiment on the Marad issue rather than the 'I,' 'A' bickerings within the Congress. "The Marad issue had deeply wounded the community. Even in Aluva, where the 'I' presence is negligible, the UDF was behind by 7358 votes. This shows that the Muslim consolidation, especially in Aluva, had worked against us," he said. When asked whether he would lodge a complaint against Karunakaran with the AICC, he said it would be decided later. Echoing his sentiments, Benny alleged that the CPM had played upon the emotions of the Muslim community to secure the win. Youth Congress State president K P Anil Kumar, Idukki Youth Congress president M N Gopi, KSU State president P C Vishnunath, DCC treasurer P N Prasannakumar also were present at the UDF election committee office.
Murali blame Antony
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is out in the open.In a no holds barred attack on the chief minister AK Antony, KPCC President K Muraleedharan put all the blame for the defeat of Congress candidate MO John on the chief minister. True to his words that he will speak out after the Ernakulam by-election, a completely recharged Muraleedharan accused Antony for severely hurting the sentiments of senior leader K Karunakaran during the by poll candidate selection and campaigning. "Antony had all the time in the world to call every Tom, Dick and Harry for soliciting cooperation for the victory of MO John but he never had the courtesy to call Karunakaran even once," thundered Muraleedharan while addressing mediapersons at Thiruvananthapuram. Murali said the actions and statements of some Congress leaders and ministers during the period antagonised the supporters of UDF to a big extent. "KV Thomas calling on the Israeli Prime Minister and presenting a memento to him had hurt the feelings of a section of the UDF. The Marad rehabilitation issue too ate into the Congress votes. Some of the leaders ridiculed the all party convention organised at Kozhikode,"said Murali. The KPCC President attacked Antony severely for sidelining and taunting hin during the election campaigns while both of them shared the same dais. "Comments like those in khadi are moving over to the CPM camps etc hurt the I group workers and they paid it back in the sane coin," pointed out Murali. Taking a dig at the BJP, Murali asked them to disband the party and open a shop in Kerala with the sign board "VOTES FOR SALE". "What happened to the 75,000 votes polled by the BJP candidate in the 1999 Lok Sabha elections? With a major chunk of the dissident CPM voters and the goodwill votes due to Viswanatha Menon, he should have bagged atleast 1.25 lakh votes. Poor Menon came a cropper with just 51000 votes.. Where are the other vots?"asked Muraleedharan amidst reports that the BJP had cast their votes to someone else. Murali summed up the result of Ernakulam bypoll as a reflection of the people's anguish and disgust towards the Antony administration.
Sait calls it LDF victory historic
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
KOCHI: Indian National League president Ibrahim Sulaiman Sait has said the victory of LDF independent candidate Sebastian Paul has a historic importance and that crucial changes will follow. In a statement, he demanded that Chief Minister A K Antony should resign from the post. The politically conscious voters have to be congratulated as they have demonstrated categorically that they stand for democracy, secularism, justice to minorities and backward class and to peaceful existence of all citizens protecting their rights guaranteed in the Constitution. John was not the candidate of the Congress but personally of A K Antony and Kunhalikutty, he said. The people, particularly the minorities, have categorically expressed their anger and disillusionment over the ‘‘behaviour and false promises of Antony, which were very clearly pro-Sangh Parivar,’’ Sait said.
Karunakaran supporters celebrate LDF victory
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Jubilant supporters of senior Congress leader K Karunakaran distributed sweets at his residence here at Jawahar Nagar immediately after the bypoll result in favour of the LDF candidate was out. His supporters also took out a victory procession from his residence to the nearby junction carrying posters showing Karunakaran with Indira Gandhi. Crackers were burst to celebrate the victory of the LDF candidate (or that of Karunakaran). Karunakaran, however, did not make a public appearance till the final vote was counted. He was closeted with his close lieutenants, including Thiruvananthapuram DCC president Peethambara Kurup, V.S.Sivakumar MP, and Sobhana George MLA in his room. He was kept informed of the progress of the counting from the morning itself. When he stepped out of the room to give his reaction to the by-poll result at about 11.45, waiting lensmen had a hard time to fix the focus on him as he was immediately swarmed by his numerous supporters. Meanwhile, his son and KPCC president K.Muraleedharan was the star of the several live TV shows on the election results. He had a hectic day as he moved from one TV studio to another and even delayed his lunch to 3 p.m. He found time to address a press conference at KPCC headquarters at 4 p.m.
I abide by people's verdict: M O John
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
KOCHI: M O John speaking after his defeat in the Ernakulam by-election stated that he abides by people's verdict. The Congress "I" workers were responsible for my defeat. John stated that the reason for his polling fewer votes was because of this sabotage. The comment of KPCC President Muralidharan that there is every likelihood of Left winning makes this apparent. He also stated that the issue of diversion of votes would be taken up later.
'My calculations have gone wrong'-Antony
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
KOCHI: A visibly upset Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Monday said his calculations about the outcome of the by-election in the Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency had gone wrong. "My calculations have gone wrong. I expected the UDF candidate, M O John, would win," Antony told reporters who met him here. "I accept the verdict of the people', he said and congratulated LDF-supported independent candidate Sebastian Paul for his victory. On the reasons for John's defeat, the Chief Minister said there were "strong undercurrents" and lots of UDF votes, which should have gone to John, went to the rival camp. Besides, some UDF "sure votes got frozen", he said adding an introspection was called for. Asked if the poll verdict would herald changes in the political front, Antony refused to comment. On whether the delay in the rehabilitation in Marad had played a crucial role in the defeat of the UDF candidate, he said Marad was a tragedy. "Those who are blaming me should realise that despite the enormity of the tragedy in which nine persons were killed, there was no backlash in any other part of the state." "Time will tell that my actions were right," the Chief Minister said.
'People's protest against UDF Govt reflected in bypoll'
Monday, September 29, 2003
Kochi, Sept. 29 : An elated Sebastian Paul, the Left Democratic Front supported independent candidate and winner of the Ernakulam Lok Sabha bypoll, today described his victory as a reflection of people's protest against the UDF Government. Paul told reporters at the media centre of the collectorate that several factors had contributed to his win. People had democratically expressed their protest against the Government for "violating the rights of the people and also causing injuries to their self respect", he said. The voting pattern clearly indicates that the minority community had strongly expressed their feelings in the aftermath of the Marad incident, Paul said. The factional feud in the Congress was also a factor that had contributed to the win, he said. He said the electorate had shown political maturity by rejecting Chief Minister A K Antony's personal appeal especially to the minority community during the closing day of the campaign. To a query he said the minority factor and the failure of the State and Central Governments in solving problems of the crisis-ridden industries in Aluva, had resulted in his getting majority in the Aluva Assembly segment UDF candidate M O John, who hailed from Aluva, was also a three- term Municipal Chairman.
Antony, Karunakaran factions clash
Monday, September 29, 2003
Antony, Karunakaran factions clash Kozhikode, Sept. 29. : Spilling intra-party squabbles over to the streets, the supporters of Chief Minister A K Antony and K Karunakaran clashed over the outcome of Ernakulam bypolls, resulting in stone-throwing, prompting a police lathi-charge this evening. At least three workers sustained injuries in the stone-throwing incidents following the scuffle, which started when the Antony group tried to burn the effigy of Karunakaran. Police also took six people into custody. A KSRTC bus also came under attack and police had to resort to lathicharge to chase away the mob, with the busy market corner witnessing tension for some time.
Karunakaran plots coup in Kerala
Monday, September 29, 2003
Karunakaran plots coup in Kerala George Iype in Kochi | September 29, 2003 16:59 IST The infighting in the Kerala unit of the Congress has turned into a serious power struggle as veteran K Karunakaran is exploring the possibility of joining hands with the Marxists to oust the A K Antony government. Karunakaran's supporters say in the wake of the Congress candidate's defeat in the Ernakulam Lok Sabha bypoll, pressure is mounting on Chief Minister Antony to quit. The Congress traditionally held the Ernakulam constituency, but this time the party's candidate, M O John, an Antony loyalist, was defeated by Sebastian Paul, an Independent fielded by the Left Democratic Front led by the Communist Party of India-Marxist. Peeved that the party high command had not consulted him on John's candidature, Karunakaran had kept away from campaigning. The veteran leader had also urged his supporters to openly campaign for the LDF candidate. "Now that Antony has failed to make his candidate win, I feel it is a major verdict against his government. The chief minister should own moral responsibility for this defeat and quit," P C Chacko, former member of Parliament and a close aide of Karunakaran, told rediff.com According to Chacko, the Congress is a divided house because the party leadership has "thrown away the idea of political consensus to the winds". "The Congress in Kerala cannot be strengthened by sidelining a veteran leader like Karunakaran," he added. Following John's defeat, hundreds of Karunakaran's supporters are meeting the former CM with requests "to take appropriate political moves". One of his supporters disclosed to rediff.com that Karunakaran is seriously talking to CPI-M leaders on the possibility of forming a new government. The Karunakaran faction claims to have the support of 23 legislators in the 140-member Kerala assembly. Karunakaran's aides agree that it will be a mammoth task to overthrow Antony because he has two-third majority in the assembly. "But there is no harm in trying to install a new government. We are sure many MLAs who are supporters of Antony will cross over to our group if Karunakaran goes in for an arrangement with the Marxist party. Everyone in Kerala is fed up with the Antony government," he said. But Antony supporters said Karunakaran's ambition is "a pipe dream." "The Congress has lost in the Lok Sabha election because Karunakaran purposefully defeated the candidate. So now blaming Antony for Karunakaran's mistake is not correct," an Antony loyalist pointed out. He said the Antony government now wants the high command to take stern disciplinary action against Karunakaran and his supporters. "They are ruining the party in Kerala. The Congress high command cannot pretend to be sleeping now," he added. Marxist leaders said the poll verdict is a vote against the government. "We want Chief Minister Antony to resign immediately. His government does not have any moral responsibility to continue," CPI-M leader and opposition leader V S Achuthanandan told rediff.com Asked if the Marxists are ready for a power-sharing arrangement with Karunakaran, Achuthanandan said: "Wait for a few days."
'Karunakaran effect', 'minority wrath' spoil UDF game
Monday, September 29, 2003
-Manorama Thiruvananthapuram: The 'Karunakaran effect' coupled with 'wrath of Muslim community' at the Antony government's handling of the Marad issue appear to have spoilt the Congress' chances at Ernakulam where the LDF independent Sebastian Paul emerged victorious defeating the Congress candidate M.O. John in the crucial Lok Sabha by-election. The outcome in the Congress bastion, where its candidate George Eden won by over a lakh votes in the last poll, is seen by political observers as a severe setback for Chief Minister A.K. Antony, who took the by-poll as a battle of prestige against his detractors in the party. LDF candidate's victory has given a potent weapon to Karunakaran to fight the party High Command's threat of disciplinary action against his 'I' faction followers for alleged dissident activity during the campaign. The result is certain to be seized on by Karunakaran to step-up his demand for a leadership change in the state which his faction had already put across before the Congress High Command. Though, LDF does not discount the Karunakaran factor as having helped its victory, it also sees a strong current of 'anti-incumbency' and resentment at the `anti-minority' stance of the Antony Government as having worked against the Congress candidate. The outcome is also noted for the pathetic performance of the BJP whose gamble of backing Marxist old guard Viswanath Menon proved a total flop, amid inner-party wrangles over alleged transfer of a portion of party votes to the UDF. Peeved at the way Antony snatched the Ernakulam seat for his nominee overlooking the claims of the `I' faction which had been holding the seat for about two decades, Karunakaran had throughout the campaign maintained that John was Antony's candidate and not that of the entire party. The senior leader had not only kept away from campaigning for the candidate but camped at Ernakulam for better part of the run-up sending clear message to his followers to ensure defeat of the Antony loyalist. There were also reports that `I' group workers had openly canvassed votes for the LDF candidate in many parts of the sprawling constituency where all the seven assembly segments went the UDF way in the last assembly polls. The segment-wise outcome shows that the Congress did especially badly in areas Mattanchery where the Muslim community accounted for sizeable electorate. This was attributed to the government's failure in rehabilitating the Muslim families who had fled Marad in Kozhikode district after the May 2 carnage which left nine persons dead. Observers feel that Karunakaran had prove he is not just a paper tiger to be written off easily and the point repeatedly raised by him that in a politically sensitive state like Kerala, no one could always perform miracles on the strength of any sort of personal image. John's defeat has also belied the wishes of hardliners in the anti-Karunakaran camps that the by-poll could be used as a excuse to drive the last nail on Karunakaran's political coffin. Karunakaran, who had already made it clear that he would fight back any attempt from the High Command to wipe off the `I'faction, is now expected to put up a brave face before the L.P. Sahi panel set up to enquire into the dissident activity during the by-poll campaign. Though the senior leader had even hinted during campaign that he would not hesitate to co-operate with the Marxists in the event of his faction being driven to the walls, the outcome is likely to be used by him as an opportunity to fight within the party against his adversaries. The outcome will also help consolidate the `I' group which would have faced a possible disintegration if the Antony faction emerged triumphant in the poll. No less a person than KPCC chief and Karunakaran's son, K. Muraleedharan, saw the outcome as indicative of the fact that the Congress would suffer if `I' faction was ignored. The poor performance of BJP-backed independent candidate is expected to fuel further the inner strife in the party's state unit with two sections levelling charges and counter-charges on `swapping' of votes in favour of UDF. Though the BJP had never made a mark in electoral politic in Kerala, the party under its new President P.S. Sreedharan Pillai had projected the by-poll as an occasion to emerge as the pivot of a third alternative in the state. The party's strategy of riding piggyback on a Communist old guard proved not only disastrous but also triggered inner-party wrangles.
Rename Congress, asks Mukundan
Monday, September 29, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP Kerala General Secretary PP Mukundan ridiculed the claims of CPM and a section of the Congress party that the BJP has voted for MO John in the Ernakulam bypoll. Speaking at Thiruvananthapuram, Mukundan pointed out the statements of the I group leaders including that of KPCC President K Muraleedharan that the enmass voting of the Karunakaran faction for the LDF resulted in the failure of MO John. "Now that they have declared it openly, it is better that the Congress disband the party and merge with CPM and the entity could be renamed as Congress Party of Marxists, CPM", said Mukundan.
Victory of the LDF candidate should act as an eye-opener to all concerned-Kunhalikutty
Monday, September 29, 2003
ERNAKULAM: Industries Minister and Muslim League leader PK Kunhalikutty says the victory of the LDF candidate Sebastian Paul should act as an eye-opener to all concerned. Kunhalikutty did not elaborate on whom he is targetting. "The Muslim League did its duty during the campaign. But there are a number of sentimental factors connected with this bypoll which needs a serious discussion," said the Industries Minister while addressing mediapersons at Ernakulam.
The result did not surprise me: K. Karunakaran
Monday, September 29, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader K Karunakaran told media person that the Ernakulam by-poll results did not surprise him. "Though the defeat of a Congress candidate is a pain, A K Antony had said that M O John was his candidate. M O John too said that he was Antony's candidate. It is the defeat of A K Antony" a much jubilant Karunakaran said. He said his only hope was that the result would open the eyes of all those who mattered in the party. "The leadership should now be ready to gauge the public sentiment and take lessons from the defeat. This is all I want to say now," he said. Karunakaran said the party should analyse the outcome with a sense of reality.
Dr.Sebastian won by 22,134 votes.
Monday, September 29, 2003
Trivandrum 11.16am. Sebastian Paul won with a clear margine of 20,062 votes.The votes polled and the final scores are as follows: Total Polled: 729,695 LDF Independent - Sebastian Paul: 316,416 UDF - M.O. John: 296,354 BJP - Viswanatha Menon: 48,806 PDP - Poonthura Siraj: 16,631 Sebastian Paul, an independent backed by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Monday emerged victorious in the bitterly contested Ernakulam Lok Sabha by-election from Kerala. Paul won with a handsome margin, leaving behind his rival, Congress' M.O John, whose campaign had been marred by bitter infighting in the party between Chief Minister A.K. Antony and veteran leader K. Karunakaran. Former chief minister and left leader P.K. Vasudevan Nair said: "If Antony has any morals he should quit. He had stated that the verdict of the poll would be a referendum on his governance."
Release of water from TN: Kerala to depute two Ministers to Chennai
Monday, September 29, 2003
PALAKKAD: Chief Minister A.K.Antony on Sunday said that the government would depute two Ministers to Chennai to discuss the issue of the release of water by Tamil Nadu to Kerala under the Parambikulam-Aliyar Pact(PAP). He was speaking at the agriculture seminar organised by the Mathrubhumi daily at the Municipal Town hall here. Chief Minister said the government would depute Finance Minister K.Shankaranarayanan and Irrigation Minister T.M.Jacob to Chennai. Details of the talks to be conducted will be decided later, he added. Antony admitted that there was a crisis in the agricultural sector in the district because of drought and the non-release of water by Tamil Nadu under the PAP. Though the PAP between Kerala and Tamil Nadu ceased in 1988, successive governments had failed to negotiate a new agreement, he said. CENTRAL ASSISTANCE: The Chief Minister said the Centre sanctioned Rs 45-crore Integrated Agricultural Development project for Palakkad last week. He said the Centre accorded sanction after he had taken up the issue at the level of Prime Minister and Planning Board Vice-Chairman during his visit to New Delhi. Under this project, the Centre would channel Rs 15 crore annually for three consecutive years for the development of the agricultural sector in Palakkad. Kerala has to keep track of the changes taking place in the global market and cannot turn a blind eye towards the new developments. Only through modernisation of the agricultural sector and value addition can one compete in the market by cutting down costs. M.P. Veerendra Kumar, managing director of Mathrubhumi delivered the presidential address. Irrigation Minister T.M.Jacob and Finance Minister K.Shankaranarayanan offered felicitations.
Ernakulam Byepoll Results: Sebastian Paul won by 22,134 votes
Monday, September 29, 2003
LDF Independent Candidate Dr. Sebastian Paul won by 20,062 votes Total Polled: 729,695 LDF Independent - Sebastian Paul: 316,416 UDF - M.O. John: 296,354 BJP - Viswanatha Menon: 48,806 PDP - Poonthura Siraj: 16,631 The counting of votes, polled in the Ernakulam Lok Sabha by- poll of September 23, began on Monday morning at seven counting centres in the constituency. The votes polled in the 1214 polling centres spread over seven Assembly constituencies, are counted. The counting was over by 11.30am
Major fire in Thrissur
Monday, September 29, 2003
Thrissur, Sep 28 A major fire on the top floor of the five-storeyed City Centre in the heart of the town today destroyed goods worth several lakhs of rupees. Five fire tenders battled for nearly two-and-a-half hours to put out the fire. Police said the failure of the fire hydrant in the building also reportedly delayed operations. The exact extent of damage would be known only tomorrow, sources said. Electric short circuit is said to be the reason for the mishap.
Stern action if BJP votes are misappropriated
Monday, September 29, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP general secretary K Raman Pillai while speaking to the newspersons here today stated that if BJP votes are misappropriated in the Ernakulam by-election, stern action would be taken against those persons. It is incorrect to say that the choice of Viswanatha Menon as candidate has created confusion in the BJP ranks. It was only after much thought that BJP decided to support him. So the saying that the candidature has caused confusion has no support within the party, he added.
Candidates cool, confident on the eve of counting
Monday, September 29, 2003
Candidates cool, confident on the eve of counting 29-September-2003 KOCHI: In a few hours from now, six candidates will be groping high and low for explanations for why the public dumped them. And the winner will be gloating with an ``I told you so'' snigger. But, on Sunday, the eve of counting of votes for the Ernakulam by-poll, traditional counting-eve blues do not seem to have hit the candidates much. The UDF candidate M O John claims he hasn't had the time to keep his fingers crossed. Sunday found John _ who has no doubts about making a clean sweep on Monday _ landed with a hectic, though colourful, schedule. He has been busy attending weddings. ``There was one at a Congress worker's house in Chengamanad and another in the city. On the positive side, attending weddings helps to improve social relations,'' says John, who has the exit polls on his side. John met Chief Minister A K Antony at the Ernakulam Guest House in the evening.He will wait for the results at the DCC office with other Congress leaders. For the LDF-backed independent Sebastian Paul, it has been a quiet enough day with the family. And in the afternoon, he went about his usual duties at the 'Desabhimani' daily of which he is the associate editor. ``I don't think the outcome will disappoint me,'' said the former MP with confidence. Sebastian Paul is also slotted to appear on several television channels on Monday morning for live poll analysis. After that, he plans to join CPM leaders at the Lenin Centre to wait for the outcome. Another candidate who has no doubt about the outcome is V Viswanatha Menon, ostensibly backed by the BJP and the BTR-EMS-AKG Samskarika Vedi. Despite the lacklustre campaign or rumours of being ditched by the BJP somewhere down the lane, Viswanatha Menon does not have any qualms. ``I will win, there is no doubt about it,'' says the former CPM leader who arrived at his son's house in Kochi on Sunday evening. But if there is one candidate who hasn't wasted a moment this Sunday, it is People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Poonthura Siraj. ``The counting agents had to be finalised in the morning. Then I visited some of the party workers who are down with fever after the campaign. Then to Mattancherry to meet more workers and finally in the afternoon, the party secretariat at the Friday Club,'' says Siraj.
Three-day mega boat show ends
Monday, September 29, 2003
Three-day mega boat show ends KOCHI: The three-day India International Boat Show 2003, organised by the Kerala tourism department, concluded here on Sunday. State Planning Board Vice-Chairman V Ramachandran, in his valedictory address, said there would be much greater support to tourism projects that are in harmony with environment in the coming years. The government would support quest for quick solutions to problems faced by the tourism industry in the state, he said. "So far we were extending only partial support to the tourism sector. We are better off now," Ramachandran said. A great deal of infrastructural improvements were necessary, he said, adding that government funds alone are not enough. In his presidential address, Dr Jacob Thomas, chairman, Cochin Port Trust, said, "The conflicts in tourism sector can be solved in a sustainable manner. We are all working in Kerala as a single entity towards this." Vice-Admiral Madanjit Singh, flag officer commanding-in-chief, Southern Naval Command, who was the chief guest, said, "Instead of buying a second car, buy a boat, is the message that needs to be sent out to those who have money". From the show, the Navy identified a few products suitable for it and orders would be placed soon to procure some of these, he said. Sixty exhibitors participated in the show.
Venmani Vishnu is dead
Monday, September 29, 2003
Venmani Vishnu is dead ERNAKULAM: Venmani Vishnu, former news broadcaster in All India Radio died at his residence yesterday morning. Vishnu became a household name in Kerala by his distinct style of news presentation from the AIR stations of New Delhi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram. In addition to his job as a news presenter, Vishnu was an actor and a dubbing artist of excellence. His character as a railway station master in Shaji Karun's movie Swam was widely acclaimed. Vishnu's dubbing for the main character in the movie Agnisakshi by Syam Prasad was instrumental in the actor getting the national award.
Balakrishna Pillai admits of problems in UDF
Monday, September 29, 2003
Balakrishna Pillai admits of problems in UDF KOZHIKODE: Transport Minister and the Kerala Congress(B) Chairman R Balakrishna Pillai admitted that there were problems within the ruling front, but affirmed that the outcome of the Ernakulam by-elections would have no effect on it. Pillai said veteran Congress leader K Karunakaran should be kept with the United Democratic Front itself. "Karunakaran took the initiative to build up the front and we should even sacrifice a bit to keep him within the fold," he said, referring to the groupism within the Congress. "Being in the boat, one should not try to sink it. That is purely against political morality," he added. Asserting that there would not be any drastic change in the political equations after the byelections, he expressed the hope that things would improve. On the recent implementation of the helmet rule for two-wheeler riders, the Minister said the Government would do everything possible to protect the interests of the people within the ambit of the court order. "I am waiting for a report from the Advocate General and a copy of the High Court order," he said.
Ekm by-poll: Counting of votes today, results by noon
Monday, September 29, 2003
Ekm by-poll: Counting of votes today, results by noon KOCHI: The counting of votes, polled in the Ernakulam Lok Sabha by- poll of September 23, will take place today. The counting will start at 8 am in seven counting centres in the constituency. The votes polled in the 1214 polling centres spread over seven assembly constituencies, would be counted. The results are expected by noon itself, as electronic machines were used in the election. Election Commission authorities said that all arrangements have been completed for the smooth counting. Both the major fronts - the LDF and the UDF, along with BJP are eagerly waiting for the result, as major re-alignment have been predicted by political pundits, once the results are out.
No fight with KPCC Prez: Antony
Monday, September 29, 2003
No fight with KPCC Prez: Antony PALAKKAD: Chief Minister AK Antony said he is not interested for an open fight with Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president K Muraleedharan. "Congress is a democratic party. Hence there would be problems and difference of opinions. It would be discussed and finalised inside the party itself. I'm not interested in an open fight with anybody", Antony said. Chief Minister was talking to mediapersons here yesterday. He added that the cabinet meeting on October first would took decisions not only in the Self Financing College fee issue but also to many other issues facing by the State. Referring to the fate of the controversial Coke bottling plant at Plachimada, Antony said the Government would implement the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which was expected to visit the area soon to study water scarcity and pollution. No diversion of BJP votes to UDF Chief Minister A K Antony denied charges levelled by the Marxist-led Opposition that the BJP had diverted a section of its votes in favour of the Congress candidate in the by-election to Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency. Talking to newspersons at Palakkad, he dismissed such allegations as "baseless" since there was no secret understanding between the two parties. However, the CPM and the National Development Front had a secret tie-up for the by-election, he alleged.
HLL to sponsor HIV+ kids' treatment
Monday, September 29, 2003
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Sushma Swaraj announced a five-year special treatment package for the two hapless AIDS-infected siblings, Bency (8) and Benson (6) from the state. Swaraj, who met the children at the Press Club here, said public sector Hindustan Latex Limited would meet the costs of their treatment for the next five years. Swaraj said as per the direction of the President APJ Kalam she came to see the children. She added that the President had instructed her to do some help for them. She kissed and hugged the children and said this is the message she has to give to the public. She held a meeting with the state health and education secretaries and efforts would be made to see that the two children continued their studies by attending regular school. Now the children are given coaching at a separate rented building in their native place at Kaithakuzhy near Kollam following resistance from parents of other children of the government LP school, where the children were admitted. Bency is studying in the third standard and Benson in the second. The children were brought to here by the Health Department on the direction of the Union Minister.
Cabinet to decide fees on professional colleges: Antony
Monday, September 29, 2003
Cabinet to decide fees on professional colleges: Antony 28/09/2003 Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony on Saturday said the Cabinet will finalise the fee structure for merit seats in self-financing professional colleges in its next meeting scheduled for October one. Talking to mediapersons in Thrissur, he said it had become necessary to take a final decision on the issue in the light of the recent High Court judgement and the subsequent complaints raised by the parents with regard to the fee structure. On the Marad issue, Mr Antony said the rehabilitation measures would be completed by October two, as announced earlier, and the uncertainty in this regard would be ended. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the 'Vidyarambham' of the newly started medical college of the Amala Institute of Medical Sciences after it was blessed by Thrissur Archbishop Mar Jacob Thumkuzhi. National Minorities Commission Member V V Augustine presided over the function. (agency)
Antony denies 'BJP link' in the by- poll.
Monday, September 29, 2003
Antony denies 'BJP link' in the by- poll. 28/09/2003 Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony, on Sunday, denied that there was any secret pact with the BJP in favour of the UDF during the last Ernakulam by- poll. Speaking to reporters in Palakkad, Antony alleged that it was the CPM, which had tried to rope in the communal forces during the by- poll. "The NDF was campaigning openly for the LDF candidate. Let the CPM leaders explain this ", the Chief Minister added. Replying to another question regarding the rift in the Congress party, Antony said that he was not for an open confrontation with the KPCC president on any issue. The Chief Minister informed that the state cabinet will decide on the fee structure issue in the self-aided professional colleges, on coming Wednesday.
Ariane carries INSAT-3E into space
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Ariane carries INSAT-3E into space September 28, 2003 05:24 IST Last Updated: September 28, 2003 06:14 IST The European Ariane rocket took off with India's latest communication satellite, INSAT-3E, from Kourou spaceport, French Guyana, early Sunday. The 2,775kg satellite was injected into space about 30 minutes after the lift-off The Ariane 5G launch vehicle also carried two other spacecraft -- SMART-1, Europe's first lunar probe, and the Eutelsat e-BIRD broadband services satellite. Soon after it went into orbit, the Master Control Facility at Hassan, Karnataka, acquired the first signals from the satellite, Indian Space Research Organisation sources in Bangalore said. The INSAT-3E was scheduled for launch in August, but a quality alert from Japanese firm Mitsubishi, which supplied some components, forced ISRO to retest certain equipment
Pressler gets a hug and loves it
Sunday, September 28, 2003
US Senator Larry Pressler wanted his first trip to Kerala to be exclusively spiritual. He wanted to be hugged by India's most famous godwoman, Mata Amritanandamayi. He also wanted to enjoy the beauty of the 'God's own country,' as they call this southern state. Pressler did get a warm hug from the Amma and he did spend time in Kerala's famed backwaters, but he also ended up talking politics, India-Pakistan politics, to be more precise. As Pressler learnt from a group Kerala fishermen the ancient method of fishing using Chinese nets at Fort Kochi, he exclaimed: "Oh, this is wonderful -- the fishing and the backwaters." He was clearly in communion with the God and his country. "This is the best thing about India. Wherever you go, there is variety and beauty. That is why I love your country. Every journey of mine to India is a journey that imbibes in me new knowledge about the country's culture, religion and languages," Pressler, who is in Kochi to participate in Mata Amritanandamayi's 50th birthday celebrations, told rediff.com. Pressler travels to India often these days, mostly to Bangalore, where he is a full-time director on the board of information technology giant, Infosys Technologies. These days, the senator says, he is busy setting up an India institute in Washington. "I have initiated the process of establishing an India institute, which will be a non-profit organisation. The basic agenda of the institute will be to help forge a better understanding of India in the United States," he said. He said India's biggest strength is its democracy. "There is no other vibrant democratic country like India. Elections are held here impartially and free," he said. Pressler said there is an urgent need, especially in the US, for a better understanding of India and her problems. "I am sure this institute will tremendously help in this regard," he added. Pressler believes that India, like the US, is a misunderstood country. "Look at it. The menace of terrorist activities is greater in Pakistan. But always, India's problems with Pakistan are taken as an Indo-Pak squabble. "I predict that in the next 25 years, India's biggest challenge will not be Pakistan, but China. I expect a greater military challenge for India from China in the years to come," Pressler said. "In the years to come, I expect China to be a military threat even to the US. The Chinese role in the world power sharing will be very decisive," he added. In Kerala, Pressler took time off to talk diplomacy with a number of Indian leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani. "I have invited Advani to the US. I am keen to see Advani coming to the US and presenting India's case before US Congressmen," Pressler said. He sees a real threat of a nuclear conflagration in the sub-continent. "I fear that the next India-Pakistan war will be a nuclear one. That itself is a pressing reason for both countries to talk peace, urgently and immediately," Pressler said.
Govt. to take part in Amrita Trust's project
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Govt. to take part in Amrita Trust's project Kochi, Sept. 27. : The Kerala Government would join hands with the Amritanandamayi Charitable Trust in a housing scheme taken up by it for poor people, State Revenue Minister K M Mani said today. Speaking at the valedictory function of the 50th birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi, Mani said the Government would extend land for the construction of the houses free of cost under the 'Amritakuteeram project' while the Trust would construct the houses and make them available to poor people free of charge. Lauding the scheme, he exhorted other non-Governmental agencies in the State to implement such model schemes and help the Government solve housing problem. As a first step, necessary land to construct 5,000 houses in various districts of the State would be made available by the Government, he said, adding a pilot scheme would be implemented immediately in Ernakulam district. The required land had already been identified by authorities. The presentation of keys to the 108 houses constructed by the Math in collaboration with Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) was also held at the function.
All new faces in Symphony
Sunday, September 28, 2003
IV Sasi's Symphony has new faces. The shooting of the film will start at the end of this month at Kumarakom. Mahesh Mitra writes the script for the film. At the same time, Sasi's Aabharanacharthe will be released on October 2.
Hariharan Pillay Happy Aanu
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Everybody working in building contractor Hariharan Pillai's ( Mohanlal) carpentry workshop is happy. The reason for them to be happy is the presence of the chief carpenter Jagathy Sreekumar (Vasu) who has Cochin Haneefa, Salim Kumar, Machan Varghese, Kalabhavan Martin as assistant carpenters. But this happiness did not last too long. One day Hariharan Pillai found out that the wood purchased for a good amount was sold by Vasu outside for a bigger price. Vasu is sacked by Hariharan Pillai. The problems that Vasu creates for Hariharan Pillai forms the story. Mohanlal portrays a building contractor who raises his voice against social evils. Jyothirmayi will be the heroine of this film. Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu another comedy film from Mohanlal is produced by Johnny Sagarika and directed by Vaduthala Viswam, an assistant of Priyadarshan. Kairali TV Sing and Win fame Nikhil too acts in this film. After a Pizhichil (massage treatment) at a famous Ayurvedic health centre near Shornnur, Mohanlal will start work on this film. After this movie, Mohanlal will be doing the role of a cop in Naren, Ranji Panicker's debut film.
Dileep dumps friends, joins detractors!
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Dileep dumps friends, joins detractors! Dileep has decided not to do Rafi Mecartin directed Chathiyan Chanthu and has instead given bulk dates to Priyadarshan. This has created tremors in the Malayalam film industry. Rafi Mecartin, the director duo and producer-distributor Lal have been the guiding light of Dileep during his struggling days. They have dished our superhits like Punjabi House, Tenkasipattanam and Kalyana Raman. So it came as a shock when Dileep walked out of Chathiyan Chanthu, over monetary matters. Lal who is a leading distributor was not willing to pay Dileep his current fee and insisted on the old terms, which is said to have irked the star. On the other hand Priyadarshan who had recently told the press that he would not do a Malayalam film, has changed his mind. He wanted to shake off his over dependence on Mohanlal, his childhood buddy and do a Dileep film. Priyan has got his one-line script ready, which is said to be based on a Jim Carrey crime thriller with a comic touch. The film is likely to be launched in December and will be a start-to-finish project which may release for Vishu 2004. But more twists can happen in Dileep’s latest roller-coaster ride.
Mohanlal in Kannada film
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Mohanlal who has lost weight and looks trim for his role in Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu revealed that after finishing the current movie he would be doing the police officer role in Naren the film directed by Renji Panicker. After the Renji film he would be acting the lead role in Love, a Kannada film directed by Rajinder Singh Babu. Lal plays the taxi driver who speaks Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. Lal for the first time acted in Iruvar the Tamil film directed by Manirathinam and later in Company the Hindi film directed by Ramgopal Varma. This is fourth non-Malayalam film. He also acted in Popcarn the Tamil film directed by Nasser.
Rajiv bagged three awards in New York Festival
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Rajijv Anchal's new English film, Beyond the Soul, has bagged three prestigious awards in New York International Film Festival. This is the first time a Malayali director made such a spectacular achievement in New York festival. He has got awards for best direction, screenplay and Grand Jury Prize. Rajiv Anchal's English movie, Beyond the Soul, is the first Hollywood movie made by a Malayali director. (Though SIXTH SENSE fame Manoj Night Shyamalan has some Kerala root, he is a US citizen.) BEYOND THE SOUL by Rajiv Anchal was an amazing film. The story is about the search for a cure for a rich American person who has an incurable disease. His doctor feels the cure perhaps lies in the traditional system of medicine Ayurveda and the doctor arrives in Kerala. "The doctor meets an Ayurveda practitioner in Kerala and gets a vision that reveals the source of his patient's mysterious illness," said Anchal. The star Thampy Antony, brother of Malayalam actor Babu Antony, has acted as the spiritual advisor. Stan Christensen plays the role of an American doctor, who visits Kerala to learn the healing power of ayurveda to help his patient suffering from a rare skin disease. Other actors are: Scott Anderson, Brian Berta and Melanie Braxdon. The Golden Wings Cinema production was filmed in India and in the United States. Writer/director Rajiv Anchal filmed the Indian sequences in collaboration with cinematographer Ramachandra Babu. Keith Gruchala was the Director of Photography in Chicago. Noted Vidya Sagar composed the music. Rajiv Anchal did have one of his films GURU submitted for India's entry in the 1997 Foreign Film Oscar Submissions. It did not get nominated for the "Oscar's" that year, but has received praise in India. Of Anchal's seven Malayalam films, three are on spirituality. All of them were fairly successful, though none was a runaway hit.
Meera Jasmine busy in Tollywood
Sunday, September 28, 2003
She has only one hit, RUN, to her credit. Her second film, PUTHIYA GEETHAI, was a flop. Her first film was opposite Madhavan, the second opposite Vijay. While acting In PUTHIYA GEETHAI she has created many problems to the producer Vishwas Sunder. That's why Vishwas Sunder was forced to call Amisha Patel, bollywood actress, at last minute and he even changed the story line. Despite these tantrums, Meera Jasmine is the most sought-after heroine in the Tamil film industry. Reason: Her outgoing style and flexibility in acting. She has the best banners calling her and she stars in films opposite the most popular heroes. Now she once again joins with Madhavan in a new movie KATHALNIDHI to create another box office hit after RUN. Kaveri acts as the second lead character. Malayali producer, Tom George, who scored a big hit in Malayalam recently through MEERAYUDE DHUKKAVUM MUTHUVINTE SWAPNAVUM will produce KATHALNIDHI. Azhgappan, a malayalam cameraman, debuts as a director through this movie. Shooting of this film will start by November in Pollachi. Now, she is acting in two films: ANJANEYA, directed by Maharajan (who earlier directed VALLARASU with Vijayakant and INDIAN with Sunny Deol). Her co-star is Ajit. She also features in Azhagam Perumal's JOOT opposite Srikkant. Vivek and Malayalam actor Murali will do important roles in this movie. It's shooting schedule is progressing in Chennai. News is that Mani Ratnam has also signed her for his next film. There are three heroines in this film. Simran and Thrisha will do the other lead roles. Meera will be the heroine of Surya in this Mani Ratnam movie.
Rafi-Macartin to create magic with Dileep
Sunday, September 28, 2003
After an ever super hit movie THENKASHIPATTANAM directors Rafi-Macartin team were in silence. Now after a gap they come with Dileep to create another box office hit. Their next venture with Dilep has been titled as CHATHIYAN CHANDU. In the past two years Rafi-Macartin wrote screenplays. One for director Shafi's film ONE MAN SHOW, second one for Director Jayaraj's movie THILAKKAM. Both were average success. CHATHIYAN CHANDU is a comedy movie like other typical Rafi-Macartin movies. Laila, a Tamil actress, has been cast in the lead opposite Dileep. Laila who first acted in a Malayalam film opposite Vikram went on to be a big star in Tamil. Now after a gap she comes back to Malayalam. She is doing a lead role in Vinayan's LOVE AND WAR too. Jagathy, Cochin Haneefa, Harishree Ashokan, Janardhanan, Salim Kumar too act in the film. CHATHIYAN CHANDU is produced under the banner Lal Creations. Rafi pens the story, screenplay for the film. The pooja and recording of the film was recently held in Lal Media Studio in Ernakulam. Siddique and Lal together lit the lamp at the pooja ceremony. Later seven songs penned by Girish Puthencherry were recorded. The production will begin in October and will be shot in four locations.
Curtain down on four-day Amritavarsham 50 fete
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Curtain down on four-day Amritavarsham 50 fete Mata Amritanandamayi greets visitors during her 50th birthday celebrations in Kochi on Saturday. More than half a million people from 191 countries have attended the celebrations dedicated to the Mata, commonly known as 'Amma'. Reuters KOCHI: There is every need to rekindle the Indian ethos of tolerance and acceptance of all religions, the Vice-President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, said on Saturday. Addressing the valedictory ceremony of the Amritavarsham 50 celebrations at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here, Shekhawat said the process of globalisation, which has brought in cut-throat competition in all fields, should be used to harmonise global values and create a ``more co-operative human society.'' All development activities should focus on eradicating poverty and uplifting the poor, the Vice-President said. ``I know what it is to be poor, I myself was born into the category of the common man,'' he said addressing thousands who had gathered at the stadium. Technological and scientific progress should be coupled with spiritual re-awakening in the masses for social cohesion thus instilling the virtues of compassion, tolerance, gentleness and truthfulness. Unless there is a growth from within, there is no growth at all, he said. India, as a nation, can contribute much to the spiritual re-awakening of the world. ``We need noble souls to guide us. India has had a succession of leaders whose precepts and practices have taught us how man is not merely a high primate but a part of the divine,'' he went on to add. Praising the efforts of Mata Amritanandamayi in providing succour to the needy, the Vice-President said that she has succeeded in expressing her compassion ``not in mere words, but in actual deeds.'' It was this aspect that had attracted him to her teachings, Shekhawat said. On the occasion, the Vice-President presented the ``Amritakeerthi National Award for Outstanding Contributions to Indian Culture and Vedic Tradition'' to Shankar Abhayankar, author, and editor of ``Saints of India.'' ``The Amrithakeerthi State Award for Outstanding Contributions to Indian Culture and Vedic Tradition'' was presented to M H Shastri, retired professor, Sanskrit College, Thiruvananthapuram. The award carries a purse of Rs 1,23,456 and a citation. Revenue Minister K M Mani said the State Government will provide land free of cost to the Mata Amritanandamayi Math for the second phase of the Amritakudeeram project. In the first phase, land will be provided for constructing 5000 houses in various districts. A pilot scheme will be launched shortly in Ernakulam, he said. Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, S Thirunavukkarasu, released the Amritavarsham postal cover and cancellation by handing over the first cover to the Madhya Pradesh Minister Narendra Nahatha. Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) chairman Prof Antony Isaac handed over the keys of houses the Math has built on land provided by GCDA at Ambalamugal to 15 women. Mata Amritanandamayi, who was celebrating her 50th birthday today, was present throughout the function. Karnataka Governor T M Chaturvedi, Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court Jawaharlal Gupta, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice P C Thomas, Union Minister of State for Defence Chaman Lal, Minister for Fisheries K V Thomas also spoke.
Cong feud: action on dissidence likely to be delayed
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Cong feud: action on dissidence likely to be delayed THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An imminent crisis in Congress here seems to have been averted by the high command's decision to set up a high level panel to probe the dissident activity by the Karunakaran camp during the run-up to crucial Lok Sabha by-poll from Ernakulam, instead of summary action against the rebels. Constitution of the three-member panel headed by L P Sahi to look into the banner of revolt raised by the "I" faction is seen by political observers as a last-ditch effort to bring about truce in the party, which came perilously close to a split. While the hard-liners in the anti-Karunakaran camp wanted the dissidence to be crushed once and for all, moderates preferred a blow-hot-blow-cold approach in dealing with the veteran leader who had openly positioned himself against the party candidate M O John on the ground that the Ernakulam seat had been snatched away from his faction with the rivals colluding with the central leadership. Sahi had indicated the panel would be getting down to the job in the first week of October, which meant that the outcome in Ernakulam, where counting is to be taken up on September 29, would also be taken into account. Karunakaran, who unleashed a rather personalised offensive against Chief Minister A K Antony on the eve of the poll, had hinted that on his own he would not go out of the party. However, he had said he would fight back any effort to "wipe off" the "I" faction. The reported statement of Sahi that the grievances of the "I" faction would also be looked into is seen as a signal that the central leadership did not want to foreclose chances of a rapprochement. The fact that the high command refrained from taking action solely on the basis of reports from AICC observers for Ernakulam by-poll, Veerappa Moily and G K Vasan, has also reinforced the view that harsh measures on the eve of general elections would be avoided as far as possible. What would have otherwise been a listless UDF-LDF tussle when just a few months were left for the term of the present Lok Sabha to expire, the Ernakulam by-poll turned out to be a keenly-watched affair with the never-ending inner-party strife taking a worst-ever turn. The by-poll was also seen as a testing ground for a possible political realignment with the CPI-M Leaders hinting during the campaign that the party was not altogether averse to do business With Karunakaran, seen for long as the pivot of anti-Marxist pole in the state. Kerala developments are also expected to come up in the CPI-M Central committee meeting scheduled to begin on Sunday in Delhi.
Pressure mounting on Antony for CBI probe into Marad
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Pressure mounting on Antony for CBI probe into Marad THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOCHI: Pressure is building on Chief Minister A.K.Antony for a CBI probe into the Marad carnage with more and more national organisations coming up with the demand for a more serious follow-up action including an investigation by a central agency. The national bodies which have already put pressure on the State Government on the issue include the National Human Rights Commission, National Backward Classes Commission, National Commission for SC/ST and the National Commission for Women. Talking to newspersons in Kochi on Saturday, National Commission for Women chairperson Poornima Advani said the Commission would ask the State Government to order a CBI inquiry into the Marad incident. ``The Commission will soon visit Marad. If the Government fails to take a decision within a month, we will intervene in the issue,'' she said. Chairman of the National Commission for SC/ST Bizay Sonkar Sastri will also visit Marad in the first week of October to make an on-the-spot study of the situation. Poornima said an inquiry by the central agency was needed as the kin of victims still feel that fair justice has not been done. ``Though the need for a CBI inquiry was brought to the Government's notice, the commission received only a formal reply that the request was being considered,'' she said. Poornima said she had also written to the Government in her capacity as the ex-officio member of the NHRC. ``Reply to that communiqué was also not satisfactory,'' she said. The people have no faith in local police. Their demand for a CBI probe should be respected. The Government had no reservations in ordering a CBI inquiry into Muthanga firing. ``The Araya Samajam members also belong to the backward class. Their demand should also be considered,'' she said. When asked about rehabilitation of Muslim families, Poornima said the displaced families should be replaced. ``But the Government should ensure that an equilibrium is maintained. A CBI probe should be ordered before undertaking rehabilitation works,'' she said. Poornima said the commission had received a list of demands from Araya Samajam which includes framing the accused under POTA, family pension for next of kin of injured and education assistance to children of deceased and injured. The National Commission for SC/ST had written to the NHRC immediately after the Marad carnage demanding stringent action against the culprits. The SC/ST Commission had also supported the demand for a CBI probe into the carnage. The National Backward Classes Commission Chairman Justice Ram Soorat Singhhad written to the Chief Minister expressing serious concern over Marad developments. It had even sent some of its officials for a preliminary assessment of the situation.
Foreign devotees--the cynosure of all eyes
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Foreign devotees--the cynosure of all eyes KOCHI: They only comprised a few thousands of the nearly two lakh- strong congregation that flocked daily to the Kaloor stadium to participate in the Amritavarsham celebrations. Yet, foreigners made their presence felt much more than the others here. Whether it be their fancy to deck in ``Indian'' attire, their longing to be doing something useful, their valiant efforts to capture all the sights around them on film or their state-of-the-art equipment, the foreign devotees and mediapersons managed to remain the cynosure of all eyes. Nearly 2,500 ``international'' devotees registered with the Math for the celebrations, in addition to the 40-odd mediapersons. But there were several hundred others, who came on their own. Unofficial estimates peg their number around 6,000. Ishwari Devi, an American handling ``foreign affairs'' at the venue said that around the globe, devotees had been making plans for coming to India for the big bash. ``We started an online registration, and people from just all the countries logged in,'' she said. Although the Americans, as usual, dominated over the rest in terms of numbers, the Europeans too were abundant. There were devotees from almost all nations of the European Union, including Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Also seen were a smattering of Japanese, Malaysians, Australians and Singaporeans. The flock cut a swathe across class barriers. ``On the one hand were rich businessmen and on the other we had people who've scouted around for funds to be able to make this trip,'' said another volunteer. How did these people, who could not even follow Malayalam, become such staunch followers of the hugging saint? There are as many answers as there are devotees. ``Amma speaks the language of love. She understands us,'' says Nancy, a Californian. Another says she dreamed of a saviour and only a few days later, was introduced to Amma. ``I understood my dream then,'' he asserts. For several devotees, the next stop will be the Amritapuri ashram at Kollam, where they can spend some days in peace and meditation. ``These four says have been too rushed. We've not been able to have a spiritual experience here,'' said one Canadian devotee. For the others, this encounter with spirituality is enough. Next on schedule is a brush with other Indian exotica -- the Taj and Khajuraho for example. After medical tourism, spiritual tourism might just be the next big boon for the industry.
Boat show draws sighs of admiration
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Boat show draws sighs of admiration KOCHI: Her sleekly-contoured body glistens in the light, drawing huge sighs of admiration. She skims over the waters at a cool 80-km per hour. Priced at a whopping Rs 5 lakh, this to-die-for object of desire is one of the numerous models on display at the India International Boat Show at the Le Meredian. The show was inaugurated by Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly Vakkom Purushothaman on Friday morning. ‘‘The next big boom, after four-wheelers, will be in boats,’’ prophesied T Balakrishnan, Secretary, Kerala Tourism. The three-day expo showcases an armada of water vehicles, ranging from the placid rice-husk-thatched houseboats to the above-mentioned Polaris jet ski. The organisers, Kerala Tourism and India Trade Promotion Council, hope to see brisk business deals being concluded over the next couple of days. According to Balakrishnan, there is an untapped potential for the development of water sports, water transport and leisure boats. But despite the growing market, there is no regular boat expo in this part of the continent. ‘‘The closest boat shows are at Dubai or Singapore,’’ he said. Of the 60-odd participants at the show, 11 are from abroad. ‘‘Almost 145 buyers have already registered and more inquiries are pouring in,’’ Balakrishnan said. The buyer market largely comprises organisations like the Police, Navy, Coast Guard and, the hotel and tourism industries. Individual buyers are few. ‘‘We’d say business is good, but the products are only for a select, niche market,’’ said a spokesperson of Costa’s, the Goa-based firm marketing the Polaris jet ski. Tourism and Fisheries Minister K V Thomas said Kerala’s tourism sector was experiencing an unprecedented boom. ‘‘Our half-yearly tourism growth is 28 percent while the all-India growth is just 8 percent,’’ he said. The Speaker concurred that Kerala had tremendous potential for developing its ‘‘aquamarine industry.’’ Also present at the inauguration was MLA Dominique Presentation. The exhibition will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday.
Presidential visit enthuses Al-Ameen kids
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Presidential visit enthuses Al-Ameen kids KOCHI: The students of Al-Ameen Public School, Edapally, had a rare guest on Friday. A P J Abdul Kalam, President of India, found time to visit the school amidst his busy schedule in the city. While addressing the students, the President exhorted them not to receive any gifts without the knowledge of the elders, as gifts are often accompanied by some purpose. While accepting gifts, the divine light in a person gets extinguished. Kalam narrated an incident of his childhood days, when his father got angry and had beaten him up for accepting a gift. In 1948, his father was elected president of a block panchayat in Rameshwaram. On that day, when his parents were performing the evening `namas,' someone came to their house and gave a `thambulam' to Kalam. ``When my father returned after his prayers, he found a costly dothi, `angavastram,' fruits and sweets in the gift box. For the first time I saw my father in an angry mood. And it was the first time I got a thorough beating from him,'' he said. While advising him against receiving gifts, his father had quoted a Hadith which says, ``When the Almighty appoints a person to a position, He takes care of his provision. If a person takes anything beyond that, it is but an illegal gain.'' That lesson still stands out in my mind even during my seventies, he said. For the evolution of a prosperous, happy and peaceful society, we need freedom from war; war within and outside the mind. The road map for graduating ourselves into an enlightened human being includes education with value system, spirituality and visionary polices. During an interactive session with the students, the President gave a call for learning, creativity, knowledge and clear thinking which together make a person really great. He also advised the students to have an aim in life and to work hard for attaining the goal. Kalam asked the students about their dream or their likely plans in future. The children wanted to lead the nation to progress and become persons who can contribute something to it, the President was told. Answering a question on the different religions mentioned in his book 'Wings of Fire', Kalam said that he had the experience of religious amity while he was in Kerala where he lived for two decades. ``The inspiration behind my becoming a scientist were my parents, teachers and co-workers. There were several vicissitudes in my life and I knew how to overcome failures,'' he said. The Communal Harmony Award instituted by the school was presented to Malayala Manorama chief editor K M Mathew. He received it on behalf of the Balajanasakhyam, which was honoured for its relentless effort to spread the message of religious amity. Chief Minister A K Antony, Local Administration Minister Cherkalam Abdullah, Dr Mumtaz Ahmmed Khan, founder, Al-Ameen Movement and A A Kochunni, chairman, Al-Ameen Educational Trust were also present. T P M Ibrahim Kahn, manager of the School, welcomed the gathering and Jayaprabha Pradeep, principal, proposed a vote of thanks.
Kalam's `Song of Youth' to make India a developed nation
Sunday, September 28, 2003
KOCHI: ``As a young citizen of India Armed with technology and knowledge; And love for the nation; I realise that small aim is a crime; I will work and sweat for a great vision; A vision of transforming India into a developed nation; Powered by economic strength and value system.'' The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium vibrated with 1, 00,000 echoes as delegates of the youth meet repeated each line of the `Song of Youth' composed and recited by President A P J Abdul Kalam at the Amritavarsham-50 youth meet held on Friday. The President also made the delegates take a 10-point oath to make this world a better place to live in. He exhorted the youth to embrace religious and cultural values while pursuing new realms of knowledge. ``Love whatever profession you would join, teach at least 10 persons to read and write, plant 10 saplings, reform five persons from the habit of addiction...,'' the President said while giving the youth a new textbook of life. ``There is only one message I want to give,'' Kalam said. ``Learning gives creativity; creativity leads to thinking; thinking provides knowledge; and knowledge makes you great.'' Never stop dreaming and questioning. These faculties should be nurtured as they lead to invention, the President said citing the life of Prof C V Raman. ``I am giving you this message after a lot of thinking. I searched for answers for two questions. How India will become a great nation by 2020? Waht's our strength? And I realised that it wll depend on what youth can dream and perform to change the nation,'' the President said. Also, Kalam said, an economically strong civilisation has to be integrated with spiritual and cultural values to make it happen. But the surprise at Amritavarsham-50 on Friday was the Malayalam speech by Union Minister Sushma Swaraj. Inaugurating the Amrita Dental College, she said the institutions run by the Amritanandamayi Math inculcated values among its students. ``Youth signifies energy, dynamism and vibrancy. If their energy is channelled, they can create and build. But wrong approach to life would destroy them. I'm sure that no student of Amrita institutions would deviate from the right path,'' she said. Speaking on the occasion, cine artist Mammootty said the youth should generate love in them for living in peace. Each of you should redefine and reinvent love in you, Mammootty said. Spiritual leader and environmentalist Hanne Strong advised the students to lead an eco-friendly life to make the earth a better place. B V Jagadeesh, founder, Exodus Communications, actor Jackie Shroff, Bawa Jain, chairman of The World youth Peace Summit, Srikant Jichkar, former Maharashtra Minister and Kuki Gallmann, founder, Gallmann Memorial Foundation also spoke. The Mata later introduced the Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique (I AM) to the devotees.
By-poll: BJP leaders take contradictory stand
Sunday, September 28, 2003
BJP state secretary K Raman Pillai on Saturday contradicted the statement of party leader P P Mukundan that the candidature of V Vishwanatha Menon had created confusion in the minds of BJP voters. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Raman Pillai said that as far as the party is concerned, there was no confusion at all. " The party decided to support Menon after weighing all the pros and cons. The decision was unanimous too. So if somebody feels that it created confusion, I don't know the basis of such an observation. Anyway, it has not been authorized by the party," Pillai said. The BJP leader also made it clear that if it was found any BJP leader facilitated vote hijacking this time, strict action would be taken against him. When asked whether vote hijacking has taken place in Ernakulam, Pillai said that if the BJP share of votes dwindled, it meant only one thing. Meanwhile, CPI state secretary Veliyam Bhargavan alleged that Mukundan's statement has proved that the BJP votes have gone in favour of UDF in the by-poll.
Countdown begins for INSAT-3E launch
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Countdown has begun for the launch of India's latest exclusive communication satellite INSAT-3E along with two other spacecraft on board the 162nd flight of Ariane from European spaceport Kourou in French Guyana early on Sunday. The mission's Ariane 5G launch vehicle has already been transferred from its final assembly building to the launch zone. According to Arianespace, all is on schedule for the liftoff of Flight 162 with the three-satellite payload of Europe's SMART-1 lunar probe, the Eutelsat e-BIRD broadband services satellite, and the Indian Space Research Organisation's INSAT-3E telecommunications/video broadcast platform. The 19-minute-long launch window for Flight 162 opens at 4.32 am IST on Sunday. The launch of INSAT-3E, the largest of Flight 162's payloads, will be telecast live by Doordarshan (DD-1) from 4.02 am IST. Weighing 2,775 kg at lift-off, INSAT-3E is the fourth satellite to be launched in the INSAT-3 series and has 24 C-band and 12 Extended C-band transponders to replace INSAT-2DT and leased transponders besides augmenting the present capacity of INSAT for communication and TV services
Shekhawat calls for spiritual awakening
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice President of India said that spiritual awakening was necessary for overall development of the society. Speaking at Amrithavarsham 50, in Kochi on Saturday, Shekhawat said that only a spiritually strengthened mind could work for the upliftment of the society. The Vice President, in his speech, also lauded the social work of the Amma and her Trust. He said that Amma has set a right example in dedication, love and social service for the world to follow. Shekhawat later distributed the Amrithakeerthi awards. Mata Amrithanandamayi, who is turning 50 on Saturday, was present at the function. Addressing the devotees, the Mata said that one needs to have proper vision in life to overcome the obstacles. She said that each and everyone in this world should have the understanding that we all are the children of the same Divine Mother. As part of the birthday celebrations, Paadapooja and Haararpanam were held on Saturday morning. Ghazal concert of famous singer Jagjit Singh was also held. Amrithavarsham 50 ends on Saturday night.
Bring in transparency to clean up politics: Kalam
Friday, September 26, 2003
Bring in transparency to clean up politics: Kalam KOZHIKODE: President A P J Abdul Kalam on Thursday said politics could be cleansed by bringing in more transparency in the system. Transparency in political system could be brought in by incorporating Information Technology, he said in his interaction with the students of the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) at the campus at Kunnamangalam near here. ``Politics is clean. But you must try transparency in political system by incorporating Information Technology and openness in governing,'' he told the students. He also urged the students to manage failure in life and endeavours. The ability to learn from failure is the unique quality of a leader, he said. Chief Minister A K Antony, IIMK chairman K P P Nambiar, IIMK director A H Kalro, U C Raman, MLA, were also present on the occasion. Earlier, at the convocation ceremony at the Calicut University, Dr Kalam said Kerala has good growth potential in e-nursing and tele-medicine. Kerala has brought in a revolution in women's education and profession of nursing, he said. The President conferred DLitt on eminent jurist Justice V R Krishna Iyer and artist M F Husain and DSc on UGC Chairman Prof. Arun Nigavekar. Governor Sikhandar Bhakt, Chief Minister A K Antony and Vice-Chancellor Dr Syed Iqbal Hasnain attended the function. A combination of Ayurveda and modern biotechnology has the potential to provide for the nation a clean industry which could become a primary engine for its growth and prosperity, Kalam said while inaugurating the Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR) set up by Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala (AVS) at Chankuvetti in Malappuram district. PWD Minister, Dr M K Muneer, noted agricultural scientist, M S Swaminathan, Tata Sons Director, R K Krishnakumar, AVS Managing Trustee, Dr P K Warrier and General Manager A R Sankaranarayanan spoke. In his address after dedicating the Kinfra Food Processing Industrial Park to the nation at the Kinfra Park premises at Kakkancherry, in Malappuram district, Kalam exhorted the Kerala farmers to adopt contract farming, taking the cue from Punjab. ``Kerala has rich natural resources like coconut and fish. To utilise these resources, more food processing units should be set up,'' Kalam said. Chief Minister A K Antony presided. Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries N T Shanmugam, State Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty, Chief Secretary N Chandrasekharan Nair and K N A Khader were present. The President also interacted with the students at the Veda Vyasa Vidyalaya near here, in his last engagement in Kozhikode. Earlier, Dr Kalam, who reached was given a warm welcome at the Karipur Airport in the morning. The President who arrived at 10.55 am by a special flight from Delhi, was received by Governor Sikander Bakth, Chief Minister A K Antony, Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty, Local Administration Minister Cherkalam Abdulla, Chief Secretary N Chandrasekharan Nair, DGP Hormis Tharakan among other officials.
`I' group ready to face action: Murali
Friday, September 26, 2003
`I' group ready to face action: Murali THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KPCC president K Muraleedharan on Thursday indicated here that the `I' group in the party was ready to face disciplinary action in connection with the developments in the party during the Ernakulam Lok Sabha bypoll. ``The threat of disciplinary action will not have any effect on those who are ready to face any eventuality,'' Muraleedharan said about the `I' group's determination during a chat with newsmen who called on him here. He also said that he would give a report on all the issues cropped up in the party during the Ernakulam Lok Sabha by-election to the Congress high command as soon as the verdict was out next Monday. But he had no plans to recommend disciplinary action against anyone in the party. According to Muraleedharan the party here had not authorised anyone to prepare a list of workers for disciplinary action. Asked about the complaint that senior party leader K.Karunakaran used indecent language against Chief Minister A.K.Antony, he said an explanation was already given by Karunakaran on the matter. However, the KPCC president added that it was unfortunate that the Chief Minister described Karunakaran as the villain of an ugly political drama. Muraleedharan further complained that Antony spoke mainly about groupism in the party during the election campaign in Ernakulam.
India has resources to progress, says Dr Kalam
Friday, September 26, 2003
India has resources to progress, says Dr Kalam Kozhikode, Sep 25 ''What makes President A P J Abdul Kalam different from his predecessors to believe that India will be a developed nation by 2020?'' To this question from a 15-year-old girl, the President has a definite answer: ''Because we have ample natural resources, huge human resources. Only what is needed is courage and vision,'' he said while interacting with over 1,100 students drawn from various schools in the district. ''I can tell you this, because I have already interacted with 2,00,000 students. All that we need is to ignite the minds of the young,'' he said during the interaction at the Veda Vyasa School. Dr Kalam asked the students to learn and excel to catch up with their dreams and make the illiterate around them literate with their efforts. ''And be the agents of God by planting a few saplings to make the earth beautiful,'' was the third task he gave to the students, in reply to another question. Dr Kalam urged the students to learn nobility and the value system through education. ''Learning leads to creativity, which leads to thinking. Thinking provides knowledge and it makes you great,'' he said. Giving some anxious moments to the security personnel, the President went straight to the students and mingled with them. He also accepted a drawing of his image, sketched by a physically challenged boy. As both his arms and legs were too weak to move, the boy, Jasfer, hailing from Edappal in Malappuram district, drew the picture with a pencil in his mouth and completed it just before the function. Moved by a question from a deaf student, the President asked the hearing impaired not to be depressed as everyone had one or the other potential in them.
Kerala Govt to harness US NRK expertise for IT
Friday, September 26, 2003
Kerala Govt to harness US NRK expertise for IT Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 American Indian Foundation (AIF), a leading institution building a bridge between the NRI community in the US and development activities in India, has pledged its partnership in the IT@School programme of the Kerala Government. The partnership envisages a three-year commitment of AIF to bring in resources, including funds, in terms of managing IT education at a few select schools, official sources said here today. As a first commitment, 100,000 US Dollar (Rs 4,500,000) has been announced by the AIF for immediate roll out of the programme in about 10-12 under-privileged schools either at Thiruvananthapuram or Ernakulam districts. The partnership has been a result of month-long interactions between the AIF and the State IT Department to evolve a platform for facilitating NRI community participation in development activities. According to the State IT Mission officials, it was only last week that the Foundation organised a fund-raising reception with former President Bill Clinton in San Francisco. The guests included luminaries from the Indian diaspora from across the country representing trustees and senior well wishers together with India-centric members of the local community, who wished to support the cause. Proceeds from this will go towards AIF's focus area and Digital Equalizer centers in India. The Kerala Government's pioneering initiatives in dissemination of IT at the grassroots through its IT@School and Akshaya projects have already caught the attention of the international organisations and the media. Akshaya envisages the setting up of over 5,000 telecentres at ward-level in every panchayat with each centre catering to about 1000-1200 households. The project envisages to train one member from every household (6.5 million households in the State) in basic computer usage. The telecentres will be connected to internet and data centers with large repository of local contents in key sectors like agriculture, and health. IT@School under the State Education department, envisages institutionalising computer education at school-level.
Panel to probe charges against Karunakaran
Friday, September 26, 2003
Panel to probe charges against Karunakaran 26-September-2003 NEW DELHI: Congress on Thursday set up a three-member committee headed by L P Sahi, Chairman of the party's disciplinary action committee to go into complaints that senior leader K Karunakaran and his faction leaders reportedly worked against the party candidate in the just-concluded Ernakulam byelection in Kerala. AICC General Secretary R K Dhawan and Karnataka PCC President B Janardhana Poojary are the other members of the committee constituted by party President Sonia Gandhi.
Sonia appoints committee to probe anti-party acts in Kerala
Friday, September 26, 2003
Sonia appoints committee to probe anti-party acts in Kerala New Delhi, Sep 25 Congress President Sonia Gandhi today constituted a three-member committee to probe the complaints of anti-party activities against the official Congress candidate in the just-concluded Ernakulam byelection to the Lok Sabha in Kerala. The Committee, headed by Chairman of the Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) L P Shahi, comprises Member Secretary of the DAC R K Dhawan and Karnataka PCC President B Janardan Poojary as the two other members. Certain party leaders of Kerala, including former Chief Minister K Karunakaran and his supporters, are alleged to have worked against Congress candidate M O John, a loyalist of Chief Minister A K Antony. They also allegedly issued statements damaging the prospects of the party candidate. The Committee will go through the reports of the observers, meet the leaders and if necessary visit the State. On the basis of these inputs, the Committee will submit its report with their recommendations for suitable action as early as possible, an AICC release issued here today by party General Secretary Oscar Fernandes said. Congress Spokesman Jaipal Reddy had indicated yesterday at a press conference that the party would consider taking action into complaints of anti-party activities during the byelection in Kerala only after submission of the report by party in-charge of Kerala Ahmad Patel and two observers G K Vasan and Veerappan Moily.
Kerala loses Titania plant to Tamil Nadu
Friday, September 26, 2003
Kerala loses Titania plant to Tamil Nadu 25-September-2003 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With steel giant Tata Steel signing an agreement with its consortium partners for setting up a titania project in Tamil Nadu, yet another industrial unit which would have provided job opportunities for a few hundreds, eluded the Kerala coast. The consortium partners who signed with Tamil Nadu are from Finland, USA and Germany. With a vast stretch of mineral rich sand beach in Kerala, what made the Tatas turn to Tamil Nadu is a case study for the planners and decision makers of the state. The person who is most saddened by the Tata Group decision is Jiji Thomson, former Secretary of the Industries Department of the Government of Kerala. Thomson, the main brain behind the Global Investors Meet (GIM) was so shocked by the turn of events. "Kerala has the potential and scope to exploit the mineral rich sands in the western coastline. I consider this development of the Tatas looking towards the Tamil Nadu coast for the Titania project as the indecisiveness on the part of our leadership," said Jiji Thomson to asianetglobal.com. The suave IAS officer lists a number of reasons for the investors thinking thrice before making any overtures to the offers made by the Kerala. "Instead of asking what is wrong with our system, we should ask what is right here. Had we moved with a sense of dedication and devotion, no doubt, this project would have come to Kerala," says Jiji Thomson. Any NRIs familiar with the system of Kerala will hesitate to invest in the state. "Even after explaining everything in details, investors are sceptical to deal with the leadership. Uncertainity happens to be our hallmark,"laments Jiji Thomson who has a number of incidents to tell starting from the fiasco of the Kochin Industrial Drinking Water Scheme and the skybus system because of liberal dose of politics. "I do not know the reason. You may better ask the Principal Secretary (Industries) or someone in that level. There was a proposal to have the plant at Chavara. Then for such things to happen, you have to talk with the Tatas and convince them about your capability,"said V Ramachandran, Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board. The plant is expected to come up at Tuticorin. With the state of Kerala still under the GIM hangover, the neighbouring Tamil Nadu, worked a miracle by convincing the Tatas about the scope of setting up a unit in the state. Hari S Kartha, a senior financial analyst based in Kerala refuses to term the titania project as a coup carried out by Tamil Nadu. "It is the result of some hard work done by the TN administration. The Tatas might have understood the sincerity of the Tamil Nadu administration and the bureaucracy and there is nothing more than that. Had we too worked like that, the plant would have become a symbol of the begining of a new era in Kerala,"said Hari. Well, if the words of these two are to be believed, the powers that be in the state has to do a lot of explaining in days to come on the Tata group's new venture eluding the Kerala coast. There were reports that Volkswagen, the German Car giant was all set to open shop in Kerala. The manufacturers of the world famous Beetle and Polo cars chose Vishakapattanam in Andhra Pradesh as the hub of Asian activities.
All civilisations, religions important: Mata
Thursday, September 25, 2003
All civilisations, religions important: Mata KOCHI: All civilisations and religions are important and ``Mumbai, Gujarat, Iraq and America'' should not be viewed with one eye, said Mata Amritanandamayi at Amritavarsham- 50 which began on Wednesday at Jawaharlal International Nehru Stadium. Amma was speaking to thousands of devotees who had gathered for the Satsang. The world is a giant tree and if the parts are affected or diseased it will prove dangerous to the health of the whole tree, Amma said. Saying that the birthday itself was not important, she said what was required is God'd grace to make one's life complete and that a true devotee should rise above the barriers of caste and religion. While one might suffer from accidents not of one's own making, the belief in God will help him tide over the crisis as no amount of knowledge can avert suffering. Since one's life is determined by `Karma', one should strive to do good things and follow righteous paths to attain divine bliss and joy. To this end, institutions, the Government and media should act with responsibility, instilling right values and work for the greater and common good. Man, involved as he is with the outside world, does not see himself resulting in great sorrows. Once he learns to look within himself, he will realise his true potential and play a part in the general uplift of the society, she said.
Amritavarsham covered in website
Thursday, September 25, 2003
KOCHI: A web-coverage team, comprising reporters, feature writers, photographers, videographers and specialist writers will be covering every event round the clock to update the website. Some of the writers, all of whom are devotees, have vast national and international experience, like Judith Cornell, who wrote the book Amma: Healing the Heart of the World. News reports, features, and photographs of Amritavarsham-50 events will be uploaded every half-hour on the Amritavarsham website. Rare footage from vantage points will be webcast, along with interviews of VIPs from various fields and continents. The url of the website is www.amritavarsham.org. The Ashram has set up stalls to sell its products at the venue where books on Amma’s life and spiritual teachings, photographs, hand-made incense from the Ashram andd different kinds of natural medicines, from hair oil to pain balm, will be for sale. These stalls are located in several locations at the venue and are manned by ashram Brahmacharis and Brahmacharinis.
‘I’ group openly canvasses votes for LDF
Thursday, September 25, 2003
‘I’ group openly canvasses votes for LDF KOCHI: In the first-ever election that saw one faction in the Congress openly campaigning for CPM-backed Independent Sebastian Paul, about 67 percent voters lined up before the 1,200-odd booths in the Ernakulam constituency to elect its representative to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The bypoll, which caught nationwide attention due to its political undercurrents, also saw ex-comrade V Viswanatha Menon being deserted by the saffron brigade as well as AKG-BTR-EMS Janakeeya Vedi. The constituency-wise break-up is as follows: Ernakulam 63.16, Aluva 70.08, Paravoor 70.90, Njarakkal 68.05, Tripunithura 67.23, Mattancherry 59.53 and Palluruthy 67.57. While the above-60 voting percentage immediately brought cheers to the UDF camp, the LDF also maintained that it was equally hopeful about winning the bypoll. The Left is pinning its hopes on the open support by ‘I’ faction and minority votes which may not have fallen in Poonthura Siraj’s kitty. In fact, the ‘I’ group leaders were openly canvassing for Sebastian Paul. Many of them, like Kalamassery municipal chairman Jamal Manakkadan and V K Hamsa of Kadungalloor, were seen urging the voters to watch TV. The ‘I’ group support was most visible in Mattancherry, Kalamassery, Choornikkara, Manackapady and Edathala. ‘‘Don’t forget Leader and Marad,’’ was the common appeal.
UDF candidate John in comfortable position: Vasan
Thursday, September 25, 2003
UDF candidate John in comfortable position: Vasan KOCHI: AICC observer G K Vasan on Tuesday expressed satisfaction about UDF candidate M O John’s prospects in the Ernakulam bypoll. Vasan, who arrived at the polling booth at Ayyappankavu in Ernakulam after rushing through the parliamentary constituency, said that John was in a ‘‘comfortable position’’ and all Congressmen had worked together for the party’s victory today. Accompanied by Congress leaders, Vasan toured Tripunithura, Mattancherry, North Paravur, Njarackal, Ernakulam and Aluva constituencies on Tuesday. He pointed out that the bickerings within the party will not affect the outcome of the poll. ‘‘As it was a question of the party, I have faith that the votes fell for the hand symbol.’’ On Congress leader K Karunakaran’s recent remarks against Chief Minister A K Antony, Vasan said that AICC general secretary Ahmed patel who has been in the city for the past few days has ‘‘gauged the situation’’ and he was well aware of ‘‘things happening here.’’ On the skirmish at Mattancherry between the ‘I’ and ‘A’ groups, he said it will be brought to the notice of Patel.
How 2 men, their ancient rivalry put Congress on brink in Kerala
Thursday, September 25, 2003
How 2 men, their ancient rivalry put Congress on brink in Kerala ERNAKULAM: During her political probation, Sonia Gandhi, like most non-Malayalis would have thought that Kerala Congress is the unit of her own Congress. It isn't. In fact, this regional party is not even a single party. There are some four outfits that go by this name, each suffixed with its leader's name. Sonia's Congress is in no better shape in Kerala. Even by Congress standards, it must be a record to have at least five factions merrily and openly carrying on under the hand symbol. Of these, the two major factions led by A K Antony and K Karunakaran are making the kind of news that Sonia can't ignore. Karunakaran himself, daughter Padmaja and son Muraleedharan, who also heads the state PCC, have together done all they can to defeat rival Antony's and the party's official candidate M.O. John in the Ernakulam parliamentary by-poll. The silver jubilee turf feud between the 80-plus Karunakaran and the 60-plus Antony has long been part of the Kerala political lore. What is new is that it has become critical enough to upset the traditionally bi-polar state politics. Even the left has got sucked into it. And the rivalry itself has become so acute that once the by-poll results are out on September 29, even the best of Ayurvedic oils can't make the Congress bend backward enough to accommodate the two leaders. Karunakaran is expected to cheer the Left win, if that happens, louder and clearer than the Marxists. If the Congress candidate wins, Antony would emerge as the unassailable leader of a Congress minus Karunakaran and possibly the perpetual Jyoti Basu of a non-Left rule. No wonder the CPI(M) has started wooing Karunakaran in so many words. In the bargain, it has had to swallow a lot more than words. Forget permanent friends and enemies, permanent hostilities don't seem to work here. Karunakaran has been more consistently anti-Left than Antony who post-Emergency hobnobbed with the Left only to return soon enough to the Indira fold. If you want to hear how during the Emergency, Home Minister Karunakaran's cops handled the reds, ask Pinarayi Vijayan, the state secretary of the CPI(M). Again, it was Karunakaran who played the soft-Hindu Congressman to the hilt. His daily chant to the TV crew that turns up at his well-lit living room has been that Antony is running a non-Hindu (read Anti-Hindu) government. Antony did one-up by making soft-Togadia utterances and followed it up with more frequent visits to sants and godpersons. Like all feuds, this one has also had its occasional thawing. As it happened way back in the '80s when Muraleedharan entered parliamentary politics. Antony preferred him for the Kozhikode Lok Sabha seat over the heads of worthier aspirants while Karunakaran left the meeting to make a fatherly impartial visit to the toilet. Such choreographed bonhomie is unlikely to be replayed. More recently, Antony in his current avatar as pragmatic CM, wooed Murali and angered the father even more. This didn't last either. Now the prodigal son is back with the father but has made a measured by-poll-eve statement favouring both the party candidate and his under-revered father. The Ernakulam by-poll is turning out to the father of all battles for the Congress.
MBBS fee: HC stays govt order
Thursday, September 25, 2003
MBBS fee: HC stays govt order KOCHI: A Full Bench of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday stayed by majority the government order directing self-financing medical colleges in the State to admit candidates against 50 percent MBBS seats from the ranklist prepared by the Entrance Commissioner and fixing the fee payable by such students at Rs 11,825 per year, on a par with the students admitted in government colleges. Pushpagiri Medical Society, Tiruvalla, which had filed a writ petition challenging the order, was also permitted (by majority) to collect Rs 1.5 lakh as fee per year. Justice R Basant disagreed with the view expressed by the majority judges _ the Chief Justice Jawahar Lal Gupta and Justice A K Basheer _ and made a dissenting order. The majority judges took the view that the government order fixing the fee was in clear violation of the Supreme Court directives on the self-financing institutions. The apex court had held that the right to fix the fee was vested with the managements, subject to ratification by the committee headed by a judge. Further, the Government had stated before the High Court in a previous proceeding that it expends Rs 1.5 lakh per student studying in colleges run by it and on that basis a Division Bench had tentatively fixed the minimum fee at Rs 1.5 lakh. Subsequently, however, the Government fixed the fee at Rs 1.76 lakh for the year 2002-2003. The majority judges pointed out that the Government could not show the basis for fixing lower rate of fee this year. No material was placed to show how the expenses for running a medical college fell suddenly. Though the Government contended that a lower fee was fixed on the basis of a consensus arrived at at a meeting the managements and the Cabinet Sub-committee had, there were no minutes to that effect, signed by all the parties. The contention of the petitioner was that it was not a signatory to that consensus agreement. The majority judges opined that the management would suffer Rs 80 lakh per year if a lower fee is fixed. The Government has not shown that 50 students are poor so that they cannot afford to pay a higher fee. The judges were also of the view that the fee of Rs 1.5 lakh was exorbitant. According to the judges there no apparent justification for fixing a lesser fee when the students admitted during last year are made to pay Rs 1.76 lakh annually.
Ayodhya stir announced in Amma's Kochi
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Ayodhya stir announced in Amma's Kochi KOCHI: President of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and head of the influential Ramanandi sect Swami Nrityagopal, in Kochi to participate in the 50th birthday celebrations of Ma Amritanandamayi, brought up the Ayodhya issue. ``We shall definitely be doing something in Ayodhya in mid-October,'' he said, on the first day of ``Amritavarsha 50'', in the Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium. Swami Nrityagopal along with Murli Manohar Joshi had announced such a plan a fortnight ago in the VHP headquarters in Delhi. The difference between December 6, 1992 and October 2003 was to be that this time people would converge on Ayodhya merely as ``Rambhakts'', whereas a decade ago they had gone as ``Karsewaks''. However, no details of the proposed demolitions or deconstructions were specified. Accompanied by a select group of fellow sectarians from Ayodhya, including the prominent Kaushal Kishore Sharan aka ``Phalahari Baba'' and former MP from the region Dr Ram Vilas Vedanti, Swami Nrityagopal said: ``Janmat sangrah pe aadhar ek bar phir vibhajan karayenge toh desh ke hazaaron tukde ho jaayenge kyonki kahin gaon mein 80 per cent Mussalman hain. Yeh mandir-masjid ka sawaal nahin hai, asmita ka sawaal hai.'' (If we divide on the basis of demographics once again, the country will be splintered into little pieces, since 80 per cent of several villages are Muslim. This is not a temple-mosque issue, it is a question of selfhood.) The mahant drew the analogy of Sri Ramchandra fighting Ravan to retrieve Sita. He said: ``Many lives could have been saved if Lord Ram had decided to take a pacifist line on this and married again. But it was a question of selfhood. He had to do it. In this case, the legitimacy of the Hindu claim is obvious. Ayodhya has been venerated as Lord Ram's birthplace since ancient days. Hazrat Mohammed Sahib came only about 1,500 years ago. Babur came only four centuries ago. So why should anyone object to the deep Hindu need to make a temple on this holiest of holy places, when others have their places too?'' Swami Nrityagopal is in Kochi at the invitation of Ma Amritanandamayi to participate in her birthday celebrations with a special session to discuss the moral and material progress of India through the intervention of religion and spirituality. ``We were hugged by her and she is indeed like a Mother with her child,'' said the Mahants. This statement acquires special meaning given that ``Amma'' is a Dalit. ``But our sect, the Ramanandis, disdain caste, gender and religious bias. We bow only to God,'' said Swami Nrityagopal, adding: ``Jaat-paat poochhe nahi koi/Har ko bhaje so har ka hoi.'' (Who cares about anyone's origin/Seek only God to become blessed).
Solemn start to Amritavarsham
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani bows to receive a kiss from Mata Amritanandamayi after garlanding her at the Amritavarsham 50 inaugural at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi, on Wednesday. Chief Minister A K Antony and Union Minister P.C. Thomas look on. KOCHI: Basking in the heavenly glow of Mata Amritanandamayi, a sea of faces chanted ''Amma'' and waved thousands of tiny flags carrying the message of love and compassion as Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani inaugurated the Amritavarsham-50 celebrations here on Wednesday. Terming the event as ``an unprecedented and unique occasion'', Advani said the spiritual strength of a country was important than its advances in the fields of agriculture, industry or knowledge. ``Agriculture energised, industry enriched and knowledge enlightened this country. While these strengths are important, we believe that the spiritual strength is much more important. What has drawn all of us here is this feeling of spirituality,'' he said. Quoting from Alwyn Toffler's `Powershift', Advani said nations consider their strengths in physical, economic and knowledge spheres as important aspects of progress. ``But only spirituality elevates the society. And this fact adds to the relevance of personalities like Amma,'' he said. Sharing Advani's views, Chief Minister A K Antony said Amma's darshan helps cool off the most burning issues in one's mind. ``This is from my own experience. The Amma has a special power to sponge up one's pains. Her presence has brought values of love and compassion back to a strife-torn society,'' he said in his presidential address. ``Till date, Amma has not uttered a word that has hurt anybody's feeling. She has always been kind to everyone, even to those who have pained her,'' he said while reiterating that the Kerala Government would associate with all projects of the Amritanandamayi Math. ``The Government alone cannot change a society. We need institutions like the Math to execute projects in a symbiotic manner,'' he said. The occasion also saw the launch of Amrita channel by Union Minister of State for Information Ravi Shankar Prasad. He hoped that the channel would help inculcate spiritual awareness among the public. Former US Senator Larry Pressler, Mauritius Minister for Public Utilities Alan Ganoo, French director Jan Kounen and director of Martin Luther King Jr Center for Non-violent Social Change Yolanda King were also present. Math vice-chairman Swami Amritaswaroopananda Puri welcomed the gathering and Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri proposed a vote of thanks. The evening also saw cultural presentation by actress Linda Evans and actor Mohanlal.
RSS activist hacked to death
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 24 A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist was hacked to death by unidentified persons in front of his house at Chakka in the city last night. Police today said R Santoshkumar 34, Treasurer, of the district unit of the Bharatiya Yuva Morcha was killed on the spot when he was attacked with sharp weapons by some persons who arrived in a jeep. Tension prevailed in the area for a few hours as the local people prevented the police from removing the body from where he was killed. Shops and other commercial establishments remained closed in the city following a dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the RSS and the BJP in protest against the incident. Police are patrolling Chakka and other sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incident.
Action against dissident Kerala leaders after report: Cong
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Action against dissident Kerala leaders after report: Cong New Delhi, Sep 24 The Congress today said it would decide on disciplinary action against former Kerala Chief Minister K Karunakaran and PCC chief K Muralidheeran after AICC General Secretary Ahmed Patel submitted a report detailing the infighting the party suffered during the Lok Sabha byelections in Ernakulam. Asked whether action would be taken against the veteran Congress leader and his followers for opposing the party's official nominee M O John, Congress spokesperson S Jaipal Reddy told newspersons here that the party was awaiting the report before taking a 'final and formal' decision. ''Whether it is PCC President Muralidheeran or Mr Karunakaran, we would not like to comment in abstract. We will go by an authentic and authoritative report, to be submitted by Mr Patel and AICC observers Veerappan Moily and G K Vasan,'' he said. Earlier, Mr Patel, who is party in-charge of Kerala affairs, had threatened that disciplinary action would be taken against the partymen opposing Mr John. Yesterday's bypoll in Ernakulam preceded intense infighting, with Mr Karunakaran and his supporters allegedly opposing the party candidate and even holding parleys with the CPI(M). The former Chief Minister, who defied Mr Patel's threat, however, defended his acts saying he was striving for a closer relationship between the Congress and the CPI(M).
Sixty Seven per cent polling at Ernakulam
Thursday, September 25, 2003
ERNAKULAM: Approximately sixty Seven per cent polling was recorded in the Ernakulam Lok Sabha bypoll. No untoward incidents were reported other than some minor scuffles between the A and I factions which occured in front of a couple of booths. Due to heavy security arrangemments, the authorities could bring even small aberrations under control within seconds. Counting of votes will take place on September 29 and results will be declared on the same day. All fronts claim victories based on the percentage of polling.
Ayodhya: Delegation holds talks with Amritanandamayi
Thursday, September 25, 2003
KOCHI: A delegation led by Nitya Gopal Das, president of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas Mahant, met Mata Amritanandamayi at her cottage at the international stadium on Wednesday seeking her cooperation in solving the Ayodhya issue. "The Mata offered solidarity to the temple cause and advised us to take the dialogue route to solve the dispute," Nitya Gopal Das later told reporters. "Mata asked us to sit across the table with Muslim leaders and solve the issue without violence and bloodshed. Mata has promised to visit Ayodhya soon," he said.
Hectic schedule for Kalam in Kerala
Thursday, September 25, 2003
KOZHIKODE: President A P J Abdul Kalam will arrive on a two-day visit to Kerala on Thursday , with a cluster of programmes on hand, including an interaction with students, that has won him the hearts of millions across the country. Besides conversing with over 1,100 students at the Veda Vyasa School at Kozhikode , the President is scheduled to address the students of the Indian Institute of Management. The convocation ceremony to confer honorary degree of D Litt on former Supreme Court judge Justice V R Krishna Iyer and renowned artist M F Hussain and D Sc on UGC Chairman Prof Arun Nigavekar is also an important function in his itinerary. All the preparations for the visit had been completed and elaborate security arrangements were in place in view of the VVIP visit, according to the district authorities. Kalam will leave Delhi at 0650 hrs to reach Karipur Airport in Malappuram district at 1035 hrs , according to an official release. He will be received there by the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary and the DGP among others. The Chief Minister is also accompanying the President during his visit to the State. Kalam will then proceed to the Calicut University at Thenhipalam in Malappuram, where he will confer the degrees, being awarded by the varsity, on the personalities, during the one-hour convocation programme. The President will dedicate to the nation the Food Processing Park of the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation at Kakkanchery of Malappuram district, before proceeding to Kottackal. He will inaugurate the Centre for Medicinal Plants Research at the famed Kottackal Aryavaidyasala in the afternoon, after his lunch and rest at the Rest House. Then, the President will arrive here at 1510 hrs to address the students of the IIM, one of the premier institutions in the country. He will also present the Abdullah Koya award, instituted by the Calicut Press Club. At Veda Vyasa, he will talk with over 1,100 students, drawn from as many as 50 schools in the city. The school is all decked up for the function, after some of the students prompted the VVIP to pay the visit through repeated e-mail messages to the President. At 1730 hrs, he will leave for Kochi to attend the function next day, in connection with the 50th birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi. He will attend the high-profile CEOs meet and address the youth rally on September 26.
Amritanandamayi bithday fete begins
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Amritanandamayi bithday fete begins Kochi, Sept. 24. : The 50th birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi got off to a colourful start with the Deputy Prime Minister, L K Advani, making a strong plea for the need for spiritual strength, which would alleviate mankind. Advani, who specially flew in to Kochi this afternoon to formally inaugurate the celebrations, titled 'Amritavarsham 50' said it was believed that physical strength, economic strength and knowledge strength were important. But spiritual strength was also important, he said. Advani inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the traditional 'Nilavilaku', symbolising the sacred and festive nature of the Amritavarsham 50. As he garlanded Mata Amritananadamyi and touched her feet seeking her blessing, the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium reverberated with the chantings of 'Amma, Amma'. Describing |
