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April 2004
Antony emerges sole leader of Kerala Cong
Friday, April 30, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With sheer perseverence and tactics A K Antony has finally emerged "the leader" of the Congress-I in Kerala. As he reaches here on Tuesday next after a 14-day long "Kerala Navothana Yatra", the Congress roadshow, Antony will finally be the patriarch of all groups ending a factional war lasting a quarter century. Antony had steadfastedly refused to wreak vengeance on Karunakaran though many occasions had arisen when he could have clipped the wily senior's wings. The latest was the selection of candidates when Karunakaran insisted on a ticket for his daughter though almost all in the party opposed. Similarly, Antony took Karunakaran's only son, K Muralidharan in to the cabinet despite the latter going personal and abusive on Antony in public. "If I had taken revenge on Karunakaran there would definitely have been an upheaval in the party and those who advised me to move against the senior would themselves have crucified me if such a thing happened on the eve of the Parliament elections", he observed enroute. Karunakaran, now fully tied-up with her daughter's candidacy in Mukundapuram constituency, has been keeping away from the yatra and campaign. The 86-year old Karunakaran, once the sole flag holder of the party, when Antony was on the fringes has not been campaigning for other candidates. His "I" group as against Antony's "A" group has been rendered numb with Karunakaran letting down his old loyalists during the selection of candidates. Karunakaran washing his hands off of the candidate issue, the first time ever, gave the group the message that the ageing leader was trying to bequeath his legacy to his daughter. His apparent eagerness to get his son a ministership and daughter a parliamentary seat has made him compromise on many things demanded by the rival group, says a former minister and still a loyal follower of Karunakaran. Adding utter confusion in the group, two of his trusted leutenants, Saratchandra Prasad and Rajmohan Unnithan had a bitter fight with their mentor recently when they found the man they served had abandoned them in favour of his children. After a nasty quarrel in public (which, incidentally, earned Unnithan a role as villain in a forthcoming film for his excellent theatrical and vocabulary) both of them were suspended and taken back on intervention from Antony. They now vow to appropriate the "I" group after the elections but few take it seriously. Congress campaign manager, Joseph Vazhakkan told the Times of India that after the elections the party was going to see that no group existed. "There will be PCC-I president and chief minister and no other group or leaders. We had paid a heavy price for this senseless quarrel", he said.
Rs 2-crore tickets seized in city
Friday, April 30, 2004
KOCHI: In a major raid on lottery outlets in the city on Thursday, the District Lottery Officer sealed eighteen outlets and seized lottery tickets worth roughly around Rs 2-crore from a godown in Kacheripady. The raids were conducted in the wake of the Kerala High Court upholding the ban on out-state lotteries including online lotteries on Wednesday. The raids began around 12 noon and continued till 6 p.m., District Lottery Officer M.M.Komalam said. In all eighteen outlets have been sealed across the city. The godown which was sealed by the seven-member raiding team from the DLO is owned by M. Singaram lotteries at Kacheripady, said Komalam. The outlets which were sealed are situated in areas coming under the jurisdiction of the Central and North Police stations in Kochi. This include the clutch of outlets near North overbrige and Kacheripady and the ones at Broadway. In the godown at Kacheripady, lottery tickets were stacked on two floors by the thousands, said Komalam. ‘‘We have not calculated the actual worth of the lottery tickets seized yet. But it is roughly around Rs 2 crore,’’ she said. In all, there are 200 outlets in the entire district according to the list given by the lottery office to the police. The raiding team, consisting of Assistant District Lottery Officer C.K. Venugopal, UDCs P.P.Santhosh, M.S.Devaraj, K.K.Xavier, P.M.Bindu and K.N. Sukumaran, met with minor opposition from the staff of some of the outlets. ‘‘We have not been able to cover all the outlets in the city. The raids will continue on Friday also,’’ Komalam said.
Prithviraj to accept Film Chamber’s conditions
Friday, April 30, 2004
KOCHI: The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) received a jolt on Thursday with the upcoming actor Prithviraj deciding to accept Kerala Film Chamber’s conditions and to act in the film Sathyam to be directed by Vinayan. Prithviraj had followed suit veteran actor Thilakan, Lalu Alex and Suresh Krishna, who had already announced their willingness to take up film roles after accepting Chamber’s conditions. The shooting of the Vinayan film will begin on May 20. Prithviraj told mediapersons here on Thursday that he had examined in detail the Film Chamber’s 21 conditions, which an artiste has to sign before taking up any film roles. ‘‘Other than two controversial conditions regarding participation in stage shows and arbitration there was nothing detrimental in the Chamber’s conditions,’’ he said. The actor said that he had so far essayed various roles in about 13 Malayalam films and had not entered into any dispute with the producers. ‘‘I am also not very keen on doing stage shows,’’ he said. Asked on the possibility of any disciplinary action from AMMA for entering into a contract with Chamber, he said that he was prepared to face any disciplinary action. Prithviraj also said that he was totally against any ban on actors who accept Chamber’s conditions. According to Prithviraj, his father, late actor Sukumaran, was the victim of such a ban imposed by some actors some time back. ‘‘Due to the stand-off between Chamber and AMMA I have had no work since the past two months and an actor like me cannot afford this situation,’’ he said. Vinayan, who was also present at the press meet, announced that the shooting of the new film will take place in Kashmir and Ernakulam. Prithviraj would don the role of a young police officer. Murali, Thilakan and Lalu Alex are the other actors in the film. The female lead of the film has not yet been cast. ‘‘Actors should concentrate more on films rather than stage shows. AMMA should not act as a trade union,’’ said Vinayan, while adding that the film industry needs to have financial discipline to come out of the red. Following a stand-off between the Chamber and AMMA, the shooting of new Malayalam films had almost come to a standstill since the past two months with only two new films being picturised. More actors, would come forward to accept Chamber’s conditions and act, they said.
Election results not to affect his government: Antony
Friday, April 30, 2004
Kottayam, Apr 30 : Chief Minister A.K. Antony says that the results of the parliamentary elections would have no bearing on his government and that his aim is to make Kerala one of the best states in the country. The chief minister, whose state-wide election campaign started April 20 from Manjeswaram, entered this town Thursday. He has been drawing crowds as he drives home the message that disunity in the party - a reference to infighting with veteran leader K. Karunakaran - is a "closed chapter". "I noticed the world is changing and, if Kerala is to progress, the old dogmas within me should also change," Antony told in an interview here. A visibly tired Antony, who is on a strong dose of antibiotics and has been warned by doctors not to overexert himself, said his role was in Kerala even if the Congress came to power in the centre. Excerpts from the interview: Q: How has the response been to your rally? A: If one were to gauge the response from the day it began, the yatra has become a huge success. This can be seen from the turnout despite the inclement weather. As the rally progresses, I am sure it will make a huge impact. Q: What sort of response do you think it would have when it reaches its finishing point in the capital city? A: It will be to the advantage of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) because I can easily sense the mind of the people. Despite several internal problems, I am overwhelmed by the people's response and it will peak when (party chief) Sonia Gandhi visits the state. Q: Since you took charge three years ago, you have been saying that you are a changed man. Could you elaborate? A: Yes, it is true. What I did was to just change my approach because I noticed the world is changing and, if Kerala has to progress, the old dogmas within me should also change. Q: Has this change benefited you more than the people of Kerala? Is this just an image building exercise by a politician? A: My aim is to see Kerala become one of the best states in the country and I have laid the foundation for it. That is why I said only my approach has changed. Personally I am the same person I was years ago. You ask me what I have gained: has my personal wealth increased? Am I now enjoying any new luxury? I live with minimum needs and I have nothing for myself. My only aim is to see Kerala rise and, as far as I am concerned, the individual in me remains the same as in the past. Q: Would the results of the elections have any bearing on your government? A: The results are not going to have any bearing because this is not going to be an assessment of the performance of this government. Q: Do you, like other Congress leaders, believe that the Congress would come to power in New Delhi? A: Yes, certainly, that is what is being said and heard. I strongly believe the BJP's time is over. After peaking, they are going down and they should go. Q: If the Congress comes to power at the centre, do you find a role for yourself? A: No, never, my role is in Kerala. Q: You are completing three years in office. Have you made a self-assessment? A: No, and why? This is not the time for writing an autobiography. Q: Your priorities in the next two years? A: Now that the foundation has been laid in all sectors through path-breaking policies, my government and I are preparing to implement the new policies and consolidate our position. Q: What about your problems with Karunakaran? A: That is now a closed chapter. Q: Would the election results have any bearing on the new relationship? A: I said that is a closed chapter. Q: Are the internal issues in the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) creating a problem for Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan and is that why he is hitting at you by making unparliamentary remarks? A: I think that is one reason for his recent controversial remarks. I now feel Achuthanandan is affected by a political tumour and is making remarks totally uncalled for and unbecoming of his stature.
Achuthanandan eats his words
Friday, April 30, 2004
KOZHIKODE: Opposition leader V.S. Achuthanandan cut a sorry figure when he blasted A.K. Antony and the Congress in his speech on Tuesday at Mahe which is part of Pondicherry constituency where the CPM and Congress are allies. Achuthanandan cut short his speech and asked the audience to forget all that he said against the Congress when P. Jayarajan, MLA, passed a note to remind him that political equation was different in Mahe. Achuthanandan was addressing a meeting organised by the CPM in Mahe as part of the 50th anniversary observations of the Cherukallayi Martyrs’ Day. The Opposition leader was in his elements lashing out at the Congress Government in Kerala. After his outburst against the BJP at the Centre, Achuthanandan turned to the Congress in the State. Blaming Antony for the poor law and order management, he said goondas and mafia gangs are thriving in the State where the girls have no security. Referring to the Muthanga incident, he said Antony gave bullets for the Adivasis who asked for land. He reiterated the allegation that more than one Adivasis might have killed in the police action. ‘‘We had demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident. But Antony was not willing. So it was not possible to determine how many had died in police firing,’’ he said. As Achuthanandan was raising his pitch against the Congress, came the chit from Jayarajan. A visibly embarrassed Opposition leader was silent for a few minutes. ‘‘I thought this was a part of the campaign in Vatakara constituency,’’ he said. Achuthanandan, then, asked the audience to forget all the references against the Congress in his speech. Achuthanandan hastily wound up his speech by asking the audience to vote for the PMK candidate Dr. Ramadas in his symbol ‘mango’.
Unique expo in Kerala to dispel misconceptions about snakes
Friday, April 30, 2004
Over 200 varieties of snakes are on display in a five-day exhibition currently underway in Trivandrum. Several species of snakes like python, Russel viper, common cobra, spectacled cobra, large scaled pit viper, green vine snakes, red sand boa, and the most dreaded King Cobra and many other types of snakes are on display. The exhibition has been organised by the Rome India Foundation to create awareness and bust myths about the most reviled of reptiles. Large number of people as well as school children from far flung areas are thronging the exhibition. Rajan, a visitor to the snake exhibition, said: "This is a very good programme because the common people do not know much about snakes. There are many myths about snakes like they have precious stones, all snakes are poisonous and so on. To remove such myths and doubts, this programme is very good. People get to know how many varieties are poisonous and how many are non-poisonous. How snakes bite. If they bite what should be done. These information is given here." Snakes are worshipped in many parts of India and it is against religious beliefs to kill snakes. But animal rights activists say hundreds of snakes die during the festival every year, many as a result of drinking milk which causes severe dehydration and allergic reactions. Poor nomads hunt down the snakes in fields and forests during the monsoon season when they come out in the open after their holes are inundated with rain water. Since the nomads are unable to feed them, the snakes are starved and suffer from severe infections even before being sold to snake charmers, activists say.
Sonia to campaign in Kerala on May 5
Friday, April 30, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress president Sonia Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Vadra are billed to campaign in Kerala next week. Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to visit the state on May 5. Though her itinery is not yet finalised, party sources said, she would be addressing election rallies at four places during the day. Party leadership is hopeful of getting Priyanka to accompany mother or come alone. This apart, many Congress leaders from Karnataka, who are now free of pressure back home, are billed to help their counterpart in Kerala. The leaders drawn up for Kerala visit included former chief minister Veerappa Moily, KPCC president Janardhan Poojari, home minister Mallikarjuna Kharge. The Karnataka Congress leaders are urged to lend a special glance for Kasaragode constituency where the party has a close fight with the CPM which holds an upper hand in this Kannadiga-dominant constituency. The CPM has won this seat in 1996, 1998 and 1999. But a worrying factor for the CPM was the continually falling margin. While the sickle and hammer pocketed over 50,000 votes a decade ago, its margin came down to 31,000 in 1996, 19,852 in 1998 and tumbled to 7900 in the 1999 polls.
Devan sentenced to simple imprisonment
Friday, April 30, 2004
Actor sentenced to simple imprisonment PTI[ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2004 08:59:39 PM ] KOCHI: In a setback to Malayalam actor Devan, who is contesting from the Wadakancherry assembly constituency, a lower court here on Wednesday sentenced him to four months simple imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 24 lakh in a case relating to bouncing of four cheques given by him to an NRI. The sentence was awarded by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ernakulam, P Muraleedharan. The case relates to the bouncing of four cheques valued at Rs 5.5 lakh each given by the actor to an NRI Keralite, C K Menon, some time ago. Devan had floated his party called the Kerala People's Party a few days ago and was contesting from Wadakancherry. The sentence has been kept in abeyance for a month.
Shaji Kailash gets ready with his ‘Janaa’
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Shaji Kailash is good at making incredible things happen. His previous film in Tamil was ‘Vanjinaathan’. The film didn’t do as well as expected in spite of a good screenplay and fast pace. Still, the film’s director Kwaza Mohideen was willing to make another film with Shaji. This time, it stars Ajith and Sneha in the lead. The film has been named ‘Janaa’. Ajith plays a Malayali in the film. According to the story, his family lives in Mumbai. He too goes to Mumbai and helps them tackle the problems that they encounter. Yuvan Shankar Raaja has composed music for the film. We hope Shaji has better luck with this film.
Mohanlal’s ‘Mohabbat’ tour
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Mohanlal, Jagadi, Jayaram and others are getting ready to leave on a Gulf Tour titled ‘Mohabbat’. The tour coincides with the 75th anniversary of the beginning of Malayalam films and of the 25 years that Mohanlal had spent in the industry. The lucky ones to enjoy these festivities are the Malayalis in the Gulf region. East Coast Vijayan, who is organizing the show said, The show’s theme is love, affection and crush. That’s why it had been named ‘Mohabbat’. The UAE branch of Ford Motors has taken up the sponsorship expenses for the show. The program has hence been renamed ‘Ford Mohabbat’. While Mohanlal and Jayaram are going to lead the show, two of the main attractions are Jagadi Shreekumar and Sheela. Young heroines like Rambha, Navya Nair, Vasundara Das and Geethu Mohandas are also part of the group. Actors include Siddhique, Vineeth, Vineeth Kumar and Indrans. The programs are going to start on the 27th of April and will continue until the 27th of May. Rehearsals began on Sunday.
‘Vellinakshatram’ launches two stars
Thursday, April 29, 2004
‘Vellinakshatram’ launches two stars Though the film is drawing mixed reports from all the centers, ‘Vellinakshatram’ has launched two new stars in Malayalam. Taruni is the little girl from Mumbai who had played the role of ‘Ammu’ in the film. With her twinkling eyes and her infectious smile, she had made quiet an impact on the audience. Her greatest strength is the ease with which she switches emotions even at an age of four! Taruni had modeled in advertisements for Colgate, Airtel, LG and other products. Impressive, isn’t she! The second star to be launched successfully is Meenakshi. She has had a very forgettable debut in Tamil with films like ‘Aasai Aasaiya’, ‘Anbae Anbae’ and the reasonably good film ‘Divan’ in which she had not played the central role. She decided to switch states and now, she has begun to do well in Malayalam with films like MA Venu’s ‘Kaaka Karumban’, Jose Thomas’ ‘Youth Festival’ and two films that haven’t been named yet.
Kanninum Kannadikkum
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Cast - Kalabhavan Mani, Jagadi, Ashwathi, Siddhique and others Director - Sundardas Story- Short story writer Haridas Karivellur had written the story for this film. Harikrishnan (played by Siddhique) is trying to write a screenplay based on the lives of lorry drivers for director Rajasenan. But, at his wife’s workplace, he ends up meeting a very interesting man named Pravu (Kalabhavan Mani). Pravu had been doing only good for others. He is a very simple man with no greed or any attachments. Hari believes that he might have an interesting past. So, he goes on a mission to find out about him. He fins out that his wife’s colleague Abhirami (played by Ashwathi) was his wife in his ‘previous life’. That’s when the screenplay really begins to churn. On the screen, the roles of Pravu and his wife are enacted by Prabu and Sukanya. But, the onscreen presentation turns out to be completely different from what had happened in real life. When Pravu watches the film, he is taken aback and screams that the film doesn’t show his life… The Good- Attempt to do something different with the character depiction. The Bad- Most of the other characters like Jagadi’s and Indrans’ look artificial. The Ugly- Nothing.
Moksham
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Cast - Zeenat Aman, Anoop Director - Rajiv Nath Radha Madhavan is trying to bring his dead mother’s body back to India from the US. She always wanted to be buried next to her late husband in Kerala. Unfortunately, just as they took off from the US, the September 11 incident occurs and all the flights are diverted to various other countries. Radha Madhavan and his mother’s corpse ends up landing in Almatt, Russia. The airport authorities send most of the passengers to hotels in the city but Radha Madhavan is unable to leave his dead mother. So, he continues to stay at the airport. Somehow, Babylona Menon, a Malayali-Russian lecturer comes to hear about this Malayali stranded in the airport and sympathizes with him. That’s where the complex emotional story begins to unfold. Production Executive- Bhadruddin
Soumyam
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Cast - Biju Menon, Mukesh, Devayani, Suja Karthik and others. Director - Rajesh Story- Kutti Krishnan is a teacher in a village school. He loves kids and kids love him too. But, the peace in the village disappears when Kutti Krishnan is killed right in front of the kids in his classroom. This is a man who had never got into any fights or had any previous enmity with anyone… Stats- This is the debut film for director Rajesh. He was an assistant with director Kamal and with cinematographer Sunny Joseph. Source: cinesouth.com
Laila in trouble after sacking her manager
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Laila in trouble after sacking her manager Some time ago, Laila had sacked her manager because he was embezzling her money. But, her troubles only have worsened. Actress Laila, who was last seen in ‘War and Love’ has had troubles with her former manager. She found out that he was embezzling her money and was mixing up her call-sheets. When she found that out, she sacked him. But, the move has backfired. She decided to take care of her business herself. Trouble is- the actress has not yet learnt the nuances of managing her call-sheets. She had lost two movie offers due to this. But, she is adamant about looking after her things herself. So what if I had to lose those offers? I’ll learn soon, she said. Source: cinesouth.com
Poster with Togadia comes back to haunt Antony
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, India : A poster of Kerala Chief Minister A.K. Antony standing next to Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Pravin Togadia has emerged as an election issue once again. The poster of the Congress leader with the VHP rabble-rouser, known for making inflammatory speeches, appeared in Ernakulam just a few days before the by-election last September. It showed up again on November 19 last year during a rally of veteran Congress leader K. Karunakaran held to attack the Antony government. And it is once again an issue that Antony has to deal with as the state readies for the parliamentary poll on May 10 to elect its 20 Lok Sabha, lower house of parliament, MPs. Last Sunday former chief minister E.K. Nayanar said state minister and Karunakaran's son K. Muraleedharan was the man behind the poster. "The poster was printed by Muraleedharan. If Antony does not know this, I know it and I have enough information on this," Nayanar said just before leaving for Delhi. The veteran leader said the poster had helped the opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate during the Ernakulam by-election. Antony has hit back at the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) for tarnishing his image and asked the party to apologise following Nayanar's statement. "Everyone knew what the CPI-M was up to at the height of the problems in the Congress party. When they found it did not work, they have started attacking Muraleedharan," he said. "It is the responsibility of the police to find out who printed the poster," the chief minister added. Said Muraleedharan, who has now mended fences with Antony after long months of dissidence: "The CPI-M dreamt that they could topple the Antony government with the support of the dissident Congress factions. Today, they are upset because it did not happen. It is most unfortunate that a person like Nayanar is making baseless allegations." Indo-Asian News Service
Bahrain-Kerala air fare slashed
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
AIR fares from Bahrain to Kerala have been cut, in a deal amongst all the airlines serving the route. Air India, Indian Airlines, Gulf Air, SriLankan Airlines, Kuwaiti Airways, Emirates Airways and Qatar Airways have all agreed to peg fares at the same rate, on flights from Bahrain to all three of Kerala's airports. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Yield Improvement Committee (YIC) for the Indian Sub-Continent. The meeting was chaired by YIC chairman and Air India manager for Bahrain and Jordan H A Munaff. Civil Aviation Affairs head of international aviation relations Hafedh Ebrahim Bardooli attended the meeting, along with airline managers. It was held at the Air India office in Manama. Air India and Indian Airlines had already lowered the YIC-dictated fares from Bahrain to Kerala by five per cent, effective April 1, following the withdrawal of sales tax on aviation turbine fuel by the Kerala government, said Mr Munaff. "After much deliberations, Gulf Air and the other carriers operating to India decided to fall in line and agreed to lower their fares," he said. "This means the excursion fare ticket from Bahrain to Kerala and back during the peak season will be reduced to BD252, as against BD265 last year." Mr Bardooli said he was delighted to see the airlines working together to improve yields. The meeting was also attended by Nader Bader, Bennet Stephens and Warren Hiles (Gulf Air), G Dinakaran (Indian Airlines), Ajith De Alwis (SriLankan Airlines), Ebrahim Al Awadhi ( Kuwait Airways), Ahmed Tajedeen (Emirates Airways), Mohammed Ali and Mohammed Jamal Jung (Qatar Airways).
"I am ready to sign the contract" -Meera Jasmine
Monday, April 26, 2004
"I am ready to sign the contract with Film Chamber, if good and significant offers come.", said MJ in Meet the Press held yesterday at Palakkad. "I am doing only a few films in Malayalam. I have come here after rejecting many good offers in other languages, just to act a few films in my mother tongue. But these strikes and controversies between AMMA and Film Chamber has resulted me to waste my date. I'm not at all aware with any facts about these controversies. But I am so sad about this situation. I think, this time I have to stand at the side of the chamber if I am offered good films." When asked whether she is not afraid of AMMA, she replied like this, "I am afraid of my own AMMA (mother). But I'm not all afraid of AMMA, the association." When asked whether she is unsatisfied with the head officials of AMMA - Mr.Innocent and Mr.Mohanlal, she replied, "I am not at all unsatisfied with them and I don't think they are responsible for the current fury. I like AMMA better than the chamber."
Madhu tells children to acquire maximum knowledge
Monday, April 26, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ‘‘Try to acquire maximum knowledge at this age, as the knowledge we acquire now will remain in our mind for ever,’’ cine actor Madhu told a group of children. He was participating in the interactive session of the ongoing Thalir Summer Camp being organised by the State Institute of Children’s Literature here on Friday. ‘‘Good teachers have the will to share their knowledge with the students,’’ he said. Asked about his chosen profession, Madhu said that he was more interested in acting than taking up teaching. Asked about the controversy between Film Chamber and Amma, he said that it was due to the ego clash of some persons and expressed the hope that it would be solved soon. When the children sought his opinion on mimicry artistes imitating him, Madhu said that mimicry was also a form of acting and was satisfied if they use his name to earn their living. About the latest trend in school youth festival where lot of money is spent on learning various art forms, he said that it was not a good trend. Students at present were forced to compete, he said. Replying to the question about his favourite actor, Madhu said that he liked everybody. ‘‘Everybody is a specialist. Mohanlal cannot do what Jagthy does and Jagathy cannot do what Mohanlal does,’’ he said
‘The Man on the Train’ opening film
Monday, April 26, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Man on the Train would be screened on the opening day of the European Union Film Festival at Kalabhavan Theatre here on April 26. The film festival would be jointly inaugurated by Information and Public Relations Minister M.M Hassan and Alexander Spachis, Minister-Counsellor, Delegation of the European Commission in India, at the Kalabhavan Theatre at 6 p.m. As many as 17 European countries will be participating in the festival. Entry will be free.
Miraculous escape for Muthukad
Monday, April 26, 2004
THRISSUR: Magician Gopinath Muthukad miraculously escaped unhurt after his jeep collided with a private bus at Perumpilavu near Kunnamkulam in the district on Friday His driver Vinod (25) was killed in the accident. The other passengers of the jeep also escaped unhurt, police said. The magician’s troupe was coming from Kozhikode after a stage show on Thursday night when their jeep collided with the bus coming from the opposite direction.
Unnikrishnan slams Antony, Karunakaran
Monday, April 26, 2004
APRIL 25, 2004, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Continuing his attack on Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony and senior leader K Karunakaran over choice of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls in Kerala, Congress leader and former Union minister K P Unnikrishnan on Saturday said the outcome of the polls would have far reaching implications on the internal equations in the party in the state. "There is a strong feeling among party workers across the state that the whole process amounted to abject surrender to the interests of a particular family in the state," Unnikrishnan said alluding to Karunakaran clinching tickets for his daughter Padmaja Venugopal and some of his close confidantes. Though it was premature to predict the prospects of the Congress in the state at this juncture, there was a strong resentment over the way the candidates were selected flouting time-tested norms followed in the process, he told a press meet. He said he gave up the idea of contesting the election as a rebel as he wanted to continue in the Congress which alone was capable of taking on communal forces. Unnikrishnan said he did not agree with reports that AICC chief Sonia Gandhi was averse to give him ticket considering his role in raising the Bofors issue in Parliament. "I am not going back on whatever I had said while I was an MP. Sonia Gandhi herself has said she did not bother about what I had said in the past," he said.
Malayattoor declared international pilgrim centre
Monday, April 26, 2004
KOCHI: Pope John Paul ll has declared the famous Malayattoor Kurishumudi as an international pilgrim centre. The declaration to this effect was made public by Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil at Ernakulam. With this Malayattoor Kurishumudi has earned the distinction as the sole international pilgrim centre in India.
CM move to appease extremists: Marad Araya Samajam
Monday, April 26, 2004
KOZHIKODE: Marad Araya Samajam secretary T. Suresh on Sunday asked the Muslim organisations and mediators in the discussions on Marad issue to clarify their stand on Chief Minister A.K. Antony's statement on CBI probe. Addressing a news conference here, he said CBI probe was the most important condition in the compromise formula. It is not fair for Antony to say that he has nothing do with the compromise formula which was signed in front of him. The Government had received Advocate General's report on November 15. But no information was conveyed either to the mediators or the Hindu organisations in this regard. ``We had met the Chief Minister several times but he did not give any clear answer.'' Suresh said there is mystery in hiding the Advocate General's report. There are reasons to suspect foul play in revealing the details of the report at a press conference in Kozhikode even before placing it before the Cabinet. ``It is meant to save or appease the extremists who were behind the Marad incident.'' Suresh said the advice of Advocate General is not the final word. The Hindu organisations have submitted legal opinion favouring CBI probe. The Hindu Aikya Vedi would explore the possibility of seeking legal course for instituting a CBI inquiry. Antony had declared a CBI inquiry into the Muthanga incident saying he wanted all the truth to come out. He is opposed to the CBI probe into the Marad incident as the Government has many things to hide, he said. The Hindu organisation would intensify the agitation to force the Government to heed their demand. MARAD SRADHANJALI DAY: Suresh said May 2 will be observed as Marad Sradhanjali Day to mark the first anniversary of the Marad killings. House-to-house campaign and distribution of pamphlets will be held on May 1 as part of the observations. Functions will be held at all villages in the State on May 2. P. Parameswaran and Kummanam Rajasekharan will attend the function to be held at Vellayil Beach here.
UDF campaign on right track: Antony
Monday, April 26, 2004
APRIL 25, 2004, PALAKKAD: Taking his 'Kerala Navothana Yatra' to arid stretches of Palakkad district, Chief Minister A K Antony on Saturday said the UDF campaign had gained momentum all over the state with the rank and file shedding the initial inertia. Antony told reporters at Mannarkad near here that the UDF would post an impressive victory as people had faith in the coalition. Though the main theme of the election was a change of government at the Centre, the people in Kerala were also keen to see that the UDF emerged stronger so that the improved law and order situation and better investment climate remained unaffected. Taking a dig at CPI-M, Antony said it was hankering after power and that was why its leaders often dreamt of toppling UDF government with the 'fixed deposit' of 40 LDF MLAs. Antony addressed a string of meetings at Padinjarangadi, Pattambi, Ottappalam, Mannarghat, Kongad, Palakkad town, Chittur and Kollongode. The yatra would enter Thrissur district on Sunday.
Tarangini sails home after 18-nation odyssey
Monday, April 26, 2004
Cochin, Apr 25 : Indian Navy's ship Tarangini (Wave Rider) on Sunday reached southern Cochin port after circumnavigating the globe in a fifteen month long voyage. The naval ship was welcomed at a pompous ceremony by President A P J Abdul Kalam, who is also the supreme commander of Indian armed forces, and senior naval officers including the chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Madhavendra Singh. The ship covered 33,000 miles and visited 18 countries across the globe which included Djibouti, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Panama, Ecquador, French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Tarangini is the first sailing ship to circumnavigate the globe in 13 years. "Indian navy, by sending a ship to far corners of the globe, has shown to the world that India's ships have a range and presence to be anywhere in the world. Not only the war ships but also peaceful ships like this sail training ship," said Asthana, Commanding Officer of INS (Indian Naval Ship) Tarangini. Tarangini, commissioned into the navy on November 11, 1997, sailed out on a circumnavigation voyage on January 23, 2003. Tarangini was built at the shipyard in western Goa. Tarangini is a tall ship, an old-fashioned three-masted barque, carrying 18 sails and has a permanent crew of 27 sailors and six officers. Tarangini is primarily meant to train sailing cadets. She also conducts sail training capsules for cadets of the National Defence Academy, Naval Academy and INS Shivaji, the training establishment for technical cadets. The ship has been designed by Colin Muddie, a famous naval architect and yacht designer of U.K. INS Tarangini is the Indian Navy's sole Sail Training Ship.
Divorcee actresses flock Malayalam
Friday, April 23, 2004
Sukanya had got married, had got her divorce and is now back to acting. And, beginner’s luck is shining on her because she has managed to find a film. Sukanya’s first return was on TV with the horror thriller ‘Kadamuttathu Katthanar’, in which she plays one of the ghosts. She has now been signed up for a film with director AK Jayan Podhuval, titled ‘Mazhayilude Parannu’. The film has Murali, Biju Menon, Cochin Hanifa, Rasika and others. Yet another actress who is seeking her divorce, Swarnamalya, is also shortly going to make her debut in Malayalam films. she was the one who had played the hero’s sister in the Tamil remake of ‘Chronic Bachelor’.
I 'll not act with Jishnu again -Bhavana
Friday, April 23, 2004
Malayalam cinema is full of such statements but it is very unusual for an upcoming actress to make such an announcement about a hero with whom she shares an excellent onscreen chemistry. Bhavana began her career in the film ‘Nammal’. Jishnu was her co-star. They were signed up for many films together. Now, Bhavana has announced that she wouldn’t star with Jishnu again. Melila Rajashekaran is directing the film ‘For Ever’. When Bhavana was signed up for this film, she was informed that Jishnu is going to be the hero. She didn’t have any problems then. Problems began after their return from the Gulf tour led by Dileep, says the director. Jishnu’s two recent films had bombed at the box office- ‘Chund’ and ‘Valathotu Thirinjaal Naalamtha Veedu’. Bhavana’s father claims that his daughter is not interested in acting with Jishnu in future due to some misunderstanding between them. But, the real reason is believed to be the fact that she doesn’t want to act with a hero who has had two flops in a row. We had decided eight months ago about this film. We were going to begin the film on the 15th of May. Whose films don’t flop here? Even superstars have flop films. She is a newcomer herself and she is telling me to change the hero! She says she is willing to act with Prithviraj! Why is Bhavana really interested in opting out of this film? The answers are not out yet.
Lalu Alex, Suresh Krishna to act in Kamal movie
Friday, April 23, 2004
KOCHI: The ongoing row between the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (Amma) and the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce took a new turn on Friday with two Amma members Lalu Alex and Suresh Krishna deciding to act in a new movie directed by Kamal, in violation of Amma’s direction to its members not to give call-sheets for any new film. At a press meet held here on Friday Chamber president Siyad Koker paraded both the breakaway artistes along with the director of the new venture, Kamal. The shooting of Kamal’s new movie, Manju Poloru Penkutty, began here on Friday. Addressing mediapersons Lalu Alex pointed out that he was just taking the initiative to end the crisis which had been plaguing the industry for the last one-and-a-half months, threatening the very existence of thousands of people who make a living out of the industry. He also said that though several artistes like him were keen on ending the crisis, they were kept in the dark by Amma office-bearers. ‘‘No end is in sight for the crisis yet. No explanation is forthcoming,’’ he said. ‘‘We still continue to be the members of Amma. We are not against the organisation,’’ he clarified. Lalu and Suresh Krishna said that they had no other option but to act in films to make a living and hence the present decision. They found nothing objectionable in the agreements drafted by the Chamber of late. However, both of them decided to wait until April 19 to sign the agreement as they were assured by the top brass of Amma that the crisis would be resolved by then. They also claimed that some senior artistes like Mammootty, Thilakan and also a few youngsters like Kunchacko Boban, Jayasoorya and Prithwiraj would join them in the coming days to act in new films.
Now a politician joins films
Friday, April 23, 2004
While stars from Bollywood are hitting the political trail, the film industry in Kerala is witnessing a reverse migration. Rajmohan Unnithan, a leader expelled from the Congress, has signed on the dotted line to act with Mammooty in Shaji Kailas' new film "Brand". It is being said that Unnithan's media conference after being expelled from the party, telecast live on local news channels, caught the director's attention and the latter found his villain!
Documentary films hit campaign trail
Friday, April 23, 2004
KOCHI: With a series of docu-fiction films on political themes, political parties in the State are hoping to give their long drawn-out election campaigns the much-required longevity. Leading from the front is the Left Democratic Front (LDF) whose publicity division and sympathisers have two films on contemporary events and incidents on the floor. The shocking murder of local DYFI leader M.R. Vidyadharan is the subject of ‘Kalushitha Kaalam’ (Times of Turmoil) being made by Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sanghom. The documentary, a critique of the contemporary society, will be extensively used for the election campaign of LDF independent in Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituency, Sebastian Paul. The film, directed by P.K. Sunilnath and produced by A.N.Maniyappan, district secretary, Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sanghom, also has Vidyadharan’s wife Jijo, family and friends, as its characters. Yet another docu-fiction being made is ‘Anantaram Kunhali’ which highlights issues of globalisation and rampant communalisation, produced by the LDF publicity wing. The film is about a former UDF sympathiser Kunhali, a fictional character, who recycles old newspapers for a living, finding his ideals and dreams disintegrating through a series of events in the last three years of UDF rule. Made on a shoe-string budget, the docu-fiction directed by Pramod Payyannur and penned by Jaison T John, Babu Paul and P.D. David will be ready to be shown by April 25. The films, according to John Fernandes, convener, LDF publicity wing, will have a definite impact on the electorate and is the most effective medium for communicating with the modern-day audience. ‘‘We plan to show these films in all major junctions, ‘kudumbayogams’ and other important centres of the constituency. The themes are contemporary and the common man will be able to relate to the characters in these films. With the youth constituting an important part of the electorate, the medium of communication has to be sophisticated,’’ he says. And with youth in the mind, LDF has planned a series of manoeuvres to woo the young voters. Other than a fusion show featuring musicians Jassy Gift and Balabhaskar on May 1, the campaign managers have planned a road show with about 200 motorcyclists and audio tapes to suit modern tastes. ‘‘We are planning a roadshow with about 200 motorcyclists who will campaign throughout the constituency. Recording of songs with classical, semi-classical and folk influences which will appeal the youth is also being completed at Riyan Studio,’’ he says.
Rajagopal, Chennithala file papers
Friday, April 23, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister of State for Defence O Rajagopal (BJP) in Thiruvanthapuram, AICC Secretary Ramesh Chennithala in Mavelikara and Congress Veteran K Karunakaran's daughter Padmaja Venugopal in Mukundapuram were among 47 aspirants who filed nominations for the Lok Sabha polls in Kerala on Thursday. Former Union Ministers Mullapally Ramachandran of Congress in Kannur and S Krishna Kumar of BJP in Mavelikara, sitting Congress MP V S Sivakumar in Thiruvananthapuram and V M Sudheeran in Alappuzha were other prominent contestants to enter the field on the penultimate day of the nomination process. Kerala Congress (M) leader and State Revenue Minister K M Mani's son, Jose K Mani, filed his papers in the Muvattupuzha seat where the NDA contestant is Union Minister of State for Law P C Thomas. K Manoj of CPI-M and V Padmanabhan of BJP also filed nomination for the Alappuzha seat.
Elavoor tense: Administration to defy ban
Friday, April 23, 2004
KOCHI: A tense situation prevailed in Elavoor near Angamaly after police booked 13 persons and confiscated the ``thookkachaadu'' used for the ``thookkam'' ritual in an early morning operation at the Puthenkavu Bhagavathi Temple on Thursday. In retaliation, local MLA M.A. Chandrasekharan was taken hostage and held inside the temple by devotees who clamoured for the immediate release of the men and the equipment. The MLA was let off at 5.30 p.m. after being held captive for nine hours. The temple administration said it would go ahead with the thookkam on Friday at 3 p.m. as planned. RDO S.M. Sasikumar said the thookkam would not be allowed. Police presence has been beefed up in the area. A large police contingent, accompanied by RDO Sasikumar, moved in shortly after District Collector Gyanesh Kumar banned the thookkam at 1 a.m. on Thursday. The police took into custody persons who were making arrangements for the ritual and removed the thookkachaadu in a truck. Temple administration committee president V.G. Janardhanan, Ramakrishnan Nair (who was to have performed the controversial ritual on Friday) and joint secretary U.R. Rameshan are among those taken into custody. Chandrasekharan arrived at the temple shortly after police left and was immediately held by hundreds of devotees who had rushed to the temple hearing about the police action. The temple administration alleged that the daily poojas could not be held as the police had locked the Sreekovil and taken away the keys. By morning, hundreds of men and women had assembled inside the temple premises. Visibly angered by the police action, they said the MLA would be released only after the men, the thookkachaadu and the keys are returned and the ban on the thookkam lifted unconditionally. Though there was a move to send a ten-member team to conduct talks with the district administration, this was dropped as the devotees were divided on the issue. It was only by 2.30 p.m. that the media were allowed to meet the MLA. Chandrasekharan said he had visited the temple as it was in his constituency. While admitting that he was being held against his wishes, Chief Minister A.K. Antony and Collector Gyanesh Kumar had been apprised of the situation, he said. However, on his release in the evening, he said he had gone to the temple on his own wish. On releasing the MLA in the evening, the temple administrators claimed they had agreed to release the MLA on the assurance from the district administration that the arrested men and the thookkachaadu would be released in an hour. However, the RDO denied this claim.
CM ordered police action against `thookkam'
Friday, April 23, 2004
KOCHI: The surgical strike launched by the police early on Thursday morning to prevent the controversial Elavoor thookkam was ordered by the Chief Minister himself with his office working out even minute details of Operation Elavoor. The decision to launch the operation was taken on Wednesday itself. But the State Government decided to use it as the last option in case peace talks failed. With the second round of talks also failing on Wednesday, the go-ahead was given to the police. This apart, the Government also took into consideration a report given by the District Medical Officer expressing apprehension that Ramakrishnan Nair may not survive the thookkam given his physical condition. ``His effort is nothing short of a bid to take his own life. And the law can prevent it. We've just done that,'' sources said. Having taken the decision, the police suddenly faced a strange problem. Both the DIG of the range and superintendent in charge of rural area are non-Hindus. Fearing a backlash, it was decided to keep them away from the scene of action. Another instruction from the top was to handpick only Hindu officers for the operation. ``We had to wake up many Hindu officers even from the city limits. Ditto was done while piecing together the Fire Force team and health team,'' sources said.
Shiv Sena declares hartal
Friday, April 23, 2004
KOCHI: The Shiv Sena has declared a hartal from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Ernakulam district on Thursday in protest against the ban on Elavoor `thookkam'. In a statement issued here on Thursday, Sena leaders said that the arrest of the temple administrators and confiscation of the `Thookkachadu' was an affront to Hinduism. They also said that protest against the Government move will be reflected in the election. Milk, media, hospitals and weddings have been exempted from the hartal. Police have made elaborate arrangements to maintain law and order in the district following the hartal. Protection will be given to all commercial establishments and government offices which are functioning on Thursday.
Swami Bhoomananda hails ban on 'Thookkam'
Friday, April 23, 2004
KOCHI: Swami Bhoomananda Theertha, all-India president of Hind Navotthana Prathishtan (HNP), on Thursday welcomed the ban on the controversial Elavoor `Thookkam'. In a statement issued here, he said Chief Minister A.K. Antony, Chief Secretary N. Chandrasekharan Nair, Ernakulam District Collector Gyanesh Kumar and RDO Sasikumar deserve hearty compliments for banning the `Thookkam'. Bhoomananda Theertha, who was instrumental in stopping the `Thookkam' 16 years ago, said that `Poodal' ceremony, which has been in vogue at the Puthenkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Elavoor, for 16 years should be performed tomorrow. Though the advice of tantris were no doubt decisive, it has been clearly laid down in the Devaswom Acts that such advice cannot be contrary to the civil and criminal laws of the country, he reminded. The Puthenkavu Temple is under the siege of the `Thookkam' proponents and all devotees and authorities should understand the dangerous implications of this grave plight, he added.
DGP told to look into harassment of overseas job seekers at airport
Friday, April 23, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chief Minister's office has directed DGP Hormis Tharakan to look into the alleged harassment of overseas job seekers by Immigration authorities at the international airport here. A section of recruiting agents had submitted representation to Chief Minister A.K.Antony recently alleging that the Immigration authorities at the airport were preventing several persons from going abroad for employment without stating any reasons. The Immigration authorities had prevented at least 10 persons from going to Male for employment this week alone. Recruiting agents said that those who had obtained clearance from the Protector of Emigrants here and those who belonged to the Emigration Clearance not Required category were also prevented. When contacted, Port Registration officer at the airport Suresh Babu said that several passengers were prevented from travelling as they had failed to produce sufficient documents or due to suspicion over the genuineness of the documents. Recruiting Agents Association of Kerala secretary Victor Fernandez said that the Immigration authorities were not even abiding by a recent directive by ADGP Intelligence Rajan Madehkar that the reason should be specified in writing to any passenger who were prevented at the Airport.
Film Development Corporation to host EU film festival from April
Friday, April 23, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the first time, the Kerala State Film Development Corporation is hosting the European Union Film Festival in Thiruvananthapuram at Kalabhavan here from April 26 to 30. The festival consisting of contemporary films from European countries is being jointly organised by the European Commission delegation in India and the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, a statement said here on Wednesday. As many as 17 European countries are participating in the festival. ‘‘The festival represents an important facet of the growing cultural relations between the European Union and India reinvigorated in the last four years with the organisation of the EU-India Summits and the accompanying EU-India Business Summits’’, the statement said. The EU film festival which began in India in New Delhi in 1986 was extended to Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata in 1992.
Jayaram
Friday, April 23, 2004
No challenging roles for us: actor Jayaram : He has been around for two decades in the once-famed Malayalam film industry, but actor Jayaram today decries the lack of challenging roles for stars of his generation. Along with 1960s heroine Sheela, he starred in the first Malayalam film to hit bull's eye this year, Satyan Anthikad's "Manassinakkare". The film is about the plight of unloved old people but is different from the usual weepy kinds that deal with the problems of old age. In an interview, Jayaram said the Malayalam film industry would continue to sink unless it changed its ways. Excerpts: Q: You have been acting for nearly two decades. Have you, at any point of time in your career, felt you are not getting challenging roles? A: Can I do anything even if I feel that way? Yes, I also have a desire to do a variety of roles that are challenging but there's no point in me dreaming about such roles. If my dreams were to be realised, I think I would have to be a producer! Q: Have you ever felt bored and tired doing the same kind of roles again and again? A: I must admit I have felt bored and tired sometimes. In some of the films, you are just an actor who is expected to mouth dialogues and there's nothing more than that. You get the feeling while doing such roles that it was going to be a disaster. But I am helpless. Q: Do you feel all actors face such situations at some point in their career? A: Yes, that is what I feel. If you take the case of Mohanlal himself, you will see that he is not getting any challenging roles now. He has done all kinds of roles in his career, so that whatever he does now looks repetitive. Q: Do you feel the lack of new stories and technical finesse are some of the reasons pulling Malayalam cinema down? A: It is a fact that Malayalam films lag behind not only in technical finesse but in all aspects of filmmaking. Compared to Malayalam films, other language films have surged far ahead. Take, for example, the filming of songs. When other languages go to exquisite locations to shoot songs, even today Malayalam film songs are shot in and around Ottappalam, with the hero and heroine running behind a bullock cart. Do you think the younger generation that is fed technically superb Hindi and Tamil films would be interested in watching such films? No! They flock to see Tamil and Hindi films while they shun Malayalam films. Which youngster would be interested if you show a ceremonial 'nilavilakku' and chant Narayana in the name of pristine Malayalam culture? There was a time when Ooty was the favourite hunting ground for shooting songs. Now, if a song is shot there, nobody will enjoy it. That is because these days, you see New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland as the backdrop for songs in Tamil and Hindi. I would say it is cheaper to go and shoot a song there than erect a set here in Chennai. But these people (filmmakers) do not understand that. When I tried to educate them on this, there was a lot of opposition to me. Their opinion is that Malayalam films should be shot only here. All I can say is, while other language films progress, Malayalam continues to hit an abysmal low. Q: Is it because new directors are not showing their mettle in Malayalam that experiments are not happening? Or are there a lot of new directors in other languages? A: It is true that we have not seen a new director or technician for a very long time. If you take Tamil films, for example, there are so many promising youngsters who write the story, screenplay and direct. On the other hand, Malayalam film directors still depend on someone else's story. Q: Do you feel the unprecedented success of "4 the People" will make it a trendsetter? A: I doubt if it will be a trend setter! Even after seeing the whole film, I couldn't see the face of any of the actors. Only if you see the face of an actor in a close-up frame can you recognise him or her. Q: Now a lot of young actors have descended on the Malayalam film industry, and all of them are in their 20s. Do you feel old in front of them? A: Why should I feel old? Am I sill not a young man?
It's experience vs youth in Muvattupuzha
Friday, April 23, 2004
Thiruvanthapuram, Apr 20 : It's experience versus youth in the Muvattupuzha Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, with the loser likely to be consigned to history. Minister of State for Law P.C. Thomas is aiming for his sixth consecutive win from Muvattupuzha. His principal opponent is his former idol Jose K. Mani, son of Kerala Revenue Minister K.M. Mani. Another candidate giving both of them a run for their money is P.M. Ismail of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M). On the last five occasions, Thomas had contested under the banner of Kerala's ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) as he belonged to the Kerala Congress (Mani). He quit the party after Mani dumped him after the May 2001 assembly elections. The stakes are equally high for the younger Mani as his father seems to be losing his grip over the party ever since he began promoting his son. Should the younger Mani lose, it would be a political disaster. P.C. George, who represents the Poonjar assembly that is a part of Muvattupuzha, says Mani's days are numbered. "Gone are the days when he could have swung the votes to his side. This time, the traditional Christian votes that used to go en mass to Mani favour would not happen," said George. "So, the votes would be split between Thomas and Mani, and this would directly benefit the CPI-M. Mani's son could well finish in the third spot," contended George. Mani junior, however, is in a buoyant mood because the Muvattupuzha seat has always been the stronghold of the Congress led-UDF. He is also hoping to gain from the state-wide election campaign of Kerala Chief minister A.K. Antony, particularly when it reaches Muvattupuzha this month. "That will be the icing on the cake for us," said a Mani supporter. In all this, both Thomas and Mani realise it would be curtains for whoever loses.
Devotees hold MLA captive in Kerala
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Kochi: Devotees of the Puthenkavu Bhagavathy temple at Elavoor near Kochi, where the controversial 'Thookam' ritual has been banned, on Thursday held local MLA, M A Chandrasekharan captive when he paid a visit early in the morning and refused to let him go, even as a tense situation prevailed in the area. Chandrasekharan had visited the temple at 7 am on hearing about the ban orders. However, devotees in favour of the ritual took him inside a room and did not allow him to leave. The MLA was allowed to come out of the room at 1 pm, but not to leave the temple compound, Chandrasekharan told reporters there. He said he had informed Chief Minister, A K Antony and District collector, Gynaneshkumar, about the situation. However, rural Superintendent of Police, B Shamsuddin, told PTI that the MLA had not asked for police assistance. The devotees said that the MLA would not be allowed to leave unless police released the 13 persons, taken into custody early on Thursday along with the seized materials, including the 'Thookkachadu' from which the devotee is hung at a height of 32 feet by piercing iron hooks on his back. One Ramakrishnan Nair, who was to have participated in the ritual, is also in custody. Meanwhile, protesting against the ban, the Shiv Sena has called for a hartal in Ernakulam district.
Dhanalakshmi Bank to focus on NRIs
Thursday, April 22, 2004
The Thrissur-based Dhanalakshmi Bank will be focusing on mopping up more NRI deposits during the course of the current year. NRI deposits now offer one of the cheapest sources of funds and the bank would be exploring new avenues to increase its share. Speaking to Business Line, T.R. Madhavan, Managing Director and CEO, said that the bank would also be implementing core-banking solutions in its branches and install 50 ATMs in the next 4-5 months. By the end of the current fiscal, the bank proposes to take the number of ATMs to 100. Now that most of the treasury profits have been booked in this declining interest rate regime, the bank proposed to rebuild its asset base through better credit disbursal in gold loans and also through micro-credit. To facilitate further credit growth, the bank has increased its capital adequacy level from 10.65 per cent to 12.30 per cent by bringing in an additional Rs 35 crore through Tier II capital. The bank has identified 3,200 self-help groups and has already extended credit to 900 of them. Currently, the bank has drawing arrangements with two exchange houses in the Gulf.By the end of the year, it planned to get into drawing arrangements with 10 such exchange houses.
Cong likely to withdraw suspension
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 22 In yet another step to restore unity in the party, the Congress High Command is likely to revoke the suspension of three Congress leaders in Kerala. The party was likely to revoke the suspension of Kodoth Govindan Nair and General Secretaries Rajmohan Unnithan and T Saratchandra Prasad, party sources said here today. While Mr Govindan Nair was suspended from the preliminary membership of the party for contesting as a rebel candidate in the Rajya Sabha election, disciplinary action was taken against the two PCC General Secretaries for attacking the party leadership in the wake of denial of party tickets for contesting the May ten Lok Sabha election. State Disciplinary Action Committee Chairman C V Padmarajan said, in a statement, here that the High Command had asked their opinion on the issue. The Committee would hold an emergency meeting here or seek the opinion from others and it would be conveyed to the High Command, he added.
Kerala next only to Cyprus in tourism
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Kerala next only to Cyprus in tourism attraction world-wide: study KOCHI: God's own country, Kerala, is considered to be second only to Cyprus in term of tourism attraction world-wide, according to a global study. The state which had made impressive growth in the recent years in both the domestic and foreign tourist arrivals, is expected to achieve a 25 percent growth in arrivals during the current year, although the state government estimates put it at 19 per cent. Disclosing this at a media conference here, Geroge Tharakan, Air India's former Regional Director and Advisor, ITL Tours and Travels, said the abounding natural beauties and the excellent law and order situation had been the main factor for the growth in tourism in the state. "Rajasthan is the only other state in the country which is keeping up its tourism growth at par with Kerala, Tharakan said. The state had recorded 58 lakh domestic and 2,95,000 foreign tourist arrivals during 2003, he said. With 30 percent of Indian population attaining money power to under take travel overseas, an estimated 40 Indians were travelling world wide annually, a majority of them as tourists. Indians were now being well received in foreign countries because of their increasing spending habits as compared even to American's, Tharakan said. He was speaking to media persons in connection with the inauguration of ITL Tours and Travels office here scheduled for Friday. Company chairman P.A Aboobacker was also present on the occasion.
Sonia may address electorate at Kochi
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Sonia may address electorate at Kochi, Thodupuzha KOCHI: AICC President Sonia Gandhi may address election meets at Kochi and Thodupuzha. Congress 'I' spokesmen stated that Sonia will come for a one-day visit to the state in early May. Major (Retd) Dalbir Singh who is charge of the election campaigns of AICC leaders has informed that, in all likelihood Sonia's arrival may take place only after 28th of this month. Sonia who is expected to arrive in special aircraft or helicopter will speak at election meets of four or five districts. Revenue Minister K M Mani is particularly keen to ensure that Sonia addresses Muvattupuzha constituency where his son Jose K Mani is contesting. Congress sources said that she may speak at Muvattupuzha or Thodupuzha. Thodupuzha is being actively considered because the place is agreeable to the Congress candidates who are contesting from Kottayam and Idukki constituencies. However AICC is of the view that when leaders of national standing such as A K Antony and K Karunakaran are leading the Congress in the state, there is no need for other leaders to address the people. However, Sonia may come on a day's visit. Neither Rahul Gandhi nor Priyanka are likely to come here, sources said.
We will support eligible candidate: NSS
Thursday, April 22, 2004
We will support eligible candidate: NSS KOTTAYAM: Nair Service Society general secretary PK Narayana Panicker said as NSS is keeping equidistant policy with all political parties, it cannot be predicted which of the Front in Kerala would be benefited with this decision. "Those unselfish, secular and socially responsible candidates will be given support irrespective of cast, creed or party. Our community members know whom to vote in the twenty Lok Sabha seats here", Panicker said. While asked if in a constituency two Nair candidates are contesting and whom NSS supports, general secretary said the Karayogam members know whom to vote. The cast is not a factor. We will be casting our vote to the eligible candidate, Panicker added. While asked about the clash between Karunakaran, Panicker said he just gave proper answer for what Karunakaran said.
Ahmed, Suresh Kurup among 18 to file
Thursday, April 22, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) All India General Secretary E Ahmed, his party colleague K P A Majeed and CPI(M) leader Suresh Kurup were among the 18 candidates who filed their nomination papers yesterday for the May ten Lok Sabha elections in Kerala. Ahmed, who represented the nearby Manjeri in the dissolved Lok Sabha, filed his papers from the Ponnani constituency, while Majeed would be contesting from Manjeri. A report from Kottayam said four candidates filed their nomination papers before District Collector A Ajith Kumar. Besides Suresh Kurup, P K Harikumar (CPI-M dummy), Chacko Devasia (Ind) and Dasan (CPI-ML) Red Flag) also filed their nomination papers.
CPI-M should recast its policies
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Kannur: Claiming that his three-year old government succeeded in putting the state on the path of development and improving its economy, Chief Minister A.K. Antony asked opposition CPI-M to "recast its outdated" policies and programmes in tune with the emerging global economic order to pave way for Kerala's all round progress. "CPI-M in Kerala should be ready to adopt policies that lead to economic development by discarding its outdated policies and keeping away from frequent strikes and hartals that had ruined the state's economy while development works in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are going on a much faster pace," Antony told a 'meet the press' programme here. CPI-M should learn lessons from the sweeping changes that had been taking place in the party ruled West Bengal, China and introspect what should be done in Kerala to make the state a destination of the investors, he said. Terming the reported remarks by V S Achuthanandan that the ruling UDF's second rung leaders were planning to switch over to the LDF as a "day-dream", Antony said the opposition leader in the state assembly was "a worried man" over the unity among Congress factions ahead of the elections. On the appearance of joint posters of VHP leader Praveen Togadia and himself during last year's Ernakulam Lok Sabha bypoll, Antony held the CPI-M responsible for the act which affected the poll outcome and said the party should not have stooped to that level.
We will not fight Kodikkunnil Suresh: Pillai
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Kannur, Apr 22 - Transport Minister R Balakrishana Pillai today stated that Kerala Congress (B) will not oppose UDF candidate for Adoor, Kodikkunnil Suresh. However Kodikkunnil Suresh has never approached us for help. For the same reason we have no intention of going over to take up electioneering for him, Pillai pointed out. Balakrishna Pillai was talking at the 'Janavidhi- 2004' held at Kannur Press Club here today. He also stated that he did not view Marxism-Leninism as belonging to the past. With the present renewed unity, UDF will be able to reap rich dividends. Pillai opined that PDP leader Abdul Nazar Madhani has been denied justice. He also said the least that could have been done was to grant him bail.
Former Kerala CM files nomination
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala Chief Minister and CPI veteran P.K. Vasudevan Nair, his party colleague and former MP C.K. Chandrappan and sitting CPI-M member Varkala Radhakrishnan were among 20 candidates who filed their nominations for the Lok Sabha polls in Kerala on Tuesday. CPI-M's C.S. Sujatha, Anto Antony of Congress and P.K. Velayudhan of BJP were other candidates who filed papers. A total of 44 nominations including that of independents and dummy candidates, had been received after the process began last week.
We will produce films: Mohanlal
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Kovalam, Apr 21 - The ongoing rift between the stars and the producers association enter into new levels. Association of Malayalam Movie Artists general secretary Mohanlal announced that the artists will not hesitate to produce films if the Chamber continues their non cooperative stance. Lal said the Chamber had threatened to ban those artists participating in the Gulf Starnite. If this is the situation we have no other option rather to produce films by our own. Many stars including have experience in producing films. If the telecasting of starnite in the television channel is the problem with the Chamber, then we are ready to cancel it, Lal added that he is going for a starnite at gulf after four years. Mohanlal said he along with other stars signed an agreement to perform the show about eight months back. Sheela, Jayaram, Jagathy Sreekumar, Sidique, Navya Nair, Geethu Mohandas, Vineeth Kumar, Indrans, Vineeth, Vasundaradas are among twenty member team in the star show. Eastcost Vijayan is directing the show. Meanwhile the Kerala Film Chamber president Siyad Koker said at Kochi that if the Stars started producing the films, it will not be screened in any of the theatres in Kerala. He alleged that it was a statement made by Mohanlal only on revenge. The theatres had agreed not to show any film produced with out the consent of the Film Chamber. It's a good idea to produce good films. But it is not that easy in screening and distributing, Koker added.
Congress high command to withdraw suspension of Kerala leaders
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Congress high command to withdraw suspension of Kerala leaders New Delhi, Apr 22 - The Congress high command would withdraw the suspension of Kerala leaders Kodoth Govindan Nair, Rajmohan Unnithan and T Sarathchandra Prasad. The announcement would be made with in two days, said Ahammed Patel, the AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala affairs. Patel, while talking to mediapersons here yesterday, hinted that the high command sympathetically considering appeals of these leaders. All these leaders represented the Karunakaran faction of Congress. Kodoth Govindan Nair was suspended from the party for contesting as the rebel candidate in Rajya Sabha polls earlier. Unnithan and Sarath were suspended for raising allegations against former KPCC president and Electricity Minister K Muraleedharan. Sarathchandra Prasad had threatened to contest from Wadakanchery constituency against K Muraleedharan, who is seeking the mandate to Legislative Assembly, if his suspension was not withdrawn before April 22.
Vishu report card
Monday, April 19, 2004
Mohanlal’s Vismayathumbathu carries mixed reports among the audience while Mammootty’s Vajram said to be a low-class mass entertainer is having a good time at the box-office. Vinayan’s Vellinakshatram carries average reports but is being boosted by high voltage publicity by the distributor. Fazil’s psychological thriller Vismayathumbathu which was raved by the preview audience has not been accepted by the mass audience. They find the story to be unbelievable and bizarre! Fazil has now trimmed the film by 12 minutes and taken off some lengthy dialogues between Mohanlal and the ‘spirit’ played by Nayantara. The stunning climax was further butchered by the theatre operators who have cut another 10 minutes after the audience started hooting! Now it needs a super human effort for the film to click with the summer family audience. Vinayan’s Vellinakshatram did not take a good opening and was written off by the trade. The audience response is not so encouraging and they find the thriller more like a comedy with amateurish graphics and a predictable climax. But its distributor, director and the lead cast are on an advertisement campaign on television and print to boost the film. It seems to be working as the family audience are slowly preferring it over other films. Meanwhile the surprise winner is Pramod Pappan’s Mammootty starrer Vajram. When the film could not be released earlier due to financial problems, Mammootty had re-edited the film and re-shot the climax to make it crisp and it seemed to have worked. The film is a mass entertainer with right mix of action and glamour which has been lapped up by the low class audience. And on Vishu day, Rafi Mecartin's Chathikatha Chanthu was released and is carrying below average reports. More at: http://sify.com
Chathikatha Chanthu
Monday, April 19, 2004
Director Rafi Mecartin Producer Lal Music Alex Paul Cast Jayasurya, Vineeth, Navya, Bhavana Lal Creations Vishu release Chathikatha Chanthu explains the angst, confusion and sometimes, the lighter moments that a young man faces in his life. Chathikatha Chanthu directed by Rafi-Mecartin is a romantic comedy about Chanthu,a young man who faces problems in life due to his name. Most of the children have their parents to guide them to move ahead in life. But a few are left with the need to find their feet on their own. Some of the characters in the film belong to the latter category," says Mecartin. Jayasurya plays Chandu, the son of a maid in a big household. He was born and brought up in the palatial mansion of the ‘thampuran’ (Janardhanan) who gave him education. Thampuran’s daughter Indira (Bhavana) falls in love with him but Chanthu is scared that he will have to betray his godfather by reciprocating her love. This is because of his name Chanthu, which is often synonymous with deceit. Vasumathy (Navya) is another important character who comes into Chanthu’s life. The cast also has Vineeth, who has not been seen in Malayalam films for quite some time, Vinayagam, Cochin Haneefa and Salim Kumar who models himself on Michael Jackson. Alex Paul makes his debut as a music director and Girish Puthenchery is the lyric writer. Boban is the Art director and Saloo George is the cameraman. Lal who is also the producer of this film plays the role of a film producer.
Brand Bramanand
Monday, April 19, 2004
Mammootty's Onam film Brand Bramanand will be directed and produced by Shaji Kailas. Mammotty enacts the role of a police officer in this film. Another specialty is that Rajmohan Unnithan, the right hand man of Karunakaran and now dejected by the leader does the role of a villain. S N Swamy after the hit of Sethuramayyar CBI pens the script for the film. The shooting of the film will start on May 1 and Swargachitra will bring the film to the theatres. More at http://www.sundaykaumudi.com
Vismayathumbathu
Monday, April 19, 2004
Cast: Mohanlal, Mukesh, Harishree Ashokan, Nayantara Director: Fazil The last time Mohanlal and Fazil came together was for Life is Beautiful, a film that bombed at the box-office. Now, they are back in Vismayathumbathu, a film which has proved that Mohanlal is still the superstar of Malayalam films. Mohanlal portrays the role of a man who gets intuitions about the future and can see and communicate with a friendly spirit. Nayantara dons the role of a spirit. The rest of the story is about how the spirit helps to solve a murder mystery. Seekumar (Mohanlal) is a man with extraordinary IQ who has also a sort of sixth sense. He comes to the city as he gets an intuition that someone is calling him. His intimate friends Govindan Kutty (Mukesh) and Chandran (Harisree Asokan) welcome him and find a house for him. At night he meets a girl inside one of the locked rooms in the house and mistakes her to be a call girl whom his friends had arranged. He calls Govindan Kutty and Chandran and soon discovers that the girl is a spirit whom only Sreekumar can see and feel. The spirit is in search of her and she seeks Sreekumar's help to find out who she is? Sreekumar realizes that she is Reena Mathews (Nayantara) a brilliant medical student who is in the missing list of police, from the day of her journey to US for higher studies. Sreekumar and the spirit try to find the truth behind Reena Mathews missing, as relatives, friends, police and doctors believe that Sreekumar has gone nuts. Slowly Govindan Kutty and Chandran are convinced about the presence of the spirit who can only see and communicate through Sreekumar. Fazil, the producer and director of the film have also written the story, screenplay and dialogues. Songs penned by Kaithapram has music by Ouseppachan. Anandakuttan is the cameraman and Mani Suchitra is the art director. The film produced under the banner of Ammu International was made in a budget of around Rs 2 crores. Fazil's control over the medium is outstanding. The meticulous and carefully written screenplay accelerates towards the climax which is absorbing and spell-binding. Only after the film's chilling conclusion will you be able to fit the pieces of this ingenious super natural puzzle together. Everyone in the cast is outstanding from a burly Mohanlal who is amazing as usual. Mukesh as Govindan Kutty and the rest of the cast are good. But it is Nayantara as Reena Mathews who has stolen the thunder with her author-backed role. The music of Ouseppachan is impressive and suits the mood of the film. More at http://www.sundaykaumudi.com
Mani Ratnam's Ayutha Ezhathu aiming for success
Monday, April 19, 2004
Mani Ratnam's much awaited film Ayutha Ezhathu is ready for release. The film, simultaneously made as Yuva in Hindi, has two different casts- Madhavan, Surya, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, Trisha and Esha Deol in Tamil and Vivek Oberoi, Ajay Devgan, Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee in Hindi. The most striking factor is that the film has five numbers, three sung by A R Rahman. Rahman-Mani Ratnam combination has once again struck gold with this album. Rahman creates music that is both elevating and uplifting. The cassette release of the songs both in Tamil and Hindi has proved that the people seem to be going crazy about the songs. But this audio has created history even before the release of the film and if the film is a hit, it will do real business, something that happened a few years back regularly with audios of Indian, Gentlemen, Roja, Bombay and Alaipayuthe. Another surprise element will be Bharatiraja, the Tamil director as the villain. The story is about three young men (Madhavan, Surya, Siddharth) each with different personalities and lifestyles, coming together. One prefers not to give anything to the world, since the world has not done anything for him. The other believes that each person can make a difference and the third feels that if he can look after himself, the world will continue spinning. There are three women in the film and they play an important role in the lives of their respective men. The film is expected to release on May 21 and has an impressive technical team of Ravi K Chandran who handles camera, dialogues penned by Sujatha has music by A R Rahman lyrics by Vairamuthu, Sabu Cyril (art), Srikar Prasad (editing), Brinda (choreography) and Vikram Dharma (stunt). More at http://www.sundaykaumudi.com
Chembattu
Monday, April 19, 2004
The shooting of Lohithadas' film Chembattu starring Meera Jasmine will begin at the end of this month in Ottappalam and Palakkad. Story and script is penned by Lohithadas himself. The film is produced by V R Manoj under the banner of Vellamparambil Films. Azhagappan cranks the camera for the film. Rumours afloat that Meera backed out of Ananthabhadram to do this film. More at http://www.sundaykaumudi.com
Bhavana in Runway
Monday, April 19, 2004
Bhavana appears in a guest appearance in Dilip's Joshi film Runway. Two songs of Kavya Madhavan and Dilip were shot in Thailand and Bhavana appears in one of it. The film is expected to release on April 23. The songs were picturised abroad to make the film more colourful and such shots in foreign locations will do wonders for the film. That was what happened in Kamal's Swapnakoodu. More at http://www.sundaykaumudi.com
Runway
Monday, April 19, 2004
Dileep has turned to action with Joshi's Runway, after the failure of his crass comedy films. Joshi has made some of the most memorable action films laced with family sentiments and big stars in the past. Now his pairing with Dileep has raised a few eyebrows within the industry. Dileep and Kavya Madhavan are back as Unni and Gopika in this action film. Unni (Dileep) had to bear the responsibilities of a very large family at a very young age. His father had died leaving the family in debts and so Unni leaves the village to make some money. He bumps into a tanker lorry driver Bhayi (Murali) who takes pity on Unni and from there, his success story begins. Later he transforms to become Valayar Paramasivam, the most dreaded don. Gopika (Kavya) is the girl whom Unni's mother finds for him. Initially Unni does not agree to the idea of marriage but later he falls in love with her. Dileep says that Runway is fast paced. Valayar Paramasivam is a don with a difference - a man who uses his brains more than brawns and gets things done. However soon the state government and certain influential politicians want to cut him down to size and they appoint Unni's brother (Indrajeet) to investigate and bring him to justice. The cast also has Jagathy, Haneefa, Asokan, Riyaz Khan and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. Gireesh Puthenchery has written the lyrics and Suresh Peters is the music director. Two songs are picturised in Phuket beaches in Thailand by director Lal Jose. Camera is by P Sukumar and editing is by Ranjan Abraham. Naushad and Mohan are the producers and Swargachitra is distributing this film all over Kerala.
Actress Soundarya, 3 others killed in chopper crash
Saturday, April 17, 2004
Bangalore: Soundarya is no more. Four persons, including multi-lingual actress Soundarya, were killed after a four-seater helicopter crashed at Jakkur in Bangalore today (Apr 17, 2004). Soundarya along with two others were travelling in a helicopter on a campaign trail for BJP in Karimnagar in Andhra Pradesh, according to Karnataka BJP president H N Ananth Kumar. Confirming the death of four persons in the crash, Karnataka DGP T Madiyal said that the bodies were charred beyond recognition. The helicopter belonged to "Agni Aviation", Madiyal said. The pilot Joy Philips was also killed, he added. Ananth Kumar said the helicopter caught fire minutes after it took-off from Jakkur airstrip on the city outskirts. Police sources said her brother Amaranath who was traveling with her was killed. Soundarya, who has acted in Telugu, Kannada and Tamil films with top stars, had joined the BJP recently. She was married just a few months back. A talented actress, she had won the national award last year for Kannada film DWEEPA produced by her. She had acted in all five languages - Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. In Bollywood she had done a film, SURYAVAMSHAM, with Amitabh Bachchan. She made her debut in Telugu in RYTHUBHARATHAM, but her first film that released was MANAVARALI PELLI. It was with RAJENDRUDU GAJENDRUDU opposite Rajendra Prasad she rose to fame. Since then she had acted in numerous Telugu films and ruled the Telugu film industry over span of seven years and bagged three state Nandi awards for best actress. Then she had also dabbled into Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada film industries. She was known for natural style of acting.
Eight candidates file nomination in Kerala
Saturday, April 17, 2004
KANNUR: Communist Party of India (Marxist) nominees AP Abdullahkutty and P Sathi Devi and Sooranad Rajashekaran of the congress were among eight candidate who filed nomination papers yesterday, the opening day for filling nomination to contest the May ten election in the State. While Abdullahkutty is seeking re-election from Kannur, Devi is contesting from Vadakara. Rajashekaran is contesting from Kollam. According to the Chief Electoral Office here, three nominations were filed in Kannur, two each in Vadakara and Kollam and one in Kasaragod.
People deplore group fights: Antony
Saturday, April 17, 2004
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister A K Antony stated that people have still not got over their anger at the group fights in the state Congress. Antony was talking to at a press meet held at the Kesari Memorial here. The unity in the party has not yet permeated to grass root levels. No political parties can survive without help from communal parties. The development of Kerala and its resurgence are being opposed by the Marxist party. While the Marxist party pursues one policy in Bengal it follows another policy in Kerala, Antony pointed out. The Marxist party which encourages women in Bengal to work in night shifts and has provided the necessary arrangements to work on national holidays, created problems in the Technopark in Thiruvanthapuram. The Marxist party will have to reconcile itself to the changes which are taking place in the world, he observed.
Unnikrishnan lashes out against Karunakaran, Antony
Saturday, April 17, 2004
KOZHIKODE: Congress leader KP Unnikrishnan came down heavily on Chief Minister AK Antony and K Karunakaran for dividing all the seats alloted to Congress in the state among relatives and associates. Speaking to mediapersons at Kozhikode, Unnikrishnan blasted Karunakaran for treating the Kozhikode and Mukundapuram seats as his family property. The former Union Minister said that he is in touch with most of the disgruntled elements in the Congress and a decision to fight the election will be taken soon. Lashing out at senior Congress leader K Karunakaran for the prevailing factionalism in the party, he said the ''leader'' had virtually hijacked the Congress to promote his family interests. Terming the factional feud as cancerous, he said such tendencies of certain leaders, aimed at gaining personal benefits, would ultimately lead to the erosion of the party's mass base. He said the decision on the Lok Sabha candidates was taken by the ''Karunakaran-Antony duo, ignoring the wishes of the selfless grassroot-level workers.'' Mr Unnikrishan said even though he wished success to the party candidates, the poll outcome could be disastrous because of the resentment caused over the seat allocation. Unnikrishnan was an aspirant for the Kozhikode constituency in place of V. Balaram, whose name has been cleared by the party high command. Unnikrishnan, who represented the neighbouring Vadakara seat between 1971 and 1996 on the Left Front ticket, tasted defeat for the first time in 1996 after re-joining the Congress.
Jail-term for three police officers
Saturday, April 17, 2004
KOLLAM: Punalur First Class Magistrate Court on Thursday sentenced three police officers for three-and-a-half years’ rigorous imprisonment for harassing a jewellery shop owner in custody on a bogus charge. The court imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each also.
Air-India to address problems of Kerala expatriates
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 12 Air-India has promised to address the problems of Kerala expatriates in the Gulf, who have complained of step-motherly treatment towards them vis-à-vis other Middle Eastern carriers. Air-India chairman and managing director V. Thulasidas gave the assurance during a meeting with the Kerala Association of Travel Agents (KATA) here. "We told him of recent developments in the Middle East, where even a boycott of Air-India was urged by some Keralite organisations. We told him that if such a thing happens, it wouldn't augur well for Air-India as well as we Keralites," KATA president K.V. Muralidharan told. A memorandum was also handed to Thulasidas listing how Air-India was ignoring the genuine needs of non-resident Keralites and how its recent reduction of fares had not served any purpose. "Even after the decrease, fares of foreign airlines are still cheaper. While a one-way ticket to Dubai from here on Air-India costs Rs. 7,860, the fare is cheaper by Rs.500-750 on carriers like Oman Air, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways and SriLankan Airlines," Muralidharan pointed out. Thulasidas was also told that during the 1998-2001 period, when there was no difference in the fares of Air-India and other foreign airlines, the flag carrier had made a record profit of Rs.15 million on the Middle East sector. Flight timings was the other issue Air-India would have to address, Thulasidas was told. "Most airlines fly from here between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Air-India flies out around midnight. As for incoming flights, Air-India lands in the wee hours while other airlines land just before sunrise," Muralidharan said. KATA officials also briefed Thulasidas on what they termed the indifferent attitude of Air-India towards the Thiruvananthapuram airport. Despite the airport here handling a record 800,000 international passengers in 2003-04 ending March 31 with just 140 flights of various airlines including Air-India, the Kochi airport handled only 600,000 passengers while operating more than 200 flights. "As always, there has been a concerted effort by certain vested interests that have been working overtime to stall the development of the Thiruvananthapuram airport. We told him it is high time Air-India ended this," Muralidharan said.
Kerala's drought losses pegged at Rs.28.44 bn
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 13 Kerala, currently facing its worst-ever drought, Tuesday put its estimated loss due to the natural calamity at a whopping Rs.28.44 billion. Announcing the loss after a cabinet meeting here, Chief Minister A.K. Antony said: "Despite giving two memorandums about our losses to the central government, even the Rs.490 million that has been sanctioned by the centre is yet to reach our hands. "I informed Finance Minister Jaswant Singh about the grave situation and I am positive about his assurances, but we are yet to hear from him." Eleven of the state's 14 districts have been declared as drought-hit. Antony said the state had requested the central government to write off agricultural loans under Rs 50,000 each. "Earlier we had decided on a moratorium of six months on recovery of loans. We have extended that period by another six months. Repayment of medium and long term loans taken for agricultural purposes has also been extended for a period of five years," he said. Crops like paddy, plantain, ginger and pineapple would now be classified under the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme of the central government, and it has been decided to give seeds and lime free of cost to farmers for a fresh season of crops. Since the drought began, over a dozen farmers in the hilly district of Wayanad alone have committed suicide after seeing their crops being destroyed. With the arrival of scant rainfall Tuesday, coffee planters have been hit badly because the rains damaged coffee trees that were beginning to flower. Another issue that has affected almost every corner of Kerala is a serious shortage of drinking water. The government has decided that all its offices and state-run educational institutions will implement rainwater-harvesting techniques to conserve water.
Cases registered against Togadia, VHP leaders
Sunday, April 11, 2004
The state police have registered a case against VHP international general secretary Dr Praveenbhai Togadia for his 'provocative speech' relayed over phone at the 'Hindu Rights Declaration' meet held here at the Putharikandam Maidan on Saturday evening. Cases have also been registered against other Hindu Aikya Vedi leaders, including its general secretary Kummanam Rajasekharan. Meanwhile, BJP state president Advt. P S Sreedharan Pillai today said that the cases registered against VHP leaders are politically motivated. " In that case they should have registered hundreds of cases against me, since I have been saying for a long time that Chief Minister A K Antony is a prisoner of the Muslim League. This case will be quashed by the court," he said while speaking to a news channel. On Saturday, Kummanam Rajasekharan said the Antony government should not be in the illusion that it can suppress the rights of Hindus by imposing a ban on VHP leader Praveen Togadia to enter the Kerala capital. Addressing the 'Hindu Rights Declaration' meet here at the Putharikandam Maidan, he said though there was not a single notified sensitive area in Thiruvananthapuram, the administration imposed the ban on Togadia only with a purpose of appeasing the minority community. Accusing the Congress-led government of succumbing to pressure from the Indian Union Muslim League on the Marad issue, he said the government should order a CBI inquiry into the killing of nine people in the coastal village in Kozhikode district. He said the temple administration in Kerala should be liberated from the clutches of politicians and handed over to believers. The government should not hesitate to constitute a uniform Devaswom board and should declare Sabarimala as a national pilgrimage centre. He also demanded that the state government form a special police squad to prevent the activities of extremist elements along the coastal areas of the State.
Dollar slides, rupee smiles, tourism sector frowns
Sunday, April 11, 2004
KOCHI: As the US dollar slid to the lowest ever against the rupee, the travel and tourism industry which registered an all-time high this season is keeping its fingers crossed hoping for the very best. The hospitality industry followed by the tour operators will be the worst affected if the greenbacks continue to fall, though for those planning to venture abroad on holidays, there may not be a better time. ``We are watching the situation closely as it will definitely have an impact on the tourism sector. The hospitality industry which transacts in US dollars will certainly feel the pinch. But for those travelling abroad, the appreciation of the rupee will mean increased buying power,'' says T. Balakrishanan, secretary, Kerala Tourism. While the fall has come at the end of the tourist season, the bookings for the next season beginning October, made a year in advance, will see falling revenues for major tour operators flushing with a 27 percent increase in inbound traffic this year. According to official estimates released by Kerala Tourism, 6.166 million tourists visited Kerala in 2003 showing an increase of 6.29 percent over the previous year and thus setting an all-time record for the State. The number of foreign tourists who visited the State in 2003 alone stood at 2,94,621 _ an amazing increase of 26.68 percent over the previous year. ``This has been the best season so far and, fortunately, the slide has occurred at the fag end of the season. Since 80 to 85 percent of the inbound tourists transact in US dollars, revenue figures will take a beating. Combined with the fact that the same rate of growth cannot be expected to continue next year, the sector is in for rough times,'' says Swaminathan of Sita Travels. According to industry sources, arrivals are expected to only grow by three to four percent the coming year, so making up the loss by increase in volumes may prove difficult. ``Most of the bookings for the October-March season next year are made during this season. With volumes not expected to sustain this season's growth, we will have to negotiate new rates with our partners on confirmed bookings,'' said an industry source. While many are considering increasing tariffs, for many that would mean jumping the gun as the phenomenon might be short-lived. ``We are long-distance runners and cannot increase tariffs immediately. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take measures accordingly,'' says Swaminathan. For the outbound tourist, specially on package tours, the situation is ideal. ``It depends not on rupee-dollar rate, but on the way the US dollar has fared against other currencies worldwide. For our cheapest three night/four day Singapore trip for instance, there will be a decrease of Rs 2000 to 3000,'' says Saji Kurien, Travel Corporation of India (TCI).
Dollar slides, rupee smiles, tourism sector frowns
Friday, April 9, 2004
KOCHI: As the US dollar slid to the lowest ever against the rupee, the travel and tourism industry which registered an all-time high this season is keeping its fingers crossed hoping for the very best. The hospitality industry followed by the tour operators will be the worst affected if the greenbacks continue to fall, though for those planning to venture abroad on holidays, there may not be a better time. ``We are watching the situation closely as it will definitely have an impact on the tourism sector. The hospitality industry which transacts in US dollars will certainly feel the pinch. But for those travelling abroad, the appreciation of the rupee will mean increased buying power,'' says T. Balakrishanan, secretary, Kerala Tourism. While the fall has come at the end of the tourist season, the bookings for the next season beginning October, made a year in advance, will see falling revenues for major tour operators flushing with a 27 percent increase in inbound traffic this year. According to official estimates released by Kerala Tourism, 6.166 million tourists visited Kerala in 2003 showing an increase of 6.29 percent over the previous year and thus setting an all-time record for the State. The number of foreign tourists who visited the State in 2003 alone stood at 2,94,621 _ an amazing increase of 26.68 percent over the previous year. ``This has been the best season so far and, fortunately, the slide has occurred at the fag end of the season. Since 80 to 85 percent of the inbound tourists transact in US dollars, revenue figures will take a beating. Combined with the fact that the same rate of growth cannot be expected to continue next year, the sector is in for rough times,'' says Swaminathan of Sita Travels. According to industry sources, arrivals are expected to only grow by three to four percent the coming year, so making up the loss by increase in volumes may prove difficult. ``Most of the bookings for the October-March season next year are made during this season. With volumes not expected to sustain this season's growth, we will have to negotiate new rates with our partners on confirmed bookings,'' said an industry source. While many are considering increasing tariffs, for many that would mean jumping the gun as the phenomenon might be short-lived. ``We are long-distance runners and cannot increase tariffs immediately. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take measures accordingly,'' says Swaminathan. For the outbound tourist, specially on package tours, the situation is ideal. ``It depends not on rupee-dollar rate, but on the way the US dollar has fared against other currencies worldwide. For our cheapest three night/four day Singapore trip for instance, there will be a decrease of Rs 2000 to 3000,'' says Saji Kurien, Travel Corporation of India (TCI).
Film industry heading for near-paralysis
Friday, April 9, 2004
KOCHI: With the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (Amma) and the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce continuing to be adamant on their respective stands regarding the new set of agreements introduced by the Chamber for the artistes, Malayalam filmdom is heading towards a near-paralysis. Amma has already directed its members not to sign the controversial document and has reportedly sought some clarifications on some of the clauses in it. Unconfirmed reports say the Film Chamber is contemplating redrafting some of the clauses in the agreement in focus _ the bone of contention among the rival factions in the industry. However, Film Chamber president Siyad Koker said there was no such move. ``There is hardly any question of compromising on any of the clauses in the agreement. But we are ready to provide the clarifications as demanded by some of the artistes,'' he told this website's newspaper on Thursday. A meeting of the members of the Film Chamber is slated to be held in Kochi on April 19. The Chamber is also planning to launch a few movies with new faces. One of them, to be directed by Kamal, will start on April 10 and the other one, to be directed by newcomer Reji, will begin around April 14. Meanwhile, some of the films slated to be released for Vishu are likely to get delayed. Joshi's Dileep-starrer êiRunwayêr, which was expected to hit the cinemas during Vishu, is likely to be released only during the third week of April. The release of the Mammootty-starrer êiVajramêr also remains uncertain. DENIES REPORTS: Amma treasurer Jagadish on Thursday denied reports that some of the members of Amma were planning to sign the new set of agreements introduced by the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce. Jagadish said no fresh call sheet was given by any artiste since Amma members met last. A meet of the executive committee of Amma will be held early next week to discuss the new developments.
Rise in cash crop prices boost Easter mood in Kerala
Friday, April 9, 2004
With Easter Sunday just a few days away, Christians in Kerala are in a jovial mood, thanks to a sharp jump in the prices of cash crops especially rubber and coconut. Price of rubber has seen an increase almost at periodic intervals with currently it hovering in the range of Rs.58 to Rs.60 per kilo. The Christian belt in the state is mostly concentrated in Central Kerala where the main cash crop is rubber. Similarly, the price of coconut and coconut oil has also reached higher levels as compared to previous years. The current selling rate of coconut is Rs.7 per nut. It must be recalled that in the earlier years prices of rubber had fallen below the Rs.30 mark and the price of coconuts below Rs.5 causing serious heartburns to the large number of Christian farmers in the state. And bringing more cheers to the Easter celebrations has been the summer rain, which has hit the state helping the mercury level to dip. "All in all it appears that we are having a far better Easter than in the previous years and the single reason for this new found cheer is nothing but the steady price of agriculture produce," said Jacob Kurian a rubber farmer in Kottayam.
Praveen Togadia to defy ban
Friday, April 9, 2004
VHP international general secretary, Dr. Praveenbhai Togadia would defy the ban imposed against him on entering Thiruvananthapuram city till May 10, VHP state leaders said today. Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Hindu Aikya Vedi State convener Kummanam Rajasekharan informed that Togadia has decided to participate in Saturday's programme as per schedule. Kummanam blamed the state government for its partisan attitude and warned of far reaching consequences, if the ban is imposed. The VHP leader termed the Antony government as anti- Hindu. "This government gave red-carpet welcome to Hurriyat leaders. During this regime, John Hooper, a Christian missionary who violated the law of the land by engaging in missionary work despite being on a tourist visa, was allowed to go scot-free. People having connections with terrorist outfits like Lashkar-E-Toiba are roaming free here," he said. Kummanam said that Togadia is a person who has launched an 'unending war' on anti- national elements. "By banning him, the government is promoting such elements," he alleged. Answering a question, he said that Antony might have been forced to impose the ban, under the pressure from the Indian Union Muslim League. Kummanam said that the Hindu Aikya Vedi would launch a statewide protest against the 'anti-Hindu' policies of the government. April 10 would be observed as "religious freedom day" all over the state, he said. Action will be taken: collector Thiruvananthapuram district collector K V Muralidharan today said that action will be taken against Togadia, if he attempts to violate the ban imposed on him. "Instructions have been given to the police to send him back from the airport itself on his arrival. However, if there are attempts to violate the law, action will be taken," he said.
Antony justifies ban on Togadia
Friday, April 9, 2004
Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony today justified the ban on VHP leader Praveen Togadia, saying that it was necessary to avoid unnecessary tension. Speaking to a Malayalam Satellite Channel, Antony said that the past experience prompted the state government to impose the ban. "When Togadia came last time, many asked me to ban his entry. I did not heed to their advice then. However, the police imposed a few restrictions on him. But, Togadia and the organizers defied all the restrictions. So this time the police thought it would be wise to ban the visit," he said. Meanwhile, Veliyam Bhargavan, state secretary of the CPI, also said that Togadia should not be allowed to set his foot in the state. " He is trying to instigate violence wherever he goes. He had tried to whip up passion over Marad violence, when he came here last time," he said in Thiruvananthapuram today.
CPM taking advantage of Kannur incident: BJP
Friday, April 9, 2004
BJP State President P S Sreedharan Pillai today alleged that the CPM in the state is trying to take the advantage of the murder of the CPM activist that took place in Kannur Central prison, following the CPM-BJP prisoners' clash on Tuesday afternoon. " UDF government is ruling Kerala but CPM is controlling it. The shifting of BJP prisoners from Kannur Jail to Poojappura Central Jail and to Kannur sub jail is a clear example. This can be never justified," he said while talking to a news channel. He added that to ensure peace in society, the CPM should avoid unfortunate issues in future. While asked about the upcoming polls, the BJP president expressed hope that the present political climate in Thiruvananthapuram constituency is suitable for the victory of BJP candidate as a BJP wave is evident in the constituency. When asked about the examinations being held on the Easter day, Sreedharan Pillai said that the move to conduct Medical entrance examination by the CBSE Board on Easter Sunday was never a deliberate attempt by the BJP-led Central Government against the interests of the minorities. He added that the Centre can't take any immediate steps to change the examination date and it was a directive by the Supreme Court.
Pravasi Society to launch NRI pension scheme'
Friday, April 9, 2004
The Kazhakuttam-based Pravasi Malayalee Development Society is launching a five-year pension scheme for the widows of Pravasi Malayalees and the NRIs above the age of 55 years. "The Pravasi Malayalee Development Society has always been at the forefront in the efforts to bring back the body of the NRIs who die in foreign countries to their native place, treatment aid to AIDS affected patients and poor patients, economic aid to produce products in Kudumbasree units, free ambulance service to poor patients and members of society etc," Pravasi Malayalee Development Society office bearers announced at a press conference here today. An amount of RS 800 will be granted to the widows and those who willing to join this programme should contact the following address before April 30. Secretary Pravasi Malayalee Development society P B Number-24 Kazhakuttam Thiruvananthapuram
Farmers Forum to contest two LS seats
Friday, April 9, 2004
Criticising both the major formidable political fronts in Kerala for ''neglecting'' the agriculture sector, Farmers Relief Forum (FRF) today announced their candidates for the Kozhikode and Kannur Lok Sabha constituencies. Addressing a press conference here, FRF State Secretary Thomas Kalppurakkal said the ruling UDF and the Opposition LDF have virtually failed to secure even the minimum support price for agricultural produce, forcing the farmers to take loans from money lenders and ultimately resort to extreme steps like suicides. He alleged that the Antony Government even neglected the farming community by its failure to get adequate Central aid for the debt-trapped farmers in the drought-hit areas. ''We supported either the UDF or LDF candidates in the past. But they all have proved self-seekers and hence the decision to field our own candidates.'' Claiming the support of all the farm front organisations, including INFAM, he announced the candidature of FRF President A C Varkey for Kozhikode and Thomas Mannamkodi for Kannur. In the rest of the constituencies, the FRF would support independents, he added.
Good Friday observed in the state
Friday, April 9, 2004
Early morning masses, special prayers and services were held in churches across the state to mark the occasion of Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Lakhs of devotees also took part today in 'Kurishinte Vazhi' the special processions organised by various churches to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ. "Good Friday" is the most solemn Christian tradition of the year and Christians are expected to spend the day in quiet reflection. Church leaders in their address called upon people to follow the path of Jesus who sacrificed his life to spread the message of love and universal brotherhood. Devotees, carrying cross on their shoulders with prayers on their lips, took out processions in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Kozhikode, alongwith other smaller towns. In Thiruvananthapuram, the Bishop of the Thiruvananthapuram Diocese, Rev. Dr. M. Susaipakiyam, led the procession.
'A-I' feud: Thrissur Mayor quits
Saturday, April 3, 2004
Jose Kattukkaran, the Mayor of Thrissur Corporation today resigned from his post, following a directive from the KPCC president P P Thankachan. The development is reported to be the latest in the ongoing tussle between the 'A' and 'I' groups in the Congress over the official posts in the corporation. According to sources there was as agreement between both the factions to share the mayor ship. Accordingly, the 'A' group has called for Kattukkaran's resignation about 6 months above. Jose Kattukkaran, a prominent Karunakaran loyalist how ever refused to step down and rejected the existence of such a forum. Following this Deputy Mayor of Thrissur, K Radhakrishnan, an Antony loyalists, had resigned in protest. Speaking to reporters in Thrissur today, the resigned mayor said that he had spoken to K Karunakaran in this regard. " The leader was not for my resignation. However, I decided to resign for the sake of party and its unity," he added.
LDF moves EC against Rajagopal
Saturday, April 3, 2004
The Left Democratic Front has submitted a petition to the Election Commission, seeking action against Union Minister of state for Defense, O Rajagopal, for violating the code of conduct during the election. Rajagopal is the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance candidate from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency. In the petition filed today, C Divakaran, the general secretary of LDF campaign committee has alleged that Rajagopal, during the campaign is misusing the official machinery and his position as a central minister. Divakaran, while talking to reporters pointed out that Rajagopal was campaigning in the constituency using the official escort and other facilities granted to a minister. He has also been "receiving memorandums from the pubic as a Central minister," he said. Divakaran said that in a latest incident, Rajagopal and his entourage went to Beemapalli and the ministers' supporters' entered the mosque with BJP flags. This led to a heated exchange between the local residences there. " It is also reported that Rajagopal's assistants called up the mosque authorities and asked them to organize a reception for him," Divakaran alleged. The LDF leader informed that this particular instance and other similar incidents have been reported to the Election Commission. The LDF petition was submitted to the |
