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YSR Congress 'Sagu Poru' in Warangal Marred by Violence

'Sagu Poru' program taken up by YSR Congress has turned violent at some placesin Telangana region. YSR Congress activists held dharna today in front of Watrangal Collectorate protesting against government's failure to address farmers' problems in the state. Pro-Telangana activists belonging to Kakatiya University students JAC obstructed the YSR Congress activists demanding to spell out its stand on the Telangana issue. This led to heated arguements between them and tension prevailed there for sometime. Later the police intervened and had to resort to lathicharge and dispersed the warring mobs.    

World's Shortest Man: Guinness World Record

Junrey Balawing, from a remote town in the southern Philippines, stands just under two feel tall and has been officially declared the World's Shortest Man by Guinness World Records. Balawing, who just turned 18, is 23.5 inches tall, succeeding previous title holder Khagendra Thapa Magar from Nepal, who is 26 inches tall. A team from Guinness World Records made the announcement in the remote town of Sindangan, where Balawing lives, on his 18th birthday on Sunday. Claimants for the title must be at least 18 years old. The Guinness team, led by Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday, measured Balawing both vertically and horizontally before declaring him the world's shortest man and handing him a certificate. "We are happy on this day. We are proud of Junrey," his mother Concepcion said. Balawing's father said his son, the oldest of four children, stopped growing in his first year. His speech is also stunted and his conversations are limited to short phrases. Balawing mostly stays at home, needing assistance to move around. His condition has prevented him from attending school. While the award does not come with a cash prize, Glenday said the team hopes that publicising Balawing's case will draw the attention of medical experts who may be able to help him. Local medical practitioners have not been able to explain his growth disorder. "The previous record holder had been given medical care... He even had free surgery provided by the U.S.A. So there are benefits to being a record holder," Glenday said. "We feel for him because of his size. Obviously, being that size, it's quite a compromised life. We hope that by publicising his case, medical practitioners will pay attention."    

Digvijay Singh Stuns Both Anna Hazare And Congress

Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh has stunned his own party colleagues and the civil activists alike by favouring bringing of the Prime Minister and the higher judiciary under the ambit of Lokpal. He said "My view is that the Prime Minister, judiciary, NGOs and industrial houses should also be brought under the ambit of Lokpal. But there should be a system to ensure that the Lokpal does not misuse its power." Speaking to reporters at his hometown Raghogarh in Madhya Pradesh late on Saturday evening, Digvijay Singh told that earlier as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh he had brought the CM's post under the purview of Lokayukta (Ombudsman). Still continuing his attack on the civil activists, Mr. Singh said "exerting of pressure" on the government by a few people was not right in a democratic system.  

Revolt Against TDP: Nagam Janardhan Reddy

Senior TDP leader Nagam Janardhan Reddy who has been suspended from the party for anti-party activities, called upon party MLAs from the Telangana region to revolt against the party leadership and join in the separate statehood agitation. "Set aside the party flag and agenda, and intensify the agitation for a separate Telangana state," he said. Nagam Janardhan Reddy, who is currently in Adilabad for his 'Telangana Nagaara' public meeting to be held on 13-06-2010, said that the TD MLAs should remember that it is the people who elected them for their promise to achieve a separate state and allying with the TRS in the 2009 elections. He criticised the TD chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, for deliberately creating differences among party cadre in Telangana region. Mr Nagam made it clear that Mr Naidu would be responsible for any unrest in the region as he was provoking party leaders against the pro-Telangana agitation. "We ( Telangana region TD MLAs) had maintained cordial relations so far, but the party sponsored Telangana Ranabheri programme against our Telangana Nagara is causing disputes," he opined.  

Anna Hazare Letter to Sonia About Congress' Lies

Civil activist Anna Hazare, who is crusading against corruption, has shot up a letter to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Anna got upset over Congress leaders calling him 'mukhauta' (Mask) of BJP and RSS. He wrote that her party leaders and ministers were "telling lies" to defame him and dared them to make public any evidence to prove it. In a three-page letter, Hazare said such remarks were part of a "conspiracy" to defame him and ensure that those people who supported him during the April protest did not do so in future. Anna Hazare request Sonia Gandhi to ensure that responsible leaders from Congress party should not resort to character assassination and mislead people on the Jan Lokpal Bill. "If the Congress party has any concrete evidence (to prove the allegations), please make it public," he said. He also said it did not augur well for the country if responsible leaders start "telling lies only to cling to power" by misleading people on issues. His letter came in the backdrop of Congress general secretary Janardhan Dwivedi dubbing him as a "mask" of BJP while other leaders attacked the civil society on Lokpal Bill. Hazare had earlier kicked up a controversy by praising Modi for development works in rural Gujarat. To buttress his point, he said he had criticised the Gujarat government for corruption and asked, "Had I been associated with BJP, I would not have talked about such things." Hazare said he had made it clear earlier that he would attend Ramdev's protest only if there was no participation of communal elements in his agitation. He said he will go on fast again on August 16 if the Lokpal Bill was not passed by then and that he was ready to sacrifice his life for the cause.

Anna Hazare, Ramdev Misusing Right to Protest

The Congress in a counter-offensive of sorts, launched a nationwide campaign to expose the allegedly communal forces behind Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev's campaign against corruption and black money. Kickstarting the campaign, senior party leader and Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee hit out at the civil society activists for misusing the right to protest. Speaking to the media, Mr Mukherjee said, "They are saying, you will have to agree with what  we are saying. Who has given them the legitimacy? If 5000 people support one person, does it justify these things?" Stepping up the attack, Mr Mukherjee also claimed that the fasts were being sponsored and encouraged by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to further their political motives. The Congress party's latest strategy seems to be based on the proverbial killing two birds with one stone. The party intends to blunt the campaign by Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev, propping it as an agitation largely supported by the BJP which has latched on to the hunger strikes by the civil society activists to attack the government for inaction against corruption.  

Supreme Court Adjourns Kanimozhi Bail Plea

The Spreme Court adjourned the bail plea of DMK supremo Karunanidhi's daughter and Rajya Sabha member Ms. Kanimozhi. Kanimozhi, named as a co-accused along with DMK's A Raja, in India's largest-ever swindle, the 2G scam, has been in Tihar Jail since May 20 when she was arrested by the CBI. A vacation Bench of Justices B S Chauhan and Swatanter Kumar issued a notice to the CBI asking it to file its response on the bail plea by next Monday. The apex court inquired from the CBI on what happened to the Rs 200 crore, allegedly given to Kalaignar TV by Cineyug Films, and also asked the probe agency to state the loss incurred by the exchequer in granting licences to telecom companies during A Raja's tenure. The Delhi High Court had on June 8 rejected Kanimozhi's bail plea in the 2G spectrum case. Kanimozhi's lawyer had applied for bail in the court on the grounds that she needs to look after her young son, since her husband travels abroad frequently for work.  

Will The Jan Lok Pal Bill be a Reality?

"Softness on Corruption The corruption eats into the vitals of the nation just as weevil do with the food grains or rats with the houses. The corruption among ruling class has always been a matter of concern. Chanakya, the famous political strategist of India around 300 BC, had stated "A corrupt person is like a fish. It can't be said when fish drank water." The corruption in any country is bad, but in a poor country is worse. The famous Gandhian leader J P Narayan once said "Corruption in a poor country is a serious thing because it affects the poor man's bread." While crores of people are not able to manage their two square meals, few people making crores of illegal money, becomes a serious crime. JP Narayan's expression could be stretched a step further that "Lust for illegal gratification may even threaten the nation's security. Men like Ambhi, Jaychand and Meer Jafar have always existed in the land of India." When a complaint of bribery against a high government official was brought before PM Jawaharlal Nehru, he was reluctant to use his big authority for such a petty offense. His remark "How big is his belly? Someday he would stop after his belly is filled," reveals his softness towards the issue of corruption. An intelligent corrupt person puts his money not in his belly, but in a Swiss Bank. Pt. Nehru's soft attitude, planted the sapling of corruption. The oath of secrecy by Ministers and Official Secrets Act provided climate for its growth. Mrs. Indira Gandhi's excuse that "Corruption is a world wide phenomenon" provided protection to the sapling. Today it has grown into a giant banyan tree. The banyan tree has several roots. You can not destroy it by destroying its one root. The ex-Justice Krishna Iyer once said "Any public official who steps out clean of the procedural meshes of Anti-corruption Law, is a hope of hundreds in hiding." Mr. Nehru committed a great wrong by ignoring the case of corruption against high official as apetty offense. By this he planted a sapling which has grown into a banyan tree. Mr. T N Seshan, a strong advocate of morality and a crusader against corruption, once (1995) warned the countrymen about perils of corruption. If the foreigners were allowed to operate in an atmosphere of corruption, we would never be able to compete with them. They would take over the reins completely." Source: The World's Greatest Blunders Author: Shital Kumar Jain At present the entire nation is imbrued with plenty of corruption in almost every sphere. Civil activists like Anna Hazare and several others are trying hard to bring out a stronger lok pal bill in tandem with the government. All are seeking severe punishment for the corrupt by enforcing stringent laws. The architects of 'Jan Lok Pal Bill', as well as the common man of this country, are very hopeful that the new bill will certainly drive away the corruption from our society. Do you think like Pt. Nehru, Dr. Manmohan Singh too is going soft on corruption? Do you think the Jan Lok Pal Bill, which is getting ready, will be effective enough to wipe out corruption totally? Do you think, any government, be it Congress, BJP or any other party, is equally sincere like the civil society and the common man are, in bringing out the stringent Jan Lok Pal Bill? Go ahead and share your valuable opinion with others through this 'Discussion Forum'. teluguone.com/sm/index.php/topic,3.msg6.html#msg6  

Jupally Yatra: Aruna Gives Him 1 Day

Former minister Jupally Krishna Rao resumed his suspended 'Praja Abhiyan Yatra' once again igniting tussle between himself and another minister from the same region, Ms. D K Aruna. Krishna Rao is bent upon taking out the padayatra from Aruna's Gadwal assembly constituency. Krishna Rao said he would resume the padayatra from Aiza town where he was arrested by police on May 20. Asked about the PCC stand on his yatra, Jupally replied that he was undertaking the yatra to mobilise the people for achieving the larger goal of separate Telangana state. He said his only aim was to garner the attention of the Centre to the larger aspirations of the people of the region for separate Telangana. Sources said Krishna Rao would face trouble once his yatra reaches Gadwal represented by Aruna. Changing her stance, Aruna said she was not concerned about the yatra. Earlier, she had opposed the yatra on the grounds that she was not informed by Krishna Rao on his yatra plans. Now he can take out his yatra in Gadwal Constituency, but only for 1 day. However, sources say,  though Aruna would distance herself from the yatra, her followers would certainly obstruct the ex-minister's yatra.    

TDP 'Ranabheri' Against TRS

In spite of non-cooperation call given by Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC), the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) went ahead and held a pro-Telangana public meeting 'Ranabheri' at Tandur, in which they hit out at TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao. Speaking on the occasion, Telangana leaders of TDP Errabelli Dayakar Rao, Devender Goud, Nama Nageswara Rao and others sharply attacked the TRS for targeting the TDP. Dayakar Rao alleged that the TRS president is not sincere in his efforts to achieve statehood for Telangana and is doing politics in the name of it. "Instead of questioning the Congress, which is in the power, both at the Centre and state, the TRS is targeting TDP," he said. Referring to the demand that Telangana leaders should quit their posts to trigger a constitutional crisis to achieve separate Telangana, he said leaders of all the parties should come ahead and quit their posts for the cause. Earlier in Tandur, TRS workers and supporters of Telangana allegedly tried to block the way of the TDP leaders, while they were on their way to the 'Ranabheri' venue. Alleging that the TDP adopted double standards on the Telangana issue, the TRS and the JAC appealed to the people and Telangana supporters not to cooperate with the TDP in for the meetings.  

Bifurcation Not Acceptable: Minister Sailajanath

Education Minister, Mr. Sailajanath told that bifurcation of the state will not be acceptable in any case. If need arises delegation of Seema-Andhra leaders will reach Delhi and make representation with Central government and party high command. Speaking to media in the assembly premises, Mr. Sailajanath claimed that development of the three regions is possible only when the state remains as united Andhra. With the bifurcation of the state not only the development will become stagnant but the funds received by the centre will also be slashed. Calling for a scientific solution to Telangana issue, trhe minister Dr. S Sailajanath said that the Seemandhra leaders will meet the party high command to make their united Andhra stand clear.

Govt Turns Adamant: No Talks With Baba Ramdev

Even after social activist Swami Agnivesh approched the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherji and tried to convince him to resume further talks with Baba Ramdev, the government ruled out any mediation or further talks with Ramdev. Baba Ramdev, who's been on a fast since June 4, was forcibly admitted to the ICU of a local hospital in Dehradoon on Friday after his health started deteriorating. He was administered glucose but he refused to call off his fast. Interestingly, Baba was taken to hospital forcibly on a day when another revered guru Sri Sri Ravishankar flew to Haridwar to appeal to Baba Ramdev to end his fast. Though Ramdev has been in much limelight since his dramatic escape from Delhi Ramlila maidan in women's clothes, his campaign started staggering with questions raised about the manner in which he had built his business empire worth over Rs 1100 crore. The civil society group led by Anna Hazare also made it clear that they didn't agree with Baba Ramdev's policies. Now Baba is left with his only friends from the BJP. Even if Baba Ramdev breaks his fast, whether forcefully or otherwise, it would be much difficult for him to wriggle out of the accusations levelled against him by the Congress - that he was not just merely a yoga guru but more of a 'mukhauta' (Mask) of Sangh parivar.  

Baba Ramdev Shifted to Hospital

Baba Ramdev, who is fasting for the past 6 days in protest gainst corruption in the country, has been forcefully taken to the hospital. Ramdev's health condition was fast deteriorating and the government took the decision to shift him to the hospital. There doctors examined him and said that Baba's very weak and his pulse rate is on the decrease. The doctors recommended for admitting Ramdev in ICU to provide him with nourishment through fluids. But the unrelenting Baba is continuing his fast for the consecutive seventh day.    

Major Cabinet Reshuffle on Cards in The State

According to highly placed sources, at least two ministers belonging to the Reddy community will be dropped and a few others shifted to less important portfolios in order to bring about some caste balance in the Kiran Kumar cabinet. BC leader and transport minister Botsa Satyanarayana, who had met Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi two days ago before his name was announced for the PCC president post, was given the indication from the party chief that a cabinet revamp is in order in the state. The cabinet reshuffle will take place after the return of AICC general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad from his foreign tour. "The reshuffle will send two Reddy ministers out of the cabinet and bring in 2 to 4 BC MLAs as ministers. Four BC ministers will get revenue, agriculture, irrigation and municipal administration portfolios and Reddys who are now holding them will be demoted to less-important portfolios," the sources said. The change of caste combination was approved by Sonia after Azad reported that there is much heartburn among the BC leaders over the way Kiran Kumar built his team giving prime posts to members of the community. In the list of omission are infrastructure minister Komatireddi Venkata Reddy and cooperation minister Kasu Venkata Krishna Reddy. While the former is the second Reddy from Nalgonda district to be accommodated in the Kiran cabinet, the latter is said to have embarrassed the high command by allowing his son to move with YSR Congress president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. From Nalgonda, another BC or ST MLA will get berth along with K Jana Reddy who is holding the panchayat raj portfolio now. Ch Lingaiah from Nakrekal or Bikshamaih Goud from Alair are in the race. It was also decided to give two berths to MLAs elected on Prajarajyam party ticket. In all probability, it will be Ganta Srinivasa Rao and C Ramachandraiah who will make it to the cabinet from the PRP. Another senior leader, Vanga Geeta, will be offered the government whip post, the sources said.

Kanimozhi, Sharad Kumar Approach Supreme Court

DMK MP Kanimozhi and Kalaignar TV MD Sharad Kumar, accused in the 2G spectrum case, on Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking bail. Kanimozhi, the 43-year-old daughter of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, and Kumar have challenged the Delhi High Court verdict rejecting their bail. "We have filed a Special Leave Petition on behalf of both Kanimozhi and Kumar challenging the High Court order," senior advocate V G Pargasm said. The High Court had on June 8 dismissed the bail pleas of Kanimozhi and Kumar, saying they have strong political connections and the possibility of them influencing witnesses cannot be ruled out.  

New PCC Chief Hints at Cabinet Reshuffle

The newly appointed Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Mr Botsa Satyanarayana, on Thursday hinted at a Cabinet reshuffle before the end of June. Mr Satyanarayana who is also the transport minister in the Kiran Kumar Reddy Cabinet came to the Secretariat after being named the state party chief. The PCC chief said he is sure that the central leadership will maintain the regional and caste balance in the reshuffle. It may be recalled that the seasoned politician from Vizianagaram had, along with the tourism minister, Mr V. Vasanth Kumar, raised the voice of dissent on the day Mr Kiran Kumar Reddy constituted his Cabinet. Mr Satyanarayana had complained to the party leadership that the Chief Minister was allocating important portfolios to ministers of a particular community. Asked about these earlier objections, the new PCC chief said he will stick to his stand on the issue. At present. there are 37 ministers in the Cabinet after the resignation of Mr Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy and Mr Jupalli Krishna Rao. The upper limit for the Cabinet is 44. The Praja Rajyam, which is to merge with the Congress, will be allotted two berths, so there will be room for five more ministers. Mr Satyanarayana dismissed the contention that Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy would pose a threat to the Congress and said all the Congress legislators were in the party fold now. Referring to former minister, Ms Konda Surekha, the PCC president said the party had already served notice to her. Maintaining that the Congress was not afraid of holding polls to local bodies, he said the government would consider special officers only if there were administrative hurdles in holding elections.

Aide Balkrishan is Richer Than Baba Ramdev

Baba Ramdev's world is not just a popular yoga empire but a clutch of hugely profitable businesses, ranging from successful ayurveda products to a popular TV channel. Vedic Broadcasting Limited, which runs Aastha channel, made a net profit of Rs 2.30 crore on a total turnover of Rs 19.26 crore in 2009-10. The company mopped up Rs 18.50 crore revenue in advertisements, telecasting fees and others. The company's expenditure on programming, telecast and operations was Rs 9.60 crore. According to details available with the Registrar of Companies, Acharya Balkrishna, Ramdev's controversial aide, holds 99.9% stake in Vedic Broadcasting. He holds 799,250 shares out of total equity shares of 800,000. The remaining shares are held by Muktanandji, another Ramdev aide, and others. In all company details, Balkrishna and Muktanandji do not declare their father's name but list it as "disciple of Swami Shankar Dev", whose death a few years ago was termed mysterious by Ramdev's detractors. Ramdev does not figure as a shareholder in any of the companies while Balkrishna is the overwhelming majority share holder. In Patanjali Ayurved Limited, which makes and markets Ramdev's ayurveda products, Balkrishna has 3.10 crore shares out of a total of 3.47 crore shares, which is over 92% shares in the company. A significant part of the remaining shares are held by Sarwan 'Sam' Poddar and his wife Sunita, the Scotland residents who had gifted an island to Ramdev. Patanjali Ayurved too is an impressive business. The annual report of the company for 2008-09 financial year shows that just two products, Amla and Aloe Vera juice, raked in over Rs 25 crore in the year. The other product that was a great success was Lauki (bottle gourd) juice. The company also makes shampoos, body massage oil, eye drops etc. In 2008-09, the company registered sales of Rs 60.60 crore.

Naxals blows anti-landmine vehicle, 10 policemen killed

Dantewada : Ten security personnel were on Friday killed when Naxals blew up an anti-land mine vehicle in Katikalyan area of Dantewada district.   The anti-landmine vehicle of the security forces was approaching a bridge near Gatan village when the Naxals triggered a powerful blast and opened indiscriminate fire on them, police said.     Seven Special Police Officers (SPO) and three police jawans were killed when their vehicle was tossed in the air by the powerful blast, they said.   Three of the injured have been rushed to a hospital in Bastar district headquarter.   The Naxals had yesterday opened indiscriminate fire near the camp of Chhattisgarh Armed Force in Naraynpur district, killing four jawans and leaving another injured.

Baba Ramdev declares Assets

Haridwar: On his sixth day of fast, Ramdev addressed a press conference According to the information he provided, there are three primary trusts. Among them, the Divyayog Mandir Trust is the oldest and has a total capital of Rs 249.63 crore and a total welfare spend of Rs 685.25 crore in the last 12 years. The more recent Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust has a capital of Rs 164.8 crore and total spend of Rs 53.52 crore till date.   The Bharat Swabhiman Trust, constituted for the anti-black money campaign, has a capital of Rs 9.57 crore as against a total welfare spend of Rs 11.51 crore.     However, the yoga guru failed to answer all questions on asset base, financial inflows etc on company details, etc. Ramdev and his aide Balakrishna cut a sorry figure when faced with a flurry of questions on his business and assets. Balakrishna, seen as the financial face of the Patanjali Trust, left his personal computer and fled to his room as the volley of questions continued. The prime question that remained unanswered was on the corporate dealings and number of companies the trusts operated. Balakrishna maintained that all queries regarding the Ramdev's companies should be directed to the Registrar of Companies. To pacify miffed newspersons, Ramdev said: "Companies have been formed and are operated to carry out work that trusts cannot do" The trusts through its arms in UK and the US also have land in Scotland and Houston. Followers spent the day listening to sermons, as Team Ramdev was strategising on the next move to keep the campaign going.