<i>Lalu says nothing happened; State orders inquiry</i>
In a shocking incident a senior Railway Protection Force (RPF) officer in an inebriated condition is alleged to have molested a Bihar cadre IAS officer and her sister travelling in 2394 Down New Delhi-Rajendra Nagar Sampoorna Kranti Express. While the State Government has promptly ordered an inquiry into the matter the Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad has said that nothing of the sort occurred.
Reports of the incident has not only shocked the nation but also raised questions about the security of women in Lalu's trains. It occurred when the young IAS officer Vandana Preyeshi and her sister Sujata, who is the wife of a Punjab cadre IPS officer, were travelling in air-conditioned coupe F-1 of the Patna-bound Sampoorna Kranti Express. The RPF DIG, Premjit Rawal too was travelling in the same coach. DIG Rawal is currently posted at Railway Headquarters in New Delhi and was reportedly on an official tour to Patna.
After the train had left Delhi, DIG Rawal and the sisters were involved in some general conversation.When the train reached Kanpur both the sisters had their dinner and retired to their respective berths for the night.
Meanwhile, DIG Premjit Rawal reportedly had a few drinks and while pretending to be under the influence of alcohol forced himself on Sujata and started molesting her. Shocked and surprised she reprimanded the DIG for his misbehavior but <b>when he did not stop the sisters shouted for help and also gave him a good thrashing.</b> <!--emo&:cool--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/specool.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='specool.gif' /><!--endemo-->Â
The RPG DIG by then was completely taken aback by the turn of events and started pleading with the two sisters to spare him.
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However, sources said that the IAS officer and her sister even took DIG Rawal's identity card and his cell phone. Hearing the commotion, other passengers, running staff and security personnel arrived only to find the drunk DIG pleading with both the sisters to return his mobile phone and ID card.
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Later, after the intervention of other passengers and staff the sisters reportedly returned DIG's mobile phone.
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Later, the IAS officer Vandana Preyeshi and her sister Sujata complained about the matter to the State Home Secretary. The State Government later ordered an inquiry into the whole matter and even faxed the details to the Railway Ministry as well as the Union Home Ministry.
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Significantly, both the sisters remained aloof from the even though several mediapersons tried to get the IAS officer Vandana Preyeshi to reply to their questions but to no avail.
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Vandana Preyeshi is currently posted in the State Home Department and is known as an upright and straightforward officer in bureaucratic circles.
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"We've taken not of the incident very seriously and an inquiry has been ordered into it," said State Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah.
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<b>Meanwhile, the RPF DIG got himself shut inside the doors of VIP waiting room number 5 at the Patna railway platform and refused to come out with his comments before the media.</b> It is learnt that the RPF Director General too is camping in Patna.
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<b>However, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav came out in defense of his officer, DIG Premjit Rawal.</b> "The RPG DG has told me that nothing such incident has happened in the train. But, if anyone wants to make an inquiry he can do it. Let the lady register a complaint in this regard," reacted Lalu Prasad while dismissing the incident a minor one.
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<b>The fuming Lalu Prasad even blamed media for blowing the incident out of proportion.</b> "As I'm told nothing has happened but its only you people [media] who are fanning it as a big incident," said Lalu Prasad who had come to Patna to accompany UPA presidential candidate Pratibha Patil's one day tour to the State capital.
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Meanwhile, the reaction from rail passengers too has started coming in. "If such an incident can happen with a women IAS officer one can well imagine the condition of common women passengers in Lalu Prasad Yadav's train," said Anita Devi, a passenger.
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<b>This is what the real 'turnaround' Lalu Prasad Yadav has made in Indian Railways, mocked many at the Patna junction.</b><!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
07-30-2007, 03:14 PM (This post was last modified: 07-30-2007, 03:15 PM by Husky.)
How predictable. Ruling tyrant is also a domestic tyrant. Or (giving him the benefit of the doubt) he's merely a liar. Take your pick. Either way he doesn't come out clean.
New Delhi, July 30: Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh Monday distanced himself from the allegations that <b>his family has been harassing his grandson`s wife for dowry</b> saying his opinion was "sidelined" at the wedding.
<b>"I have nothing to do with it. My opinion was sidelined at the wedding,"</b> Singh told when asked about the registration of a case under the Anti-Dowry Act against him and other family members.
(Excuses excuses. Bah, what a loser.
For those who missed it, the translation goes: 'I, Arjun Singh, am in a position of control in the country, but I can't take control of nasty relations.... It's all their fault! Poor me, don't blame me... Oh and please vote for Congress.'
Hey nice ad. Congress should run with this come next election. The 'We're weak and incapable' admission angle will really garner some additional votes....)
<b>He said he did not even go to the wedding of his grandson which took place one-and-a-half years ago.</b> A case under the Anti-Dowry Act has been registered against Singh, his wife Beena Singh, son Abhimanyu Singh, grandson Abhijeet Singh and three others at a police station in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.
(Wait. He said that "his opinion was sidelined at the wedding" while he also says he did not even go to the wedding. He was there and yet he wasn't there. So which is it? Oh, look his pants are aflame! Hey, that's supposed to be indicative of something, isn't it? Is it a plane, is it a train... No, no. It's just the *liar* Arjun Singh.
What's his next lie/excuse? His family held him hostage and 'made' him share their opinion?)
The case was registered on the direction of additional chief judicial magistrate, Chandausi, on a complaint by Madhvendra Singh, father of Priyanka Singh whom Abhimanyu married.
Madhvendra Singh has alleged that Priyanka`s in-laws had been demanding a Mercedes car and a flat from him and his daughter was being tortured when their demand was not met.
Bureau Report<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->Creep.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->"<b>I have nothing to do with it. My opinion was sidelined at the wedding</b>,"<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Atleast, he could have called police himself and rescued is grand daughter-in-law. Even now, he should make sure his son gets toughest punishment. His excuse is pathetic; it just tells he is also involved.
It also means, in case some woman is in trouble and not calling his name to rescue,Arjun Singh will ignore because she was not calling his name but just screaming.
Now think, when his family ignores him why? Indian public should listen to him.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Dowry case slapped against Arjun Singh</b>
Arjun Singh's grandson Abhijeet married Priyanka, daughter of Kunwar Madhvendra Singh, scion of a royal family, who runs a booming business in Moradabad, a city known for its brassware. The marriage took place on February 6, 2006 and the same was registered in New Delhi on March 2, 2006.
Within a few months of the wedding, differences between Abhijeet and Priyanka cropped up and she returned to her parents home." My daughter was tortured and beaten black and blue by her husband and in-laws who used to demand more dowry. They were asking for a Mercedes Benz and a flat in New Delhi," Madhvendra Singh told The Pioneer.
"I am not that rich.<b> I had spent around Rs 50 lakh on the marriage</b>. I was not in a position to spend more money to meet their demands," he said.
<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Effort were made to save the marriage and a darbar was held at 17, Akbar Road - the official residence of Union Minister for Human Resource Development Arjun Singh.</span>
<b>"Arjun Singh had asked me to bring my daughter back to her in-laws house. He had also assured that he would protect my daughter but nothing happened,"</b> the Kunwar said.
The Union Minister, however, denied in New Delhi of having been 'involved' with the wedding. "I was against this marriage but my views were ignored. I had not even attended it," Singh told reporters.
The girl's father argued that he had named the Union Minister as he had assured him of protecting his daughter Priyanka. "She was beaten black and blue even after the meeting called by Arjun Singh," he said.
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<b>Despite Kunwar Madhvendra Singh being a rich person with high connections, he had to run from pillar to post to lodge a case against his daughter's high-profile in-laws. After he failed to get a report lodged in the case for almost two months, he decided to move the court.
The ACJM of Chandausi on July 27 asked the police to register a case against Priyanka's in-laws.
The case was registered on July 30. No arrests have been made so far</b>.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
07-31-2007, 08:39 AM (This post was last modified: 07-31-2007, 08:45 AM by Husky.)
<!--QuoteBegin-Mudy+Jul 30 2007, 07:53 PM-->QUOTE(Mudy @ Jul 30 2007, 07:53 PM)<!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->"<b>I have nothing to do with it. My opinion was sidelined at the wedding</b>,"<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->Atleast, he could have called police himself and rescued is grand daughter-in-law. Even now, he should make sure his son gets toughest punishment. His excuse is pathetic; it just tells he is also involved.[right][snapback]71686[/snapback][/right]<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->And note that his own son demanded dowry and tormented the grand daughter-in-law. Who else is to blame for such conduct but the parents: where else did the looney son learn to ask for dowry, but from his mum and dad (Arjun)? Or is Arjun going to plead total innocence on this one too and place all the blame for this indoctrination squarely on his wife 'Beena'? (So in that case, I have to assume that during Arjun's own wedding, Beena and her parents asked Arjun's side for a massive dowry? - yeah right)
In your post:
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>"Arjun Singh had asked me to bring my daughter back to her in-laws house. He had also assured that he would protect my daughter but nothing happened,"</b> the Kunwar said.
The Union Minister, however, denied in New Delhi of having been 'involved' with the wedding. "<b>I was against this marriage but my views were ignored</b>. I had not even attended it," Singh told reporters.
(Can't help asking in light of the situation: was he - at least in part - against the marriage because the dowry prospects were too far below his expections?)
The girl's father argued that he had named the Union Minister as he had assured him of protecting his daughter Priyanka. <b>"She was beaten black and blue even after the meeting called by Arjun Singh,"</b> he said.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->This means he was totally in collusion. <!--emo&:furious--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/furious.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='furious.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Husky,
Majority of Indian minister's kids had serious psychological problem. They come from insane environment. You can see how ministers behave in public, imagine their home environment.
Natwar Singh daughter in law committed suicide /murder in Delhi. Natwar Singh never accepted her because she was Muslim and not from Royal family. Now his son is married again with ofcourse royal blood.
Natwar Singh daughter also committed suicide.
Ajit Jogi â Daughter committed suicide.
Arminder Singh daughterâs boy friends suddenly die.
Narayan Dut Tiwari daughter committed suicide.
There is a long list of ministers whose son and daughter had committed suicide.
Lalu kids are also marching towards same direction.
07-31-2007, 09:19 AM (This post was last modified: 07-31-2007, 09:21 AM by Husky.)
Good grief.
And so many Congressis/Congress-collaborators among them. (Don't know who Tiwari is, though.)
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->There is a long list of ministers whose son and daughter had committed suicide.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->I see what you mean, they're not just corrupt politicians they are corrupt in all aspects of their life.
But why do people keep electing miscreants who can't even keep their own family members alive; who don't care about their own children and who murder their daughter-in-law or their daughter's boyfriends? How is it people imagine that such as these could/would care to do any amount of good for members of the unrelated populace?
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Arminder Singh daughterâs boy friends suddenly die.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->Is he the one with the Pakistani girlfriend? If so, hypocrite. Amazing how these people all get away with murder. Natwar, Raoul Gandhi, this guy.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Priyanka deal enhances VVIP status of Shimla suburb </b>
pioneer.com
Rajeev Ranjan Roy | Shimla
Priyanka Vadera's four-bigha plus agriculture plot in downtown Shimla fills the void that makes the surroundings a VIP Enclave in the real sense of the term. From taxi drivers to the commoners, the area so far known for housing Retreat and Kalyani Helipad, is now identified with Priyanka.Â
Retreat, that provides scenic accommodation to the country's Prime Minister and the President, is only 500-metre away from where Priyanka's double-storeyed residence-cum-garden would come up. It is also one of the few locations in the scenic woodlands of Charabra in Shimla from where one can have the panoramic view of the Himalayas as well.
<b>"It was the best available land that we have got for the daughter of our leader Sonia Gandhi," KS Khacchi, a local Congress worker, said. "The best possible efforts would be made to ensure that the structure that comes up is unique and scenic in more ways than one," he added.</b>
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<b>Khacchi played a key role in buying the land for around Rs 46 lakh at the Government rate.</b> Otherwise the land would have cost much more, given the proximity of the plot to Kalyani Helipad, Kufri village, famous for receiving maximum snowfall in the town, Punjab Raj Bhawan and Himalayan School. The city's multi-star Oberoi Hotel is also not far off, only 500-meters away.
<b>"Robert Vadera and Priyanka, even Madam Soniaji, had liked the place at first sight, and expressed willingness to buy the plot measuring over 32,000-square feet to have their own summer vacation residence, where she could also do horticulture activities and grow apple as well," </b>Khacchi informed. The site, earlier owned by US-based Satish Kumar and Satinder Kumar, was till recently used for growing apple.
Given Priyanka's "grand family profile", being the daughter of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the locals have no hesitation in identifying the area with Priyanka. "All places of prominence in the locality would pale into insignificance the moment Priyanka's dream Hill Resort comes up," Rajesh, the taxi driver who took us to Charabra, said.
<b> <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>It is not that the Himachal Government has relaxed Section 118 of the Land Reforms and Tenancy Act only in the case of Priyanka, enabling her to buy the land. The section has been relaxed earlier too but the move hit the headlines because a VIP is involved this time. </span>The 1972 Act prohibits non-agriculturists, either Himachalis or outsiders, from buying the agriculture land. </b>
"There is no match between the VVIP glamour attached with Priyanka and the other elite people having bought houses and agriculture land in Shimla. It would not be an exaggeration to say that her presence in Shimla has added a new dimension to the Queen of Hills," a Government official dealing with land said. The only other place enjoying such prominence is Prini, located on Kullu-Manali Road.
The top retired bureaucrats and military officials having bought houses in Shimla are NN Vohra, AK Sarin, former Air Chief Marshal, General RS Dayal, Air Marshal BS Sikand, the list is endless.
"On an average, one to two persons get permission to buy land for housing or agriculture purposes in Shimla every month by relaxing Section 118 of the Land Reforms and Tenancy Act," Tarun Kapur, deputy commissioner, said <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The Congress is playing a numbers game to justify sops to a particular community. The flawed Sachar Committee report has been subverted by another conundrum: The count of people who have died in all jihadi terror attacks in the country published by different newspapers. In the last decade, India has suffered the largest number of deaths due to terrorist attacks anywhere in the world save Iraq. The number is as high as 53,000 -- a toll higher than all the deaths in the wars that India has fought.
The UPA Government last May projected its 'achievements' in the three years of its rule. What was deliberately left out was the death toll on account of extremism. The Mumbai train blasts of July 11, 2006 killed 187 people. Despite this large casualty and the several hundred families that have been left without their sole bread-earners, the Prime Minister did not remember the event on its anniversary this year. This is the same person who went sleepless when an Indian doctor was held in Australia on suspicion of his involvement in terrorist activities. That the accused was subsequently released after being cleared is a different story altogether.
In New York, on every anniversary of the killing of over 3,000 people by jihadis on September 11, 2001, the US commemorates the event and keeps the nation on the alert against any subsequent onslaught. In India, the Congress and its allies do not even mention any terrorist by name, nor do they hold any commemorative ceremony to remember the innocents the jihadis have killed.
The ruling class talks of peace as if terror is just a passing phase. This sends wrong signals to the citizens whose cooperation is needed to suppress terror. The ruling coalition has turned a Nelson's eye on the scourge of terror, making it look as a mere act of some 'misguided youth'. Thus, it has deliberately avoided declaring an all-out war against terror as its main policy focus. How can the people be inspired to unite against all jihadi elements hiding in society?
The result is a depressingly familiar but ineffective drill once any terrorist attack takes place. The place where the event occurs is not even cordoned off and the VIPs and lesser fries romp around to be seen on television. In the process, they destroy vital evidence. Soon it is back to business -- they sympathise with 'misguided youth' and refuse to see them as people who preach terror, are determined to destroy the Indian state in the name of upholding a particular religion globally.
The Government remains in perpetual denial and, along with the 'secularists', plays down the acts of terror as isolated events, not as evidence of a vital link in the global war that extremists have unleashed on all others. The denial also serves the purpose of masking the international dimensions of the threat. Thus, the ruling establishment and its Marxist allies together are the best allies that the jihadis could have prayed for.
This approach of the ruling establishment to the pervasive threat of terror differs radically from the international approach -- be it of the US, Canada, the UK, Spain, France, Australia or any other country. Even Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Indonesia recognise the worldwide dimensions of this threat, but not India. The very title of the US Patriot Act differentiates terror mongers from other citizens of the country. This American law's provisions, too, are tough on terrorists, their abetters and financiers.
National Security Adviser MK Narayanan has publicly declared that funds for terrorists are coming into the country though a widely distributed money laundering network in the form of remittances. But what has the Government done so far to stop this funding? Should not the banks be asked to find out the remitter's whereabouts and his/ her capability of sending so much money and what relationship the remitter has with the beneficiary? Almost all countries have taken such steps to stop terror-funding -- but our Government has been lethargic. The horrifying face of jihadis supported by Marxists is lurking behind the UPA Government and the Congress.
How the Congress has allowed itself to be led by a minor party, MIM, on such a sensitive matter as terrorism is seen in the case of the Mecca Masjid bombings. Intelligence agencies had prior information from a person arrested at the Bangladesh border about large-scale landing and distribution of RDX from Pakistan and Bangladesh. According to newspaper reports, they wanted to search and locate the foot soldiers of this operative. But surprise of surprises, the Andhra Pradesh Government refused permission to the authorities concerned on the fear that it would inflame Muslim sentiments. For such ill-founded apprehension, these arrested people had to be released. The latest Hyderabad bombings showed just the predictable result.
If further proof is needed for the velvet glove the UPA Government and its Left supporters are extending to terrorists, look at the dilly-dallying over the execution of Mohammed Afzal, the mastermind behind the attack on Parliament House, ordered by the Supreme Court. A Congress Chief Minister openly says that he wants the Government not to carry out the sentence. Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil refuses to reveal what exactly the situation of the convicted man is.
The Left parties and many self-styled socialists are raising the 'larger issue' of how the sensitivity of one community might be affected if the sentence is carried out. This means that there are two laws in this country -- one for non-Muslims and another for Muslims. And the latter are exempt from punishment that the law prescribes for all criminals. Is that the message that the UPA Government wants to send? If so, is it not encouraging terrorists to strike anywhere without fearing any retaliation by the state?
The general reluctance to crack down on the merchants of terror for alleged fear of its impact on the Muslim community is a clear admission by the Government of India that for the vote-bank of this community, it can sell the country down the drain. It also, by implication, justifies the 'angst' of the community and finds a rationale for its demonstrated sympathy for those who take to terrorism as a 'justifiable' outlet of 'grievance'. More than anything else, look at the reaction of the Marxists to the Hyderabad carnage as has been detailed in the People's Democracy. Nowhere does the CPI(M)'s mouthpiece condemn the killings.
New York: A protest and fast is being planned at United Nations in New York on Oct 2 nd against Sonia Gandhi representation for Non-Violence day at UN on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. The protest will take place in front of UN from 12-2 PM. Dates for fasting will be announced at the website http://gandhiheritage.org . A bus will be arranged from Edison, NJ. Volunteers are welcome for fasting and for organizing buses from different areas.
The recent UN declaration of Mahatma Gandhi birthday as International Non-Violence day at India's request is commendable. However instead of true Gandhians who lived there life based on Gandhi ji's ideals representing this day at UN, politicians like Sonia Gandhi are using his name for political mileage and international legitimacy. The alarming threat Sonia poses to democracy of India, corruption & fraud since entering India, dividing India for purpose of dynasty rule, crusade to wipe out Hinduism. What is the difference in blow up of Buddhist statues by Taliban & the blow up of Rama Sethu?
In thought, word and deed, what Sonia stands for is direct contradiction to what Mahatma Gandhi stood for. Mahatma Gandhi was an embodiment of Truth. His life was guided by Hindu scriptures and has deep respect to all religions and to democratic & secular principles. On the other hand, Sonia's actions as unraveled by many journalists speak volumes of her character and emphasize the danger the humanity faces when even the best name in the world is utilized for personal gain.
Sonia comes from a family background associated with Fascism. Her father worked for Mussolini fascists and was later involved with KGB. Sonia came to India through her relation with Rajiv during his study at UK where she worked as caregiver. As elaborated with detailed records in the article 'Greedy Sonia' of the book 'Sonia, the truth' from India First foundation, Sonia has been engaging in many fraudulent and corrupt activities since she entered India in 1970 which showed little regard for Indian Law. Most well known is through her close Italian family friend Quattrocchi (Q) who engaged in number of corrupt activities in India as agent for Bofors and for another Italian Company SNEM. Q has looted the country millions of dollars and jeopardized the security of the country and got 30 deals signed for SNEM. She, Rajiv and Rahul are confirmed paid KGB agents and she is the heir of Rajiv Swiss account of 4625 crores.
Through Jawahar, Indira and Rajiv trusts and Indira Gandhi Arts Center millions of crores of rupees have been usurped by manipulating the laws and boards to her favor. Per Dr. Subramanian Swamy and others, Indira Gandhi Arts Center is being used to smuggle antique items to her sister antique shop in Italy which is a trading post for US/UK. Both she and her Italian family is believed to have become billionaires looting India . Contrast this with Gandhi ji, who owned nothing but a loin cloth, chappals and a watch and who once send his son packing to South Africa for minor transgression.
Sonia never demonstrated patriotism for India. She retained Italian Citizenship for 16 years until Rajiv became Prime Minister in 1984. (She is eligible after two years). During 1974 Pak war, while all Indian Airlines pilots are required to stay on job, she, pilot Rajiv & two children ran and stayed in Italy. When in 1977 Indira Gandhi lost elections, she packed overnight, ran & hid herself with Rajiv & Children in Italian embassy in Delhi. She rose to President of congress by overthrowing Sitaram Kesari with Congress goons and more importantly the mysterious deaths of her congress opponents like Rajesh Pilot, Madhava Rao Scindia and Jitendra Prasad cannot but raise questions. Contrast this with Gandhi ji whose heart and soul is India. He went into the severe rioting area at a great risk to his life and was almost killed by a rioter. Such is Gandhi's love for every Indian when someone asked Kasturbai how many children she has, she replied that while she had 4 children, her husband has three hundred million children.
While Gandhi ji is Dharma Rakshaka, Sonia's actions show she is Dharma Bhakshaka. If we allow this to continue, it is not just India but all humanity will suffer. India will surely be dragged into likes of emergency period and its gains in economy can be wiped out. Please become aware and join our protest and fast.
Endorsed by Forum for saving Gandhi Heritage consisting of Mahatma Gandhi International Foundation, Indo Caribbean Council, Kashmiri Pandits Association, Foundation of Nepalis in America & others given on website. Contact: Thali: 732-403-7460, Prasad: 630-885-3180, Umesh:908-240-7720, Naresh:609-226-9702, Kataria:718-478-5735, Sahani:718-271-0453, Prasad: 480-544-3258 & Others on website. Additional details with supporting information and the contacts are available at http://gandhiheritage.org , Email: gandhiheritage@gmail.com .
<b>West promoting Sonia intriguing but understandable</b>
By Sandhya Jain
Congress party president Sonia Gandhi has been in the news recently for three rather surprising reasons. First, for no explicable reason, Ms. Gandhi has been invited to address the United Nations General Assembly next month, though she is neither a head of government or a head of state; but is only the chief of a political party that leads Indiaâs ruling coalition regime.
In terms of protocol, there can be little doubt that Ms. Gandhi lacks the status to address the UN, and the invitation to her is only a recognition of her Italian origins and underlines the Western-Christian bias of the nations that dominate this international body.
Propriety demands that she drop the idea of going to New York, even at this late stage, if only because the government she manipulates is on a particularly sticky wicket and unable to deliver on foreign expectations roused.
Secondly, Ms. Gandhi has, to everyoneâs surprise, figured on the Forbes list of the sixth most influential woman in the world. Now, everyone knows that the Forbes list deals exclusively with persons who matter in terms of international business and trade, and this can certainly explain the presence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi. But Ms. Gandhi does not wield political or economic power directly, so questions must be asked about her presence on a list devoted to those who promote Western corporate interests.
One does not need to look too far: her countryman and close personal friend, Mr. Ottavio Quattrocchi facilitated the Bofors arms deal and Ms. Gandhi allegedly used her personal dominance over the current UPA regime to provide him access to the frozen loot in London banks and a walkover in an Argentina court. The question naturally arises: was Ms. Gandhiâs presence in the Forbes list timed to coincide with Indiaâs accepting the Indo-US nuclear deal in toto, to the full satisfaction of the United States?
This brings us to the third reason for her being in the news: in a letter to Congress workers, published in the August 2007 issue of the official party magazine, Sandesh, Ms. Gandhi termed the nuclear deal âhistoric.â Sadly, the publication hit the stands right at the time when the Left parties started putting the brakes on this âhistoricâ achievement of the partyâs Northern Italian leadership.
Still, her remarks are noteworthy, if only for the level of obfuscation and dishonesty that characterizes the nuclear deal: âThis month India and the United States have signed the historic 123 agreement that lifts the decades old embargo against nuclear trade with India. This will allow India to expand its energy sector to meet the growing demands of our economic growth and put an end to the power shortages that we are all familiar with. It will help us expand power generation for our agricultural sector and our growing industrial sector. Throughout the negotiations with the USA, Parliament, our UPA allies, the Left parties and the Opposition parties have been kept informed.
We have negotiated with America keeping our national interest in the forefront and Indiaâs nuclear defence programme has been in no way undermined. This agreement is recognition of the achievements of Indiaâs scientists who have worked diligently to keep our indigenous nuclear programme alive. We congratulate Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his team of able negotiators who have hammered a treaty that satisfies all the conditions laid out before Parliament, and brought home an agreement that is in the long-term interests of India.â
Eminent writers in this newspaper have over the past few weeks torn these lies to shreds. Here I would only like to add that a number of nationalist scientists and security experts feel that a major unstated reason behind the enthusiasm of some persons and groups for the nuclear deal is the sheer windfall to be gathered in terms of âkickbacks.â The sheer cost of the multi-crore nuclear reactors, not to mention fuel, has no relationship with the actual amount of electricity generated, and it is well known that this deal will in no way solve our energy needs in the coming century; hence the only benefit can be a âhiddenâ one. This is a facet that needs a public articulation in coming days.
It is high time that Indian political parties and commentators began to put the Gandhi family under the same scrutiny reserved for other eminences. For instance, at precisely the moment when megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his family members have been hounded by the Congress-friendly government of Uttar Pradesh and Congress government of Maharashtra for purchasing farmland and claiming agricultural status, why has the never-once-employed Ms. Priyanka Vadera been given special permission by the Congress government of Himachal Pradesh to purchase over four-bighas of agricultural land in prestigious downtown Shimla. What is that status of Ms. Vadera and her husband Robert, that entitles them to VIP security and the right to buy land in an area reserved for the retreat of the Prime Minister and the President?
Even more astonishingly, the local unit of the Congress party appears to have been roped in to find the plot and enable the Vaderas to buy it. Local Congress leader K.S. Khacchi told journalists: âIt was the best available land that we have got for the daughter of our leader Sonia Gandhi. The best possible efforts would be made to ensure that the structure that comes up is unique and scenic in more ways than one.â Is this a political party or a pocket borough? Mr. Khacchi revealed that the land cost only Rs. 46 lakh as government rates were applied; the market value is much higher on account of its proximity to Kalyani Helipad, Kufri village, which is famous for its snowfall, Punjab Raj Bhawan, the Himalayan School and the famous Oberoi Hotel. The state government relaxed Section 118 of the Land Reforms and Tenancy Act 1972 to enable Priyanka to buy the land as land cannot be sold to non-agriculturists (Himachalis or outsiders).
Cinestar Amitabh Bachchan, however, won no such reprieve for the 24 acres of prime land he bought near the beautiful hill resort of Lonavala in Maharashtra. Since the stateâs Tenancy & Agricultural Land Act of 1963 enables only farmers to buy and own agricultural land, Mr. Bachchan tried to protect his farmer status by buying farmland in Barabanki, UP. The subsequent controversy having taken a toll of his mental health, he has tried to dispose of the land by donating it to the village panchayats in both states, but this too is being disputed by authorities!
Yet another VIP who is being hounded mindlessly is film star Sanjay Dutt, who was provided a government vehicle during a recent trip to Vaishno Devi. Given Duttâs star status and the fact that his personal security was the responsibility of the Jammu & Kashmir government, the controversy is uncalled for, and need not be linked to his sentence in an arms case. It is a fact that he was travelling in a terrorism-infested area, hence there is no need to politicize the matter. Sanjay Dutt, like Amitabh Bachchan, is a celebrity in his own right; his privileges are not inherited.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Rahul grabs PM's agenda </b>
Pioneer News Service | New Delhi
Takes credit for NREG extension already announced by Manmohan
The scion of Nehru-Gandhi family and newly-appointed Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi seems to have already perfected the art of usurping the credit of Government's initiative for his personal image-building.Â
In a widely-publicised exercise on Wednesday, Rahul led a delegation of Congressmen to the Prime Minister's Office and submitted that the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREG) be extended to the entire country. The Act is in operation in 330 selected districts. The Congress leaders said that the Prime Minister had given them a favourable reply. They were quick to take the credit for the approval and fell over each other in praising Rahul for the success.
<b>Incidentally, the Prime Minister had already announced the Government's commitment to extend the scheme to the entire nation in his Independence Day speech. Singh had said: "This unprecedented expansion in social sector expenditure has enhanced the welfare of our people. Through the historic National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, we have made basic employment for 100 days a legal right. As a result, the poorest of our poor are now assured of minimum household income. Today half the country is covered by the programme. We are committed to implementing it across the entire country. We are confident that this social safety net will fulfil Gandhiji's dream of antyodaya -- our humble attempt to wipe the tears of the poor."</b>
The Pioneer had recently reported that the Rural Development Ministry had already decided to extend the NREG through the entire country from this year itself, but on Wednesday the PMO kept up the pretence of "considering" the proposal mooted by Rahul and his delegation.
This is not the first time that the credit of Singh's initiatives has gone to Congress president Sonia Gandhi or her son Rahul. Before the office of profit controversy which saw Sonia resign from the chairmanship of National Advisory Council (NAC), several decisions of the Government or proposals under consideration were easily attributed to her. <!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Even in the recent controversy over Sethusamudram Canal project affidavit, Singh had stepped in immediately and done damage control. The day the affidavit was filed in the court, he had spoken to Law Minister HR Bhardwaj and suggested the future course of action. However, the credit went to Sonia for withdrawal of the Government's affidavit
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<!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo--> Can Sonia make the PM smile again?
Arati R Jerath
Sunday, October 14, 2007 http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1127445
Page 2 of 2 (Jump to page 1)
Party spokesman Abhishekh Singhvi reflected the mood when he said there was no U-turn on the nuclear deal. And, on Friday evening, the Capital abounded with rumours that the PM had resigned. False as they are, the rumours underline the uncertainty that has gripped the Congress.
Gandhi must have been aware of the impact her comments would have on her party and the man she chose as PM. She was, therefore, careful to coat the bitter pill with plenty of sugar as she showered praises on Manmohan Singh and dropped a hint about a cabinet reshuffle to bring newer and younger faces into the government.
But she will have to do more than offer lollipops to counter the negative mood in her ranks. Over the next few weeks, Gandhi will have to undertake a series of confidence-building exercises to boost the morale of the Congress and resurrect the image of the PM.
She will also have to get the Left to lower the decibel level of its rhetoric to send out the message that allâs well with the ruling combine.
Between the lines of her mantra on coalition dharma lies a clear message: the dictum to ``understand and accommodate each otherââ applies as much to the Left as to the PM.
If Singh can be made to swallow his pride to keep the UPA-Left arrangement afloat, then surely Prakash Karat can be persuaded to meet him halfway.
Gandhi seemed to signal that sheâs done her bit. Now, itâs up to the senior leaders of the Left to do their bit. Otherwise, the rupture will not heal and the election that no one wants may yet happen.
Left leaders are holding their cards close to their chest but they have dropped enough hints about the criticality of the October 22 meeting of the UPA-Left committee on the nuclear deal. There could be another twist to the nuclear drama still.
This is sick beyond word, Congress should be kicked out of India and sent it to UK, Pakistan or Italy.
WHat she had done till now which deserve a day for her? Billions of Indian have dedicated their life for India. Sonia marry into well funded family and enjoying riches, living on Indian citizen tax money and now a day for parasite.
<b>Sonia nays making her b'day National Girl Child Day </b>
<b>Rahul? Opium? Drug Cartel? Future Star Of India?</b>
V Sundaram
In every Congress Session, Sonia Gandhi surrounds herself with a band of drones in her midst, whether they come from the ancient landed aristocracy or princely monarchy or clannish/casteist plutocracy or tycoons from different categories of carefully chosen âMafia Worldsâ or common people with no uncommon backgrounds.
The essential fact of the matter is all of them - regardless of their economic and social status- act like ordinary type of creeping and crawling pub-crawlers.
Such a kind of disgraceful âcrawling sessionâ was held recently in New Delhi when Prime Minister covered himself with everlasting glory when he shamelessly declared: âYoung leaders of the party like Rahul Gandhi can win the minds and affections of our youth and take the Congress Party and the nation to new frontiers and new heights of glory.â
After the Poorna Swaraj Session of the Indian National Congress at Lahore in December 1929 and the Quit India Resolution Session of the Congress at Bombay in August 1942, the most historic session of the Congress took place in New Delhi last Saturday under the inspiring and unmatched leadership of Sonia Gandhi and her band of flatterers.
At the Lahore session in December 1929, Jawaharlal Nehru became the Congress president. In that session Nehru declared: âSuccess often comes to those who dare and act regardless of the consequences. It seldom goes to the timid.â
<b>Ever since Sonia Gandhi became the Congress president some years ago, her unwavering message in spirit to her party men at all levels has been: âSuccess often comes to those who creep and crawl regardless of the consequences to the nation. It seldom goes to the brave and spirited, least of all to the decent, virtuous and honest.â </b>The same message was presented at last weekâs Congress session in New Delhi.
After the Congress session in Hyderabad in January 2006, in these columns I had observed that âthe Indian National Congress today has degenerated into what I call the Servants of Sonia Society (SOSS)â.
In the glorious days of the Indian National Congress, Mahatma Gandhi was the supreme leader. In Biblical fashion we can say: âAt the beginning was Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi was with the Congress. Congress was Mahatma Gandhiâ. Today Sonia Gandhi is in the place of Mahatma Gandhi in the same Biblical quotation. <b>Mahatma Gandhi was trying to throw out the foreigners supported by his Congress party, which was fully behind him. Today we have an IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Leader) who is fully supported by the Congress party</b>.
Dr Manmohan Singh is the decorated bugle-boy of the party. After the New Delhi session, the SOSS has been renamed as SOSRS (Servants of Sonia Rahul Society). Nehruâs âTryst with Destinyâ in 1947 has become a âTryst with sycophancy and treacheryâ in 2007. For Nehru, that moment meant âthe soul of a nation, long suppressed, finding utteranceâ. For Sonia Gandhi and her party today it means âThe soul of a wayward, pampered and patted vagrant, not a our nation, finding utterance.â
In this sad and disgraceful situation, I am reminded of what Mahatma Gandhi said: âBad self- government is better than alien good governmentâ.
<b>Dr Manmohan Singh government has reversed this position. Today the collective motto of the UPA government is that a âforeign-led secular government is better than a local/national /saffronised self-government! To quote the words of Anjana Suthan, âRahul has been projected as the âFuture of Indiaâ, in an âorderlyâ fashion by the PM and other elderly leaders of the Congress party. </b>
One really wonders whether these men are âleadersâ or âorderliesâ! The PM had earlier said the same during the campaign for UP assembly. It is truly shocking to see that a qualified and experienced leader like Manmohan is imposing an immature novice like Rhaul on the nation. It shows the level of spinelessness and sycophancy prevailing in the Congress party today. Truly distressing, disgusting and disappointing!
When I look at the way in which Rahul Gandhi with his outstanding and impeccable academic, political, ethical, moral and social credentials has been projected as the political heir of Sonia Gandhi, I am only reminded of what George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) wrote about a budding politician in his âMajor Barbaraâ in 1907: âHe knows nothing; and he thinks he knows everything. That points clearly to a political careerâ. Viewed in this light Rahul Gandhi has a glorious future in Indian politics.
I have referred to the SOSRS. I am not using this term out of my wild imagination. Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866-1915) established The Servants of India Society (SOS) in 1905 at Pune. In the prospectus of this Society Gokhale wrote:
âMuch of our work must be directed towards building up in the country a higher type of character and capacity than is generally available at present: And the advance can only be slow. Public life must be spiritualised. Love of country must so fill the heart that all else shall appear as of little moment by its side.
A fervent patriotism which rejoices at every opportunity of sacrifice for the motherland, a dauntless heart which refuses to be turned back from its object by difficulty or danger, a deep faith in the purpose of providence which nothing can shake. ... Equipped with these, the worker must start on his mission and reverently seek the joy which comes of spending oneself in the service of oneâs country.â
The thousands of Congressmen who have assembled in New Delhi last week like flocks of sheep and herds of cattle are imbued with a different spirit. Gokhale believed in spiritualisation of public life. Now, Sonia and her party men believe in the criminalisation of public life. Our great Prime Ministerâs message to our nation at his party forum last week can be summarised as follows:
âLet our public life be Soniaised, Rahulised, Priyankaised with a fervent patriotism for Italy and Quaottrocchi. Love for Sonia must so fill the heart that all else should appear as of little moment by its side. Let us rejoice at every opportunity of sacrifice for Sonia and her family.â
<b>Rahul Gandhi has made himself famous not only in Indian history but in world history through his awe-inspiring and historic pronouncements and messages. In one of his recent messages he made very touching and revealing references to the poppy crop, opium and alcoholic liquor which went down well with most Congressmen of todayâs vintage. The pseudo-secular mafia of mass media which is totally committed to the cause of criminalisation of our politics and public life by Sonia Gandhi and her Party (which means her family only!) completely blacked out the public dissemination of this great message.</b>
Dr.Sub-ramanian Swamy took note of this fact and issued the following statement to the press: âThe nation is today watching with consternation the series of ridiculous firmans being issued by Rahul Gandhi to Congress Party workers.
<b>First, Gandhi told the Congress that growing opium must be made more profitable by the Finance Ministry by fixing a higher price for the poppy crop. Opium can quickly be converted to heroin, which destroys the health of its consumer, besides promoting crime. Second, Gandhi told the CWC that there is nothing wrong in abandoning Khadar cloth, which hitherto was compulsory for the Congress party workers.
Little did he realise that Khadi Gram Udyog, which still provides employment to lakhs of the âaam aadmisâ for whom Congress leaders shed tears in public, would be destroyed by his firman and lakhs would become unemployed.
Third, Gandhi informed the CWC that to drink âa peg or twoâ of alcoholic liquor is nothing wrong. This would naturally boost the liquor industry, and in turn corner future investments from essential goods sector, on the market principle of investments chasing high profits, thereby creating a shortage of essential commodities for the âAAM AADMIâ.
It would therefore now be appropriate for Gandhi to add two more firmans for completeness. Fourth, it is not wrong for a Congress worker or leader to get married to a Colombian girl holding Venezuelan passport anonymously in the island of Tenerife in Canary Islands, and not tell the public about it, even if the girl is a daughter of a heroin peddler. </b>
<b>Fifth, there is nothing wrong for a Congress worker to keep a foreign passport, especially Italian under a modified spelling of oneâs own name for use in emergencies and for anonymous foreign travel to obscure places like Cayman Island for banking operations, and purchasing participatory notes on hawala laundered funds.</b>
This five-point programme of Rahul Gandhi then can replace all the 4-20 programmes of the party of his mother. In the days of Mahatma Gandhi, there was ample room for men of brains and character in the Congress party. Very unfortunately today men who conspicuously lack both brains and character only are able to make it to the apex slots in the Congress.
Only the shallowest and the most ignoble men are able to triumph easily over the most brilliant and high-minded in the party. In other words, the more character and capacity a candidate for office possesses the greater is his handicap. This is the solid message given by the Congress party and its President to the teeming millions of India today.
When mass media in India tries to choke all the sources of truthful information on vital issues affecting our nation, I derive my inspiration to write from the words of Winston Churchill (1874-1965): âIf truth is many- sided, mendacity is many-tongued. History cannot proceed by silences.
The chronicler of ill-recorded times has none the less to tell his tale. If facts are lacking, rumour must serve the larger public interest. Failing affidavits, he must build with gossipâ.
IN: Rahul Gandhi
OUT: Congress workers
SPG has its way
Swati Chaturvedi
New Delhi, November 28
Is Congress MP Rahul Gandhi safe in the Congress party headquarters â 24 Akbar Road?
The SPG believes that the recently appointed General Secretary of the party is not safe in office and wants the entire office empty when he visits.
Rahul Gandhi does not agree and finds the âsanitizationâ of the premises ârestrictiveââ and chafes every time party workers are asked to leave when he goes to the office.
So far the SPG has had its way but in the words of a senior leader: âJawaharlal Nehru used to meet workers freely. Now even the AICC is not considered safe for the Gandhi family?â
Fresh amendments to the Special Protection Group Act will ensure that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, her two children, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Vadra, her son-in-law Robert Vadra along with her two grandchildren will be exempted from frisking at all security check-points while the three service chiefs will be searched.
While SPG protection is available to former PMs for five years after demitting office an exemption has been made for members of the Gandhi family who face what is blandly described as âhigh threat perceptionââ. This has led to what a senior official security official says are âidioticâ notices being put up in all airports which state that âMr Robert Vadra is exempt from frisking while travelling with SPG protectionâ.
With the three Service chiefs still licking their wounds after the Aviation Ministry said that they would still have to go through mandatory security at all airports, politicians and their security detail have come in for renewed scrutiny.
Some examples will suffice. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, who enjoys National Security Guard protection and a commando detail of the UP police, insists on being driven to the tarmac at every airport.
A pliant UPA government, which is known to give in to all her whims, gave in without a murmur. Union Minister Lalu Prasad Yadavâs son gets into a scuffle with the Bihar police guarding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his security detail provided by the Centre wades into the fight.
Says a senior official bitterly: âHighly trained commandos have been reduced to being nannies and baby-sitters for spoilt brats.ââ The NSG which was created to handle hijacks and anti-terrorist operations now has a large proportion of the force handling VVIP security, something itâs personnel chafe at.
Senior SPG officials are still upset at the case of Mr Nand Lal who was part of the security cover at 10 Janpath - Mrs Gandhiâs residence - and who recently left the force after she gave him a ticket to contest the Himachal elections. Says a senior official: ``We do not know how to deal with this phenomenon. Its removes all professional distances. All security personnel are meant to be shifted after a certain period but these VVIPs intervene and insist that their favourites not be transferred out.ââ
Or take the case of road tolls. It is considered a huge status symbol to be exempt from paying it and huge lists are put up at every junction listing those who can travel gratis. Even the Prime Ministerâs Office is not spared and a sign of having arrived in the corridors of power is to feature in a list put up near the metal detector listing those who are allowed to walk in with their mobile phones.
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EC divided on issuing notice to Sonia
12 Feb 2008, 0213 hrs IST,TNN
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NEW DELHI: The Election Commission appears to be divided on the issue of serving notice on Congress president
Sonia Gandhi on a disqualification complaint against her for receiving a Belgian honour.
The commission, which met on Monday to consider a presidential reference on the complaint seeking her disqualification from Parliament for receiving the 'Order of Leopold' from the Belgium government, concluded without taking any decision.
The three-member commission could not come to a conclusion on the issue because of reported differences among them on whether to issue notice to Sonia. While one of the members felt there was nothing wrong in issuing a notice to Sonia seeking her comments before disposing of the matter, election commissioner Naveen Chawla reportedly felt there was absolutely no need for it.
Sources said Chawla told the other members that he would like to go through the complaint in detail and so the commission decided to defer a decision on issuing notice to Sonia till Tuesday.
The EC has received 250 complaints under Office of Profit in recent times but barring SP leader Jaya Bachchan and Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik, nobody was issued notice by the commission.
Sonia was conferred the 'Order of Leopold', the second highest civilian award in Belgium, and an honorary doctorate by the Belgian government during her visit to the European country in November, 2006.
The petitioner, an advocate from Kerala, contended that receiving the Belgian honour amounted to owing allegiance to the Constitution of that country.
Congress, however, dismissed as "laughable" the complaint, with party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi saying there was no basis for the petition. "It is a laughable complaint. It has no basis," he said.
Singhvi said the complaint against Sonia was akin to asking the South African government to exile or disqualify its leader Nelson Mandela for being awarded the Bharat Ratna. "The Election Commission will use its discretion and reach an appropriate decision in the matter," he said.
The complaint against Sonia, sent to the President, was forwarded to the commission seven months ago.
New Delhi: The Chief Election Commissioner, N Gopalaswamy and his two fellow Election Commissioners â Navin Chawla and Dr S Y Quraishi â is the troika responsible for maintaining the spirit of unity and democracy in India.
However, at present, they are finding it difficult to maintain the spirit of unity amongst themselves.
CNN-IBN has learnt that there is an intense battle on within the EC over whether Congress President, <b>Sonia Gandhi, should be served a notice for accepting an award from the Belgian government in November 2006.</b>
<b>The Order of Leopold â which is the second highest civilian award in Belgium â was conferred on Sonia Gandhi for helping in building a more tolerant society.</b><b>The catch was though that she had to sign her allegiance to Belgium.</b>
An individual complaint to former president, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam ended up getting forwarded to the Election Commission.
That is when the trouble began. A series of meetings led to no result. Finally, at a confidential meeting last week, the Chief Election Commissioner asked his two deputies as to why a notice should not be served on Sonia.
While one Election Commissioner is believed to have adopted a cautious approach, another felt that the issue was too frivolous, giving weight to his contention was the fact this was an award which had been given to international political heavy weights such as former US President Eisenhower and legendary Yugoslav leader Joseph Tito.
But this is not the first time that a massive disagreement is being seen in the Election Commission.
<b>In fact, ever since Navin Chawla took over as the Election Commissioner, there have been several instances where the Chief Election Commissioner and Chawla have not seen eye-to-eye with each other â whether it's issuing a notice to Sonia Gandhi or deciding when Karnataka elections should be held.</b>
BJP Spokesperson, Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "The Election Commission is an autonomous body and is fully empowered to take any action."
Over the last one year, the BJP has questioned Navin Chawla's neutrality on many occasions. The latest spat will give more ammunition to the BJP's campaign against the Election Commissioner.
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--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo--> Can Sonia make the PM smile again?