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Centre amending SC/ST and Civil Rights Act
Hyderabad, Jan 28 (PTI) The Centre is in the process of amending the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Protection of Civil Rights Act to make them more comprehensive and effective.
"We have invited suggestions from all states on how to make these Acts more stringent. Most of the states have responded and we are in the process of finalising the amendments," Union Minister for Social Justice Meira Kumar said while talking to reporters here today.
The Minister earlier chaired the fourth meeting of the monitoring committee on implementation of SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Protection of Civil Rights Act in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Union Territories of Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Pointing out that there were certain "shortcomings" in the implementation of these Acts across the country, she said her Ministry was working on amendments in consultation with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
Kumar, however, said it would not be possible to complete the exercise before the coming budget session of Parliament.
"It will take some more time." The Centre has embarked on a challenging task of making India "atrocities-free and untouchability-free" by 2010, the Minister said.
Though the number of registered cases of atrocities had come down in many states, it might not reflect the ground realities since many victims are generally scared to approach the police, she said. PTI
Prez asks planners to shed lethargy, lax attitude
New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI) President Pratibha Patil today asked planners to "shed lethargy and lax attitude" in implementation of various rural development projects and strongly favoured convergence of various schemes to optimise benefits to the rural masses.
"In the fast changing world, there is a need to act with a sense of urgency. Therefore, we will have to shed lethargy and lax attitude to achieve this objective," she said.
The President was addressing a national conference of Project Directors of District Rural Development Agencies here.
Patil said planning requires that ad-hocism should be avoided and projects be executed in a manner so as to ensure that they result in proper development of an area. "One inadequacy in planning is that there is little coordination amongst various line departments," she said.
Noting that there were hundreds of welfare schemes for the rural population, she said execution of these schemes was done in a compartmentalised manner.
"An important requirement is the convergence of various schemes to optimise benefits and avoid duplication," Patil told the Project Directors, CEOs of Zila Parishad and District Collectors.
She said there was need for an appropriate monitoring system to help in identifying delays and constraints in implementation of programmes. "A lacunae in our system is that sometimes benefits are not reaching the targeted population even though funds are available," she said.PTI
BJP adopts resolution seeking one-third of posts to women
New Delhi, Jan 28 (PTI) The BJP today became the second major party after the Congress to reserve one-third of the posts in the organisational structure for women, noting that it was the "first leap" towards women's quota in legislatures.
An amendment in the party Constitution in this regard was today adopted at the BJP National Council meeting here, amid showering of flowers and euphoric women leaders rushing to dais to garland senior leaders L K Advani and Rajnath Singh.
"This will be implemented in three-months time from now but the all powerful Parliamentary Board is exempted from the quota for women," senior leader Sushma Swaraj told reporters.
Once implemented, the 81-member National Executive of the party will have 27 women leaders in it compared to the present 13.
The national women cell chief will now be a member of the Central Election Committee while state presidents will be part of their respective state election committees.
Introducing the measure at the meeting, Swaraj said this would be recorded in the Indian political history as "the first leap towards women's reservation".
"Whenever one would talk of women's reservation the contribution of BJP would be recorded undisputedly," she said.
In Gujarat Narendra Modi government got four per cent increase in women's vote share. "So by introducing this reservation the party will ensure that the women vote for the party surges ahead many fold," she said.
As per the resolution, passed by the National Executive in Bhopal in September last year, the saffron party will from now on have one-third representation of women from its 'mandal' (lowest unit of the party) level to all levels. PTI
Navy, Coast Guard strengthen security along coast
Madurai, Jan 28 (PTI) Amid speculation that LTTE cadres may sneak into Tamil Nadu due to intensified clashes between the Sri Lankan Army and the Tamil Tigers, the Navy and Coast Guard have strengthened security along the coast by deploying more ships and helicopters.
A Naval defence Boat T-60 and Coast Guard ship Razia Sultana were deployed in the Palk Bay while speed boats had intensified patrolling, Naval officials stationed at Rameswaram base said.
They said both Navy and Coast Guard had drawn up a comprehensive security arrangement, which included sorties by naval helicopters and high speed boats.
The newly deployed vessels had been fitted with radars and 30 MM Medak guns and 12.7mm guns. The new security arrangements were made amid rumours that some LTTE cadres could enter India due to heavy fighting in north Sri Lanka.
The ships were also expected to prevent Indian fishermen from entering Lankan waters as the island nations's navy had notified that it has mined several areas to contain LTTE activities in the sea.
However, the fishermen in Rameswaram objected to the placement of mines by the Sri Lankan navy as it affected their livelihood. They also went on strike demanding release of 12 fishermen lodged in a Sri Lankan prison.
Naval officials said that instances of Indian fishermen crossing into Lankan waters had been reduced. PTI
India capable of beating Australia in next tour: Kumble
Ashish Shukla
Adelaide, Jan 28 (PTI) India might have once again fallen just short of upstaging Australia in their own backyard but skipper Anil Kumble today said his team's resolute display has held out promise for a series triumph Down Under sooner than later.
"Looking at the talent, I am sure they would step up the plate in future. Next Indian team which tours Australia would be proud of our performance and surely would try to win here," Kumble said after the drawn fourth and final Test which gave Australia a 2-1 series triumph here today.
Magnanimous in defeat, Kumble said Ricky Ponting's side deserves all credit for staving off the stiff challenge that the visitors posed in the four-match series to come out victorious.
"We had our moments, it was pretty close in Sydney but for the last seven-eight minutes but Australia played really well, credit should be given to them," stated a dignified Indian captain.
Kumble did not believe that his side had been able to pull Australia down from their perch of best cricket team in the world just yet.
"Instead, I think we raised ourselves to their level. They are a quality side and we have been able to compete well against them twice, over the last four years," he said.
"It's a little disappointing. In 2003-04 we had the great opportunity but couldn't win in Sydney. We couldn't bowl them out. It was the last big opportunity for all of us," he added. PTI
Sehwag, pitch denied us a win: Ponting
Ashish Shukla
Adelaide, Jan 28 (PTI) Australia skipper Ricky Ponting believes Adelaide Oval's lifeless track and Virender Sehwag's counter-attacking ton thwarted the home side's bid for an unexpected win against India.
Ponting said Australia had a slight chance of forcing a result but Sehwag's 13th ton put paid to such hopes.
"Going into lunch we had a slim chance. But Sehwag being out there means the scoring keeps ticking over. He kept the run-rate going," Ponting said.
The host captain was also disappointed with the track, which had little to offer to the pacers.
"It really offered very little assistance. I've been really proud of the way we hung in there. Our bowling group has manfully handled the workload." The batsmen too came in for rich praise from the captain.
"I said before the Test that it was important how we batted in the first innings here and I am happy the batters knuckled down. It gave us a glimmer of hope to win this Test," Ponting said.
Though Ponting said India got its rightful place as the world number two team in the world, he felt they would soon find themselves in the same rebuilding process like Australia faced after the retirement of a number of legendary players.
"It's funny, the way we've lost four or five of our best players, India could have a similar phase. They would lose their top players in the next 12 months and it would be interesting to see how they rebuild, only time would tell," said Ponting after his side had secured a 2-1 win here today. PTI
Close defeat in Sydney still rankles Kumble
Adelaide, Jan 28 (PTI) The Indians may have managed to keep their reputation intact despite losing the series against Australia but the defeat in the Sydney Test continues to rankle skipper Anil Kumble.
India needed to bat out the last day to salvage a draw in the acrimonious Test marred by ugly gamesmanship and a racism row. But for once, the famed Indian batting order collapsed like a house of cards and the team was shot out with just eight minutes to go.
Describing the Sydney defeat as the lowest point of the series, Kumble said, "Wish we could hang around for another eight minutes to save the match. We came so close to it." With the win in Sydney, Australia took a 2-0 lead in the four-match series to ensure that they retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
India, however, did well to put the disappointment behind and upstage the hosts at Perth and Kumble said he was proud of leading the team at the WACA ground.
"The way we recovered from the Sydney defeat and won at Perth was just great. What made it even more special is the fact that the entire team contributed. PTI
Sehwag forces draw in 4th test, series goes to Australia
Adelaide, Jan 28 (PTI) Sidelined from Test cricket for one year, opener Virender Sehwag today rescued India with a brilliant 151 to force a draw in the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia which still won the hard-fought series 2-1.
The 29-year-old Sehwag notched up his 13th Test century to steer India to safety on a last day Adelaide Oval track as the visitors reached 269 for seven before both teams decided to call off play.
The drawn result meant that Australia retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but the Indians proved worthy challengers to the world champion team in a pulsating series which provided much drama both on and off the field.
Resuming their second innings at 45 for one, Sehwag scored his first century in 18 months and held the Indian innings together as wickets kept tumbling at the other end at periodic intervals.
Barring Sehwag, who struck 11 fours and two sixes during his 236-ball knock, none of the other Indian batsmen could hang around for long against the the disciplined Australian bowlers who tried their best to force a result.
The high-scoring match will be remembered as Adam Gilchrist's last Test appearance and the great wicket-keeper batsman was lustily cheered as he walked out of the field for the last team. In a touching gesture, all the Indian players shook hands with him after the game It was probably the last Test appearance on Australian soil for some of the senior Indian players like Sachin Tendulkar, captain Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. PTI
Lankan air force bombs LTTE base, 40 killed in clashes
T V Sriram
Colombo, Jan 28 (PTI) Sri Lankan security forces killed 38 Tamil Tigers and lost two soldiers in spiralling fighting with the rebels in the island's embattled north, where the Air Force jets today raided an LTTE base.
"Air Force fighter jets today pounded LTTE gun positions located in the Kalmunai Point in Paranthan in Northern Sri Lanka", the Defence Ministry said The attack was launched in retaliation to the artillery shelling by the LTTE at the Jaffna peninsula this morning, defence sources said.
Sri Lanka Army responded to the attack with heavy artillery and multi-barrel rocket fire, the army said.
"The air raids were successful," it said.
In ground clashes, at least three militants were killed in Alakallapottakulam in Vavuniya today, the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) said.
At Pandirichchan also in Vavuniya, at least 10 militants were killed yesterday in a clash, it said. PTI
Devolving power will help eradicate terrorism in Lanka: PM
Colombo, Jan 28 (PTI) Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremenayaka has claimed that the implementation of the power devolution package submitted by a high-level committee will help eradicate terrorism in the island nation.
"The proposals of the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) are aimed at bringing peace and tranquility by eliminating terrorism in Sri Lanka," Wickremenayaka told a senior Iranian minister last week.
The prime minister also accused certain elements with vested interests of misinterpreting the proposal by saying that the government is waging a war against minority Tamils, the state-run Daily News reported.
During his meeting with Iranian Commerce Minister Massoud Mir Kazemi, Wickremenayaka recalled the assistance extended by Tehran to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami.
"The government could rebuild the houses and properties devastated by the tidal waves within a short time due to such help," he said.
"We are not ready to see the country's development hampered by terrorist activities. Special attention is focused on the development drive, while continuing the mission to free innocent civilians from the terrorists' grip," Wickremenayaka was quoted as saying by the daily. PTI
China under pressure to continue ban on tiger trade
Beijing, Jan 28 (PTI) Animal conservationists have stepped up their campaign with renewed calls to the Chinese government to continue with its 15-year-old moratorium on the trade in tiger parts, warning that lifting of the ban would be "disastrous" for the big cats.
In their latest effort, the "Save the Tiger Fund" conducted a poll, with findings that 95 per cent across the country supported the tiger-trade ban, imposed in 1993.
Tiger bone is used in traditional Chinese medicine and wine made from its blood is believed to give potency while its skin is highly valued in Tibet, making the trade in tiger products a big money spinner for poachers in China, India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Ever since China banned harvesting of tiger bones in 1993, conservationists and tiger-trade lobby have locked horns over the issue.
The pro-tiger trade insists parts of the dead captive- bred tigers should be used citing its medicinal use but conservationists want the government to halt captive breeding itself.
In the poll, 95 per cent backed the ban, while more than 77 per cent said the ban was important for China's image. Almost 95 per cent said they would abstain from the use of tiger products to save the big cats, Xinhua news agency said.
"The results... Present the strikingly clear message that most Chinese people care so much about wild tigers that they are willing to change behaviour that threaten the survival of tigers in the wild," Judy Mills of the organisation was quoted as saying. PTI
US official found dead in Pak
Islamabad, Jan 28 (PTI) An official of the US embassy was found dead in his residence here today with a bullet wound to the head, police said.
Keith Ryan, 47, was in-charge of security at the embassy. He was found dead in his residence in the upmarket F-7/3 area at about 11 am. There was a single bullet wound to his head, officials said.
Though no suicide note was found, Dawn News channel quoted police officials as saying that they believed Ryan had taken his own life. The body was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for an autopsy.
There was no official comment from the US embassy. PTI
Russian tobacco industry in panic over ban on Indian imports
Vinay Shukla
Moscow, Jan 28 (PTI) With the ban on the import of plant products from India coming into force from today, the Russian tobacco industry is in panic at the prospect of suspending the production of several favourite brands of cigarettes.
Russia's phytosanitary watchdog -Rosselkhoznadzor-- has suspended the import of all plant products from India after a dangerous grain pest Khapra beetle was allegedly found in a consignment of Indian sesame seeds at the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk.
Later on Friday under the pressure of powerful tea lobby it relaxed the ban on import of bulk tea.
Tobacco is one of the crucial commodities hit by the ban, although the share of Indian leaf is about 10-12 percent of Russia's total imports. Russia imports 300 thousand tonnes of bulk tobacco annually of which India's share is about 30-45 thousand tonnes.
"The issue is not about quantity. India tobacco is a major and at times irreplaceable component of blends of many favourite brands of cigarettes," Director General of "Tabakprom" tobacco corporation Vadim Zhelnin was quoted as saying by leading business and political daily Kommersant.
The existing stocks will last for about a month, after which many popular cigarette brands in the medium and low price range will disappear from the market, Zhelnin warned.
The new ban came into force even as the situation with the supply of Indian basmati rice was yet normalise after a similar ban was clamped last year. PTI
KSK Power to reorganise JV with Lehman Brothers
London, Jan 28 (PTI) KSK Power Ventur plc, a company listed on the AIM market of London Stock Exchange, today said it will reorganise its joint venture arrangements with Lehman Brothers India Holdings for investing in power generation projects in India.
Lehman held 90 per cent stake in the JV company, KSK Electricity Financing India (KSKFIPL), while the remaining 10 per cent was held by KSK through its two wholly-owned subsidiaries KSK Energy Ltd (KEL) Mauritius and KSK Energy Ventures (KSKEV).
Under the re-organisation, Lehman would sell its entire stake in KSKFIPL to KSKEV for a net consideration of USD 85 million. Lehman would also subscribe for a 33.42 per cent stake in KSKEV with another investor subscribing for 1.58 per cent in KSKEV, KSK plc said in a filing to the LSE.
KSK is also planning to raise about USD 100 million through a subscription of new shares by various employees, details of which would be announced separately, it added.
Consequently, KSK, through KEL would hold 65 per cent of KSKEV, which in turn would hold 100 per cent of KSKFIPL.
Lehman would be paying a value development fee of USD 7.6 million to KEL, in recognition of its efforts for the value creation for shareholders of KEFIPL to date, it added "These are significant and very positive steps in the overall development of the KSK Group. We continue to explore all opportunities to help maximise shareholder value, including any potential Indian IPO of our SPV interests. We presently have a pipeline of over 7200 MW, with further progress being made," KSK Power Ventur Plc Executive Director S Kishore said. PTI
Bad news for US could be good news for Indian IT firms:Murthy
Mumbai, Jan 28 (PTI) India should look at the possible recession in the US as an opportunity as domestic IT companies are more cost effective, Infosys Chief Mentor N R Narayana Murthy said today.
"The fact that there may be a slowdown in the US means people will become much more concerned over better value for money...We could look at it as an opportunity," Murthy told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
The Indian IT industry fears that a possible slowdown in the US economy could lead their companies to cut IT spending.
As Indian IT companies are earning major revenue from the US, recession is being looked at as having a negative effect on the topline.
Murthy said that instead of an adverse effect, it was more likely that India benefits if the US economy, the world's biggest, witnesses a slowdown.
"The focus on better allocation of money means a greater opportunity for India," he said adding Indian IT companies were reasonably well placed to withstand the shocks if any.
Earlier, Murthy inaugurated public sector Bank of Baroda's financial supermarket, N M Chowkshi Business Centre, and its 1,575th core banking branch in Aizwal, Mizoram.
Bank of Baroda Chairman and Managing Director A K Khandelwal said the lender has 88 per cent of its business on the core banking platform. PTI
Rupee ends marginally lower at 39.39/39 a dollar
Mumbai, Jan 28 (PTI) The Indian currency was traded tentatively at the forex market today and lost marginally to close the day at Rs 39.38/39 per dollar, almost in tune with the sentiments in stock markets amid uncertainties about capital outflows.
At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (forex) market, the local currency recovered a major part of losses after falling to Rs 39.48 level following a plunge in Asian stocks during the day.
Asian stocks extended losses for another day, raising worries about continued withdrawals by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs).
Indian benchmark Sensex too tumbled by more than 900 points during afternoon trade before ending with a loss of 209 points in erratic trade. Asian indices closed lower by about 3.0 to 7.0 per cent.
Forex dealers said weakness in Asian stock markets largely weighed on the rupee sentiment.
The Indian unit came under pressure right from resumption of trading due to sustained capital outflows despite a sharp rate cut by the US Federal Reserve last week, they added.
The trading was at a low ebb ahead of the quarterly monetary policy review by the central bank on January 29 amid increased possibility of a rate cut, traders said.
A section of analysts expect a 0.25 per cent cut in the repo rate following a sharp rate cut by the US Federal Reserve last week. PTI
Sensex dips 796 points in early trade
Mumbai, Jan 28 (PTI) The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex fell by 796 points in early trade today following panic selling by market players on reports that Sebi might take fresh steps to curb volatility.
The 30-share index, Sensex, which had gained 1,140 points on Friday, tumbled by 795.50 points at 17,566.16 in the first five minutes of trade.
Similarly, the wide-based National stock Exchange index, Nifty also dropped by 253.95 points to 5,129.40 as all the heavy-weight stocks moved into red.
Selling pressure spread over a wide front, placing all the sectoral indices plunged 7-9 per cent in early stage. PTI
Film Review: Comedy saves Sunday
Film: Sunday
Director: Rohit Shetty
Cast: Ajay Devgan, Ayesh Takia, Irfan Khan and others
Shambhu Sahu
'Sunday' is a suspense-cum-comedy film. But, some how, its USP is comedy and not the thriller plot, which is a tad too-over-stretched and not really new.
The film is about mysterious Sehar (Ayesha Takia), a dubbing artiste who has a habit of forgetting things. One fine day, a contract killer attacks her after which she approaches ACP Rajveer Randhawa (Ajay Devgan) for help. Incidentally, this chilled-out but corrupt-cop is the guy Sehar's mother has chosen for her.
The problem begins when she can't recall anything related to the incident. So police has no clue how to go about this case until the cops find some voices recorded in her cassette recorder. From there on, the cops reach to one suspect to another to another... But as one nears the climax he knows the film is one of the typical 'who-done-it' type.
The film (and the search for the culprits) slows down and is further hampered by two songs. It makes you lose interest in the suspense part of the film but thank God, Ballu (Arshad Warsi) and Kumar (Irfan Khan) are around. The duo who play a crook cab driver and a wannabe star respectively - don't let one lose interest in the film.
They offer plenty of fun while taking rides through 'Dilli di galiyan'. Arshad's fun acts - like fooling a traffic cop or reacting after getting shot at in his bum, etc. - coupled with Irfan's hilarious dialogues - while wanting to play Ravana or the Don in 'DonIII' or to turn a singer-composer to bag a lead role in some film ala Himesh Reshammiya are a complete 'paisa vassol'.
Ajay Devagn is good as a typical Dilli Policewala. He sings love songs, eats lots of Sundaes and makes you laugh. Ayesha has acted well in a character that seems to have many layer, not actually as you know in the end. Vrajesh Hirjee as Chakki, a South Indian karate trainer, is also good but has a comparatively shorter role.
Director Rohit Shetty has a knack for humour and he had a big success with his earlier film 'Golmaal: Fun Unlimited', a surprise hit in 2006. In 'Sunday' he offers comedy, action and suspense but it's the funny side of it that you enjoy the most than anything else. However, a few scenes like the chase in Chandini Chowk and Arshad's fight sequence are good and show his capability and talent which he inherited from his father, famous Bollywood fight master Late Shetty.
The film, which is shot mostly in Delhi, has a nice cinematography by Aseem Bajaj whose presentation of city locals and action scenes is a treat. A good one-time watch. PTI
Tunics and naughty bell bottoms to be hot this year
Snehesh Alex Philip
New Delhi, Jan 25 (PTI) With fashion changing faster than the time taken to make a cup of hot coffee in this winter, fashion-conscious, suave urban Indians are facing the ever increasing dilemma of what to wear and what not.
Forecasting trends for Year 2008, Delhi based fashion designer Chiarg Joshi says, "Tunics which sold like hot cakes last year will continue to hold grip among all age-groups. This year the terrific tunics will reign, when worn with churidars, with back zips. Chic Arabian pattern of Harem pants would be trashed out, making way for naughty bell bottoms. Also time to bid farewell to dear wedges, as platforms are set to strike the market with great velocity." Joshi who worked with top-notch designers like Ritu Kumar and Ritu Beri before setting up his own designer label adds, "An exorbitant use of vegetable dyes would add finesse to the apparels. Shades of pastels and earthy colors like blue, orange, golden, and browns shall rule the fashion kingdom.
He adds, "The influence of nature would be visible in the form of floral prints. Prints of leaves and flowers mixed together will stand out strongly." Betting on cotton fabrics for the hot Indian summer, Joshi says, "Seeing the long summer season prevalent in our country, it would be safe to bet upon the cottons. The fabric suits, all body types and will be a must in everybody's wardrobe. Flowy, flamboyant silhouettes in cotton can never go out of vogue." PTI
Book: ICT, yet to conquer the last mile!
New Delhi, Jan 24 (PTI) It may have touched the lives of billions in every nook and corner of the world over but information and communication technology- ICT- in short is yet to conquer the 'last mile' when it comes to reaching crucial information to the needy at the times of natural disasters, say experts.
Over 3600 inhabitants in a remote village in Pudducherry were lucky in 2004 to have escaped certain death when the Tsunami struck, thanks to the timely warning that was disseminated and the villages evacuated.
Lives of over 40,000 who perished in Sri Lanka, however, could not be saved as the warning, though available with the Lankan Authorities, could not be disseminated quickly, says a research paper in 'Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2007-2008', a compilation of reports on 31 economies.
Sri Lanka's celebrated resident Arthur C Clarke remarked:the Asian Tsunami's death toll could have been drastically reduced if the warning was disseminated quickly and effectively to millions of coastal dwellers on the Indian Ocean rim.
"It is appalling that our sophisticated global Communication system simply failed us on that day", the paper quotes him saying.
Importance of risk communication in averting many public crises and natural disasters cannot be overstated. Yet risk communication has received attention only in recent years.
Moreover, ICTs (information and communication technology)has not been harnessed to their full potential to mitigate risks from natural disaster's and public health emergencies, says the paper on 'Role of ICTs in risk communication in Asia Pacific' by Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, Chanuka Wattegama and Fredrick John Abo.
(About the book: 'Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2007-2008, Sage, pages 373, price Rs.950/-) PTI
Newsletter: Its time for promises in Karnataka
M Siddaraju
Bangalore, Jan 23 (PTI) The uncertainty on whether Karnataka will go to polls by this May end or a few months later notwithstanding, the BJP has already started showering promises to woo the electorate.
There is speculation that the elections to the state assembly might get postponed to October or November in the wake of the Centre mulling to hold polls on the basis of the report of the Commission on Delimitation of constituencies.
In the event of the Centre notifying the report, the Election Commission will require time to re-draw the boundaries of constituencies.
Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami, however has said that the poll process in Karnataka has to be completed May 28, indicating that the elections will be held by that time.
Leaving no stone unturned to rule Karnataka for the next five years, after its week-old government was pulled down by its coalition partner JDS, the BJP is in the forefront promising free power supply to Irrigation pumpsets to woo the farming community.
BJP's chief ministerial nominee, B S Yeddyurappa has declared "if my party is voted to power, we will provide free power supply to farmers owning irrigation pumpsets upto 10 HP (Horse Power)".
The saffron party leader, who held the office of the chief minister for eight-days, one of the shortest for a chief minister in the state's history, is keen on installing the party to power, which it lost due to what it terms as JDS's act of betrayal.
The state has about 20 lakh irrigation pumps sets and majority of farmers have installed 10 HP motors. PTI
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Sensex: 18152.78, -208.88
The sensex closed at 18152.78, down 208.88
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1 U.S. $ = 39.375 INR
1 Japanese Yen = 0.3693 INR
1 British Pound = 78.069 INR
1 Canadian $ = 39.109 INR
1 Singapore $ = 27.694 INR
1 UAE Dirham = 10.722 INR
1 Saudi Arabian Riyal = 10.514 INR
1 Euro = 57.984 INR
1 Qatar Rial = 10.824 INR
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