In the national interest
Monday, March 30, 2009
Kamal Siddiqi
The writer is editor reporting, The News
Earlier this week, a family friend got off from her car and walked to a chemist’s shop in a busy shopping area of Karachi. She was wearing a normal shalwar- kameez suit that most Karachi women wear in public areas. Nothing out of the ordinary. As she walked to the shop, a man approached her and showed her a pistol.
But instead of robbing her, he gave her a chilling message: “Next time you come in public, cover yourself from head to toe.” This happened in full public view on a busy Karachi street. But no one seemed to notice and the man did not in any way seem in any hurry or worry.
The reference of this incident happening to a family friend has only been done to make people understand that this is not an urban myth but a reality. It is happening in Karachi, the country’s largest and possibly most open city. There are more worrisome incidents than one can recall.
Many businessmen have received calls on their cell phones in which the caller does not identify himself but does confirm the name of the person he has called. After a couple of days comes another call. And then another. The businessman is told to contribute a certain amount to the Tehreek-e-Taliban.
One businessman shrugged this off as a hoax. But soon enough there were men who called at his house and made the same demand, only this time they also mentioned that they not only knew where he lived, but where he worked, which schools his children went to, and other details.
The man ended up paying. No one knows who these people are. Some say they are criminals who are using the name of the Taliban. Who knows?
A family in Clifton last month received a notice which was addressed to the father. In it, he was told to ensure that his daughters — who were described in the letter in very negative terms — should be told to stay home since they were seen to be of loose character. The letter warned the father to take action, otherwise the mosque will have to “do something.” The crime of these girls apparently was that they were seen too frequently moving around and that too in Western clothes.
The writers of this threatening letter even disclosed their identity. The claimed to be from a prominent mosque, situated in the market area of Clifton. The shaken family did as they were told. Many families have received such letters and in most instances they have complied. No action or questions have been asked of the people at this mosque. The police shrugs this off as nothing important.
Last year, this mosque was identified by the MQM when it made an outcry on the rise in Talibanisation in Karachi. But the People’s Party government has been denying the rise of extremist forces in Karachi for the year since it has been in power. Some say that the motives of the MQM are suspect. Their agenda is more political. But then again, who is right and who is wrong?
Stories continue to surface of the growing influence of such elements. Women who travel without their heads covered in public transport have been spat upon. In some instances by other women.
The media has helped confuse the people even more. Programmes aired by our leading channels on religious issues sometimes misguide instead of guide. They play on the sentiments of people only to get better ratings. After all, one of the most prominent religious show hosts ended up becoming a minister.
The tragedy, if one may call it that, is that there is a growing number of people in Karachi who welcome the arrival of the purveyors of quick and cheap justice. And are willing to defend, fund and shelter them. They sympathise with the soldiers of their brand of Islam because the government has let them down. And they are frustrated over the growing incidents of crime and lawlessness and have no hope in the government addressing these issues. Both the military junta and the elected peoples representatives are seen more interested in protecting and enriching themselves than providing good governance to the people. This is the public perception.
Two video clips that have been circulating on the Internet only add to people’s fear and plays on their insecurity. One clip, which is perhaps one of the most watched and forwarded clips in Pakistan this week, shows how a man is mugged while he is taking money out of an ATM in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi.
The clip, which was taken off a security camera of the bank, clearly shows the face of the man, the two men who rob him and the look of frustration and helplessness on the victim’s face once the deed is done. While there is no violence, except where the robber shows the poor man a gun and then hides it, it leaves one disturbed and it is chilling for anyone who has any care for Pakistan. Is this what we have been reduced to, and where do we go from here?
The other clip, which has not been seen by as many people, is violent and much more chilling. This clip was made from a mobile phone by the accomplice of a man who is currently in police custody. This is now known as the “Hajiano case” or the “White Corolla case.” This man robbed people and raped women at will for a year. This clip relates to one incident where a woman is being assaulted.
The clip numbs the brain and makes one bay for blood. After seeing this video, people have said that an exemplary punishment should be given to the perpetrator. One hopes this is done, but there are many who have expressed fears that the case will soon be forgotten. The women’s rights organisations which had earlier come out on the streets now seem to have been lulled into silence. Let us hope for justice. There are some who say that this matter would have been settled had the Taliban been in charge.
These are worrisome sentiments. In his speech this week, President Obama has committed more money to Pakistan to crush Al-Qaeda. He said in his speech that the Al-Qaeda and its extremist allies (like the Taliban) are a cancer that risks killing Pakistan from within. The problem is that many Pakistanis do not see it like that anymore.
To defeat extremist elements, the US and Pakistan have to do more than pump in more military and economic assistance which never reaches the common man. There is a larger battle, for the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan, which needs to be fought. This is not being done.
We do not want any more VOA-TV type propaganda that, in its condescending way creates more enemies then friends. We want a proper dialogue with the US and the West over what its goals are and whether these are our goals as well. Whether we like it or not, the battle for a safer America cannot be won if the people of Pakistan are not convinced. This is the stark reality, no matter how many drone attacks are carried out on the one hand and assistance is given to our government on the other.
It was true of the Musharraf government and is becoming increasingly true of the Zardari government too. The people of Pakistan are not seen as stakeholders in the battle against militants and extremism. It is too often said that while the West talks to our leaders, Al Qaeda and the Taliban talk to the people. Sadly, this is an issue President Obama has not addressed.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Loadsheding, a Gift to Karachi
Its not the first time when the people of Karachi are facing unannounced Power Load shedding. Federal Government keeping its hand off from KESC and not taking any majors to solve these problems. People of Karachi are once again tortured by inflated Bills by KESC.
Its another fact that Karachites are paying the higest prices for electricity Bills accross the country. A city like Karachi which produce 70% of the revenue for Pakistan has been treated like this before and now also it is the people of Karachi who suffers. Government should take some majors now otherwise people of Karachi can go for a peaceful protest against KESC and Federal.
Despite all of these, citizens of Karachi are well satisfied with CDGK which has proved it self as the most efficient and the most hardworking leadership among all. The City nazim of Karachi had tried several times to solve these issues but KESC and federal government not showing their interest for the sake of the people of Karachi. Resulting this issue to remain unsolved.
Its another fact that Karachites are paying the higest prices for electricity Bills accross the country. A city like Karachi which produce 70% of the revenue for Pakistan has been treated like this before and now also it is the people of Karachi who suffers. Government should take some majors now otherwise people of Karachi can go for a peaceful protest against KESC and Federal.
Despite all of these, citizens of Karachi are well satisfied with CDGK which has proved it self as the most efficient and the most hardworking leadership among all. The City nazim of Karachi had tried several times to solve these issues but KESC and federal government not showing their interest for the sake of the people of Karachi. Resulting this issue to remain unsolved.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Imran khan (The Racist,Extremist and Rapist)
Imran khan is a Hero in the eyes of those who are only his cricket fans but this thing is exactly different when it comes to politics. Even in his cricketing career he kept on ruining the careers of famous players like Waqar Younis, Salim Malik, Basit Ali, Abdul Qadir and many others were victimize by Imran Khan. The credit for the World Cup victory goes to those players who made it easy for Imran to hold that CUP like Miandad, Akram and Inzamam. They should be credited for the victory what he did nothing always trying to pull others leg.
In his political career he has made it his habit to criticize each and everyone who comes his way. He wants a life where nobody can ask him where are you running your house from? How are you running your party? Ok you played a lot of county but even the other players who played even for a longer time than you are suffering but you aren’t?
He married a rich western girl (Jemima Goldsmith) as her daddy was loaded. Oh and lets not forget that she was Jewish - although she converted to Islam - still I guess a few billions in the bank makes it ok to sell out to the Zionists then?
He several time claimed he would never join politics be he did and never won any seat until the last elections he won because of Extremist groups living within the country.
His party is seeking help from the taliban elements who are trying to make a battle ground here in Pakistan, they want to fight their battle here in Pakistan and both afghans and Imran khan are agreed on one agenda.
Courts indeed the same courts which are free in his opinion him to be a rapist(as he fathered a love child with Sita white)
At the day time he is seen giving a speech against US president and all the other European leaders but at the same night he was caught wining in a dance party at London.
He was caught thrice while tampering a cricket ball, how such a negative man can fight for his country.
It was his statement that Mianwali belongs to me, he shouldn’t give such racist remarks when you claim to be a country wide famous leader.
In his political career he has made it his habit to criticize each and everyone who comes his way. He wants a life where nobody can ask him where are you running your house from? How are you running your party? Ok you played a lot of county but even the other players who played even for a longer time than you are suffering but you aren’t?
He married a rich western girl (Jemima Goldsmith) as her daddy was loaded. Oh and lets not forget that she was Jewish - although she converted to Islam - still I guess a few billions in the bank makes it ok to sell out to the Zionists then?
He several time claimed he would never join politics be he did and never won any seat until the last elections he won because of Extremist groups living within the country.
His party is seeking help from the taliban elements who are trying to make a battle ground here in Pakistan, they want to fight their battle here in Pakistan and both afghans and Imran khan are agreed on one agenda.
Courts indeed the same courts which are free in his opinion him to be a rapist(as he fathered a love child with Sita white)
At the day time he is seen giving a speech against US president and all the other European leaders but at the same night he was caught wining in a dance party at London.
He was caught thrice while tampering a cricket ball, how such a negative man can fight for his country.
It was his statement that Mianwali belongs to me, he shouldn’t give such racist remarks when you claim to be a country wide famous leader.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Another woman killed over honour
Twenty six year old Quratul Ain eloped from her house six months ago, marrying the person with whom she intended to spend her entire life with. However, her dreams fell short when she was shot thrice in the name of honour.
The rental house where the deceased along with her husband took shelter in is located in the Gulshan-e-Ghazi within the jurisdiction of Malir City Police Station. Quratul Ain was killed in this ‘shelter’ house at around 3:00 am on Sunday when two armed men knocked on her door. Her husband was in the shower at the time; hearing the knocking she opened the door. “She recognised them and tired to flee but the men shot her thrice in her back,” SHO Jehangir Maher told Daily Times. The culprits easily fled the scene when the deceased’s husband Sheraz came out from the bathroom after hearing the sound of bullets and Quratul Ain’s screams.
Not only did her dreams come to an end but her husband’s as well. He helplessly watched his wife take her last breaths in front of him. It is pertinent to mention here that this is the second incident of honour killing in the last seven days. Earlier, on February 22, Elahi Bux surrendered himself after brutally killing his elderly sister Shehla Bibi in the name of honour within the jurisdiction of Korangi Industrial Area Police Station.
Quratul Ain’s body was taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, however her husband took it away without legal formalities and an FIR No 48/09 was registered against the two unidentified men on behalf of Sheraz. The couple were Iranian Balochis; they met a long time ago and gradually fell in love. The deceased used to visit her aunts house located in Salaar Goth, close to Sheraz’s house. After Quratul Ain’s family engaged her to a relative, the couple decided to elope and get married in court. Maher further said that it is clear that the killing of the woman was done in the name of honour and added that the couple was being threatened by relatives of the deceased, who had disowned her after she eloped. The officer also said that the woman was not pregnant and no arrests were made.
Source: http://freespeechs.blogspot.com/2009/03/another-woman-killed-over-honour.html
Qazi Still not satisfied
Leader of Jamat e Islami, Mr Qazi hussain said on 19 March 2009 that long march was a failure. Now when the government has announced the restoration of deposed Judges specially Mr. Iftikhar, and whole nation is now a bit more relaxed not beacuse of the restoration, but cause of the bloodshed avoided by this popular decision by the govenrment it is not the first time we have seen Jamat e Islami going against the wind and creating issues from no where.
Calling it a complete failure has created some sort of disturbance once again in some minds and a common man is still confused what to happen next.
The question is, now when all are satisfied, why this Jamat e Islami is shouting about the issues which have no significance among the people. May be or it must be the guilt which they felt now by not taking the part in 2008 elections, cause as long as the present government runs, Jamat e Islami and other parties which boycott the elections would feel more guilt and ashamed of them seleves by not taking the part in 2008 historic elections.
May God bless Pakistan specially the province of Punjab which has been on the spot light from last 6 months as many politicians are trying to destabilzing the government and destabilizing Punjab could be very fruitful for such elements.
MQM's Development's for Prosperity in Pakistan. Admiration to CDGK.
I have never tried to write an email of this kind before. but today when i saw someone working for the betterment of the masses has encourage me . so i have decided to write an email to describe my feelings . its was like a dream come true which we even havnt seen . it was pending for some how i dont know the details but it was something meaningful for the people of landhi town. before today landhi was supposed to be cut of from other parts of karachi . and today i am glad its not anymore.
Concrete bridges is the most common thing you would notice in karachi . and these bridges has helped much for the developments of corridors and signal free zones in karachi .
Bridge of Malir river has provided residential and Financial area's of karachi a route to the Shahra-e-faisal and has reduced about 28 kilometer route. it has importance of its own kind Residents are now able to move through a short and safe way and financial sector can use this route for their carriers and can save fuel expenses.
The City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has solved the problems of city while carrying out fast paced development process in a very short period indeed . He has shortened the distance by reducing 28 km and now people of Korangi Town, Landhi Town and Shah Faisal Colony could reach the city centres within few minutes. this is the longest bridge ever built in country and would serve not only people of the surroundig areas but the industries in Korangi and Landhi wouyld also feel the comfort as the bridge has now connected two extremes of city where industries newtwork is present.
Today due to Mustafa kamal i feels like there isnt any difference between posh and local area's like mine . Prosperity has came to the people of Karachi .
in the end for being realistic and supporter of practicalism a special Thanks to the Leadership of MQM. for providing us such a enthusiastic Mayor who has made everything possible for karchites and its a prayer of a Responsible citizen May This Party and its leadership would be much more things like that for the betterment of the poor and middle class masses of this country .
ANP’s Militancy. Pakistan
The National reconciliation between different political parties now days is the most prominent thing in country. ANP, which has gained two provincial seats in sindh, has changed the political scenario of Karachi and Sindh. Its almost impossible for other parties to do their campaign in in ANP’s dominated or occupied areas in Karachi.
An armed confrontation by the ANP activists on a rally of other political party . The clash took place at kati pahari close to shahrah-e-noor jahan police station on Wednesday evening. As the SHO abdul wahid said the clash erupted between MQM and Awami National party (ANP) workers when the MQM workers, Who were carrying out a rally , Stated putting up party flags in the area. When the clash erupted, heavy contingents of law enforcers reached the scene; however, they were unable to diffuse the situation as firing continued for hours in the area. As a result of the firing, four law enforcement personnel including ASI Zulfiqar, police constable Sher Ali, a Rangers’ personnel, Saleem, and three MQM workers sustained bullet wounds. The injured were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.
This situation is nothing new in Karachi. The ANP dominated areas are almost no go area’s for other political parties. The media and majority TV channels in Pakistan exposed their real face. When they were asking media to give them proper coverage and ANP activist opened fire on the scene .
MQM to resist Talibalisation at very step: Altaf
LONDON, March 21 (APP)‑ Founder and Leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain has said his party will never allow Talibanisation in Pakistan and will stand firm against this growing threat. Addressing silver jubilee celebrations of the party in the northern London district of Edgware on Friday night, he called upon the people of Pakistan to stand united and halt in its tracks attempts to foist this medieval system.
Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Federal Ministers Dr.Farooq Sattar, Babar Ghori, Advisor on Petroleum Dr.Asim Husain, Speaker Sindh Assembly Nisar Khuhro, members of MQM Rabita Committee, Mayor Karachi Syed Kamal Mustafa, MNAs and MPAs and partyΓÇÖs union and town councillors flown specially from Pakistan attended the event.
Husain criticised the destruction of the women educational institutions in NWFP and said this act of Taliban and Al‑Qaeda supporters has damaged the image of Pakistan.
He called for complete emancipation of women and said the females must enjoy all the rights provided to them including the right to work and education by Islam.
The MQM leader said only his party has been pointing out the different challenges facing Pakistan but unfortunately the other political parties have been pursuing their own agendas and indulging in horse trading at the cost of the nation.
Husain emphasised that one day MQM will dismantle the corrupt medieval feudal system of Pakistan that has prevented the country from development and progress.
He said that MQM is the only liberal and secular party in Pakistan that opposes the religious fanaticism and terrorism in its essence and spirit.
The MQM leader felicitated President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani for restoring Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and other judges of the apex court.
He urged all the political parties to sink their differences and work together to surmount the difficult socio‑economic challenges saying that Pakistan’s solidarity, integrity and survival was very essential.
The MQM leader expressed hope that the political crisis in Punjab would soon be resolved in a amicable manner while urging PML‑N to desist from any action that could further aggravate the situation.
Speaking briefing on the occasion Nisar Khuhro said the coalition Government in Sindh was working to ameliorate the suffering of the people and both PPP and MQM enjoy cordial relations in their endeavour to improve the welfare of the Sindh people.
He presented the MQM leader with a crest of the Sindh Assembly and a bouquet to mark the occasion.
The event also included a cultural programme conducted by the stand up comedian Omar Sharif while singers included Arshad Mahmood, Rahim Shah, Fakhir, Najam Shiraz,Khatija and Fariha Zia.
Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Federal Ministers Dr.Farooq Sattar, Babar Ghori, Advisor on Petroleum Dr.Asim Husain, Speaker Sindh Assembly Nisar Khuhro, members of MQM Rabita Committee, Mayor Karachi Syed Kamal Mustafa, MNAs and MPAs and partyΓÇÖs union and town councillors flown specially from Pakistan attended the event.
Husain criticised the destruction of the women educational institutions in NWFP and said this act of Taliban and Al‑Qaeda supporters has damaged the image of Pakistan.
He called for complete emancipation of women and said the females must enjoy all the rights provided to them including the right to work and education by Islam.
The MQM leader said only his party has been pointing out the different challenges facing Pakistan but unfortunately the other political parties have been pursuing their own agendas and indulging in horse trading at the cost of the nation.
Husain emphasised that one day MQM will dismantle the corrupt medieval feudal system of Pakistan that has prevented the country from development and progress.
He said that MQM is the only liberal and secular party in Pakistan that opposes the religious fanaticism and terrorism in its essence and spirit.
The MQM leader felicitated President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani for restoring Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and other judges of the apex court.
He urged all the political parties to sink their differences and work together to surmount the difficult socio‑economic challenges saying that Pakistan’s solidarity, integrity and survival was very essential.
The MQM leader expressed hope that the political crisis in Punjab would soon be resolved in a amicable manner while urging PML‑N to desist from any action that could further aggravate the situation.
Speaking briefing on the occasion Nisar Khuhro said the coalition Government in Sindh was working to ameliorate the suffering of the people and both PPP and MQM enjoy cordial relations in their endeavour to improve the welfare of the Sindh people.
He presented the MQM leader with a crest of the Sindh Assembly and a bouquet to mark the occasion.
The event also included a cultural programme conducted by the stand up comedian Omar Sharif while singers included Arshad Mahmood, Rahim Shah, Fakhir, Najam Shiraz,Khatija and Fariha Zia.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Shiv Sena to prefer a Maharashtrian PM: Manohar Joshi
Mumbai, Mar 15 (ANI): Despite committing to contest Lok Sabha elections as a part of National Democratic Alliance, Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi on Sunday said that his party would prefer a Marathi for the post of Prime Minister.
“Shiv Sena will prefer a Maharashtrian prime minister,” Joshi said on the sidelines of a book release function here.
Meanwhile, Joshi also said that his party would go with the BJP in upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
“Sena would go with the BJP in Lok Sabha polls. The names of the Shiv Sena candidates for the Lok Sabha polls would be announced within four days,” Joshi said.
Joshi’s remark came after the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said a Maharashtrian should also be given an opportunity to occupy the Prime Minister’s chair.
Pawar, however, had ruled himself out of the race, and said one should not think of becoming the Prime Minister when contesting from limited number of seats. (ANI)
“Shiv Sena will prefer a Maharashtrian prime minister,” Joshi said on the sidelines of a book release function here.
Meanwhile, Joshi also said that his party would go with the BJP in upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
“Sena would go with the BJP in Lok Sabha polls. The names of the Shiv Sena candidates for the Lok Sabha polls would be announced within four days,” Joshi said.
Joshi’s remark came after the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said a Maharashtrian should also be given an opportunity to occupy the Prime Minister’s chair.
Pawar, however, had ruled himself out of the race, and said one should not think of becoming the Prime Minister when contesting from limited number of seats. (ANI)
* Most Read Articles * Most Emailed Articles ‘Badey daraawne naam hotey hain inke... Karimullah, Mazharullah... Varun Gandhi kaat daalega..
Mumbai: A day after the Election Commission ordered the filing of a criminal case against BJP candidate Varun Gandhi for his outburst against Muslims in Pilibhit, the Shiv Sena has commended him for standing up for Hindus.
In an editorial on Wednesday, Ha Gandhi Amhala Chalel (This Gandhi is acceptable to us), in Sena’s mouthpiece ‘Saamna’, which is edited by Bal Thackeray, the party said, “A spark has ignited in the mind of Varun, don’t extinguish it.”
It stated, “We have fallen in love with this Gandhi, despite the code of conduct. We bless him.”
The editorial said Sanjay Gandhi had been reborn and spoken through Varun’s voice. It noted that 25 years ago, Sanjay used to talk about the Hindu cause and had pointed out that the growing population of Muslims was a threat to the country. “Sanjay Gandhi also conducted courageous experiments of compulsorily sterilising Muslims,” the editorial said, pointing out that Varun had shown the same spirit and the need of the hour was to support him.
In an editorial on Wednesday, Ha Gandhi Amhala Chalel (This Gandhi is acceptable to us), in Sena’s mouthpiece ‘Saamna’, which is edited by Bal Thackeray, the party said, “A spark has ignited in the mind of Varun, don’t extinguish it.”
It stated, “We have fallen in love with this Gandhi, despite the code of conduct. We bless him.”
The editorial said Sanjay Gandhi had been reborn and spoken through Varun’s voice. It noted that 25 years ago, Sanjay used to talk about the Hindu cause and had pointed out that the growing population of Muslims was a threat to the country. “Sanjay Gandhi also conducted courageous experiments of compulsorily sterilising Muslims,” the editorial said, pointing out that Varun had shown the same spirit and the need of the hour was to support him.
Uma Bharti associate joins BJP
New Delhi (PTI): In another move indicating the growing proximity between BJP and Uma Bharti, one of her close associates joined the saffron party on Saturday.
"Prahlad Patel, a close associate of Bharatiya Janashakti Party leader Uma Bharti, joined the BJP today in Bhopal. He has not been given any post in the party and has joined without any conditions," BJP MP Prabhat Jha told PTI.
Earlier this week, Ms. Bharti had expressed her willingness to campaign for the BJP in all non-BJP ruled states.
Describing BJP's prime ministerial candidate, L K Advani, as a father-like figure for her, Ms. Bharti had said she wanted him to become the prime minister as he was "unparallelled in today's politics in India".
However, both Ms. Bharti and the BJP had clarified that she will not join the party or merge her party into BJP.
Ms. Bharti had stated that her party decided not to contest the Lok Sabha elections due to lack of funds. Her party will not field any candidates.
"Prahlad Patel, a close associate of Bharatiya Janashakti Party leader Uma Bharti, joined the BJP today in Bhopal. He has not been given any post in the party and has joined without any conditions," BJP MP Prabhat Jha told PTI.
Earlier this week, Ms. Bharti had expressed her willingness to campaign for the BJP in all non-BJP ruled states.
Describing BJP's prime ministerial candidate, L K Advani, as a father-like figure for her, Ms. Bharti had said she wanted him to become the prime minister as he was "unparallelled in today's politics in India".
However, both Ms. Bharti and the BJP had clarified that she will not join the party or merge her party into BJP.
Ms. Bharti had stated that her party decided not to contest the Lok Sabha elections due to lack of funds. Her party will not field any candidates.
After list, knives out in BJP
New Delhi Left in the cold, Parvesh Verma supporters take protest to Advani house; say won’t work for BJP in coming elections
Fissures within the Bharatiya Janata Party came out on the Capital’s streets on Friday, less than 24 hours after the party announced its seven Lok Sabha candidates for Delhi.
Beaten by Jagdish Mukhi for the West Delhi seat, considered by many as his for the taking, late Delhi CM Sahib Singh’s son Pervesh Verma today said he now feels “cheated”. As a show of support, Rithala MLA Kulwant Rana and his Mundka counterpart Manoj Shokeen led a group of supporters to protest against the party’s decision outside Lal Krishna Advani’s Prithviraj Road residence on Friday afternoon.
“It is the party’s decision to give ticket to the candidate it considers most winnable,” Parvesh Verma, who did not take part in the protest, said. “But having worked for the constituency for the last two years, I do feel let down. The party has completely ignored my father’s contribution in building a vote bank for BJP in Delhi’s rural areas.”
An MP from what was then the Outer Delhi constituency, Sahib Singh was considered among the BJP’s strongest leaders in Delhi’s rural pockets.
Fissures within the Bharatiya Janata Party came out on the Capital’s streets on Friday, less than 24 hours after the party announced its seven Lok Sabha candidates for Delhi.
Beaten by Jagdish Mukhi for the West Delhi seat, considered by many as his for the taking, late Delhi CM Sahib Singh’s son Pervesh Verma today said he now feels “cheated”. As a show of support, Rithala MLA Kulwant Rana and his Mundka counterpart Manoj Shokeen led a group of supporters to protest against the party’s decision outside Lal Krishna Advani’s Prithviraj Road residence on Friday afternoon.
“It is the party’s decision to give ticket to the candidate it considers most winnable,” Parvesh Verma, who did not take part in the protest, said. “But having worked for the constituency for the last two years, I do feel let down. The party has completely ignored my father’s contribution in building a vote bank for BJP in Delhi’s rural areas.”
An MP from what was then the Outer Delhi constituency, Sahib Singh was considered among the BJP’s strongest leaders in Delhi’s rural pockets.
BJP washes its hands of Varun affair
NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday practically washed its hands of the alleged inflammatory communal speeches of its Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency candidate Varun Gandhi, even as he responded to a notice of the Election Commission, claiming that the tapes of his speech were doctored.
On a day when the Delhi High Court granted anticipatory bail till March 27 to Mr. Gandhi – who feared arrest in a criminal case lodged against him in Uttar Pradesh under several Sections, including promoting enmity between different groups – the BJP, responded to the Election Commission’s notice, saying that even if the allegations against him were true, it (the party) should not be held accountable or responsible for anything that a party man may have said.
The BJP said it “completely disagrees, disassociates and disapproves” the contents of the alleged CD of Mr. Gandhi’s speech. Further, even if the contents were true, “the party cannot be vested with any responsibility” for what a party man may have said, for the views expressed “do not represent the views of the party or its policies.”
In his response, Mr. Gandhi made two points: One, that the CDs were doctored and two, that there was a conspiracy afoot to harm his political career by those who were opposed to him.
The BJP too referred to his claim that “the contents [of the CD] were morphed and some substitutions made to give a false impression about his speech.”
The Commission is expected to take up both the responses at a meeting on Saturday Mr. Gandhi’s petition in the Allahabad High Court, praying for quashing of the criminal case against him is scheduled to be heard on March 27.
On a day when the Delhi High Court granted anticipatory bail till March 27 to Mr. Gandhi – who feared arrest in a criminal case lodged against him in Uttar Pradesh under several Sections, including promoting enmity between different groups – the BJP, responded to the Election Commission’s notice, saying that even if the allegations against him were true, it (the party) should not be held accountable or responsible for anything that a party man may have said.
The BJP said it “completely disagrees, disassociates and disapproves” the contents of the alleged CD of Mr. Gandhi’s speech. Further, even if the contents were true, “the party cannot be vested with any responsibility” for what a party man may have said, for the views expressed “do not represent the views of the party or its policies.”
In his response, Mr. Gandhi made two points: One, that the CDs were doctored and two, that there was a conspiracy afoot to harm his political career by those who were opposed to him.
The BJP too referred to his claim that “the contents [of the CD] were morphed and some substitutions made to give a false impression about his speech.”
The Commission is expected to take up both the responses at a meeting on Saturday Mr. Gandhi’s petition in the Allahabad High Court, praying for quashing of the criminal case against him is scheduled to be heard on March 27.
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