SP for withdrawal of cases against accused
lucknow: The Samajwadi Party on Sunday backed the withdrawal of case against accused in Muzaffarnagar riots, saying it was “trying to give justice to the victims”. Cabinet minister Rajendra Chowdhury clarifying the move, said the party had, in its manifesto, promised to withdraw cases against innocent youths on terrorism and other charges. When asked about the move of government to withdraw cases against Muslims in the Muzaffarnagar riot cases, Chowdhury avoided a direct reply, but said, “Whatever happened in Muzaffarnagar was unfortunate. Our government is trying to do whatever it can to give justice to victims.”
‘Rahul’s credentials dynastic qualification’
Hydrabad: Hitting out at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his comments during a recent press conference, BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said Singh should have explained the credentials of Rahul Gandhi when he talked about the Congress vice-president’s suitability for the top job. “He (Singh) spoke about the high credentials of Rahul Gandhi. It would have been better, if he has explained what are the high credentials, except the qualification of dynasty,” Venkaiah told reporters here. Making light of the Prime Minister’s comments ruling himself out of another term at the office, the BJP leader said people of the country would retire Congress in coming elections.
Modi to address rally in Gorakhpur on Jan 23
Gorakhpur: BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi will address a rally in Gorakhpur on January 23. Though the venue of the rally is yet to be finlaised, police and administrative officials yesterday inspected Fertiliser Factory ground as the proposed site. The team headed by SSP Pradip Kumar inspected the proposed site and found it suitable for the rally from crowd and security point of view.
TN Govt announces Pongal bonus
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Government on Sunday announced Pongal bonus for its employees and pensioners, which would cost it a sum of Rs 308.28 crore. Chief minister J Jayalalithaa announced Rs 3000 for Group C and Group D officials and teachers. Those under Group A and Group B, anganwadi workers, ICDS employees, village assistants and certain temporary staff will be provided Rs 1000, she said in a statement.
AAP’s emergence a warning: Jairam
Nadiad: The emergence of Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP) is a warning for established parties and if they do not listen to people’s voice, they will soon become history, Union minister Jairam Ramesh said on Sunday. “Aam Aadmi Party has redefined the political scenario. It has also altered the political discourse. It was limited to Delhi till now. But, if Congress, BJP and regional parties do not listen to people’s voice, they will soon become history,” Ramesh said here.