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Sunday, September 7, 2008
Goud sets Nov 1 deadline for separate T state
Nava Telangana Praja Party (NTPP) president T Devender Goud said on Saturday that the people of the Telangana region would themselves announce a s e p a r at e state if the government failed to do so before November 1 this year.
Speaking in public meetings and road shows at various places in the district on Saturday, Goud said the Telangana people will not tolerate the political parties who are dilly-dallying on the contentious issue of separate state for some time now.
The NTPP chief also announced that the boards of all government offices would have the name ‘Telangana’ in place of Andhra Pradesh very soon.
Launching an attack on the Congress and the Telugu Desam for misleading the people of the region, Devender Goud said that the people of the region have been deceived by the Congress during the last five decades.
As part of his two-day tour programme in the district, Goud conducted road shows in Yellareddy, Banswada, Bodhan, Jukkal and other places in Nizamabad district.
Speaking in public meetings and road shows at various places in the district on Saturday, Goud said the Telangana people will not tolerate the political parties who are dilly-dallying on the contentious issue of separate state for some time now.
The NTPP chief also announced that the boards of all government offices would have the name ‘Telangana’ in place of Andhra Pradesh very soon.
Launching an attack on the Congress and the Telugu Desam for misleading the people of the region, Devender Goud said that the people of the region have been deceived by the Congress during the last five decades.
As part of his two-day tour programme in the district, Goud conducted road shows in Yellareddy, Banswada, Bodhan, Jukkal and other places in Nizamabad district.
Labels: A.P.Politics, Goud sets Nov 1 deadline for separate T state
Power troubles get serious in Old City
Launching a scathing attack on the government for its ‘empty promises’, political activists of the Old City have appealed to the residents not to pay electricity bills for September if their power woes are not sorted out within three days.
At an all-party meet to address the issue of power cuts, specially during ‘Taraveeh’ special prayers of Ramzan which are performed in the night, political activists, residents, religious organisations and representatives of NGOs lashed out at the imposition of regular power cuts despite government’s promises of uninterrupted power supply during the holy month. “With no power, we are unable to address the gathering as the
place is plunged into darkness,’’ a representative from the Ujale Shah Mosque Committee, Saidabad, put forth. Amjedullah Khan of Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) demanded release of documents from the Central Power Distribution Company Limited (CPDCL) which show power disruptions in specific locations. “Earlier, along with MLAs and MPs, representatives of religious, non-political organisations were also called for the yearly Ramzan meetings. However, this is not being done since the Congress government came to power,” Khan rued.
CPM MP Aziz Pasha, who is a member of the energy standing committee, said that the government has failed to serve the people properly. “There is a limit to everything. If the government does not take any action, we will be forced to take the other path. Largescale dharnas will be organised,” Pasha said.
K Shekhar of CPI said contract workers in government services had worsened the situation.
At an all-party meet to address the issue of power cuts, specially during ‘Taraveeh’ special prayers of Ramzan which are performed in the night, political activists, residents, religious organisations and representatives of NGOs lashed out at the imposition of regular power cuts despite government’s promises of uninterrupted power supply during the holy month. “With no power, we are unable to address the gathering as the
place is plunged into darkness,’’ a representative from the Ujale Shah Mosque Committee, Saidabad, put forth. Amjedullah Khan of Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) demanded release of documents from the Central Power Distribution Company Limited (CPDCL) which show power disruptions in specific locations. “Earlier, along with MLAs and MPs, representatives of religious, non-political organisations were also called for the yearly Ramzan meetings. However, this is not being done since the Congress government came to power,” Khan rued.
CPM MP Aziz Pasha, who is a member of the energy standing committee, said that the government has failed to serve the people properly. “There is a limit to everything. If the government does not take any action, we will be forced to take the other path. Largescale dharnas will be organised,” Pasha said.
K Shekhar of CPI said contract workers in government services had worsened the situation.
Labels: A.P.Politics, Power troubles get serious in Old City
Will Amar have a Sonia message for Chiranjeevi?
Will Amar Singh convey a pehgaam (message) from Sonia Gandhi when he meets Chiranjeevi on Sunday evening? This was the speculation in Hyderabad on Saturday on the eve of the crucial meeting that might set the tenor for pre-poll alliances in Andhra Pradesh. Analysts wondered whether Amar Singh would assure __ albeit very indirectly __ the megastar of the chief minister's gaddi in case he chose to ally with the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress for the forthcoming elections and the combine is able to secure a majority in the assembly.
For the records, the Amar Singh-Chiranjeevi meeting is being billed as a courtesy call. Amar Singh who has emerged as the nation's foremost political fixer is expected to be accompanied by Jayaprada who has acted opposite Chiranjeevi in many Telugu films.
"The Congress and its allies are focussed on coming to power in New Delhi post elections 2009. For this, every seat would count. To ensure this the Congress bosses would be quite willing to do a deal for the chief ministership of AP," a political insider averred. Analysts pointed out that SP had no presence in AP and therefore Amar Singh's purpose is only to explore the possibility of a national alliance with Chiranjeevi's Prajarajyam.
The meeting that has been facilitated by the intervention of superhero Amitabh Bachchan is in the backdrop of the assessment that Chiranjeevi will force a threeway fight in AP. Though the assessment of many is that Prajarajyam will come third in the battle, the party's support will become crucial for whichever party comes first to form a government.
"Whatever he might say, Chiranjeevi entered politics to become the chief minister and therefore he is not expected to compromise for anything less is possibly the assessment in the Congress headquarters. Of course, Chiranjeevi's bargaining chip would depend on the number of seats he gets in the assembly and the Lok Sabha," an analyst said.
He and other political watchers however conceded that Chiranjeevi was unlikely to enter into any pre-poll alliance with the Congress. "He intends to gather at least part of the anti-incumbency votes that will go against the Congress by virtue of being is power. He will not be foolish enough to tie up with the party before the polls," the analyst said.
"Such a tie-up will only benefit the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) that will pick up all the anti-incumbency votes," the analyst added. For the records, the spokesmen of Chiranjeevi's party have asserted that they will go alone in the polls. The assertion was made in the wake of speculations of a possible alliance between Prajarajyam and the BJP. Analysts feel that the trip by Amar Singh to Hyderabad has also been spurred by this speculation."
For the records, the Amar Singh-Chiranjeevi meeting is being billed as a courtesy call. Amar Singh who has emerged as the nation's foremost political fixer is expected to be accompanied by Jayaprada who has acted opposite Chiranjeevi in many Telugu films.
"The Congress and its allies are focussed on coming to power in New Delhi post elections 2009. For this, every seat would count. To ensure this the Congress bosses would be quite willing to do a deal for the chief ministership of AP," a political insider averred. Analysts pointed out that SP had no presence in AP and therefore Amar Singh's purpose is only to explore the possibility of a national alliance with Chiranjeevi's Prajarajyam.
The meeting that has been facilitated by the intervention of superhero Amitabh Bachchan is in the backdrop of the assessment that Chiranjeevi will force a threeway fight in AP. Though the assessment of many is that Prajarajyam will come third in the battle, the party's support will become crucial for whichever party comes first to form a government.
"Whatever he might say, Chiranjeevi entered politics to become the chief minister and therefore he is not expected to compromise for anything less is possibly the assessment in the Congress headquarters. Of course, Chiranjeevi's bargaining chip would depend on the number of seats he gets in the assembly and the Lok Sabha," an analyst said.
He and other political watchers however conceded that Chiranjeevi was unlikely to enter into any pre-poll alliance with the Congress. "He intends to gather at least part of the anti-incumbency votes that will go against the Congress by virtue of being is power. He will not be foolish enough to tie up with the party before the polls," the analyst said.
"Such a tie-up will only benefit the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) that will pick up all the anti-incumbency votes," the analyst added. For the records, the spokesmen of Chiranjeevi's party have asserted that they will go alone in the polls. The assertion was made in the wake of speculations of a possible alliance between Prajarajyam and the BJP. Analysts feel that the trip by Amar Singh to Hyderabad has also been spurred by this speculation."
Labels: Will Amar have a Sonia message for Chiranjeevi
34 YRS OF OSTRACISM ENDS AS NSG GRANTS CLEAN WAIVER FOR NUKE TRADE
The deal is done. And it's a big deal for India. It has gained the unique status of being the only nuclear weapons country to be included in global nuclear commerce without signing either the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty - - until now a precondition for entering mainstream nuclear trade.
When the NSG "adjusted its guidelines'' for India on Saturday, after 76 hours of high-voltage drama, to waive the precondition and open the door for New Delhi to join the world nuclear high table, a delicious piece of irony was enacted -- the NSG was formed 34 years ago as a response to India's 1974 Pokharan test and that very body was bending its rules to mainstream India's nuclear ambition.
The NSG's approval was also Manmohan Singh's moment. The Prime Minister, who had quietly worked out the architecture of the Indo-US nuclear deal with US President George Bush, clinched a piece of history on Saturday for salvaging a deal after staving off a huge threat to his government and his political career. Singh described the NSG waiver as a "forward looking and momentous decision''. Bush praised Singh for his "strong leadership'' in ensuring success at Vienna.
The deal will not just give India access to nuclear fissile material and technology with which it can mount a credible nuclear energy programme, it will also open up certain key technologies for India -- hi-tech that is used by a number of industries like pharma, IT, space and defence, but is also used for nuclear technology and is hence barred for those outside the nuclear club.
The implications of the deal will be beyond energy and technology. In strategic terms, it now brings India much closer to the US and several European countries.
WHAT IT MEANS?
UNIQUE STATUS: Ends 34-year nuclear isolation following 1974 Pokhran test. India now gets N-technology, keeps its nuclear program, doesn’t sign NPT, CTBT
N-MAINSTREAM: India can carry out nuclear trade, gets options for nuclear power and access to sensitive hi-tech that serves industry but is also used for nuclear technology; will help sectors like IT, space, pharma, defence, manufacturing
RISING POWER: Shows India as an emerging power. Waiver also came as India seen as a stable democracy and growing market economy
STRATEGIC SHIFT: India comes closer to the US. As also France, Germany, UK, other European countries, Russia, Japan, Australia. Indo-China ties could get frosty
GREAT DIVIDE: De-hyphenation with Pak complete. India now in category of responsible N-powers with impeccable non-proliferation record
WHAT NEXT?
US Congress expected to take up Indo-US 123 pact when it meets on Monday. It must be approved by Sept 28, when the session ends
Bush expected to ask Congress to skip mandatory 30-day period required for putting up pact for approval. Would like to see it through without re-look
Both sides may sign pact when PM goes to US at month’s end. India will then sign similar pacts with other N-suppliers Now, N-scene shifts to US
Vienna: The exception NSG has made for India on Saturday did not come easily but, at the end of the day, came largely because of the recognition of India as a strong emerging power, with a stable democratic system, growing market economy and business appeal. India’s earlier unilateral moratorium to nuclear testing — made by the Vajpayee government and cited by foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday morning — of course helped winning over the last few naysayers at NSG.
Now the scene will shift to the US for the final ratification of the Indo-US nuclear civil cooperation agreement by an up-down vote of the US Congress which meets on Monday. The Bush administration is expected to persuade American lawmakers to pass the pact before the session ends by September 26 by not insisting on the mandatory 30-day session period required to present the agreement for approval. If all goes well, Manmohan Singh will sign the agreement with President Bush in Washington towards the end of the month.
Back on NSG’s decision, it came Saturday morning after two days of bruising diplomacy that saw the last of the conscientious objectors wilting under sustained US pressure. Six of the last objectors, Austria, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Netherlands and Switzerland, relented after India went the extra mile to reassure them on its nonproliferation commitments, and the US, France and UK sat hard on them.
Until Friday night, when the NSG sat, exhausted through round after round of talks until 2.30 am, two things happened. A modification was made in the waiver text that had been circulating for a week, but with which some countries still had problems. Here, India’s statement earlier in the day came in handy, and a link was made between India’s commitments and the adjustment of the guidelines.
The amendment, which was agreed by the US and India, arrived on their tables at 1 am Saturday morning. After that, the objections melted away. The change reads thus: “Based on commitments in the political declaration of (India’s foreign ministry), “ participating states have decided on .... This was the only change that India permitted in the draft. There was a clamour for more changes, but India had already reached its bottomlines. In the past few weeks that had become very clear to the US.
When the NSG "adjusted its guidelines'' for India on Saturday, after 76 hours of high-voltage drama, to waive the precondition and open the door for New Delhi to join the world nuclear high table, a delicious piece of irony was enacted -- the NSG was formed 34 years ago as a response to India's 1974 Pokharan test and that very body was bending its rules to mainstream India's nuclear ambition.
The NSG's approval was also Manmohan Singh's moment. The Prime Minister, who had quietly worked out the architecture of the Indo-US nuclear deal with US President George Bush, clinched a piece of history on Saturday for salvaging a deal after staving off a huge threat to his government and his political career. Singh described the NSG waiver as a "forward looking and momentous decision''. Bush praised Singh for his "strong leadership'' in ensuring success at Vienna.
The deal will not just give India access to nuclear fissile material and technology with which it can mount a credible nuclear energy programme, it will also open up certain key technologies for India -- hi-tech that is used by a number of industries like pharma, IT, space and defence, but is also used for nuclear technology and is hence barred for those outside the nuclear club.
The implications of the deal will be beyond energy and technology. In strategic terms, it now brings India much closer to the US and several European countries.
WHAT IT MEANS?
UNIQUE STATUS: Ends 34-year nuclear isolation following 1974 Pokhran test. India now gets N-technology, keeps its nuclear program, doesn’t sign NPT, CTBT
N-MAINSTREAM: India can carry out nuclear trade, gets options for nuclear power and access to sensitive hi-tech that serves industry but is also used for nuclear technology; will help sectors like IT, space, pharma, defence, manufacturing
RISING POWER: Shows India as an emerging power. Waiver also came as India seen as a stable democracy and growing market economy
STRATEGIC SHIFT: India comes closer to the US. As also France, Germany, UK, other European countries, Russia, Japan, Australia. Indo-China ties could get frosty
GREAT DIVIDE: De-hyphenation with Pak complete. India now in category of responsible N-powers with impeccable non-proliferation record
WHAT NEXT?
US Congress expected to take up Indo-US 123 pact when it meets on Monday. It must be approved by Sept 28, when the session ends
Bush expected to ask Congress to skip mandatory 30-day period required for putting up pact for approval. Would like to see it through without re-look
Both sides may sign pact when PM goes to US at month’s end. India will then sign similar pacts with other N-suppliers Now, N-scene shifts to US
Vienna: The exception NSG has made for India on Saturday did not come easily but, at the end of the day, came largely because of the recognition of India as a strong emerging power, with a stable democratic system, growing market economy and business appeal. India’s earlier unilateral moratorium to nuclear testing — made by the Vajpayee government and cited by foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday morning — of course helped winning over the last few naysayers at NSG.
Now the scene will shift to the US for the final ratification of the Indo-US nuclear civil cooperation agreement by an up-down vote of the US Congress which meets on Monday. The Bush administration is expected to persuade American lawmakers to pass the pact before the session ends by September 26 by not insisting on the mandatory 30-day session period required to present the agreement for approval. If all goes well, Manmohan Singh will sign the agreement with President Bush in Washington towards the end of the month.
Back on NSG’s decision, it came Saturday morning after two days of bruising diplomacy that saw the last of the conscientious objectors wilting under sustained US pressure. Six of the last objectors, Austria, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Netherlands and Switzerland, relented after India went the extra mile to reassure them on its nonproliferation commitments, and the US, France and UK sat hard on them.
Until Friday night, when the NSG sat, exhausted through round after round of talks until 2.30 am, two things happened. A modification was made in the waiver text that had been circulating for a week, but with which some countries still had problems. Here, India’s statement earlier in the day came in handy, and a link was made between India’s commitments and the adjustment of the guidelines.
The amendment, which was agreed by the US and India, arrived on their tables at 1 am Saturday morning. After that, the objections melted away. The change reads thus: “Based on commitments in the political declaration of (India’s foreign ministry), “ participating states have decided on .... This was the only change that India permitted in the draft. There was a clamour for more changes, but India had already reached its bottomlines. In the past few weeks that had become very clear to the US.
Labels: India N-abled, Indian Politics
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