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Hema Malini begs for votes in Patna

     Patna: Film actress and BJP Rajya Sabha member Hema Malini today campaigned for her party ahead of the third and last phase of Bihar Assembly polls, slated to take place on Feb 23. Addressing a huge crowd, the "Dream Girl" said: "I request the people of Bihar that today it is election day so come forward and elect the right government without any hesitation. The people of Bihar which is badly affected with pain, sorrow, fear and corruption should play an active role, and relieve themselves from it now. They should also make their contribution in establishing peace. This is my request and I have come here to say this." Meanwhile, around 60 percent voting was recorded today during the second phase of elections in the state.

USS Blue Ridge docks into Goa (Go To Top)

     Mormugao (Goa): US Navy's seventh fleet command ship "USS Blue Ridge" today docked into the Mormugaon harbour in Goa. One of the US Navy's biggest vessels, the Blue Ridge is in the coastal state on a goodwill mission aimed at increasing camaraderie between the navies from both the nations. It's an amphibious command and control ship meaning it can command and control naval as well as land warfare. It is serving as the command ship and the flagship of the Seventh Fleet of the US Navy deployed at Yokosuka in Japan. Inducted into the US Navy in 1970, the 194 meter-long ship with a displacement of 18,800 tonnes is a technological marvel, its main role being to gather data from worldwide military and civilian sources into a single database for quick access of a region's air, surface and sub-surface situation. "I think, we are two great democratic nations, who need to maintain strong ties. And to support mutually in both in strategic sense, politically and in the operation side, militarily. That is why we are here to strengthen the relationships," said Stephen Mynard, commanding officer of the USS Blue Ridge. During its stay here, the ship's more than 1000 crew will have a chance to be on land, sight-see and explore the former Portugese colony.

One killed, as Bihar, Jharkhand record 55 pct voter turnout (Go To Top)

     Patna/Ranchi: The second phase of assembly polls in Bihar and Jharkhand on Tueday recorded a 55 percent voter turnout, even as the event was marred by violence and booth capturing attempts. An RJD activist was killed and over 30 persons were injured during Tuesday's polls in 82 constituencies in Bihar and 29 constituencies in Jharkhand. An estimated two crore electorate cast their votes. RJD activist Upendra Yadav was gunned down in Pratapur village in Sheikhpura constituency in Bihar's Lakhisarai district during a clash between rival supporters, officials sources said. A CRPF jawan was among those injured. The fate of 1014 candidates in Bihar and 456 candidates in neighbouring Jharkhand were sealed with the polls ending at 5 p.m. Among the important candidates in Jharkhand are Chief Minister Arjun Munda, who is contesting from Kharsawan, besides Tourism Minister Joba Manjhi and AJSU president Sudesh Mahato and former Speaker M P Singh. In Bihar, prominent candidates are ministers Shakuni Choudhury, Pitambar Paswan, Ashok Singh and former Union minister Sanjay Paswan. The polling in Bihar was marked by violence in which 17 people, including two security personnel, were injured in attacks and bomb blasts while an LJP candidate's house was attacked. An Independent candidate from Darbhanga constituency in Bihar, Sanjay Rai, has been reported missing since Sunday, the police said. His family members lodged an FIR with Lehariasarai police station this morning. Smashing of EVMs and clashes were also reported from some of the constituencies spread over 15 districts of the state.

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