Seat-sharing with Cong clinched: LJP

     Patna: The Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) on Saturday claimed to have reached a seat-sharing agreement with the Congress. The party has released the first list of 56 candidates for the first phase of Assembly elections in Bihar scheduled for February 3. However, there has been no official word from the Congress about the accord. Ramchandra Paswan, brother of Ramvilas Paswan, said the LJP president had agreed to "fulfill" the demands of the Congress and would withdraw party candidates from the fray even at the last minute after assessing the winnability of the nominees of the two parties. The Congress had on Friday announced the first list of 17 candidates, including the names of Assembly Speaker Sadanand Singh (Kahalgaon) and BPCC president Ramjatan Sinha (Warsaliganj). The LJP leaders said they had decided not to field a candidate against Sadanand Singh.

Uma to be BJP's star campaigner in Bihar (Go To Top)

     New Delhi: The temperamental sanyasin, Uma Bharti has been assigned the task of reviving the party in Bihar. In an attempt to strengthen the party in the state, BJP is trying its best by roping in some very high profile leaders for campaigning in the state. Former Madhya Pradesh CM Uma Bharti, will travel and campaign throughout the state during the upcoming elections. The assignment comes as a big challenge for the leader who is known for her oratory skills. Bharti will be the star campaigner of the party in the state, spending 20 days, more than any other leader. According to senior party leader and MP Sushil Modi, "She is a great crowd puller. People like to see and hear her. Through her speeches she will tell people about Lalu's rule." Among others who would try to win over the voters for the party are former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, party chief LK Advani and Pramod Mahajan. Shatrughan Sinha will be looking after the responsibility of managing the campaign. BJP Vice-President MA Naqvi said, "Arun Jaitley is in charge there. Many other leaders will also be present. Uma Bharti will be there for 19-20 days."

NBW against Gutka kings (Go To Top)

     Mumbai: The Maharashtra Control Of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in Mumbai has issued non-bailable warrants against two Gutka company owners. The warrants have been issued under the Maharashtra Control Of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Warrants have been issued against Rasiklal Dhariwal, the owner of Manikchand Gutkha and J M Joshi, the owner of Goa Gutkha for their alleged links with the underworld. Warrant has been also issued against Anis Ibrahim, underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's brother. The warrants were issued on December 30 based on a petition filed by the government. According to some experts, if the Gutkha company owners fail to surrender themselves in time for investigation, the government may consider making an appeal for issuance of a red corner notice against the two. Even the extradition of the accused persons can be considered. One of the Gutkha company owner, Dhariwal has maintained that being an NRI he needs to stay away from the country for some more time. Reportedly, both Dhariwal and Joshi have been accused of approaching Dawood Ibrahim to settle a long-standing feud between them. In turn for the role of mediator, Dawood is said to have got a Gutkha factory set up in Karachi for his brother Anis.