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The stand-off between the Delhi Government and Lt Governor <keyword id="6478435" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Najeeb-Jung">Najeeb Jung</keyword> is probably the biggest lesson <keyword id="6354944" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Aam-Aadmi-Party">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> (AAP) ever learnt. Last time when <keyword id="6399360" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Delhi-chief-Minister">Delhi Chief Minister</keyword> <keyword id="260213" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Arvind-Kejriwal">Arvind Kejriwal</keyword> resigned in February 2014, he learnt that fights last longer in people’s mind than quitting. 
 
He understood people wanted the system to change, and they would like him to be the agent of that change. Stay on and fight, he reiterated, while campaigning for Delhi polls. His AAP won 67 seats in the 70-member assembly. 
But, it is yet to be seen whether Kejriwal has taken on the correct premise as situation around has become too hot to handle. 
 
Despite the Supreme Court notice to the Delhi Government, seeking its response in three weeks on the High Court judgement regarding the powers of LG Jung, Kejriwal and his men may get in some serious trouble, if the attitude of heckling powers continued. All said and done, Delhi isn’t a random city or state. 
 
It is national capital and for all practical reasons, it is in best interest that Centre and Delhi government co-exist in terms of administration. 
 
Coming back to the bone of contention, some time ago, Centre had restrained the Delhi Government’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) from acting against its officers in criminal offences and had said the LG cannot act as per the CM’s discretion. 
 It all started when Shakuntala Gamlin, an IAS officer, was appointed as <keyword id="371591" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="acting-chief-secretary">Acting Chief Secretary</keyword>. Kejriwal levelled allegations against her, stating she had favoured discoms through a loan of Rs 11,000 crore and said in most certain terms that she shouldn’t be sitting in the vantage position. 
 
This triggered a war of sorts since her appointment was made by Jung and that city administration, which rests in the hands of AAP government, practically has no role in the appointment. 
 
The fiasco reached its crescendo with Kejriwal revolted (again) raising questions about the administration of the city, which had to be in the hands of the party that was ruling Delhi. 
 
The government in Delhi, in fact, has least say in the matter of retaining or transferring bureaucrats who play a crucial role. LG was in no mood to listen to the rants and Kejriwal, who is also called as AK, on the other hand wrote to the Prime Minister on the matter. He even wanted to gain credibility for his argument through networking with all CMs from non-BJP ruled states, and work towards strengthening his case. And he did! 
 
Now, the problem with this move is, though it can be seen as an aspect that’s detrimental to AK’s reputation, as he is seen as a constant fighter and not much of a doer, the numbers of non-BJP CMs can be a cause of concern for Modi Government . The power tussle has now become a dirty laundry that is getting a wash in the open. 
 
The verdict issued by HC on May 21 states that LG will have jurisdiction over the matters connected with services, public order, police and land and that he may consult with the chief minister, whenever he deems it necessary, using his own discretion. 
 
If you need to gain better perspective into the situation, you need to understand there is something that’s working at a deeper level. 
 
Cooperative federalism and urbanisation are two major concepts that today’s India is trying to implement. States are massive and complicated structures. Urbanisation being the concept that’s surging through today, we need to understand the necessity of decentralisation. 
 
Cities indeed drive the economic growth. But, so far, like a populist politics that reigned in India for the sake of votes, office and power, village appeasement is quite another thing that thrives. Political parties have been for long appeasing rural areas without paying decent amount of attention to urban areas. 
 
When you set aside the ‘incident’ between AK and Jung, what you see under the surface is the need for full statehood for Delhi. Kejriwal has always been upfront about his demand of full statehood 
 
It is indeed important that the elected Delhi Government, like it happens in all states, requires greater say in city’s administration. Right now, the control Centre has over Delhi makes it impossible to function like a state unit, despite enjoying people’s mandate. 
 
But, it looks like a full statehood for Delhi as desired by AK will remain a distant dream for the time being. Because Delhi is just not any other city. It is the capital of the country which houses the seat of power and it is the space from where the country’s fate changes through an elected government at the Centre. Hence, the Union Government will certainly have a say in Delhi’s administration. 
 
Let’s not lose sight of AAP’s and AK’s aspirations of moving to become a national party. This could also be a stepping stone for AK to make it a mission of his life to ensure statehood for Delhi. Whether the battle is tangible or not, it surely is going to work against all the might that BJP can bring together. 
 
By writing to other CMs, AK simply spread out the issue beyond its geographical limitations. This could work either miracles or turn into a bane depending on the ground work AK and his team would do for Delhi. Either way, right now, there is no order in this chaos. Delhi suffers, both politically and figuratively. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Delhi: The political heat-wave is causing serious damages

<keyword id="66" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Delhi">Delhi</keyword> Chief Minister <keyword id="260213" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Arvind-Kejriwal">Arvind Kejriwal</keyword> has charged the Centre of overpowering the city government. 
 In a cold letter to the PM, Kejriwal complained about the postings and transfers done by Lt Governor <keyword id="6478435" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Najeeb-Jung">Najeeb Jung</keyword>. He demanded the city government should have a say in such matters. 
 
This is a day after Kejriwal and Jung took their quarrel to President Pranab Mukherjee, accusing each other of unconstitutional actions. 
 
Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia had met the President yesterday. They complained that the Lt Governor is dodging the Kejriwal government and interfering in the appointments of secretaries. The Lt Governor has in turn demanded he can appoint and transfer officials. He met Home Minister Rajnath Singh regarding the issue. 
 The struggle over <keyword id="2853104" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Shakuntala-Gamlin">Shakuntala Gamlin</keyword>’s appointment as chief secretary of Delhi had turned into an all out war between the Delhi government and the Lt Governor. 
 
Earlier, despite Kejriwal's firm protests, Lt Governor Najeeb Jung had appointed Gamlin on Friday. 
 
(Image credit: Indiatimes)

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
warns PM Modi to let his government
function freely

Finally, the speculations we made yesterday have come true. Delhi is on its way to hold fresh elections soon. Lieutenant Governor <keyword id="6478435" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Najeeb-Jung">Najeeb Jung</keyword> today recommended to the President that the state’s Assembly must be dissolved. President Pranab Mukherjee has forwarded it to the Home Ministry for its view. The Cabinet is likely to meet tomorrow to discuss the issue. 
 
Yesterday, we were the first to break the news that Jung may recommend <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Delhi-Assembly-To-BeDissolved-In-A-Day-Or-Two/articleshow/45022924.cms">dissolution of the Assembly today (Tuesday</a>) after meeting the representatives of <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword>, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party. And Jung’s recent recommendation to the President has just proved us right. 
 After the Assembly is dissolved, the Election Commission is required to hold elections within six months. Now, it remains to be seen, if <keyword id="6356115" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="AAP">AAP</keyword>’s charisma would work again in the fresh elections? Or would it be BJP that would gain the most from it? Only time would tell.

LG Recommends Dissolution Of Assembly, Fresh Polls Likely In February Next Year

Delhi finally seems to be heading for fresh elections. Our sources have informed that the Assembly is likely to be dissolved in a day or two. “We have credible information that the Assembly is finally going to be dissolved and fresh elections will be held. In fact, it is highly likely that a formal announcement in this regard will be made tonight or tomorrow following a meeting between Jung and <keyword id="260213" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Arvind-Kejriwal">Arvind Kejriwal</keyword>. It is a victory for democracy,” disclosed a source in a leading political party in Delhi. 
 
Earlier today, Kejriwal had asked Jung to postpone his meeting till late in the evening today or anytime tomorrow. AAP has been demanding dissolution of the Assembly and holding of fresh elections. 
 Media reports suggest that even <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword> is in favour of fresh elections and will not make any effort to form a government. Reportedly, BJP leaders Satish Upadhyay and Jagdish Mukhi had met Lieutenant Governor <keyword id="6478435" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Najeeb-Jung">Najeeb Jung</keyword> today morning, and told him that the party has no intention of forming government in the state. 
 
The Supreme Court had last week criticised the Centre and the Lieutenant Governor for the delay in taking a final decision on government formation.

Delhi Assembly To Be
Dissolved In A Day Or Two?

Following Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu’s call for better inter-modal transportation in Delhi for daily commuters, <keyword id="6354564" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Lieutenant-Governor">Lieutenant Governor</keyword> <keyword id="6478435" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Najeeb-Jung">Najeeb Jung</keyword> has given go-ahead for smooth interchanges between different modes of transport at 11 metro stations. 
	Taking stock of the inter-modal transport 11 metro stations, Lieutenant Governor said the objective is to “develop efficient, convenient and safe inter-modal connectivity for travellers.” 
	 
	This would facilitate smooth integration between vehicular, pedestrian and Metro traffic these stations. "The objective is seamless transition and interchanges between different modes to complete the trip and availability of options to select different modes to make travel cheaper, faster and more comfortable," an official said. 
	<o:p></o:p>

11 Delhi Metro
Stations To Have Multi-modal Connectivity

After months of political uncertainty, it seems Delhi will soon have a government of its own. Amidst this politically charged atmosphere, a delegation of the <keyword id="6354944" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aam-Aadmi-Party">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> (<keyword id="6356115" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="AAP">AAP</keyword>) recently met President <keyword id="6359124" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Pranab-Mukherjee">Pranab Mukherjee</keyword> after <keyword id="6354564" type="POSITION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lieutenant-Governor">Lieutenant Governor</keyword> (LG) <keyword id="6478435" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Najeeb-Jung">Najeeb Jung</keyword> sought the President's nod to invite the single-largest party, the <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword>, to form the government. In this backdrop, BI India’s Manish Kumar had an exclusive interview with <keyword id="342262" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yogendra-Yadav">Yogendra Yadav</keyword>, AAP’s senior leader and strategist. Here are the excerpts: 
 
Lieutenant Governor LG Naseeb Jung, in an interview with The Times Of India, said that the efforts for government formation in Delhi were still on. But your party has been demanding to conduct elections at the earliest. What is your reaction on that? 
I saw the statement and I was really surprised. I was surprised because there is a very clear-cut situation... the party with the largest number, the BJP, has not staked claim to power. The second largest party, the Aam Aadmi Party, has refused to form the government, and has demanded election. Congress has no chance of forming the government. The composition of the Assembly hasn’t changed as well. Then what is the LG waiting for? That surprises me, and statement like that lends itself to an interpretation that the LG is waiting for ‘something’ to happen, perhaps for some horse trading to take place. 
 
After saying that it does not have the required number to form the government, the BJP has now said that it is open to forming the government if asked by the LG. How do you view this change in BJP’s stance? 
This is precisely what is odd here. When the BJP had 32 MLAs in the Assembly, it went to the (Lieutenant) Governor and said that we cannot form the government. Now that it has only 29 members, it says it may be willing (to form the government) if invited by the Lieutenant Governor. At the same time, it is not going to the LG to formally stake a claim. Clearly, they do not have the numbers or the confidence that they have or can get majority in the Assembly. Clearly, they are waiting for some help from the Lieutenant Governor. That is what’s odd about it as if the BJP is hoping that the constitutional office of the LG could favour it and help manufacture a majority that it does not actually enjoy. That reminds us of the older days before the Anti-defection Bill came, when buying and selling of MPs and MLAs used to be a very standard thing. One can only hope that the LG and the BJP are not colluding to take us back to that situation. 
 
In case of another hung Assembly even after fresh elections, would you accept or extend support to either the BJP or the Congress? 
This is not just a hypothetical but a super-hypothetical question. We are, at the moment, struggling for the election to be announced. You have assumed that elections have been announced, you have assumed that elections have been held, you have assumed that results are out, and there is no majority…I mean…I don’t think I would like to respond to this super-hypothetical question. I am personally quite confident that if elections are held, Aam Aadmi Party would come in majority. And that is precisely the reason why the BJP is running away from elections. 
 
<keyword id="540848" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="kumar-vishwas">Kumar Vishwas</keyword> recently alleged that the BJP had approached him with the offer of making him the chief minister. Why is the party’s top brass silent on the issue? 
That’s not true. My colleague Sanjay Singh has actually openly spoken about it. He even named the person. The party has spoken. Any attempt to offer such incentives of any kind is clearly unethical. 
 
I was referring to the party’s top brass – you yourself, Arvind Kejriwal or Manish Sisodia. 
You may have one understanding of what the top brass is. But I clearly include Sanjay bhai among the top brass. There is clearly no doubt in anyone’s mind that any form of inducement offered, etc., is simply not acceptable. This is not an ethical conduct and if this is indeed what happened, then this is surely a matter of concern. 
 
Your comment on Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>’s 100 days in office. 
I have written an article about it, where basically I have said that 100 days is too short a period to come to any definitive conclusion. We have seen some signs…some positive signs as well like the foreign policy, like setting SIT on black money, etc. But signs of worry are overwhelming. The government had made huge promises about inflation, employment and so on, but there’s been no action yet. In fact, when it comes to farmers, there is reverse action. On environment, there has been purely negative action so far. On foreign policy, there is no clear integral view of what is happening. And worst of all, on questions to do with integrity and corruption, the government doesn’t seem to be standing up for the honest officers. Not to forget the question of communalism, where there appears to be a crowd-sourcing of communalism and the government is silently watching it. These are reasons of worry. One can only hope that Modi would learn and improve. The trouble, of course, is that he has closed himself from the possibility of learning because of his authoritarian style of governance. These things, one can hope, would change. And if they do, we can indeed have better governance. Otherwise what the country needs is a genuine alternative kind of opposition. 
 
Can you please elaborate on the “authoritarian style of governance” that you just referred to? 
I mean this is no secret that Modi has, in his Cabinet, ministers who do not count for anything. All the crucial decisions about any ministry are taken not by the minister himself but by the Prime Minister. There is strict surveillance of all the key party leaders in the BJP itself. Anyone who can possibly be of any challenge to Modi has been systematically sidelined. These are not signs of a democratic leader, these are not signs of authority. These are signs of authoritarianism. But these are early signs and one can only hope that things will get better later.

"BJP Hoping For LG’s Favour To Manufacture Majority": Yogendra Yadav

Delhi’s Law Minister Jitendra Singh Tomar was arrested today for faking his Law degree. 
 
The leader was arrested from his house and taken to Hauz Khas police station for further questioning. This came after an FIR was filed against him last night. 
 
According to media reports Singh has been charged under several criminal cases including IPC Sections 120 (B) (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating), 467 (forgery), 468 (forgery with purpose of cheating). 
 
A police team had previously travelled to Bihar to probe the charges against the Minister. 
 The arrest comes amidst the struggle between <keyword id="6356115" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="AAP">AAP</keyword> and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung. 
 
AAP leader Sanjay Singh has accused the Modi government of using "pressure tactics" against the State administration. 
 
"The concerned university has filed its reply in the court. It also recorded the statement that the degrees are genuine. Then why was he arrested?” he said. 
 
"The Lt Governor, Delhi Police Commissioner and the Modi government are trying to scare us with such tactics. But we are not going to be scared. Our fight against corruption will continue," Singh said. 
 
(Image credit: Indiatimes)

Delhi Law Minister caught faking Law degree

Union Water Resources Minister <keyword id="42642" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uma-Bharti">Uma Bharti</keyword> today promised to work pro-actively to cleanse the river <keyword id="6354936" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yamuna">Yamuna</keyword>. 
 
"I had a meeting with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and discussed cleaning of Yamuna river which is flowing through the national capital. A wing has been set up with DDA for the purpose. The officials of the wing will meet us ( Ministry of Water Resources) for sorting out issues concerned," she said. 
 Extending full cooperation to the Government of NCT Delhi in making Yamuna pollution free, she said that a meeting for this purpose would be held in a couple of days. The <keyword id="557073" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="water-resources-ministry">Water Resources Ministry</keyword> had already constituted a separate committee for cleansing the river in Delhi. 
Bharti also announced that 2015-16 would be observed as the year of 'Water Conservation.’ 
 
"We have planned to announce 2015-16 as the year of water conservation... We are ready to interlink rivers keeping environment in mind and we can do it in 10 years," the minister said.

Uma Bharti Promises To Work Pro-actively To Cleanse Yamuna

Delhi finally seems to be heading for fresh elections. We have exclusive information that the Delhi Assembly will be dissolved tomorrow. A credible source told Business Insider that Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung has invited <keyword id="6354944" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aam-Aadmi-Party">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> (AAP) chief <keyword id="260213" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arvind-Kejriwal">Arvind Kejriwal</keyword> for a final meeting. <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword> leaders Satish Upadhyay and Jagdish Mukhi met Jung today morning, and told him that the party has no intention of forming government in the state. The Lieutenant Governor will recommend dissolution of the Assembly soon after his meeting with Kejriwal gets over. 
 
"The Assembly is finally going to be dissolved and fresh elections will be held. In fact, it is highly likely that a formal announcement in this regard will be made tonight or tomorrow following a meeting between Jung and Arvind Kejriwal," disclosed a source in AAP. 
 
Earlier today, Kejriwal had asked Jung to postpone his meeting till late in the evening today or anytime tomorrow. Now, he is expected to him him in the evening today. AAP has been demanding dissolution of the Assembly and holding of fresh elections. 
 The <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> had last week criticised the Centre and the Lieutenant Governor for the delay in taking a final decision on government formation.

Delhi Assembly To Be Dissolved Tomorrow (Exclusive)

NEW DELHI: BJP has decided to give government formation in Delhi a shot, putting to rest the controversy surrounding the issue. 
 
Top leaders in BJP confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believed that there was nothing wrong in forming the government if and when Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung formally invited the party. The process is likely to be completed within next two weeks. 
 
Home Minister Rajnath Singh and transport minister Nitin Gadkari had met Modi on late September 5 to discuss the issue. "It was decided that being the single largest party, BJP would be right in accepting the invite. However, both, the PM and Rajnath Singh were very clear that there should be no horsetrading," revealed a senior party leader. 
 
There were indications that LG had got the clearance from President Pranab Mukherjee to call BJP, as the single largest party, to form the government in Delhi. 
 
"The assembly had not been dissolved. As per the constitutional provisions, the LG has to give a chance to the largest party once. It is up to the LG whether he calls for a secret ballot among MLAs to see how many support BJP or ask BJP to prove majority on the floor of the assembly," said a Delhi BJP leader. 
 
He said that there was no need for BJP to indulge in horse-trading as there were several MLAs from AAP who wanted to come on their own. 
 
"When AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal went to meet the LG, why were some of his MLAs missing," questioned the Delhi BJP leader. 
 
BJP decided to give government formation a shot considering that not even a single MLA wanted another election.

BJP Set To Form Government In Delhi After PM Narendra Modi's Nod

A tug of war on issue of ego is making East Delhi residents gasp for a breathe of fresh air. The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government is in a soup in an unprecedented 'garbage crisis' in Delhi. A strike by sanitation workers has turned east Delhi into a huge garbage dump over the past 10 days, posing a serious threat to people's health, as per a news report by The Economic Times. 
 
With mercury mayhem on rise, 15,000 tonnes of waste has been dumped by the roadside and in residential areas and 12,000 sanitation workers are refusing to work unless their salaries are paid. 
 
Intervening into the crisis, Delhi High Court has directed Delhi government to release by June 15 the salary dues of East MCD employees. 
The court observed that the garbage issue in East Delhi has reached alarming proportions and directed Delhi Police and East MCD to hold a meeting for ensuring its removal. 
 
The financial daily further reported that, Delhi L-G Najeeb Jung had met three mayors and commissioners of municipal corporations and informed them that the government of Delhi will release Rs 493 crore to pay salaries of striking sanitation workers. 
 
With a hope for some political gain, Rahul Gandhi has plugged in and assured the striking workers his support. The Gandhi scion has accused both AAP and BJP of duping people. 
 
Arvind Kejriwal had announced on Monday that his government will release Rs 493 crore to clear pending salaries of sanitation workers, doctors and teachers of two municipal corporations for April and May. 
 
Kejriwal recently lambasted the Centre over fund allocation, accusing it of "sucking the blood" of the residents of the national capital. "I want to tell you (sanitation workers) that I get hurt when you stage protest outside my residence despite knowing the fact that there is BJP in the municipal corporations. They should stage protest outside BJP headquarters, Centre and Union Ministers," he had said earlier this week. 
The workers are on a strike since June 2 to protest against non-payment salary dues, leading to piling of garbage on streets, which are causing inconvenience to residents. 
 
Both North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) are cash-strapped, unable to pay salaries of many employees. A section of the striking sanitation workers have lately been protesting against the AAP dispensation after the corporations held Kejriwal government "responsible" for their financial woes.

Uncleaned garbage: When Delhi was stinking, AAP and BJP were fighting

Rajasthan-based farmer, Gajendra Singh’s suicide at an <keyword id="1462125" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Aam-Admi-Party">Aam Admi Party</keyword> rally in Delhi has given the oppositions an upper hand in the on going debate of Land Acquisition Bill, 2015. This fresh ammunition to the opposition, who were vehemently opposing Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>’s plan to introduce the land bill is expected to create more pressure on the ruling BJP government to make amendments to it. 
 
The Congress and other opposition parties are likely to give adjournment motion and suspension of Question Hour notices in both Houses of Parliament on Thursday and demand a discussion and reply from the government, sources said. Meanwhile, the government is in a spot as its troubles have been compounded by the fact that Rajya Sabha resumes on Thursday and the Opposition will raise the issue strongly and link it to the land acquisition bill. 
 The <keyword id="83948" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Farmer-suicide">farmer suicide</keyword>, having a high potential to disrupt Modi’s success anthem has made BJP plunge into quick action. Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Minister of State for Agriculture Sanjeev Baliyan visited the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. The doctors informed the ministers that Gajendra Singh was brought dead. 
 
The tech savvy Modi expressed grief over the suicide on twitter. The news report further says, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi pipped Nadda and Baliyan to the post by reaching the hospital before them. 
 In fact Home Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> has already held a meeting with <keyword id="603012" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-governor">Delhi Governor</keyword> Najeeb Jung and <keyword id="6366315" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Police-Commissioner">Police Commissioner</keyword> BS Bassi on the matter this morning, with widespread protests ringing out in the capital. He is also expected to make a statement in the Parliament later in the day. 
 
Will Home Minister’s insurance scheme be a healing touch to the aggrieved farmers? 
 
In the wake of the farmer crisis in the country, the home minister Rajnath Singh is fast-tracking the introduction of the proposed National Crop Income Insurance Scheme, which guarantees income to the farmer during fluctuating prices (he will have to bear loss of 20%). During yield losses due to natural calamities, including drought or unseasonal rain 70-50% of loss would be paid by the government. It also brings all national insurance programmes under its purview and the government wishes to roll it out soon given the present crisis. 
 
Singh had held a meeting on Wednesday with the Minister of State for Agriculture, Sanjiv Balyan, and bureaucrats of the ministry to finalise contours of the proposed insurance scheme for farmers. 
 
An Assocham-SkymWeather study released earlier this month revealed only 19% of farmers have opted for crop insurance while among the rest, 24% said the facility was not available and 11% said they can't afford the premium. There have been five national schemes since 1985, and all have failed with farmers left with no safety net when crops fail. 
 A serious case like farmer suicide, right in the middle of an ongoing political rally motioned at opposing the land acquisition bill has certainly put a big question mark on Modi’s signature land bill. While opposing parties have already started protesting the Land Bill and demanding justice for Gajendra Singh, the whole furore looks like an acid test of the <keyword id="6360789" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi-Government">Modi government</keyword> on the issue of agricultural lands and people dependent on it. In a chain reaction of yesterday’s tragedy, the Congress workers are staging protests in front of Delhi CM’s residence and Delhi Police Commissioner’s residence demanding immediate scrapping of the proposed land bill. 
 
(Image: Reueters )

What happens to the Land Bill now?

NEW DELHI: The government on Tuesday stepped up its efforts to tame rising food prices through a slew of measures meant to increase the supply of rice, potatoes, onions, fruits and vegetables in local markets and announced a crackdown on hoarders. 
 "Additional quantities of rice will be released into the market. We will import pulses, if there is a shortage. Cereals and edible oil can be imported if states feel there is a shortage," <keyword id="6355261" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Finance-minister">finance minister</keyword> <keyword id="42575" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Arun-Jaitley">Arun Jaitley</keyword> told reporters after a meeting with his Cabinet colleagues 
 
Though the government is monitoring the price movement of 22 commodities, a spurt has been noticed in four-five food products. The government's move to announce the steps is aimed at managing prices before they start spiraling and have political implications. 
 The UPA government was often blamed for its slow response, propelling <keyword id="22195" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Inflation">inflation</keyword> into a key election issue. The Narendra Modi government's response has been quick and came a day after data showed that potato and other food prices had driven inflation past the 6% mark for the first time since December. It has repeatedly said it intends to focus on keeping inflation under control. 
 
Fears of weak monsoon and its adverse impact on food production are driving up prices, especially of vegetables. In addition, the violence in Iraq has triggered fears of a spike in oil prices, which can push up inflation further. 
 
 
 
 
 
While the government imposed a minimum export price of $300 a tonne on onions to discourage shipments out of the country, a similar levy on potatoes will be initiated by the commerce department, Jaitley said. 
 
On June 11, TOI was the first to report that the government was going to impose a minimum export price to augment supplies in the domestic market even as it was tracking the prices of potatoes, non-basmati rice and skimmed milk powder. 
 The <keyword id="25455" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="finance">finance</keyword> minister said states have been asked to delist certain items, which are usually procured through Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees, so that they come into the open market. Delhi lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung has been asked to procure onions and potatoes from the open market and ensure abundant supplies through Mother Dairy retail outlets. He has also been asked to delist all food items in the capital, a move that will enable farmers to sell their produce directly to the market. 
 
 
 
Similarly, 50 lakh tonnes of rice will be released in the open market through state governments to cool prices. Food Corporation of India has abundant stocks but has in the past been accused of holding on to rice and wheat, even as prices soared in the local market. 
 
With regard to pulses and edible oil, states will be given a line of credit to directly import them to meet local demand, Jaitley said. 
 
"The meeting also reviewed the steady increase in retail price of milk and decided to consider withholding export incentives, currently in force," an official statement said.

NDA Learns From UPA's Mistake, Rushes In To Tackle Rising Prices

NEW DELHI: Lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung may be cornering credit for ending <keyword id="260213" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Arvind-Kejriwal">Arvind Kejriwal</keyword>'s dharna but sections of <keyword id="1575" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Congress">Congress</keyword> seem to be unhappy with him for providing what they call an escape route to the Delhi chief minister when he had his back to the wall and the Centre could have twisted the knife. 
 
Congress ranks feel Kejriwal was at his weakest during his latest mass protest, drawing criticism from people and press alike and without compensation in the form of crowds. His outbursts, use of "inelegant" language and making light of the Republic Day celebrations had all been seen as detrimental to his cause. After having been on a roll since he launched his agitation and then a breathtaking electoral debut, the plucky anti-graft crusader suddenly appeared to have boxed himself in with what was seen by many as a petulant protest. 
 However, just when he appeared to have been pinned down, the <keyword id="6356116" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="LG">LG</keyword> threw him a lifeline which a grateful Kejriwal grabbed with both hands, quickly going on to project as a triumph what was at best a face-saver. "We had him by his jugular when we allowed him to slip away. A good opportunity to corner him was lost because the matter was seen as a law and order issue rather than a political problem," said a source in the Congress familiar with the sense of regret in the higher echelons of the party over what they called "political mishandling". 
 On record, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala praised both the LG as well as home minister Sushilkumar Shinde for defusing the standoff with <keyword id="6356115" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="AAP">AAP</keyword> with maturity and tact. 
 
Significantly, a statement issued later by AICC general secretary Ajay Maken contradicted reports that Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was unhappy with Shinde. That, however, didn't leave people any wiser about Rahul's views on the LG's handling of the situation. 
 
The nuance was seen as important against the backdrop of speculation that the new Congress boss made no secret of his disappointment when he reviewed the developments of the day with his colleagues late on Tuesday evening. 
 
Sources explained that the LG committed the mistake of seeing the flexibility of AAP, which drastically scaled down its demand, as a breakthrough, losing sight of the opportunity that had suddenly emerged to nail the agitators. 
 
Bereft of crowds and having to play a street protester and chief minister at once, Kejriwal climbed down from demanding handing over Delhi Police to Delhi government and settled for two police persons, one an SHO and another a sub-inspector with PCR, to be sent on leave. 
 
Congress sources said while the LG must have felt happy that he had managed to get the agitators off the road for the cheapest price, he failed to recognize that Kejriwal, given the dire straits he was in, was only too happy to sneak through the escape route. 
 
 
 
Significantly, the compromise formula, sugarcoated as an "appeal" to provide Kejriwal with a cover, came as a surprise even to officials in the home ministry who were dealing with the stalemate. Sources in the ministry said officials as well as Intelligence Bureau director Asif Ibrahim were in favour of stretching the battle of nerves in order to tire out the agitators. They were not fazed by the looming possibility of the dharna entering into Republic Day, and were prepared to hold the event by cordoning off the protest site. 
 
The sense of regret appeared palpable on Wednesday when indications emerged that Kejriwal may like to repair his losses by implementing his plan to fast-track investigations into alleged corruption in Delhi Jal Board and the execution of schemes related to Commonwealth Games 2010. Both decisions can have serious implications for former CM Sheila Dikshit. 
 
Congress sources agreed that the failure of the protest did not reflect a dip in Kejriwal's popularity in the constituencies he poached from Congress, but they drew considerable comfort from AAP's failure to mobilize crowds. AAP leaders had frantically sent SOS messages to people to march to North Block where the home ministry is headquartered, but to little avail. The supporters who propelled the greenhorns to a grand debut refused to march to ground zero even after its leaders screamed at the police for committing brutalities on "peaceful protesters". 
 
This coupled with the fact that Kejriwal was seen as trivializing the sentiments attached to Republic Day suddenly seemed to have enhanced Congress's options versus the plucky rookie. Failure of the agitation would have deterred Kejriwal from hitting the streets yet again, besides denting his image among the groups he weaned away from Congress. "Alas, government failed to seize the moment," said a senior Congress source.

Congress Upset With Lieutenant Governor For Letting Cornered Arvind Kejriwal Off The Hook

Starting August 5 and for the following 10 days, Delhi’s Tihar jail will have the sort of visitors who generally find themselves working in very different circumstances. They’ll be coming to see Sahara chief Subrata Roy, who’s trying to raise Rs 10,000 crore as a get-out-of-jail card by selling or mortgaging real estate assets. 
 So how is Tihar preparing for this unusual event? A large 30x18 ft conference room with an attached bathroom and a 12x12 ft annexe inside the <keyword id="2456860" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tihar-court">Tihar court</keyword> complex are being readied for Roy and two Sahara directors, Ashok Roy Choudhary and <keyword id="709634" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ravi-Shankar-Dubey">Ravi Shankar Dubey</keyword>, who are also lodged in the same prison. 
 
Jail authorities have sent a letter to Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung to notify the conference room as a special jail but with certain relaxations — phones and laptops, WiFi connectivity and visitors from 6 am to 8 pm on all days except Sundays and gazetted holidays. 
 The <keyword id="31906" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sahara-group">Sahara Group</keyword> will pay for the privileges. The room, which is used for confidential meetings and press briefings by the directorgeneral of prisons, has a 52-inch TV for making presentations, video-conferencing and a table that seats 25. 
 
It also has wood-paneled walls and is fully air-conditioned. 
 
Visitors coming to meet Roy to be frisked 
 
All Visitors Coming to meet Roy to be Frisked Roy’s guests — corporate bigwigs, investors, top lawyers, merchant bankers, et al — will get vegetarian meals, snacks and tea prepared in the jail canteen, which is manned by a few longtime inmates. All visitors will be subject to frisking. 
 
The Sahara chief has been in Tihar jail since March over the issue of refunds to investors in a financial instrument issued by two group companies in violation of norms. The Securities and Exchange Board of India says Sahara has to pay more than Rs 37,000 crore by way of the refund amount and interest. 
 While Sahara says it has already paid much of the money that is due, the <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> has told Roy that he needs to raise Rs 5,000 crore in cash and Rs 5,000 crore by way of bank guarantees to get bail. 
 
The Sahara boss and the two directors are currently housed in a section for inmates above 60. As with other parts of the jail, no cellphones and laptops are allowed and jammers restrict all forms of electronic communications. That’s why Roy and his team need to be relocated. “We can’t switch off the jammers just for one person. It will send a wrong message to others. It could become a precedent of sorts if we allow him privileges inside the jail and other inmates might start asking for similar things then,” said a senior jail official, who did not want to be named. 
 The court order permits Roy and his team to conduct business meetings and negotiations in the designated area. The most valuable properties on the Sahara list are its three international hotels — Grosvenor House Hotel in London and <keyword id="999813" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Plaza">The Plaza</keyword> and Dream Downtown Hotel in New York. 
 
ET reported last month that those looking to buy the properties include the Poonawalla family based in Pune, an investor group linked to the Qatar royal family and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei. 
 
The Poonawallas have made an offer of £550 million for the London property. One of the world’s largest luxury property investors Madison has offered $800 million for Sahara’s New York hotels. 
 
The terms under which Sahara has been allowed to set up the deal room are listed in the affidavit filed by Rajesh Kumar, superintendent of Central Jail No 3 at Tihar. 
 
“They will have to submit a list of visitors to the superintendent in advance. Confidentiality will be maintained,” said the jail official cited above. 
 
In his affidavit, Kumar had also suggested a second option — a guest house at the new residential complex, which is a type V government accommodation with three double rooms, a single room and two toilets — but the conference facility was found more suitable to conduct business. The conference room is within the Tihar court complex, which usually convenes once a month to deal with petty offences. 
 
“It already is a secure place. There is one common entry and exit point that will be monitored by CCTV cameras,” said another official aware of the planning. 
 
Roy and the two directors will stay at the annexe attached to the conference room and will be free to conduct business through the night considering that they will be dealing predominantly with people in the US and Europe. However, secretarial staff will only be allowed at visiting hours. 
 
Tihar jail is a 200-acre facility, the largest prison complex in South Asia, and has different wards for different types of inmates — firsttimers, hardcore criminals and those over 60. Roy and the two directors are housed in a single room in the over-60 block where there are regular medical check-ups and sevadars to take care of prisoners’ basic needs. 
 For health reasons, Roy sometimes asks for khichdi from the jail canteen for which he pays, said the <keyword id="2456859" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="first-jail-official">first jail official</keyword> cited above. He sticks to himself for the most part and is usually meditating on his own, the person said.

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