Noida, Dec 27 (ANI): Even a year after the killing of at least 19 women and children after being sexually assaulted at a bungalow in Noida surfaced, the memories of the gruesome incident continue to haunt the residents in Noida.

Police have filed charges against Moninder Singh Pandher, the owner of the house where the incident took place, and his servant Surender Koli.

The victims' parents want rigid punishment for the accused.

"The government have done their bit. Awarding the accused death sentence will ensure just some minutes of suffering. I want him to suffer throughout his life," said Ram Kishan, a victim's father.

In December last year, businessman Pandher and Koli were arrested when human remains, including body parts and skulls, mostly of children, were found in the backyard and drain of Pandher's house.

"We are very scared and do not go near that place during the night," said Ajitabh Pratab Chauhan, a child.

A case has been registered against Pandher and Koli under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape, murder, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy.

The anxious and worried parents of the children who had gone missing in the last two years had rushed to the Nithari village as word spread that the skeletal remains of children had been found in a sewer behind the house of a factory owner.

Koli, who worked as a cook in Pandher's house, where the killings took place, had confessed to the killings during the narco-analysis tests and had even confessed to cannibalism.

Nineteen people, mostly children, were killed at the sprawling bungalow in the industrial town of NOIDA, in Uttar Pradesh in December 2006. (ANI)

- AY

New Delhi, Dec 27 (ANI): Less than a week after Narendra Modi's stupendous return to power in Gujarat, CPI (M) leader Prakash Karat held the Congress responsible for its disastrous performance in the State Assembly polls accusing the grand old party of failing to counter Modi's communal brand of politics.

"The Gujarat election results underline the necessity for an uncompromising struggle against the Hindutva variety of communalism. Such a platform has to be built up in the state and forces rallied around it. The Congress party, as the main opposition in Gujarat, has shirked doing so," Karat writes in an article in the forthcoming issue of party organ People's Democracy.

He termed the Congress party's strategy of not raising anti-communal issues fearing polarisation as "short-sighted and harmful".

Though Karat said that the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate L K Advani is wrong in his assessment that the victory of Modi would turn out to be a 'turning point' in country's politics, he urged 'secular forces' in the country to unite.

Modi has been featuring in the CPI (M)'s organ quite often in recent days.

In last week's edition of People's Democracy, there was criticism of the BJP's opposition to minority welfare schemes at the National Development Council meeting. At that meeting, Modi had said that such schemes would be detrimental to preserving the 'social fabric' of the nation.

The Left said: "The BJP is essentially articulating its communal ideology by talking of India's "social fabric" exclusively in terms of the majority Hindu community, completely in line with the RSS vision of converting the secular democratic republic of India into a rabidly intolerant fascistic `Hindu Rashtra'." (ANI)
- AY

New Delhi, Dec.27 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi appears to be back in favour with the top BJP brass in the national capital. There are now reports floating around that the party's central leadership is seriously considering his reinduction in the BJP Parliamentary Board, the highest decision-making body of the party, after the Gujarat Assembly election victory.

Modi had been removed from this panel early this year. Given his immense popularity in Gujarat and in other parts of the country, there is an overwhelming view within the party now that he should be used effectively in the party's election management.

The BJP has realised Modi's 'star value' as a powerful political orator and strategist, and with several Assembly elections slated for 2008, he can be expected to play a key role in strategising.

However, several party leaders feel that extreme voices like Modi have no place in a coalition era.

When he was removed, the decision to do so was placed at the doorstep of the Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh, the parent body of the BJP.

The BJP is now keen to use the 'Modi charisma'in national politics on a larger scale. (ANI)
- AY

Jamnagar (Gujarat), Dec.27 (ANI): A 22-year-old man in Gujarat's Jamanagar District has been living with an unusual human anatomy since his birth. His heart lies slightly on the right side of his chest instead of left side as it is in the normal case.

Residing in Mithapur, Dilip Sadiya never knew why the palpitation of the heart used to come from the right side of his body until he learnt at a hospital recently. 

"I have never fallen ill all these years. Just that some days back, I was seriously ill, and had to be admitted to hospital. That's when doctors told me that my heart is on right side of my body. I was actually very surprised, since I had no clue about it since my birth," said Dilip Sadiya.

He is presently pursing Bachelor of Arts degree and claims to have been hale and hearty.

According to physiologists, it's called Dextrocardia, an instance of the heart being situated on the right side of the body.

In such a case, the heart is 'flipped over' so that the structures that are normally on the right side of the chest are on the left, and vice versa. Yet the arteries and veins are connected in the internal network of circulation of blood. Doctors state that this occurs due to an abnormality in the development of heart during pregnancy.

Doctors believe that this sort of anatomy is found in one among 130,000 persons, though it doesn't have any significant affect on health.

"I examined Mr. Dilip on December 20. He is suffering from Dextrocardia. It is called Situs Inversus. It is one of the congenital anomalies. It is rare. But patient is having no complain and he can live a simple life," said Dr. Ray Mangia.

Dilip's parents view this rare placement of heart as God's unique creation bestowed upon their son which makes him stand apart. (ANI)
- AY

Gandhinagar, Dec 25 (ANI): Narendra Modi was today sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for the third consecutive time at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Gandhinagar.

Governor Naval Kishore Sharma administered the oath of office in Gujarati to Modi.

BJP supporters congregated at the stadium for the occasion.

The party's prime ministerial candidate, L K Advani, besides BJP Chief Ministers and leaders were also present.

Earlier, the swearing-in ceremony was scheduled to take place on December 27, but it was re-scheduled in view of the birthday of senior BJP leader A B Vajpayee today.

Modi was unanimously elected as the leader of the Gujarat BJP Legislature Party on Monday. Modi met Sharma and submitted his resignation. The Governor dissolved the present Assembly and asked him to continue as the 'care-taker' Chief Minister till the new government is formed.

The BJP registered a thumping victory by winning in 117 seats, ten less from its 2002 figure. The Congress on the other hand managed to win 59 assembly seats.

Modi registered a victory in the Maninagar Assembly constituency by defeating Congress' candidate and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dinsha Patel by 87, 000 votes.

Modi became Gujarat's Chief Minister in October 2001, promoted to that office when his predecessor Keshubhai Patel resigned, following the defeat of the BJP in by-elections.

He was re-elected in December 2002 as chief minister with 126 seats in the 182-member assembly.

His term has been both attacked for mismanagement of and complicity in the 2002 Gujarat violence, and praised for being an excellent administrator who turned Gujarat into an economic powerhouse. (ANI)

- AY

Ahmedabad, Dec 25 (ANI): Narendra Modi will today be sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for the third time.

Modi will be sworn in by Governor Naval Kishore Sharma at 12:50 p.m. at Sardar Patel Stadium in Gandhinagar.

Earlier, the swearing-in ceremony was scheduled to take place on December 27, but it was re-scheduled in view of the birthday of senior BJP leader A B Vajpayee today.

Modi was unanimously elected as the leader of the Gujarat BJP Legislature Party on Monday.

Modi met Sharma and submitted his resignation. The Governor dissolved the present Assembly and asked him to continue as the 'care-taker' Chief Minister till the new government is formed.

The BJP registered a thumping victory by winning in 117 seats, ten less from its 2002 figure. The Congress on the other hand managed to win 59 assembly seats.

Modi registered a thumping victory in the Maninagar Assembly constituency by defeating Congress' candidate and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dinsha Patel by 87, 000 votes.

Modi became Gujarat's Chief Minister in October 2001, promoted to that office when his predecessor Keshubhai Patel resigned, following the defeat of the BJP in by-elections.

He was re-elected in December 2002 as chief minister with 126 seats in the 182-member assembly.

His term has been both attacked for mismanagement of and complicity in the 2002 Gujarat violence, and praised for being an excellent administrator who turned Gujarat into an economic powerhouse. (ANI)
- AY

Ahmedabad, Dec 24 (ANI): Muslims in Gujarat, a state which witnessed one of the worst communal riots, now appear to have embraced Chief Minister Narendra Modi's development plank, despite his distinctly "anti-minority" image.

In a two-phased election that took place in the state on December 11 and 16, the BJP registered a thumping victory by winning 117 seats, ten less from its earlier figure, while the Opposition Congress, won 59 seats, seven more than its earlier tally.

Muslims, who make up almost nine percent of the state's population, are now asserting that they have nothing to fear under Modi's regime.

"Narendra Modi is a very apt Minister. He has done a lot for the state and has come back to power with a majority despite various segments working against him," said, Raus Mohammed, a Muslim voter.

Noor Mohammed, another local, said: "Since the past five years, things have been fine for us and we are sure the government will work for our development."

The two major political parties, the Congress and the BJP had, in their election campaigns, stressed on the importance of development, but soon descended into a war of words over Hindu-Muslim division.

Modi, who stands accused of encouraging the 2002 Godhra riots in which around 2500 people were killed, most of them being Muslims, dominates political debate in the state. During the campaign, he chose to seek votes on a platform of growth and development.

Analysts say this verdict is likely to add muscle to the BJP nationally.

Modi became Gujarat's Chief Minister for the first time in October 2001, when Keshubhai Patel resigned, following the defeat of the BJP in by-elections. Thereafter, the BJP won the December 2002 election, securing 127 seats. (ANI)
- AY

Gandhinagar, Dec 24 (ANI): The newly-elected BJP MLAs in Gujarat will meet here today to endorse the name of Narendra Modi for the Chief Ministerial post.

BJP General Secretary Arun Jaitley and party Vice President Venkaiah Naidu will be central observers at the meeting.

The Parliamentary Board of the party has already recommended his name.

Modi, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister on December 27, has returned to power for the third time in the state. The BJP registered a thumping victory by winning in 117 seats, ten less from its 2002 figure.

The Congress on the other hand managed to win 59 assembly seats.

Modi registered a thumping victory in the Maninagar Assembly constituency by defeating Congress' candidate and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dinsha Patel by 87, 000 votes.

Modi has said that the BJP is winning in Gujarat, since 1990. He also equated his party's consistent victory in the State polls and equated with the Left parties' dominance in West Bengal.

"After West Bengal, it's happening in Gujarat," he quipped, as he is set to become the Chief Minister of the State for the third consecutive time.

Expressing his gratitude to the people of Gujarat for voting him back to power, Modi has said that the people of state have rejected the negative forces and anti-Gujarat elements.

The people of Gujarat have voted for development and good governance of "my government," Modi said.

The BJP has been in power in the State for over a decade. (ANI)
- AY

Ahmedabad, Dec 23 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi registered a thumping victory by getting an absolute majority in the 182-member State Assembly.

The BJP won 117 of the total seats, ten less from its 2002 tally, while the Congress managed to win 59 assembly seats, adding eight more seats to its previous strength.

The Nationalist Congress Party, which had an alliance with the Congress, won three seats, and the Janata Dal (United) registered victory in one seat.

Independents and others took two seats.

Modi registered a thumping victory in the Maninagar Assembly constituency by defeating Congress' candidate and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dinsha Patel by 87, 000 votes.

Expressing his gratitude to the people of Gujarat for voting him back to power, Modi said that the people of state have rejected the negative forces and anti-Gujarat elements.

The people of Gujarat have voted for development and good governance of "my government," Modi told reporters.

Meanwhile, giving all credits to Modi for the BJP's stupendous victory in the Assembly polls, party president Rajnath Singh said that his party is confident of repeating the feat in Himachal Pradesh, which went to polls recently.

"Party has won the Gujarat election due to its ideology and development work done by Modi. Under the leadership of Modi, Gujarat has become a model state for the country," Singh told reporters here.

Singh also maintained that no individual "is bigger than party" and dismissed suggestions of a leadership struggle within the BJP after the party's win in Gujarat.

In all 1,268 candidates contested election for 182 Assembly Constituencies. (ANI)
- AY

New Delhi, Dec 23 (ANI): Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily on Sunday said that the defeat of his party in the Gujarat Assembly elections would help in uniting the secular forces in the country.

"All the secular forces in the country, including the so called Third Front, should unite with the Congress, if they are committed to the secular ideology of the country," Moily told ANI as the BJP marched ahead to absolute majority in the State.

Moily said that the victory of Narendra Modi is "not in the interest of the nation," since "he (Modi) believes in divisive politics," and added that the Gujarat Chief Minister never campaigned on a developmental plank.

On being asked about the ramifications of the Gujarat verdict on the national politics, he said that Modi's victory would not have any impact on it.

"The BJP has lost its liberal face, given by Atal Behari Vajpayee," Moily added.

Stating that the Congress' plan to depend on the BJP rebels in Gujarat's Saurashtra region proved out to be counter-productive for the party, Moily admitted that it was a mistake.

However, he added that there was nothing wrong in the 'merchants of death' remark by Congress President Sonia Gandhi since the Congress has always objected to Modi's divisive politics.

"We want to take all sections of the society in our stride," he added. (ANI)
- AY

Ahmedabad/New Delhi, Dec 23 (ANI): The Congress party's much expectation from the BJP rebels in the Saurashtra region proved disastrous for the party as it helped the BJP under the leadership of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi beat the anti-incumbency.      

Of the 58 seats in this region, the Congress won only 15 seats, while the BJP won 43, bettering its 2002 performance by few more seats, in spite of Patel rebellion in the saffron party spearheaded by former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel.

The Congress here gave a bulk of the party tickets to the BJP rebels, who numbered above 40 and were denied to contest on BJP tickets by Narendra Modi.

Senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily admitted to doing a mistake by fielding BJP rebels in the Saurashtra region.

"It was a mistake," he said, adding that the strategy applied in the Saurashtra region proved counterproductive for the party.

The only consolation for the Congress was its performance in the central Gujarat region, which was worst hit during the 2002 riots. Of the 43 seats in the region, the Congress emerged victorious in 24 seats, snatching over 15 seats from the BJP.

The BJP managed to win in 18 seats, down by almost an equal number.

However, the Congress party's performance in this region that at a point of the counting process gave an impression of a neck-to-neck fight did not percolate in the adjoining north and south Gujarat.

The BJP's bastion, north Gujarat, remained committed to Narendra Modi, and his supporters even furthered his strength here by adding few more seats in the saffron party's favour as compared to its 2002 tally.

Of the total 52 seats in the region, the BJP bagged 38 seats, while the Congress got only one-third of it (13 seats).

However, this was not shocking for the Congress, as it had pinned very less hope from this region.

In the South too, the Congress did not perform as expected by the party. The BJP got 19 of the 29 seats, while the Congress got nine seats and the remaining one seat went to others.

Few Congress leaders admitted that the failure to translate rural discontentment against Modi intop Congress votes also added to the party's poor performance. The party is now grappling to find an answer to Narendra Modi's phenomenal victory that defied all predictions by pollsters.

The Congress conceded defeat in the State elections and its official spokesperson, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, even congratulated Modi.

Terming Modi's victory as a "great victory", Singhvi said, "I do not grudge over his victory."

However, he also added the victory does not remove the "blot" or invalidate what all had happened under Modi's Government in the post-Godhra riots.

The Congress party feels that Modi's victory will have no impact on national politics, but at the same time it has urged all the 'secular forces' in the country to unite.

The party says that there was nothing wrong in the 'merchants of death' remark by Congress President Sonia Gandhi since the Congress has always objected to Modi's divisive politics. (ANI)
--MP

Ahmedabad, Dec 23 (ANI): A victorious and confident Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hit out at the Election Commission, accusing it of being under the influence of a colonial temperament.

Speaking to ANI, just after the final results of the Gujarat polls were out in which his party, the BJP, nearly bagged two-third of the total 182-assembly seats, Modi said: "The separate decisions issued by the Election Commission for sons of India (like me and Congress leader Digivijay Singh) and foreign daughter (Congress President Sonia Gandhi) shows the influence of the colonial temperament."

Modi was replying to a question on the Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami's remark that there was a need to make a 'distinction' between Sonia Gandhi and Narendra Modi in the observations on their violation of code of conduct.

"We felt there should be a difference. Can't go into the details of the discussions, but we felt there was a need for a slight distinction," Gopalaswami had told a private TV news channel, earlier in the day.

However, Gopalaswami declined to elaborate on the reasons for doing so.

The three-member Commission on Saturday 'unanimously' decided to convey its displeasure to Modi and "advised you (him) to be more cautious in future so that the salutary provisions of model code of conduct are adhered to and duly observed in letter and spirit."

In the case of Sonia Gandhi, the Commission had said: "The Commission conveys its displeasure and expects that in future the salutary provisions of model code of conduct will be adhered to and duly observed in its letter and spirit."

Commenting on the his party's stupendous victory, Modi said, "The BJP is winning in Gujarat, since 1990. The faith that the people of Gujarat has shown in the BJP is very precious to us."

He also equated his party's consistent victory in the State polls and equated with the Left parties' dominance in West Bengal.

"After West Bengal, it's happening in Gujarat," he quipped, as he is set to become the Chief Minister of the State for the third consecutive time.

The BJP registered a thumping victory by winning in 117 seats, ten less from its 2002 figure.

The Congress on the other hand managed to win 59 assembly seats.

Modi registered a thumping victory in the Maninagar Assembly constituency by defeating Congress' candidate and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dinsha Patel by 87, 000 votes.

Expressing his gratitude to the people of Gujarat for voting him back to power, Modi said that the people of state have rejected the negative forces and anti-Gujarat elements.

The people of Gujarat have voted for development and good governance of "my government," Modi said.

The BJP has been in power in the State for over a decade. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec 23 (ANI): The Congress party managed to improves its strength in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly by registering victory in 59 seats. The party had won 51 seats in the 2002 Assembly polls.

In south Gujarat the party managed to win nine seats, in Saurashtra it won 15 seats, in central Gujarat the party registered its victory in 24 Assembly Constituencies and in north Gujarat the Congress emerged victorious in 13 Assembly seats.

Commenting on the party's performance, senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said that the defeat of his party in the elections would help in uniting the secular forces in the country.

"All the secular forces in the country, including the so called Third Front, should unite with the Congress, if they are committed to the secular ideology of the country," Moily told ANI as the BJP marched ahead to absolute majority in the State.

Moily said that the victory of Narendra Modi is "not in the interest of the nation," since "he (Modi) believes in divisive politics," and added that the Gujarat Chief Minister never campaigned on a developmental plank.

Stating that the Congress' plan to depend on the BJP rebels in Gujarat's Saurashtra region proved out to be counter-productive for the party, Moily admitted that it was a mistake. (ANI)
--MP

Ahmedabad, Dec 23 (ANI): Expressing his gratitude to the people of Gujarat for voting him back to power, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said that the people of state have rejected the negative forces and anti-Gujarat elements.

The people of Gujarat have voted for development and good governance of "my government," Modi told reporters.

Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party has so far won 100 Assembly seats and maintaining lead in 16 seats. The Congress party has won 50 and leading in 10, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has won three, the Janata Dal (United) has won one and independents were able to win two seats.

Modi registered a thumping victory by defeating Congress' candidate, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dinsha Patel by 87, 000 votes.

Modi emerged victorious from Maninagar Assembly constituency.

Meanwhile, giving all credits to Modi for BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, party president Rajnath Singh said that his party is confident of sweeping Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls too.

"Party has won the Gujarat election due to its ideology and development work done by Modi. Under the leadership of Modi, Gujarat has become a model state for the country," Singh told reporters here.

Singh also maintained that no individual "is bigger than party" and dismissed suggestions of a leadership struggle within the BJP after the party's win in Gujarat. (ANI)
--MP

Ahmedabad, Dec 23 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today registered a thumping victory by defeating Congress' candidate, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dinsha Patel by 87, 000 votes.

Modi emerged victorious from Maninagar Assembly constituency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has so far won 76 Assembly seats and is maintaining lead in another 41.   The Congress party has won 37 and maintaining its lead in 22, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won three Assembly seats.

Meanwhile, giving all credits to Modi for BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, party president Rajnath Singh said that his party is confident of sweeping Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls too.

"Party has won the Gujarat election due to its ideology and development work done by Modi. Under the leadership of Modi, Gujarat has become a model state for the country," Singh told reporters here.

Singh also maintained that no individual "is bigger than party" and dismissed suggestions of a leadership struggle within the BJP after the party's win in Gujarat.

Unexpectedly, the BJP, which had swept Central Gujarat last time, has lost ground there. But it has made surprising gains in Saurashtra and South Gujarat that is considered the bastion of Modi's bete noire Keshubhai Patel. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec 23 (ANI): BJP General Secretary and in charge of party affairs in Gujarat, Arun Jaitley, has said that Chief Minister Narendra Modi has secured a "respectful mandate" and that it is a rare election where a party has won on the plank of "good governance and development."

Jaitley said BJP's victory could be attributed to Modi's "immense credibility", and added that Modi provided the necessary edge to BJP's campaign.

He said that the BJP was inherently strongly in Gujarat and had a sound organisational base in the state.

Asked whether BJP's showing in Gujarat would change the party's policies at the national level, Jaitley said a single victory and a "possible victory" in Himachal Pradesh would not lead to any changes but there would be a "lot of resurgence" in the party after the "setback" in Uttar Pradesh.

Commenting on role of Modi at the national level, Jaitley merely said Modi is the BJP's "foremost prominent leader."  (ANI)
--MP

Guwahati, Dec.23 (ANI): The popular Bordoloi Cup Football Tournament has been one of the most awaited events of the year for all sports lovers in Assam. Recently, it completed its 56th edition at Guwahati bespeaking the Assamese's fascination for football. 

Football lovers' joy was doubled up this time with the participation of two foreign teams who claimed to have enjoyed their participation in the oldest and most popular football tournaments held Assam.

Named after the first chief minister of Assam, Gopinath Bordoloi (1890-1950), in the early 70s and 80s, the Bordoloi football tournament has been enormously popular in the north-east and the rest of the country.

Marred by militant activities in the State, the tournament's popularity had been severely affected in the past. But with the successful organisation of the 56th edition of the tournament, an attempt has been made to revive its lost glory.

Many sports lovers here contend that it is the lack of basic infrastructure for football and over popularity of cricket in the country which are believed to have affected the football's popularity. Besides, militancy has driven away the original enthusiasm from such sporting events.

But with the passage of time people here are asserting themselves and returning with a new zeal for sheer love for football.  

Pulak Goswami, the owner of Green Valley Club, said: "Lack of sponsorship is a major impediment. In cricket, there is plenty of money so everybody wants to play that game.  But for football, there are hardly any sponsors and the decline in interest is its result."

But there are others who believe despite all ifs and buts attached to the fate of football events, the football as a game is growing in the hearts of people.

Jatin Bora, the President of Guwahati sports Association, said: "But football still is the most popular game in Assam. You can go to villages or small towns; football is the most popular game. They don't play cricket but for football one can always find jam-packed stadia."

One indication of the changing times and the mood in Assam are the floodlight matches.

After many years some matches were played at night to enable sports lovers watch them  after work.

The visiting teams from Thailand and Bangladesh liked the arrangements and appreciated the sporting talent in the north-east that has produced some of the most fantabulous icons in the game's history, like T Ao.

Tournament's final match was played between Thailand Club and the ONGC team.

Chamnong Arayameth, Manager of Thailand Club, said: "Several teams from India play to the highest standards. But today, I think we are lucky, that we have come here. In the first half, the ONGC team had a few misses, but still it has very good players."

But the winning trophy was lifted by Thailand club.

Meanwhile, the huge audience at the stadium in the night showcased how much peace and togetherness is valuable to Assamese here.

Militants also understood the heartbeat of common people who actually want to enjoy life and have fun. (ANI)
- AY

Gandhinagar(Guj.), Dec 23 (ANI): Slapped with a show cause notice for indulging in "anti-party" activities, an upset Keshubhai Patel has criticised the central leadership saying it would have been better if he had been asked to explain his views in person.

"If I would have been called there and asked what I had to say about it, it would have been better...," he told reporters in his first reaction to the party's action against him.

The former Chief Minister said he will "definitely reply" to the notice issued to him by the party once he receives its copy.

"I haven't got the notice yet. And when the letter will come, I will definitely reply," he said, adding "It would have been better if I had been summoned (to Delhi) for my views."

The BJP has issued notice against four rebel leaders including Keshubhai Patel, last night for hurting party's interests during the Assembly polls by issuing public statement against Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Besides Keshubhai, the party issued notice to Surat MP Kashiram Rana and suspended Lok Sabha members Vallabh Kathiria and Somabhai Patel.

Keshubhai had compared Modi with 'Hitler' and had also said that a "mini-emergency like situation" prevailed in Gujarat in the run up to the state elections.

Also, the Sardar Patel Utkarsh Samiti came out with a number of advertisements with Keshubhai's appeal in the vernacular newspapers just a few days ahead of the elections, calling for a "change in the dictatorial regime". (ANI)
- AY

New Delhi, Dec 23 (ANI): Giving all credits to Gujarat Chief Minster Narendra Modi for Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory in the Assembly polls, BJP president Rajnath Singh today said that his party is confident of sweeping Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls too.

"Party has won the Gujarat election due to its ideology and development work done by Modi. Under the leadership of Modi, Gujarat has become a model state for the country," Singh told reporters here.

Singh also maintained that no individual "is bigger than party" and dismissed suggestions of a leadership struggle within the BJP after the party's win in Gujarat.

The BJP is also set to retain or gain slightly its 50 per cent vote share and Congress may get around 42 per cent votes.

Unexpectedly, the BJP, which had swept Central Gujarat last time, has lost ground there. But it has made surprising gains in Saurashtra and South Gujarat that is considered the bastion of Modi's bete noire Keshubhai Patel.

Clearly, Modi has won the Patels and Kolis over by some last minute deft selection of Patel candidates.

The opposition Congress has won seven seats and was ahead in 50 seats in a performance that is marginally better than in the last elections in 2002 when it won 51 seats. 'Others' were ahead in six seats. (ANI)
- AY

Ahmedabad, Dec 23 (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is all set to return to power as the BJP is poised for a fourth straight victory in the Assembly elections winning 20 seats and leading in 99 constituencies.

Modi, clearly in a celebratory mood, has already sent out an SMS message asserting, "I was the CM, I will remain the CM. For me CM means Common Man."

Modi, who will take oath as Chief Minister for a third time on December 27, is leading in Maninagar here while his ministerial colleagues Amit Shah (Home), Vajubhai Vala (Finance), Anandiben Patel (Education) were ahead in their constituencies.

The BJP is also set to retain or gain slightly its 50 per cent vote share; Congress may get around 42 per cent votes.

Unexpectedly, the BJP, which had swept Central Gujarat last time, has lost ground there. But it has made surprising gains in Saurashtra and South Gujarat that is considered the bastion of Modi's bete noire Keshubhai Patel.

Clearly, Modi has won the Patels and Kolis over by some last minute deft selection of Patel candidates.

The opposition Congress has won seven seats and was ahead in 50 seats in a performance that is marginally better than in the last elections in 2002 when it won 51 seats. 'Others' were ahead in six seats. (ANI)
- AY

Ahmedabad, Dec 23 (ANI): In his first reaction after the early trend showed that the BJP is all set to return to power in Gujarat, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said "I was the CM, I will remain the CM. For me CM means Common Man."

Modi said this in a SMS. The BJP is leading in over 100 seats out of 182 constituencies. The main opposition Congress party is lagging at around 60 seats.

BJP spokesperson Ravishankar Prasad said "the victory is the victory of the entire BJP of which Modi is the Man of the Match. We are proud of his performance."

While Modi is all set to become Chief Minister for the third time, party leaders said that he will take oath on December 27.

The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), which had distanced itself from organised support to the BJP in the Gujarat Assembly elections, has now come out in his support.

The RSS said that they were helping the Chief Minister all along in the campaign.

"It is not Modi's victory alone. It is the victory of the BJP central leadership and the cadre base," the RSS said.

While the saffron party is set to sweep Modi's bastion North Gujarat and Saurashtra, brushing aside dissidence; it was losing ground in riot-hit Central Gujarat. The party had scored landslide victories in Central Gujarat in the previous elections.

Counting of votes cast in the two-phased elections commenced at 8 a.m. this morning in 37 counting stations amidst tight security with the Congress and the BJP locked in a virtual straight fight.

In the outgoing 182-member House, BJP and Congress had 127 seats and 51 respectively.

In all, 1,268 candidates are battling for 182 seats. (ANI)

- AY

New Delhi, Dec 23 (ANI): Congress party today conceded defeat in Gujarat Assembly elections after early trends in the counting of votes showed that the BJP is all set to return to power.

"It is a great victory for him (Narendra Modi), it is a remarkable victory. I do not grudge him the victory," Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi said as trends in the counting of votes indicated a clear win for BJP.

However, he said that the election victory does not remove the "blot" or invalidate what all had happened under Modi's Government in the post-Godhra riots.

"An electoral victory can never invalidate violations of basic secular values," Singhvi said.

"Modi deserves congratulations," Singhvi said. He said the BJP's success in the elections shows that some of the "tactics" Modi used have worked.

"The victory is certainly limited to Gujarat and a certain kind of divisive politics has worked there," Singhvi said.

He said the party was obviously disappointed at the results, but added that it was surprised as it was expecting a much narrower margin.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary in charge of Gujarat, B K Hariprasad, said that ideological struggle of the party will continue in Gujarat.

Counting of votes cast in the two-phased elections commenced at 8 a.m. this morning in 37 counting stations amidst tight security with the Congress and the BJP locked in a virtual straight fight.

The exit polls conducted by several television channels also had predicted incumbent Chief Minister Narendra Modi's return to power for a second consecutive term. 

The exit polls, however, have said that Modi will return, but with a reduced majority.

In the outgoing 182-member House, BJP and Congress had 127 seats and 51 respectively.

The Gujarat polls have for the first time attracted countrywide attention with Modi acquiring a larger than life image during what has been touted as a very acrimonious poll campaign, involving verbal slugfests between Modi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

In all, 1,268 candidates are battling for 182 seats. (ANI)
- AY

New Delhi, Dec 23 (ANI): After the early trend showed that the BJP is all set to return to power in Gujarat, Chief Minister Nartendra Modi gave his first reaction by saying, "I am the CM and will be the CM".

The BJP is leading in 106 seats out of the 182-member state Assembly. The party appears to have done unexpectedly well in North and Saurashtra regions.

As per the early trends, the BJP rebels didn't do well and failed to make any dent in the party vote bank. The Congress appeared to have made a dent in Central Gujarat where the BJP had scored landslide victories in the 2002 elections.

Earlier, the vote count began at 8 a.m. in 41 counting centres at 37 places in the state, at least one each at all districts headquarter.

The final results for all the 182 constituencies are expected to be available around 1100 hrs.

A total of 1,268 candidates were in the fray in the state, which went to the polls in two phases. In the first phase, polling was held in 87 constituencies on December 11 while 95 constituencies went to the polls on December 16. Nearly 60 per cent of the voters exercised their franchise in both phases.

While the BJP has contested all the 182 seats, the Congress is fighting from 172 seats, leaving the rest to its allies. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) contested 166 seats. Over 50 BJP rebel candidates are contesting the polls. (ANI)
- AY

Ahmedabad, Dec 23 (ANI): Congress party has expressed confidence that there would be a swing in favour of the party as the day progresses in Gujarat where counting of votes for the Assembly elections is underway.

Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Bharat Singh Solanki said "ultimately the swing will be in favour of Congress."

On the question of BJP rebels being absorbed in Congress and given tickets, Solanki said "it is the question of ideology and truth."

He said this was done for the State's welfare and not for "individual war".

Commenting on his chances of becoming next chief minister, Solanki said: "I am soldier of party. I am happy being it."

Counting of votes cast in the two-phased elections commenced at 8 a.m. this morning in 37 counting stations amidst tight security with the Congress and the BJP locked in a virtual straight fight.

All political parties are keeping their fingers crossed for an outcome that will alter the country's political landscape in the months to come.

Both the Congress and the BJP have expressed confidence about emerging victorious, even as exit polls conducted by several television channels have predicted incumbent Chief Minister Narendra Modi's return to power for a second consecutive term.

The exit polls, however, have said that Modi will return, but with a reduced majority. A hung Assembly is also not being ruled out. In the outgoing 182-member House, BJP and Congress had 127 seats and 51 respectively.

The Gujarat polls have for the first time attracted countrywide attention with Modi acquiring a larger than life image during what has been touted as a very acrimonious poll campaign, involving verbal slugfests between Modi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

In all, 1,268 candidates are battling for 182 seats. (ANI)

- AY

Ahmedabad, Dec.23 (ANI): Gujarat will wait with bated breath for the first result from the counting of votes, which is expected to be out by 10 a.m. on Sunday. Counting of votes cast in the two-phased electionscommenced at 8 a.m.this morning in 37 counting stations amidst tight security, with the Congress and the BJP locked in a virtual straight fight.

All political parties are keeping their fingers crossed for an outcome that will alter the country's political landscape in the months to come.

Both the Congress and the BJP have expressed confidence about emerging victorious, even as exit polls conducted by several television channels have predicted incumbent Chief Minister Narendra Modi's return to power for a second consecutive term.

The exit polls, however, have said that Modi will return,but with a reduced majority. A hung Assembly is also not being ruled out. In the outgoing 182-member House, BJP and Congress had 127 seats and 51 respectively.

The Gujarat polls have for the first time attracted countrywide attention with Modi acquiring a larger than life image during what has been touted as a very acrimonious poll campaign,involving verbal slugfests between Modi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Election Commission officials said all arrangements regarding the counting of votes have been completed.

Election Commission official A.H.Manek said that about, 8,000 polling and counting staff will be involved in the process.
"Every table will have a central government officer as an observer. After completion of each round of counting the observers will randomly select two EVMs and recheck the votes polled for party on those EVMs," Manek said.

The commission has also developed a special software through which the data will be fed from the counting centres to its official website for public viewing, Manek said.

Who will win the battle for Gujarat is anybody's guess, and pulses are beating between Gandhinagar and Delhi.

Modi's journey is still not over, for it is being touted that while his immediate destination is the State Secretariat in Gandhinagar, his final frontier is New Delhi.

He is the one BJP leader who could pose a threat to L K Advani's prime ministerial ambitions. According to a report appearing in a website, Advani knows that if Modi wins, his personal stature could get reduced within the Sangh Parivar.

It could realistically be a Rahul Gandhi-Narendra Modi face off five years, should Modi win on Sunday.

However, if Modi loses, the BJP will have a larger problem. It will have to revisit the definition of Hindutva and put on a totally different mask from being the party that got catapulted on the national political stage courtesy the Ram Mandir agitation and rath yatras.

In all, 1,268 candidates are battling for 182 seats and elaborate security arrangements are in place for counting day.

"About, 8,000 personnel will be involved in the process. The staff will be assigned their respective tables before commencement of the counting," state electoral officer A H Manek said.

"Every table will have a Central Government officer as an observer. After completion of each round of counting, the observers will randomly select two EVMs and recheck the votes polled for the parties," Manek said.

Tight security arrangements have been made to maintain the law and order.
Apart from police and home guards, 180 companies of Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF) have been deployed. (ANI)
- AY

Gandhinagar, Dec 22 (ANI): Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Gujarat Chief Minister, Keshubhai Patel today said that he is ready to give a reply to the show cause notice issued by the BJP for his alleged anti-party activities.

"Once I see it, I will send in a reply. But it would have been better if I had been called there (New Delhi) to explain my position," Patel said.

Just days ahead of the counting of votes in Gujarat, the BJP on Friday issued showcause notices to Patel and Kashiram Rana, and suspended two of its Lok Sabha members for indulging in anti-party activities during the Assembly elections.

Patel, who was replaced by Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister of the State in 2001, has been accused of sabotaging the party's victory prospects.

Both leaders were asked to explain within a week the reason for making such public statements, which were detrimental to party's poll prospects.

The two MPs, who have been suspended form the party's primary membership, are Vallabhai Kathiria and Somabhai Patel.

On Sunday, the counting of the votes polled is scheduled to take place, and the exit polls have predicted return of the BJP in the State under the leadership of Narendra Modi. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec 22 (ANI): The Election Commission (EC) today came down heavily on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi for violating the model code of conduct during the Gujarat Assembly polls.

The Commission said Modi's remark over the fake encounter killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, and Sonia remark on "merchants of death" were violation of code of conduct. 

"The justification provided for the above referred utterances as reaction and counterblast to certain propaganda, as alleged by you (Modi), to have been carried out against you can also hardly be accepted, " the commission said in its communication to Modi.

The Commission has conveyed its displeasure and advised you to be more cautious in future so that the salutary provisions of model code of conduct are adhered to and duly observed in letter and spirit, the communication added.

The EC in its communication to both Sonia and Modi said that it couldn't help "expressing anguish over the fact that sagacious advice and high expectations of the apex court seemed to have been belied in the instant case."

At an election rally in Jamnagar District on December 4, Modi admitted that Sohrabuddin's encounter did happen in Gujarat, and the crowd said that the latter got what he deserved.

Sohrabuddin was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the state police, allegedly trying to hatch a conspiracy to kill Modi. The cops also allegedly killed Sohrabuddin's wife, Kausar Bi.

Modi had alleged that Sonia's statement which referred to "merchants of death" in Gujarat provoked him to respond and refer to  Sheikh Sohrabuddin.

Meanwhile, the Commission has also advised Congress leader Digvijay Singh to be "more cautious in future so that the salutary provisions of model code of conduct are adhered to and duly observed in its letter and spirit."

The EC has also issued a notice to Congress MP Rajiv Shukla for his reported comments at an election rally in Valsad on December 7 where he had said, "(M A) Jinnah-follower Modi was the Osama Bin Laden of Gujarat."

"It is prima facie of the view that the statement made in the speech amounts to violation of provisions of model code of conduct," the poll body said and sought a reply from Shukla. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi/Ahmedabad, Dec 21 (ANI): Just days ahead of the counting of votes in Gujarat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday issued showcause notices to veteran party leaders Keshubhai Patel and Kashiram Rana, and suspended two of its Lok Sabha members for indulging in anti-party activities during the Assembly elections.

Keshubhai Patel, who was replaced by Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister of the State in 2001, has been accused of sabotaging the party's victory prospects.

Both leaders have been asked to explain within a week the reason for making such public statements, which were detrimental to party's poll prospects.

The two MPs, who have been suspended form the party's primary membership, are Vallabhai Kathiria and Somabhai Patel.

On Sunday, the counting of the votes polled is scheduled to take place, and the exit polls have predicted return of the BJP in the State under the leadership of Narendra Modi. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec 19 (ANI): The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has sought reply from the Gujarat Government in connection with death of two children in plastic factories of the state.

The NCPCR received a complaint regarding death of two children who died on November 29 and November 30. 

The Commission has asked the State Secretary in Department of Labour and Employment to submit a detailed report within 21 days on the facts and circumstances of both the cases, a government release has said. (ANI)
--MP

Ahmedabad, Dec 16 (ANI): Around 64 per cent of the Gujarat electorate today voted in the second and final phase of State Assembly elections.

Out of the total 18.7 million electorate, 63 to 65 percent exercised their franchise in the remaining 95 constituencies of the total 182 seats spread over eleven districts in the Central and Northern parts of the state, the Election Commission said.

Barring a few incidents of violence and bogus voting, the polling went off peacefully.

"The polling was by and large peaceful," said Deputy Election Commissioner Jaiprakash.

Elaborate arrangements were made to ensure that the voting is held in a free and fair manner.

Over 50,000 security personnel were deployed to maintain law and order in the state. Besides the state police, around 574 central paramilitary companies were pressed into service to instil a sense of security among the voters.

While the fight is mainly between the BJP and the Congress, the Bahujan Samaj Party is also contesting independently.

Around 60 percent of the Gujarat electorate voted during the first phase of Assembly elections on December 11.

Voting was held in 87 constituencies during its first phase. Of these, 58 constituencies were located in Saurashtra and Kutch regions, and 29 in South Gujarat.

The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

The term of the State's Legislative Assembly expires on December 26.

In the last Assembly elections, the BJP managed to win 127 seats, while the Congress party was able to win only 51 seats. The Janata Dal (United) and independents had won two seats each. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec 16 (ANI): On the day Gujarat went for the final phase of voting for the Assembly elections, the Congress party on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sowed the seed of terrorism in the country by demolishing the Babri Masjid.

"Seed of terrorism was sowed by the BJP under (L K) Advani by the demolition of religious place like the Babri Masjid," senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily told ANI.

"That is how India became vulnerable to international terrorism," he added.

Moily, who is also the chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission, said that most of the terror related incidents like the attacks on the Akshardham temple, Ragunath Temple, Parliament and the hijacking of the Indian Airlines plane took place during  the NDA regime led by the BJP.

Commenting on the remarks made by L K Advani that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is a political novice who has no understanding of politics, Moily said that Dr. Singh is a 'statesman' and thus does not understand Advani's 'narrow and divisive politics'.

"Dr. Singh will not downgrade himself to Advani's level," he said, adding that the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate only thinks of becoming the Prime Minister of the country.

"Dr. Singh is a great economist of the world and thinks for the development of the country," Moily added.  

Flaying the BJP for comparing Advani with India's first Union Home Minister, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, Moily said that Advani was 'disastrous' as the Home Minister of the country and added that the party played a 'big joke' by declaring Advani as the next Prime Minister, "when there is no vacancy."

"Advani called Mohammed Ali Jinnah as 'visionary of secularism', which is a travesty of truth," Moily said, adding that Sardar Patel unified India while Jinnah divided India.

On the issue of Rahul Gandhi actively being involved with the poll campaigning in states like Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat, apart from Uttar Pradesh, Moily said that he represents the 'young India' and dynamism.

"He has all the qualities of a national leader. He has become mature," he added. (ANI)
--MP

Ahmedabad/Vadodra, Dec 16 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today reiterated his claim that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will post a historic win in the assembly elections.

"BJP will win with a huge margin. The people of Gujarat are all set to decide the future of the state and it will be a historic win for us," said Modi.

Team India's Irfan Pathan also exercised his franchise.

"This is the first time I am voting and I appeal to the people that they should come out and exercise their right," said Pathan.

BJP Prime Ministerial candidate L K Advani and his wife were also among the first few voters to turn up at the polling booth. 

"Anti-incumbency within the BJP, if any, will not have any effect on the party's performance in the state assembly elections. Normally anti-incumbency factor is associated with sitting MLAs and candidates. But BJP has made certain changes (appointment of candidates) which will prove to be beneficial for the party," said Advani.

A female voter said that the people had given a chance to the BJP, but this time Congress would be voted to power.

"We have seen what BJP has done when elected to power. This time, we will vote for Congress," said Farat Pathan.

Voting for the second and the final phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections began amidst tight security.

Polling is on in the remaining 95 constituencies of the total 182 seats, which are spread over eleven districts in the central and northern parts of the state.

A total of 18.7 million people are expected to decide the fate of 599 candidates who are in the fray.

Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that the voting is held in a free and fair manner.

Tight security arrangements have been made in Anand, Nadiad, Karamsad, Khambhat, Sujitra, Khadga and other assembly segments.

Over 50,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the state.

Besides the state police, around 574 central paramilitary companies have also been pressed into service to instil a sense of security among the voters.

The Election Commission has set up 20,545 polling stations in the 95 constituencies. Besides, the Commission has directed the videographing at all stations.

Apart from this, the Commission has deployed over 4,800 micro-observers to prevent bogus voting and to keep away miscreants from the poll process.

One lakh twenty three thousand state, central government and public sector officials have been engaged to conduct the poll.

While the fight is mainly between the BJP and the Congress, the Bahujan Samaj Party is also contesting independently.

Around 60 percent of the Gujarat electorate voted during the first phase of Assembly elections on December 11.

Voting was held in 87 constituencies during its first phase. Of these, 58 constituencies were located in Saurashtra and Kutch regions, and 29 in South Gujarat.

The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

The term of the State's Legislative Assembly expires on December 26.

In the last Assembly elections, the BJP managed to win 127 seats, while the Congress party was able to win only 51 seats. The Janata Dal (United) and independents had won two seats each. (ANI)
- AY

Ahmedabad, Dec 16 (ANI): Voting for the second and the final phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections began today amidst tight security.

Polling is on in the remaining 95 constituencies of the total 182 seats, which are spread over eleven districts in the central and northern parts of the state.

A total of 18.7 million people are expected to decide the fate of 599 candidates who are in the fray.

Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that the voting is held in a free and fair manner.

Tight security arrangements have been made in Anand, Nadiad, Karamsad, Khambhat, Sujitra, Khadga and other assembly segments.

Over 50,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the state.

Besides the state police, around 574 central paramilitary companies have also been pressed into service to instil a sense of security among the voters.

The Election Commission has set up 20,545 polling stations in the 95 constituencies. Besides, the Commission has directed the videographing at all stations.

Apart from this, the Commission has deployed over 4,800 micro-observers to prevent bogus voting and to keep away miscreants from the poll process.

One lakh twenty three thousand state, central government and public sector officials have been engaged to conduct the poll.

While the fight is mainly between the BJP and the Congress, the Bahujan Samaj Party is also contesting independently.

Around 60 percent of the Gujarat electorate voted during the first phase of Assembly elections on December 11.

Voting was held in 87 constituencies during its first phase. Of these, 58 constituencies were located in Saurashtra and Kutch regions, and 29 in South Gujarat.

The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

The term of the State's Legislative Assembly expires on December 26.

In the last Assembly elections, the BJP managed to win 127 seats, while the Congress party was able to win only 51 seats. The Janata Dal (United) and independents had won two seats each. (ANI)

- AY

Ahmedabad, Dec 15 (ANI): On the eve of the voting for the second phase of polls in Gujarat, labourers dwelling in cities have expressed their anger over the incumbent State Government led by Narendra Modi. 

Agitated by Modi government's 'failure to carry out developmental work' for them, labourers have decided not to vote for the BJP during this election.

Residents of 'Sapna ni Chawl', a slum in Ahmedabad city, complain of being neglected by the Modi Government and accuse him of being biased towards the urban rich of the city.

"We are living in worst conditions. We don't get drinking water, electricity, and no sanitation facility. We have nothing," rues Devi Ben who is one of the 30,000 residents of the slum that has 2,500 shanty houses.

"This time we are not going to fall prey in the false promises of BJP government. We will vote for Congress who is with poor," she adds.

Four years ago, Municipal Corporation of the city had demolished their illegal houses, and many of the families are still residing in open in this area.

These slum dwellers have filed a petition in the High Court and are waiting for the judgement.

Established during British rule in 1856, this chawl is inhabited by people hailing from Rajasthan who shifted here over 100 years ago. They earn their livelihood mostly by making idols and doing labour work.

"Earlier at least we had homes during Congress regime, but today we have lost everything because of the BJP government. We are surviving here in worst condition. We don't have shelters. Its winter and our children have to sleep under the open shelter. We will not vote for this government again," says Magan bhai, who works as a daily wage labourer.

"We live in open grounds. No body worked for us. BJP ruled for 5 years but did nothing for us. But this time nobody can force me to vote. I will vote for the one whom I wish to vote. I feel Congress is good for us," says a 50-year-old lady, Moti Ben.

This locality is barely 200 meters away from posh area of the main Ahmedabad city. But the living conditions for these urban poor are worst. Ramaji bhai, head of a 22-member family, lives under the plastic roof.

An old lady, Meera Rathore complains about the poor quality of food grains provided by the State Administration under the BPL scheme.

"I can show the food we eat. The government provides us such bad quality food under BPL scheme. Tell us for whom should we vote?" she questions. (ANI)
--MP

Ahmedabad, Dec 15 (ANI): Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that the last phase of Assembly elections in Gujarat are held in a free and fair manner on Sunday.

Some of the leading candidates are Gujarat Chief Minister Modi Narendra Modi, his rival, central minister Dinsha Patel, state ministers Anandiben Patel, Amit Shah and Ashok Bhatt and veteran Congress leader Narhari Amin.

While the fight is mainly between the BJP and the Congress, the Bahujan Samaj Party is also contesting independently.

A total of 18.7 million people are expected to decide the fate of 599 candidates who are in the fray.

Polling will be held in 95 Constituencies, which are spread over eleven districts in the central and northern parts of the state.

Tight security arrangements have been made in Anand, Nadiad, Karamsad, Khambhat, Sujitra, Khadga and other assembly segments.

Over 50,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the state.

Besides the state police, around 574 central paramilitary companies have also been pressed into service to instill a sense of security among the voters.

The Election Commission has set up 20,545 polling stations in the 95 constituencies. Besides, the Commission has directed the videographing at all stations.

Apart from this, the Commission has deployed over 4,800 micro-observers to prevent bogus voting and to keep away miscreants from the poll process.

One lakh twenty three thousand state, central government and public sector officials have been engaged to conduct the poll.

Around 60 percent of the Gujarat electorate voted during the first phase of Assembly elections on December 11.

Voting was held in 87 constituencies of the 182-member State Assembly. Of these, 58 constituencies were located in Saurashtra and Kutch regions, and 29 in South Gujarat.

The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

The term of the State's Legislative Assembly expires on December 26.

The BJP managed to win 127 seats, while the Congress party was able to win only 51 seats in the 2002 Gujarat Assembly polls. The Janata Dal (United) and independents won two seats each. (ANI)
- AY

Ahmedabad, Dec 15 (ANI): Hoteliers in Gujarat are raking in moolah as political leaders of various political parties are in the State for the election campaigning, and their stay here along with their supporters have led to an all time high occupancy rate in the hotels.

Almost every popular hotel in Ahmedabad proudly displays 'houseful' signboard.

Hiteshbhai, a member of Hotel Association in Ahmedabad said, "This time due to elections and wedding season the business has gone up to 5-7 percent. Hotels are packed to capacity. With politicians, media persons and our regular corporate visitors this time our hotels are packed."

Amidst this trend, the most affected are the casual tourists and visiting businessmen who are being turned away, especially if they don't have any advance bookings. 

Vikas Sangawar, a corporate executive from Mumbai, was one such unlucky person.

"With elections and other festive season NRIs, politicians, media persons are flocking to Gujarat. I am looking for a hotel. But all of them are 100 percent occupied," said Vikas. 

The hoteliers, however, are delighted and expect that the heavy booking will last beyond elections.

Most of the hoteliers have doubled up the accommodation cost looking at the flow of visitors in Gujarat amid growing demand for rooms. There are approximately 150 star-rated hotels in the Gujarat.

While tourist arrivals, including domestic and foreign, rose from 6.6 million in 2004 to 10 million in 2007, rooms in the star category as well as other odd hotels increased from 1,000 to 2,000 and 27,000 to 35,000 respectively.

In fact the persons assigned the task of accommodating the party big wigs from Delhi are finding it tough to fulfil their needs.

Rohit Patel, in charge for accommodation from Congress party said, "Ahead of elections and festive season, we are finding hard to accommodate our politicians as well as party members. We have shifted our party members to the residences of local party members."

Over 25,000 political party members and supporters are in Gujarat. (ANI)
- AY

Naroda Patiya (Gujarat), Dec.14 (ANI): While people across Gujarat are eagerly awaiting the results of the Gujarat elections, the residents of Muslim-dominated Naroda Patiya, are the least enthused.

They believe their fate is not going to change, irrespective of who wins or lose at the end of the ongoing two-phased Assembly elections.

Their woes which started during the communal riots in Gujarat in 2002, have shown no signs of ending, be it basic civic facilities or personal security.

Many families pass their day in fear, as rumour mills are agog with talk of communal forces unleashing another wave of terror to win the elections.

"Our young daughters and daughters-in-law are very scared and they ask me to shift them from here, as they are worried about their safety. This is a question of our dignity and how long it will be at stake. Is it not the duty of the government to help us?" said Julekha Bano, a resident of Naroda-Patiya.

For the 5,000, people in Naroda-Patiya, hope does not exist.  The area witnessed one of the most gruesome massacres during the 2002 communal riots.

Residents lament about their civic woes, a long pending demand that the BJP had promised to address, but the locality dominated by the minority community, is still reeling in sub-human conditions.

"Anybody may come to power, Narendra Modi or any other leader, but we are hardly concerned with that. What citizens want from the government is just food and safety, what else?" asked Husaina Aapa, a resident.

Most of the victims here are still to receive the compensation promised by the government for the loss they suffered in the riots.

The elections for the first phase of elections were held on December 11. The second phase of voting takes place on Dec. 16 and the results are expected on December 23. (ANI)
- AY

Vadodra, Dec 14 (ANI): Congress MP from Amethi, Rahul Gandhi, will kick-off his second leg of road show for the second phase of Gujarat Assembly elections here today.

Rahul will conduct a road show in Vadodara as the campaigning will come to an end today.

During his road show, Rahul will address three public meetings in three assembly constituencies.

Earlier, Rahul had a road show in Surat where he urged the voters not to get carried away by "lies of the BJP Government in the State" and said that he has come to talk about future and not the past.

Coming down heavily against the Narendra Modi Government in the State, Rahul had said," This government (BJP government in Gujarat) thinks that if a lie is said at a high pitch it becomes a truth by magic. This government thinks that if a lie is said in fierce manner, people speaking truth will run away."

The second phase of polling on December 16 will cover 95 constituencies in central and north Gujarat.
The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

The term of the State's Legislative Assembly expires on December 26.

The BJP won 127 seats, while the Congress party won 51 seats in the 2002 Gujarat Assembly polls. The Janata Dal (United) and independents won two seats each. (ANI)
- AY

Vadodra (Gujarat), Dec 14 (ANI): On the last day of campaigning for the second phase of Gujarat Assembly polls, Congress party General Secretary Rahul Gandhi today criticised the Narendra Modi Government, saying that it "hides behind lies."

"Today Gujarat has a government that hides behind lies. A government that thinks that lies if spoken loudly turns into absolute truth. The state has a government, which thinks that if one speaks angrily then people who are actually looking for truth will go back to their homes," Rahul said.

Rahul was in Vadodra for the roadshow for the second phase of Gujarat Assembly elections. He addressed three public meetings in three Assembly constituencies.

Rejecting Modi Government's claim of providing Gujarat with appropriate supply of electricity, good investment and education to all, Rahul said actually the state is far behind many other states in the country.

This is Rahul's second roadshow in the state with the first held on December 9 in Surat for the first phase of polling.

In Surat, Rahul urged the voters not to get carried away by "lies of the BJP Government in the State" and said that he has come to talk about future and not the past.

Campaigning for the second-phase of elections comes to an end tonight.

The second and final phase of polling on December 16 will cover 95 constituencies in Central and North Gujarat. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

The term of the State Legislative Assembly expires on December 26.

The BJP won 127 seats, while the Congress party won 51 seats in the 2002 Gujarat Assembly polls. The Janata Dal (United) and independents won two seats each. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec 14 (ANI): The Congress party today lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against the Bharatiya Janata Party for linking their party president Sonia Gandhi's with Afzal Guru.

Guru is a main convict in the Parliament attack.

"We have given one CD which captures Modi's speech and violates the Clause two by attacking Congress President and linking Afzal Guru's name with Sonia", Congress spokesperson Abhisekh Manu Singhvi told a press conference.

The BJP's poster that talks about the parliament attack "is an attempt to spread hatred and enmity between two communities and violates the rules and regulation," he added.

"We will be able to defeat the demonic Modi," said Chairman of the Administrative Reform Commission Veerappa Moily.

The Congress party has reportedly reacted in somewhat similar tone by issuing posters carrying the photograph of Masood Azhar -- who was released by the BJP led NDA government in Kandahar in 1999.

The advertisement also talks about the former Union Home Minister L K Advani's visit to Pakistan "to bow down at the grave of Mohammad Ali Jinnah."

First phase of polling in 87 out of 182 Assembly Constituencies were held on Tuesday.

The BJP managed to win 127 seats, while the Congress party was able to win only 51 seats in the 2002 Gujarat Assembly polls. The Janata Dal (United) and independents won two seats each.

The second phase of polling for the remaining 95 seats will be held on December 16, while the counting for votes will take place on December 23. (ANI)
--MP

Ahmedabad, Dec 14 (ANI): Coming down heavily on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said that the former was spreading a "divisive, sectarian, narrow, partisan and communal agenda" during his campaigning.

"Instead of uniting the people of Gujarat, Modi has pursued a divisive, sectarian, narrow, partisan and communal agenda," Chidambaram told an election rally.

"Elections must be fought on issues, policies, programmes and performance," he added.

Questioning Modi's claim of growth in the state, Chidambaram said, "What has happened in Gujarat is not inclusive growth".

"The growth (in Gujarat) has kept our large sections of people, alienated and instilled fear in them," he pointed.

Appealing Gujarat electorate to vote for the Congress Party, Chidambaram said that a divided society is neither good for Gujarat nor for India. "On this one ground this (Modi) government deserves to go and a new government needs to be elected in its place."

First phase of polling in 87 out of 182 Assembly Constituencies were held on Tuesday.

The BJP managed to win 127 seats, while the Congress party was able to win only 51 seats in the 2002 Gujarat Assembly polls. The Janata Dal (United) and independents won two seats each.

The second phase of polling for the remaining 95 seats will be held on December 16, while the counting for votes will take place on December 23. (ANI)
--MP

Godhra, Dec.14 (ANI): While BJP's political heavyweights have made big claims during election rallies about a developed Gujarat, people living in Godhra's vicinity are yet to witness anything realistic benefiting their daily life.

Barely 4 kilometres from Godhra city, residents of Daunia Village in Gujarat's Panchmahal District, are waiting for their turn to benefit from the so called development in the State.

A visit to this village bespeaks how hollow have been the claims of loud political leaders. Development work is unheard of in this deprived area. People roam around as casual labourers.

It's been five years when Godhra violence hogged headlines of national and international media. But in the nearby Daunia Village that has a 7,000 tribal population people do not have basic public services.

An agitated woman Shantu Ben, said: "We will vote for those who will consider our condition and will help us. We don't have roads, water and electricity. Our women have to suffer hard during their good times. There is no doctor. I will not let anybody vote in my area until and unless someone promises to end our miseries."

Villagers here claim that despite having voted for the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat for development in the last Assembly elections, their daily life has remained standstill.

Villagers have to use bicycles or walk on foot to cover long distances, as there are no roads linking this village with other parts of city. During monsoon, the condition of roads turns a nightmare. 

Vajabhai Rathwa, another villager, said: "Our village is in tribal area. There is no water, electricity, and no roads. There is nothing. There is no development here. We are worried. Last time, we voted for BJP. They made several promises but, later, no one turned up. This time I am going to vote for Congress."

Villagers here are somehow managing with the prevailing miserable conditions and complain of denial of government support.

Moreover, the village has a 70,000 litres capacity water tank that was built in 2002. But it is useless for everyone here, as villagers do not get even a drop of water from it.

Salim, a villager, said, "We have a water tank with a capacity of 70,000 litres but it is empty. We are deprived of basic development in Modi's regime. He did nothing for welfare of this area. There is no road. During pregnancy the women suffer the most, as there is no proper facility (medical) here. We are not with this government this time."

However, Villagers have unanimously decided not vote for BJP this time. (ANI)
--MP

Ahmedabad, Dec. 14 (ANI): Commenting on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's remarks over senior BJP leader L K Advani being appointed as the saffron party's prime ministerial candidate, the latter today said that "the Prime Minister is not a political person because a politically aware person cannot make such a comment."

Advani further said: "He (Dr Singh) is a simple man, and that is why he said something like this."

Advani said he was surprised at the Prime Minister saying that the BJP's announcement was aimed at countering Modi in Gujarat.

"I am glad that the Prime Minister has openly accepted that no one can beat Modi in Gujarat," he added.

The BJP has already dubbed the Prime Minister as being "diffident and unable to run the government" as his Left allies are threatening to pull the rug from beneath him.

Advani was named as the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2009 general elections, on Monday.

Wile campaigning in Gujarat for his Congress party, Dr Singh said that the decision by the BJP to name Advani as its prime ministerial candidate just ahead of the Gujarat polls, was taken because the party was getting increasingly nervous about its performance in the polls in the State and felt threatened by Modi.

The poll campaign in Gujarat witnessed acrimonious debates with Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi dubbing Narendra Modi-led State government as "Merchants of Death" and Modi trying to woo voters with a pronounced pro-Hindu stance to the extent of justifying the killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in the 2005 fake encounter.

The present election campaign by the BJP in Gujarat has been completely overshadowed by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, as few central BJP leaders have taken a tour of the State for the poll campaigning.

The timing of Advani's announcement as the party's Prime Ministerial candidate, taking the mantle from former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, came as a surprise to many.

The Congress party has termed BJP's latest move as a 'desperate' one. (ANI)
--MP

Vadodara, Dec 13 (ANI): Congress party president Sonia Gandhi today lambasted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for playing up the bogey of terrorism to justify its radical Hindutva card.

"The BJP is only trying to garner votes by using the bogey of terrorism. Is it necessary to remind those who accuse us of being soft on terrorism that Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi (former Congress prime ministers) had lost their loves at the hands of terrorists," Sonia said while addressing an election rally in Dabhoi area of Vadodara.

She went on to say that the party (BJP) who freed dreaded terrorists and whose foreign minister took them to Afghanistan must not charge the Congress with being soft on terrorism.

She also said that the BJP was portraying a false picture of the development in the state.

At an election rally in Jamnagar District on December 4, Modi had admitted that Sohrabuddin's encounter did happen in Gujarat, saying the latter got what he deserved.

"Yes, Sohrabuddin's encounter happened in Gujarat, and if Sonia Gandhi wants, she can hang me for this," said Modi.

Sohrabuddin was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the state police, allegedly trying to hatch a conspiracy to kill Modi. The cops also allegedly killed Sohrabuddin's wife, Kausar Bi.

First phase of polling in 87 out of 182 Assembly Constituencies were held on Tuesday.

The BJP managed to win 127 seats, while the Congress party was able to win only 51 seats in the 2002 Gujarat Assembly polls. The Janata Dal (United) and independents won two seats each.

The second phase of polling for the remaining 95 seats will be held on December 16, while the counting for votes will take place on December 23. (ANI)
--MP

Rajivnagar (Gujarat), Dec 13 (ANI): Villagers of Rajivnagar town in Gujarat have rubbished Chief Minister Narendra Modi's tall claims of development and good governance.  

They vented their frustration over the lack of development, roads, hospitals and schools. 

"I have lived here for several years, but, development has been nil, there are no proper roads. Electricity is not much of a problem, but there is an acute shortage of drinking water," complains Raman Parmar, a local.  

Villagers do not even possess a social security card. They also said that they couldn't use the water of the river as it is too polluted. 

"The river water is polluted as industries dump their waste into it. The water can neither be used for irrigation, nor, for drinking," said Mansingh, another local.  

First phase of polling in 87 out of 182 Assembly Constituencies were held on Tuesday.  

The BJP managed to win 127 seats, while the Congress party was able to win only 51 seats in the 2002 Gujarat Assembly polls. The Janata Dal (United) and independents won two seats each.  

The second phase of polling for the remaining 95 seats will be held on December 16, while the counting for votes will take place on December 23. (ANI) -AJ

Vadodara (Gujarat), Dec 13 (ANI): The Congress Party has accused Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of using the issue of terrorism to garner votes for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) .

External Affairs Minister and a senior Congress Party leader Pranab Mukherjee said Modi's claim that his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was better suited to fight terrorism is a myth.

"Terrorist activities are there. We should confront the terrorists. My point is that one need not claim that unless you vote for a particular party, terrorism would aggravate. This is totally unacceptable," Mukherjee said.

Meanwhile, cricketer-turned-commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu, campaigning for Modi's BJP in the city, asked the Congress party to sue its leaders for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots rather than blame Modi for 2002 Gujarat anti-Muslim riots.

"He (Prime Minister Manmohan Singh) says that cases will be filed against those involved in 2002 riots. I want to ask that in 1984, six thousand Sikhs were massacred, and till date no FIR has been lodged," he said.

Out of the 182 constituencies in Gujarat, 87 went to the polls on Tuesday.

The second phase of polling on December 16 will cover 95 constituencies in central and north Gujarat.

The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

The term of the State's Legislative Assembly expires on December 26.

The BJP won 127 seats, while the Congress party won 51 seats in the 2002 Gujarat Assembly polls. The Janata Dal (United) and independents won two seats each. (ANI)

- AY

Jaipur, Dec 13 (ANI): Eleven bogies of Delhi-Ahmedabad Rajdhani express train derailed between Sirohi and Banas station in Rajasthan early on Thursday morning.

Five passengers were injured when the compartments of the train derailed at around 5:55 a.m., said Sirohi SP Rani Mittal.

According to initial reports, the derailment may have occurred due to a broken track.

The train was moving at a high speed when the bogies derailed. Only the engine and guard coaches did not derail.

Emergency services from Ahmedabad, Ajmer and Jaipur have been rushed to the spot.

Senior railway and district officials have also reached the spot. (ANI)
- AY

Guwahati, Dec 13 (ANI): At least five persons were dead and four others injured when a bomb exploded in the 2423 A Guwahati-Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam early on Thursday morning.

The explosion took place between Naojan and Chungajan in Assam's Golaghat District at around 1.00 a.m.

According to initial reports, the bomb was planted inside one of the compartments and not on the train track. There was partial damage to the tracks with just two sleepers affected.

The train, which was on its way from Dibrugarh to Delhi, resumed its journey at around 6.00 a.m. after passengers in the affected van were shifted to a 3-tier AC bogie.

The injured have been rushed to Dimapur. Reports suggest that the death toll could rise.

This is the first bomb blast on the Dibrugarh-New Delhi Rajdhani, although the train has been targeted once before in June 2006. (ANI)
- AY

Ahmedabad, Dec 12 (ANI): Ahead of the second phase of Assembly elections in the State, most of the people in Ahmedabad credit Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for 'bringing' visible development in the State, and say that BJP's claim of 'Vibrant Gujarat' does not ring hollow.    

"Being a citizen, I feel that Modi government has worked towards visible development and for non-political person like me seeing is believing," said 25-year-old lady Sajna, adding, "If central government claims their credit for development in Gujarat then it's their duty to provide funds and work for growth for their states. Only initiating things never works, implementation is required and that is what Narendra Modi has done."

Like her a professional photographer Anuradha Gopi feels that Modi's governance has brought a 'dignified change' in the State.

Aditya Jain, a professional, echoes Gopi's opinion and said, "It's for sure that Narendra Modi has worked for development in Gujarat without anybody's support. Gujarat is not like other state. Centre has no right of taking credit for development in Gujarat."

However, a section of the people feel what Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the people of Gujarat that Modi has failed to bring an 'inclusive' development of the society.

"Modi government is biased and has worked only for a particular section for society," said Iqbal Siddique, a commerce graduate, adding, "This government just not remembers us; we don't exist for them when they talk of development."

There are others who believe that Congress failed to project some of the developmental programmes launched by the UPA government at the Centre that have benefited the State most.

"There are lots of good schemes initiated by UPA government like Mid-Day meal scheme for children, Sarva Shikha Abhiyaan, Jawahar lal Nehru Gramin Vikas Yojna and above all RTI (Right to Information Act). These initiatives have actually worked towards development and growth. If Modi claims for it then it is wrong," said Sunny Fernandez, a businessmen by profession. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Dec 12 (ANI): The Supreme Court today issued contempt notice to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for "inflammatory" remarks that he made in connection with Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case.

The apex court has, however, exempted Modi from appearing personally in the court.

The notice was issued on a couple of petitions filed by lyricist Javed Akhtar and Rubabuddin Sheikh, brother of the fake encounter victim, seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against Modi and a probe into his alleged complicity in Sohrabuddin's November 2005 killing by the state police in a staged gun battle.

"The notice is for contempt as well as transferring these cases for investigation to CBI and therefore Modi will have to explain why his statement does not amount to contempt, why his statement does not amount to obstructing the course of justice in the Sohrabuddin case both pending before the Supreme Court as well as before the trial. He will also have to explain why under these circumstances the case or investigation should not be transferred to CBI," said Prashant Bhushan, counsel of Javed Akhtar.

The apex court bench comprising Justices Tarun Chatterjee and Dalveer Bhandari issued the notice after a five-hour argument by counsels of various parties, including the Gujarat government counsel Mukul Rohtagi.

The court has not set any date for him to reply. But, the notice will be a dampener who is fighting an electoral battle in Gujarat.

Meanwhile, Sohrabuddin's brother Robabuddin Sheikh said he they would not get justice if the case was taken up in Gujarat.

"If the case is taken up in Gujarat then we will not get justice because they have already tried to mishandle the chargesheet, and the rest of the accused in the case like Sanjay Karvi will remain away from the investigation," he said.

Appearing for Modi, senior lawyer and BJP leader Arun Jaitley had requested the apex court to postpone hearing till the Gujarat assembly elections get over. But the court brushed aside his demands and issued the notice today itself.

At an election rally in Jamnagar District on December 4, Modi admitted that Sohrabuddin's encounter did happen in Gujarat, saying the latter got what he deserved.

"Yes, Sohrabuddin's encounter happened in Gujarat, and if Sonia Gandhi wants, she can hang me for this," said Modi.

Sohrabuddin was reportedly gunned down on November 26, 2005 after being branded a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant by the state police, allegedly trying to hatch a conspiracy to kill Modi. The cops also allegedly killed Sohrabuddin's wife, Kausar Bi.

On December 8, Gujarat government's former counsel in the Supreme Court, K T S Tulsi, had said Modi's remarks justifying killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh was completely opposite to the stand taken by the State government in the apex court.

The Gujarat Government had submitted to the apex court that the encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh by the state police in November 2005 in Gujarat was "fake". (ANI)
--MP

Naroda-Patia (Gujarat), Dec.12 (ANI): Muslim voters of Naroda-Patia, who witnessed the most gruesome massacre during the 2002 communal riots, are apathetic to the assembly elections in Gujarat. 

A sense of despair and uneasy calm prevails in Naroda-Patia on the outskirts of Ahmedabad city, which was battered in the worst-ever riots and the citizens see no hope of getting any salve or justice from any political party. 

Residents continue to live in deep fear in the run-up to the elections as the rumour mills are agog with talk of communal forces unleashing another wave of terror to win the elections. 

"Our young daughters and daughters-in-law are very scared and they ask me to shift them from here as they are worried about their safety. This is a question of our dignity and how long it will be