Samata leaves it to Fernandes
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
today suffered a jolt, even if only a temporary one, when its
convener and Samata Party leader, Mr. George Fernandes, did not
attend a meeting of the allies called by the Prime Minister, Mr.
Atal Behari Vajpayee.
Koijam Ministry voted out
The three-month-old Samata Party-led People's
Front Ministry in Manipur headed by Mr. R.B. Koijam was defeated
in a vote of confidence in the Assembly today.
Jaswant hints at President's rule
The National Democratic Alliance leaders met
at the Prime Minister's residence this evening to take stock of
the political situation in the aftermath of the disastrous
Assembly election results even as yet another crisis in the NDA
stared them in the face in the form of the Bharatiya Janata
Party-Samata Party stand off triggered by the Manipur
developments.
States against move to decentralise procurement
The Centre today failed to have its way with
the States on its proposal to decentralise procurement of
foodgrains for the Public Distribution System. Almost all States
rejected the proposal at the conference of Chief Ministers on the
WTO agreement on agriculture and food management convened by the
Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, here, saying it was the
Centre's ``social obligation'' to procure and distribute
foodgrains.
Homage paid to Rajiv Gandhi
The President, Mr. K. R. Narayanan, today led
the nation in paying homage to the former Prime Minister, Mr.
Rajiv Gandhi, on his 10th death anniversary which saw people
across the country re-dedicate themselves to the vision he had of
India in the 21st Century.
CMs' panel on WTO deal
The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee,
today announced the setting up of a committee of Chief Ministers
on food management and agriculture exports to look at enhancing
the efficiency of procurement and reducing the cost of
distribution of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System
through decentralisation and the active involvement of States.
Taliban denies reports
Afghanistan's ruling Taliban today denied news
reports that the militia has imposed restrictions on the
religious and cultural practices of Hindus settled there. The
Taliban embassy spokesman, Mr. Mohammad Shaheen, expressed
surprise over the reports in a section of the Indian media.
Panja removed from key posts
The dissident Trinamool Congress MP and former
Union Minister, Mr. Ajit Panja, was today removed from all key
party posts for his alleged anti-party activities.
