I’ll dance for a house in London: Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif will dance at New Year's Eve dos. But only if it involves "ridiculous amounts of money" enough to buy her another house in London (she already has a large one there).

Before she flew to the British capital, she offered her reasons for consistently turning down dancing offers, "I don't think it's worth it. I would dance at a New Year's bash in a five-star hotel or anywhere else only if I was offered a humongous amount of money! Money that would allow me to buy a house for my family in London or not do a couple of films or something equivalent to that. I haven't been offered such an amount as yet. The money has to be so ridiculous that I can't refuse!"

Money and hits (Chikni Chameli and Sheila Ki Jawani) aside, the lure of spending time with family is overbearing, "For my family and me, Christmas and New Year's are very special occasions, a time when the entire family comes together. I would never sacrifice those moments for a dance at a hotel."
Source:toi

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I’ll dance for a house in London: Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif will dance at New Year's Eve dos. But only if it involves "ridiculous amounts of money" enough to buy her another house in London (she already has a large one there).

Before she flew to the British capital, she offered her reasons for consistently turning down dancing offers, "I don't think it's worth it. I would dance at a New Year's bash in a five-star hotel or anywhere else only if I was offered a humongous amount of money! Money that would allow me to buy a house for my family in London or not do a couple of films or something equivalent to that. I haven't been offered such an amount as yet. The money has to be so ridiculous that I can't refuse!"

Money and hits (Chikni Chameli and Sheila Ki Jawani) aside, the lure of spending time with family is overbearing, "For my family and me, Christmas and New Year's are very special occasions, a time when the entire family comes together. I would never sacrifice those moments for a dance at a hotel."
Source:toi

Read More

I’ll dance for a house in London: Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif will dance at New Year's Eve dos. But only if it involves "ridiculous amounts of money" enough to buy her another house in London (she already has a large one there).

Before she flew to the British capital, she offered her reasons for consistently turning down dancing offers, "I don't think it's worth it. I would dance at a New Year's bash in a five-star hotel or anywhere else only if I was offered a humongous amount of money! Money that would allow me to buy a house for my family in London or not do a couple of films or something equivalent to that. I haven't been offered such an amount as yet. The money has to be so ridiculous that I can't refuse!"

Money and hits (Chikni Chameli and Sheila Ki Jawani) aside, the lure of spending time with family is overbearing, "For my family and me, Christmas and New Year's are very special occasions, a time when the entire family comes together. I would never sacrifice those moments for a dance at a hotel."
Source:toi

Read More

I charge what I deserve: Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu is not looking back with regret or nostalgia. She's looking forward to 2012, what with her birthday (on January 7) and her latest film, and of course, December 31, when she's going to have that "one day when I can let my hair down."

So, no New Year's Eve performance like previous years? "No," says Bips, "Also, no regrets this year. But then, I don't like to look back. But what I remember is that this year has gone by very fast, I have travelled a lot, I have made too many friends, it's getting difficult to spend time with them all. I had a lot of fun this year. I have laughed a lot... Yes, 2011 has been amazing for me." She's also ended a longstanding relationship... Slightly curt, she says, "The relationship was gone way back before that - it's been more than a year now. There's no point in discussing it. Right now, it's just hard work for me."

But why no year-end moolah-raking performances this time? "I've done it for the last four years. This year, I wanted to take a break. There was also the promotional tour for "Players", and it would've been impossible to build a show into this itinerary. So I thought this New Year's, I'd rather be with friends and family, just let my hair down for that one day," she replies, and adds that she doesn't get to party much in India. "I don't get to do it much because most of the time, I'm working. But I'm a very dinner-with-close-friends kind of person. I do love to go out dancing, but in India I can't, so when we are abroad, sometimes the unit heads out and goes partying - so that's when I go clubbing all night."

There was news about the Telugu remake of " Dabangg", " Gabbar Singh", for which she was approached to do the Tamil "Munni Badnaam". Reportedly, she asked for a crore - is that true? "I demand exactly what I deserve," comes her reply, before she goes on to explain, "I am not going to get into the nitty-gritties, because figures are very loosely quoted in our industry. Sometimes it is highly exaggerated, and at other times, it is quoted as quite low. Finally, the job that we do, if we are paid the amount we ask for, it is because we deserve it. I'm not answerable to anyone about how much I charge for what and why I do it."

And what's her role like in "Players"? "I play a girl called Rhea - an automobile expert and the best thief in town. She is all woman, knows how to use her charm and con people..." Quite like Bipasha in real life, barring the con bit, is it? "Oh no! I am so pathetic with machines in real life, it's not a joke. I'd rather walk, or even run, than take the car out myself. I like to be driven around. Yes, I like fancy cars, and fancy bikes too. It's my dream to learn how to ride one myself, but for now, I am content being driven around. And, for the record, I don't con anyone - I never have. I am what I am and what you see is what you get. And as for charming, I am said to be charming - people do tell me that, but I don't know about it myself, I think a little bit of it must be true - not so bad, huh?"

And wearing the bikini - that must've made her feel attractive as well... "It's all positive talk, so it's great - if my carriage in a bikini is great, and if I do it gracefully, then I think... that's it. In a film like "Players", a sexy thriller - it's like a James Bond film where you can wear a bikini and look in sync with the film, it doesn't look forced. And the character I play is like that. Also, I wore a bikini on screen when it made sense to me. I would not do it for anybody on earth, and did not, till now. We did a lot of prepping for it. Six weeks of training - I followed a discipline - you know, to look right on screen. There's a fine line - you can either look vulgar or look sexy, and I would always opt to look sexy rather than going in the other direction. And for that, more than anything else, you have to have the trust the directors, and I trusted the DOP. It has to be about your style and your comfort level - you have to be as easy as you are in a pair of jeans in the bikini - only then will it work," explains Bipasha.

But what's it with the 'trusting the directors' bit? "Well, how such scenes turn out depends entirely on the sensibility of the director. Cheesy camera angles can spoil it. Also, you have to have an inner sense as an actor - the intentness to do what you want to do in front of the camera. Everything cannot be spoon fed. I did the shots, and I wanted to do them, whether the frontal shots or the side pose. I have been into bodies and fitness, so I am very critical about how a body should look in terms of flaunting it. I would never fall down and roll and do a cleavage shot - I have seen those in Bollywood films and those are things I cannot tolerate. I wouldn't do that. That's not me - I'd rather look sharp and sexy and stylish just doing a walk."

Ok. On to "Singularity" then. When do we get to see what she's done with Josh Hartnett? "I have no idea about when the film is coming to India. I am to fly down to London to see it, I have no dates right now to do so. I hope to see it End of Jan, and sometime in summer, you will all see it," says Bipasha. And as for Hollywood career, Bips says, "I am definitely not planning a move to Hollywood, but if anything comes my way and I can entertain a global audience, I am open to it. But I am not open to flying down and living in LA for two-three months. I am accepted here and I am very happy doing the films I do here. "

And 2012 for her will be about? ""Players", "Raaz 3", one of the most challenging roles of my life, and in April, I want to shoot my second DVD. So, 2012 is all about work for me," says Bipasha.

Source:TOI

Read More

I charge what I deserve: Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu is not looking back with regret or nostalgia. She's looking forward to 2012, what with her birthday (on January 7) and her latest film, and of course, December 31, when she's going to have that "one day when I can let my hair down."

So, no New Year's Eve performance like previous years? "No," says Bips, "Also, no regrets this year. But then, I don't like to look back. But what I remember is that this year has gone by very fast, I have travelled a lot, I have made too many friends, it's getting difficult to spend time with them all. I had a lot of fun this year. I have laughed a lot... Yes, 2011 has been amazing for me." She's also ended a longstanding relationship... Slightly curt, she says, "The relationship was gone way back before that - it's been more than a year now. There's no point in discussing it. Right now, it's just hard work for me."

But why no year-end moolah-raking performances this time? "I've done it for the last four years. This year, I wanted to take a break. There was also the promotional tour for "Players", and it would've been impossible to build a show into this itinerary. So I thought this New Year's, I'd rather be with friends and family, just let my hair down for that one day," she replies, and adds that she doesn't get to party much in India. "I don't get to do it much because most of the time, I'm working. But I'm a very dinner-with-close-friends kind of person. I do love to go out dancing, but in India I can't, so when we are abroad, sometimes the unit heads out and goes partying - so that's when I go clubbing all night."

There was news about the Telugu remake of " Dabangg", " Gabbar Singh", for which she was approached to do the Tamil "Munni Badnaam". Reportedly, she asked for a crore - is that true? "I demand exactly what I deserve," comes her reply, before she goes on to explain, "I am not going to get into the nitty-gritties, because figures are very loosely quoted in our industry. Sometimes it is highly exaggerated, and at other times, it is quoted as quite low. Finally, the job that we do, if we are paid the amount we ask for, it is because we deserve it. I'm not answerable to anyone about how much I charge for what and why I do it."

And what's her role like in "Players"? "I play a girl called Rhea - an automobile expert and the best thief in town. She is all woman, knows how to use her charm and con people..." Quite like Bipasha in real life, barring the con bit, is it? "Oh no! I am so pathetic with machines in real life, it's not a joke. I'd rather walk, or even run, than take the car out myself. I like to be driven around. Yes, I like fancy cars, and fancy bikes too. It's my dream to learn how to ride one myself, but for now, I am content being driven around. And, for the record, I don't con anyone - I never have. I am what I am and what you see is what you get. And as for charming, I am said to be charming - people do tell me that, but I don't know about it myself, I think a little bit of it must be true - not so bad, huh?"

And wearing the bikini - that must've made her feel attractive as well... "It's all positive talk, so it's great - if my carriage in a bikini is great, and if I do it gracefully, then I think... that's it. In a film like "Players", a sexy thriller - it's like a James Bond film where you can wear a bikini and look in sync with the film, it doesn't look forced. And the character I play is like that. Also, I wore a bikini on screen when it made sense to me. I would not do it for anybody on earth, and did not, till now. We did a lot of prepping for it. Six weeks of training - I followed a discipline - you know, to look right on screen. There's a fine line - you can either look vulgar or look sexy, and I would always opt to look sexy rather than going in the other direction. And for that, more than anything else, you have to have the trust the directors, and I trusted the DOP. It has to be about your style and your comfort level - you have to be as easy as you are in a pair of jeans in the bikini - only then will it work," explains Bipasha.

But what's it with the 'trusting the directors' bit? "Well, how such scenes turn out depends entirely on the sensibility of the director. Cheesy camera angles can spoil it. Also, you have to have an inner sense as an actor - the intentness to do what you want to do in front of the camera. Everything cannot be spoon fed. I did the shots, and I wanted to do them, whether the frontal shots or the side pose. I have been into bodies and fitness, so I am very critical about how a body should look in terms of flaunting it. I would never fall down and roll and do a cleavage shot - I have seen those in Bollywood films and those are things I cannot tolerate. I wouldn't do that. That's not me - I'd rather look sharp and sexy and stylish just doing a walk."

Ok. On to "Singularity" then. When do we get to see what she's done with Josh Hartnett? "I have no idea about when the film is coming to India. I am to fly down to London to see it, I have no dates right now to do so. I hope to see it End of Jan, and sometime in summer, you will all see it," says Bipasha. And as for Hollywood career, Bips says, "I am definitely not planning a move to Hollywood, but if anything comes my way and I can entertain a global audience, I am open to it. But I am not open to flying down and living in LA for two-three months. I am accepted here and I am very happy doing the films I do here. "

And 2012 for her will be about? ""Players", "Raaz 3", one of the most challenging roles of my life, and in April, I want to shoot my second DVD. So, 2012 is all about work for me," says Bipasha.

Source:TOI

Read More

I charge what I deserve: Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu is not looking back with regret or nostalgia. She's looking forward to 2012, what with her birthday (on January 7) and her latest film, and of course, December 31, when she's going to have that "one day when I can let my hair down."

So, no New Year's Eve performance like previous years? "No," says Bips, "Also, no regrets this year. But then, I don't like to look back. But what I remember is that this year has gone by very fast, I have travelled a lot, I have made too many friends, it's getting difficult to spend time with them all. I had a lot of fun this year. I have laughed a lot... Yes, 2011 has been amazing for me." She's also ended a longstanding relationship... Slightly curt, she says, "The relationship was gone way back before that - it's been more than a year now. There's no point in discussing it. Right now, it's just hard work for me."

But why no year-end moolah-raking performances this time? "I've done it for the last four years. This year, I wanted to take a break. There was also the promotional tour for "Players", and it would've been impossible to build a show into this itinerary. So I thought this New Year's, I'd rather be with friends and family, just let my hair down for that one day," she replies, and adds that she doesn't get to party much in India. "I don't get to do it much because most of the time, I'm working. But I'm a very dinner-with-close-friends kind of person. I do love to go out dancing, but in India I can't, so when we are abroad, sometimes the unit heads out and goes partying - so that's when I go clubbing all night."

There was news about the Telugu remake of " Dabangg", " Gabbar Singh", for which she was approached to do the Tamil "Munni Badnaam". Reportedly, she asked for a crore - is that true? "I demand exactly what I deserve," comes her reply, before she goes on to explain, "I am not going to get into the nitty-gritties, because figures are very loosely quoted in our industry. Sometimes it is highly exaggerated, and at other times, it is quoted as quite low. Finally, the job that we do, if we are paid the amount we ask for, it is because we deserve it. I'm not answerable to anyone about how much I charge for what and why I do it."

And what's her role like in "Players"? "I play a girl called Rhea - an automobile expert and the best thief in town. She is all woman, knows how to use her charm and con people..." Quite like Bipasha in real life, barring the con bit, is it? "Oh no! I am so pathetic with machines in real life, it's not a joke. I'd rather walk, or even run, than take the car out myself. I like to be driven around. Yes, I like fancy cars, and fancy bikes too. It's my dream to learn how to ride one myself, but for now, I am content being driven around. And, for the record, I don't con anyone - I never have. I am what I am and what you see is what you get. And as for charming, I am said to be charming - people do tell me that, but I don't know about it myself, I think a little bit of it must be true - not so bad, huh?"

And wearing the bikini - that must've made her feel attractive as well... "It's all positive talk, so it's great - if my carriage in a bikini is great, and if I do it gracefully, then I think... that's it. In a film like "Players", a sexy thriller - it's like a James Bond film where you can wear a bikini and look in sync with the film, it doesn't look forced. And the character I play is like that. Also, I wore a bikini on screen when it made sense to me. I would not do it for anybody on earth, and did not, till now. We did a lot of prepping for it. Six weeks of training - I followed a discipline - you know, to look right on screen. There's a fine line - you can either look vulgar or look sexy, and I would always opt to look sexy rather than going in the other direction. And for that, more than anything else, you have to have the trust the directors, and I trusted the DOP. It has to be about your style and your comfort level - you have to be as easy as you are in a pair of jeans in the bikini - only then will it work," explains Bipasha.

But what's it with the 'trusting the directors' bit? "Well, how such scenes turn out depends entirely on the sensibility of the director. Cheesy camera angles can spoil it. Also, you have to have an inner sense as an actor - the intentness to do what you want to do in front of the camera. Everything cannot be spoon fed. I did the shots, and I wanted to do them, whether the frontal shots or the side pose. I have been into bodies and fitness, so I am very critical about how a body should look in terms of flaunting it. I would never fall down and roll and do a cleavage shot - I have seen those in Bollywood films and those are things I cannot tolerate. I wouldn't do that. That's not me - I'd rather look sharp and sexy and stylish just doing a walk."

Ok. On to "Singularity" then. When do we get to see what she's done with Josh Hartnett? "I have no idea about when the film is coming to India. I am to fly down to London to see it, I have no dates right now to do so. I hope to see it End of Jan, and sometime in summer, you will all see it," says Bipasha. And as for Hollywood career, Bips says, "I am definitely not planning a move to Hollywood, but if anything comes my way and I can entertain a global audience, I am open to it. But I am not open to flying down and living in LA for two-three months. I am accepted here and I am very happy doing the films I do here. "

And 2012 for her will be about? ""Players", "Raaz 3", one of the most challenging roles of my life, and in April, I want to shoot my second DVD. So, 2012 is all about work for me," says Bipasha.

Source:TOI

Read More

High drama, no vote in Rajya Sabha on Lokpal

New Delhi: Amidst high drama on Thursday night during the debate on Lokpal Bill, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die by Chairman Hamid Ansari and the bill was not even put to vote.
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After a brief 15 minute adjournment before midnight, when the House reconvened, Parliamentary Affairs Minister PK Bansal said opposition has moved 187 amendments and government needed time to consider them. He said it was the prerogative of the government to convene the House and the Session.

Amidst noise, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley said the government was running away from the House because it was in a "hopeless minority".

"A government which did not have the numbers in the House has consciously first choreographed a debate so that it cannot not be concluded before the 12 O' Clock," Jaitley said.

As uproar continued, Ansari said, "an unprecedented situation has arisen. There appears to be a desire to outshout each other. There is total impasse. The House cannot be conducted in this noise. It requires orderly proceedings.



"I am afraid the Chair has no option but to reluctantly...," Ansari said and announced the playing of national song 'Vande Mataram', which is usually played at the end of a Session before adjourning sine die.

After the song was played, he said "the House stands adjourned sine die."

This is being seen to be a complete embarrassment to the ruling government who is said to be put in corner.

Shocking scenes were witnessed in the Upper House of Parliament close to midnight when RJD member Rajniti Prasad tore a copy of Lokpal Bill and threw it in the Well of Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile the RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav was in the Rajya Sabha gallery during the proceedings.

If the constitutional amendment bill fell through in the Lok Sabha, the whole Lokpal Bill fell flat on its face in the Upper House.

The test of the bill was always going to be in the Upper House as the government did not have the numbers there. In the 243-member Rajya Sabha, Congress and its allies did not have a majority with its number placed at 92. The ruling party needed the support of the MPs of the parties supporting the government from outside. At least a walk out by them could have helped the government but not a vote against.


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“We have to respect the Constitutional propriety,” contended Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, when the Opposition said that they wanted the House to continue past the stipulated time of midnight.

The Opposition hit out hard at the government saying that the government did not want the Lokpal Bill to be put to vote as it would be a loss of face to them as they did not have the adequate numbers.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley said in Parliament, “The government which did not have the numbers in the House has choreographed the whole situation because it is in the minority.”

He added without mincing his words, “If a government shies away from the Parliament and runs away from voting then that government does not have the right to rule.”

“The government tried its best to delay the session,” said Sitaram Yechury of CPI(M). “This is a moral defeat for the government,” he added, saying “The bill should be brought back as soon as possible.”

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was asked by the BJP leader to take a stand but the PM did not intervene.

Even Congress’ allies hit hard at them. “Orchestrated chaos and shameful,” said Derek O Brien, spokesperson of Trinamool Congress, one of the key allies of the UPA. “Sad, sad, sad,” he added.

The BJP leaders predictably accused the government of match-fixing.

“It is a peculiar situation when the Opposition is demanding a vote and the government is running away from it. It has no moral right to rule. It was the government’s film. It was not the Opposition’s film. The government has covered itself with mud,” said Yashwant Sinha in a scathing remark.

“The UPA government has created a fraud in front of the nation,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad.

“They can take care of amendments in the Lok Sabha but in the Rajya Sabha they need months. They tried to manage with everyone including Mamata Banerjee but when they realised they did not have numbers the choreography started. The RJD was deployed to disrupt the proceedings,” he added.

"The Congress is exposed today. We were willing to sit the whole night to pass the Lokpal Bill," he added.

"This is the murder of democrscy," said Balbir Punj, another BJP leader.

"They have to pay the price for what happened today," said Prakash Javedkar.

The Congress party put up a brave front. “The Opposition including the BJP was not ready for voting. Time limit was also a factor. There were 187 amendments to be taken up,” said Janardhan Dwivedi, senior Congress spokesperson.

Law Minister Salman Khurshid had this to say, “The Opposition including the BJP had all the intention of sabotaging the Lokpal Bill. The Opposition put up more than 180 amendments.” “The issue was not of numbers and we did not run away,” he added.

“Who assaulted the Parliamentary democracy? This is the question to be asked,” said senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily. “The Opposition party changes the goal post every now and then,” he added.

“This was a live evidence of behind the scenes events of the past one year,” said Team Anna member Kiran Bedi in a sense of triumph.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet is scheduled to meet tomorrow according to sources. It is likely to consider recommending to the President proroguing the Winter Session of Parliament.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011, already passed by Lok Sabha, was moved for consideration by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy amid questions over its passage in view of stiff opposition by various parties, including UPA ally Trinamool Congress.

Initiating the debate, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley had slammed the bill saying it would lead to "constitutional havoc" as the Centre would be encouraged to "usurp" rights ofstates through the provision of setting up of Lokayuktas.

Abhishek M Singhvi (Cong) rejected Jaitley's contentions, saying said the BJP was creating fear psychosis over the issue of NGOs under the purview of the ombudsman.

Strongly batting for constitutional status to Lokpal, Singhvi attacked BJP saying it was opposing the bill only for the sake of it.

Rejecting charges of assault on federalism, the Congress MP said Parliament has the power to make laws for whole of the country or for any part.

Throughout the day, there was uncertainty over the fate of the Bill after Trinamool Congress' stiff opposition to the provisions related to creation of Lokayukta by theLokpal Bill.

The party, which is part of the government, had moved over 20 amendments and its main speaker in the House Sukhendu S Roy demanded deletion of all the clauses related to Lokayukta in entirety from the bill.

The ruling coalition, which has less than 100 members in the 243-member House, found the going difficult when parties supporting the government from outside like BSP (18), SP (6) and RJD (4) announced their opposition to the bill and theirdetermination to vote against the bill.

The BJP, Left parties and regional parties like BJD, JD(U) and AIADMK had already announced their opposition and intention to vote against it.

Through the day there were conspiracy theories doing the rounds in Parliament, one of which was that there would be a deliberate disruption and chaos created to enable adjournment of the House.

There was also a theory doing the rounds that the House cannot be extended beyond tonight because the extended period of the session was ending this tonight and that President's nod was required for further extension.

"The year is coming to a close on December 31 and a new session will begin," Bansal said adding any session in the New Year has to begin with the President's address.

Bansal said the government would require time to formulate its views if a "lacunae free" Lokpal was to be enacted.

The adjournment came when several members, particularly Left parties, created uproar, wanting to know whether the proceedings would continue after midnight as the extension of the Winter Session was till only December 29.

Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy was replying to the 11-hour debate on the crucial bill when the uproar started.

As opposition members smelt a rat in government strategy, BJP Deputy Leader SS Ahluwalia and later CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury sought to know from the Chair as to when the voting will be taken up and whether the House was beingextended beyond midnight.

Senior leaders from the BJP, Left and AIADMK kept on asking Chairman Hamid Ansari whether business of the House would remain in continuity at 12 when the extended time period of the Winter Session expires.

"There is a long way to go for 12 O' clock (midnight)," Ansari said at around 11:20 pm when Yechury sought to know whether the session will continue beyond midnight.

Yechury interrupted Narayanasami, who was replying to the debate on Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha, and said most of the MPs wanted a clear picture on the issue as the session was to end on December 29.

As members from BJP also joined the demand to seek a ruling from the Chair on the issue, Ansari parried the issue.

When Ansari said there is a long way to go for 12 O' Clock, Yechury shot back, "Narayanasami can go a long way (talking)."

Ansari did not give a clear reply and in the ensuing uproar he adjourned the proceedings for 15 minutes at around 11.30 pm.

During the adjournment period, senior ministers, including Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Bansal were huddled, apparently discussing the strategy.

When the House re-assembled 11.43 pm, Bansal said sincethe government has received 187 adjournments to the Bill, itneeded time to study the same. It led to angry protests fromthe BJP, Left, AIDMK, JD (U).

Earlier, two of the RJD members -- Rajneeti Prasad and Ram Kirpal Yadav, snatched papers from MoS Parliamentary Affairs V Naryanasamy in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The bill is now expected to come up in the Budget session.
Source:Znews

Read More

High drama, no vote in Rajya Sabha on Lokpal

New Delhi: Amidst high drama on Thursday night during the debate on Lokpal Bill, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die by Chairman Hamid Ansari and the bill was not even put to vote.
With Google on your phone, get movie showtimes instantly.



After a brief 15 minute adjournment before midnight, when the House reconvened, Parliamentary Affairs Minister PK Bansal said opposition has moved 187 amendments and government needed time to consider them. He said it was the prerogative of the government to convene the House and the Session.

Amidst noise, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley said the government was running away from the House because it was in a "hopeless minority".

"A government which did not have the numbers in the House has consciously first choreographed a debate so that it cannot not be concluded before the 12 O' Clock," Jaitley said.

As uproar continued, Ansari said, "an unprecedented situation has arisen. There appears to be a desire to outshout each other. There is total impasse. The House cannot be conducted in this noise. It requires orderly proceedings.



"I am afraid the Chair has no option but to reluctantly...," Ansari said and announced the playing of national song 'Vande Mataram', which is usually played at the end of a Session before adjourning sine die.

After the song was played, he said "the House stands adjourned sine die."

This is being seen to be a complete embarrassment to the ruling government who is said to be put in corner.

Shocking scenes were witnessed in the Upper House of Parliament close to midnight when RJD member Rajniti Prasad tore a copy of Lokpal Bill and threw it in the Well of Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile the RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav was in the Rajya Sabha gallery during the proceedings.

If the constitutional amendment bill fell through in the Lok Sabha, the whole Lokpal Bill fell flat on its face in the Upper House.

The test of the bill was always going to be in the Upper House as the government did not have the numbers there. In the 243-member Rajya Sabha, Congress and its allies did not have a majority with its number placed at 92. The ruling party needed the support of the MPs of the parties supporting the government from outside. At least a walk out by them could have helped the government but not a vote against.


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Team Anna attacks government over Lokpal fiasco
Sad day for democracy: Trinamool Congress
Did not run away from vote, we wanted debate: Cong
Govt has lost moral right to continue: BJP
RJD MP tears document in Rajya Sabha
Lalu in Rajya Sabha gallery
Lokpal not needed: Omar

“We have to respect the Constitutional propriety,” contended Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, when the Opposition said that they wanted the House to continue past the stipulated time of midnight.

The Opposition hit out hard at the government saying that the government did not want the Lokpal Bill to be put to vote as it would be a loss of face to them as they did not have the adequate numbers.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley said in Parliament, “The government which did not have the numbers in the House has choreographed the whole situation because it is in the minority.”

He added without mincing his words, “If a government shies away from the Parliament and runs away from voting then that government does not have the right to rule.”

“The government tried its best to delay the session,” said Sitaram Yechury of CPI(M). “This is a moral defeat for the government,” he added, saying “The bill should be brought back as soon as possible.”

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was asked by the BJP leader to take a stand but the PM did not intervene.

Even Congress’ allies hit hard at them. “Orchestrated chaos and shameful,” said Derek O Brien, spokesperson of Trinamool Congress, one of the key allies of the UPA. “Sad, sad, sad,” he added.

The BJP leaders predictably accused the government of match-fixing.

“It is a peculiar situation when the Opposition is demanding a vote and the government is running away from it. It has no moral right to rule. It was the government’s film. It was not the Opposition’s film. The government has covered itself with mud,” said Yashwant Sinha in a scathing remark.

“The UPA government has created a fraud in front of the nation,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad.

“They can take care of amendments in the Lok Sabha but in the Rajya Sabha they need months. They tried to manage with everyone including Mamata Banerjee but when they realised they did not have numbers the choreography started. The RJD was deployed to disrupt the proceedings,” he added.

"The Congress is exposed today. We were willing to sit the whole night to pass the Lokpal Bill," he added.

"This is the murder of democrscy," said Balbir Punj, another BJP leader.

"They have to pay the price for what happened today," said Prakash Javedkar.

The Congress party put up a brave front. “The Opposition including the BJP was not ready for voting. Time limit was also a factor. There were 187 amendments to be taken up,” said Janardhan Dwivedi, senior Congress spokesperson.

Law Minister Salman Khurshid had this to say, “The Opposition including the BJP had all the intention of sabotaging the Lokpal Bill. The Opposition put up more than 180 amendments.” “The issue was not of numbers and we did not run away,” he added.

“Who assaulted the Parliamentary democracy? This is the question to be asked,” said senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily. “The Opposition party changes the goal post every now and then,” he added.

“This was a live evidence of behind the scenes events of the past one year,” said Team Anna member Kiran Bedi in a sense of triumph.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet is scheduled to meet tomorrow according to sources. It is likely to consider recommending to the President proroguing the Winter Session of Parliament.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011, already passed by Lok Sabha, was moved for consideration by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy amid questions over its passage in view of stiff opposition by various parties, including UPA ally Trinamool Congress.

Initiating the debate, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley had slammed the bill saying it would lead to "constitutional havoc" as the Centre would be encouraged to "usurp" rights ofstates through the provision of setting up of Lokayuktas.

Abhishek M Singhvi (Cong) rejected Jaitley's contentions, saying said the BJP was creating fear psychosis over the issue of NGOs under the purview of the ombudsman.

Strongly batting for constitutional status to Lokpal, Singhvi attacked BJP saying it was opposing the bill only for the sake of it.

Rejecting charges of assault on federalism, the Congress MP said Parliament has the power to make laws for whole of the country or for any part.

Throughout the day, there was uncertainty over the fate of the Bill after Trinamool Congress' stiff opposition to the provisions related to creation of Lokayukta by theLokpal Bill.

The party, which is part of the government, had moved over 20 amendments and its main speaker in the House Sukhendu S Roy demanded deletion of all the clauses related to Lokayukta in entirety from the bill.

The ruling coalition, which has less than 100 members in the 243-member House, found the going difficult when parties supporting the government from outside like BSP (18), SP (6) and RJD (4) announced their opposition to the bill and theirdetermination to vote against the bill.

The BJP, Left parties and regional parties like BJD, JD(U) and AIADMK had already announced their opposition and intention to vote against it.

Through the day there were conspiracy theories doing the rounds in Parliament, one of which was that there would be a deliberate disruption and chaos created to enable adjournment of the House.

There was also a theory doing the rounds that the House cannot be extended beyond tonight because the extended period of the session was ending this tonight and that President's nod was required for further extension.

"The year is coming to a close on December 31 and a new session will begin," Bansal said adding any session in the New Year has to begin with the President's address.

Bansal said the government would require time to formulate its views if a "lacunae free" Lokpal was to be enacted.

The adjournment came when several members, particularly Left parties, created uproar, wanting to know whether the proceedings would continue after midnight as the extension of the Winter Session was till only December 29.

Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy was replying to the 11-hour debate on the crucial bill when the uproar started.

As opposition members smelt a rat in government strategy, BJP Deputy Leader SS Ahluwalia and later CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury sought to know from the Chair as to when the voting will be taken up and whether the House was beingextended beyond midnight.

Senior leaders from the BJP, Left and AIADMK kept on asking Chairman Hamid Ansari whether business of the House would remain in continuity at 12 when the extended time period of the Winter Session expires.

"There is a long way to go for 12 O' clock (midnight)," Ansari said at around 11:20 pm when Yechury sought to know whether the session will continue beyond midnight.

Yechury interrupted Narayanasami, who was replying to the debate on Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha, and said most of the MPs wanted a clear picture on the issue as the session was to end on December 29.

As members from BJP also joined the demand to seek a ruling from the Chair on the issue, Ansari parried the issue.

When Ansari said there is a long way to go for 12 O' Clock, Yechury shot back, "Narayanasami can go a long way (talking)."

Ansari did not give a clear reply and in the ensuing uproar he adjourned the proceedings for 15 minutes at around 11.30 pm.

During the adjournment period, senior ministers, including Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Bansal were huddled, apparently discussing the strategy.

When the House re-assembled 11.43 pm, Bansal said sincethe government has received 187 adjournments to the Bill, itneeded time to study the same. It led to angry protests fromthe BJP, Left, AIDMK, JD (U).

Earlier, two of the RJD members -- Rajneeti Prasad and Ram Kirpal Yadav, snatched papers from MoS Parliamentary Affairs V Naryanasamy in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The bill is now expected to come up in the Budget session.
Source:Znews

Read More

High drama, no vote in Rajya Sabha on Lokpal

New Delhi: Amidst high drama on Thursday night during the debate on Lokpal Bill, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die by Chairman Hamid Ansari and the bill was not even put to vote.
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After a brief 15 minute adjournment before midnight, when the House reconvened, Parliamentary Affairs Minister PK Bansal said opposition has moved 187 amendments and government needed time to consider them. He said it was the prerogative of the government to convene the House and the Session.

Amidst noise, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley said the government was running away from the House because it was in a "hopeless minority".

"A government which did not have the numbers in the House has consciously first choreographed a debate so that it cannot not be concluded before the 12 O' Clock," Jaitley said.

As uproar continued, Ansari said, "an unprecedented situation has arisen. There appears to be a desire to outshout each other. There is total impasse. The House cannot be conducted in this noise. It requires orderly proceedings.



"I am afraid the Chair has no option but to reluctantly...," Ansari said and announced the playing of national song 'Vande Mataram', which is usually played at the end of a Session before adjourning sine die.

After the song was played, he said "the House stands adjourned sine die."

This is being seen to be a complete embarrassment to the ruling government who is said to be put in corner.

Shocking scenes were witnessed in the Upper House of Parliament close to midnight when RJD member Rajniti Prasad tore a copy of Lokpal Bill and threw it in the Well of Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile the RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav was in the Rajya Sabha gallery during the proceedings.

If the constitutional amendment bill fell through in the Lok Sabha, the whole Lokpal Bill fell flat on its face in the Upper House.

The test of the bill was always going to be in the Upper House as the government did not have the numbers there. In the 243-member Rajya Sabha, Congress and its allies did not have a majority with its number placed at 92. The ruling party needed the support of the MPs of the parties supporting the government from outside. At least a walk out by them could have helped the government but not a vote against.


Related Stories
Team Anna attacks government over Lokpal fiasco
Sad day for democracy: Trinamool Congress
Did not run away from vote, we wanted debate: Cong
Govt has lost moral right to continue: BJP
RJD MP tears document in Rajya Sabha
Lalu in Rajya Sabha gallery
Lokpal not needed: Omar

“We have to respect the Constitutional propriety,” contended Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, when the Opposition said that they wanted the House to continue past the stipulated time of midnight.

The Opposition hit out hard at the government saying that the government did not want the Lokpal Bill to be put to vote as it would be a loss of face to them as they did not have the adequate numbers.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley said in Parliament, “The government which did not have the numbers in the House has choreographed the whole situation because it is in the minority.”

He added without mincing his words, “If a government shies away from the Parliament and runs away from voting then that government does not have the right to rule.”

“The government tried its best to delay the session,” said Sitaram Yechury of CPI(M). “This is a moral defeat for the government,” he added, saying “The bill should be brought back as soon as possible.”

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was asked by the BJP leader to take a stand but the PM did not intervene.

Even Congress’ allies hit hard at them. “Orchestrated chaos and shameful,” said Derek O Brien, spokesperson of Trinamool Congress, one of the key allies of the UPA. “Sad, sad, sad,” he added.

The BJP leaders predictably accused the government of match-fixing.

“It is a peculiar situation when the Opposition is demanding a vote and the government is running away from it. It has no moral right to rule. It was the government’s film. It was not the Opposition’s film. The government has covered itself with mud,” said Yashwant Sinha in a scathing remark.

“The UPA government has created a fraud in front of the nation,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad.

“They can take care of amendments in the Lok Sabha but in the Rajya Sabha they need months. They tried to manage with everyone including Mamata Banerjee but when they realised they did not have numbers the choreography started. The RJD was deployed to disrupt the proceedings,” he added.

"The Congress is exposed today. We were willing to sit the whole night to pass the Lokpal Bill," he added.

"This is the murder of democrscy," said Balbir Punj, another BJP leader.

"They have to pay the price for what happened today," said Prakash Javedkar.

The Congress party put up a brave front. “The Opposition including the BJP was not ready for voting. Time limit was also a factor. There were 187 amendments to be taken up,” said Janardhan Dwivedi, senior Congress spokesperson.

Law Minister Salman Khurshid had this to say, “The Opposition including the BJP had all the intention of sabotaging the Lokpal Bill. The Opposition put up more than 180 amendments.” “The issue was not of numbers and we did not run away,” he added.

“Who assaulted the Parliamentary democracy? This is the question to be asked,” said senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily. “The Opposition party changes the goal post every now and then,” he added.

“This was a live evidence of behind the scenes events of the past one year,” said Team Anna member Kiran Bedi in a sense of triumph.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet is scheduled to meet tomorrow according to sources. It is likely to consider recommending to the President proroguing the Winter Session of Parliament.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011, already passed by Lok Sabha, was moved for consideration by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy amid questions over its passage in view of stiff opposition by various parties, including UPA ally Trinamool Congress.

Initiating the debate, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley had slammed the bill saying it would lead to "constitutional havoc" as the Centre would be encouraged to "usurp" rights ofstates through the provision of setting up of Lokayuktas.

Abhishek M Singhvi (Cong) rejected Jaitley's contentions, saying said the BJP was creating fear psychosis over the issue of NGOs under the purview of the ombudsman.

Strongly batting for constitutional status to Lokpal, Singhvi attacked BJP saying it was opposing the bill only for the sake of it.

Rejecting charges of assault on federalism, the Congress MP said Parliament has the power to make laws for whole of the country or for any part.

Throughout the day, there was uncertainty over the fate of the Bill after Trinamool Congress' stiff opposition to the provisions related to creation of Lokayukta by theLokpal Bill.

The party, which is part of the government, had moved over 20 amendments and its main speaker in the House Sukhendu S Roy demanded deletion of all the clauses related to Lokayukta in entirety from the bill.

The ruling coalition, which has less than 100 members in the 243-member House, found the going difficult when parties supporting the government from outside like BSP (18), SP (6) and RJD (4) announced their opposition to the bill and theirdetermination to vote against the bill.

The BJP, Left parties and regional parties like BJD, JD(U) and AIADMK had already announced their opposition and intention to vote against it.

Through the day there were conspiracy theories doing the rounds in Parliament, one of which was that there would be a deliberate disruption and chaos created to enable adjournment of the House.

There was also a theory doing the rounds that the House cannot be extended beyond tonight because the extended period of the session was ending this tonight and that President's nod was required for further extension.

"The year is coming to a close on December 31 and a new session will begin," Bansal said adding any session in the New Year has to begin with the President's address.

Bansal said the government would require time to formulate its views if a "lacunae free" Lokpal was to be enacted.

The adjournment came when several members, particularly Left parties, created uproar, wanting to know whether the proceedings would continue after midnight as the extension of the Winter Session was till only December 29.

Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy was replying to the 11-hour debate on the crucial bill when the uproar started.

As opposition members smelt a rat in government strategy, BJP Deputy Leader SS Ahluwalia and later CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury sought to know from the Chair as to when the voting will be taken up and whether the House was beingextended beyond midnight.

Senior leaders from the BJP, Left and AIADMK kept on asking Chairman Hamid Ansari whether business of the House would remain in continuity at 12 when the extended time period of the Winter Session expires.

"There is a long way to go for 12 O' clock (midnight)," Ansari said at around 11:20 pm when Yechury sought to know whether the session will continue beyond midnight.

Yechury interrupted Narayanasami, who was replying to the debate on Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha, and said most of the MPs wanted a clear picture on the issue as the session was to end on December 29.

As members from BJP also joined the demand to seek a ruling from the Chair on the issue, Ansari parried the issue.

When Ansari said there is a long way to go for 12 O' Clock, Yechury shot back, "Narayanasami can go a long way (talking)."

Ansari did not give a clear reply and in the ensuing uproar he adjourned the proceedings for 15 minutes at around 11.30 pm.

During the adjournment period, senior ministers, including Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Bansal were huddled, apparently discussing the strategy.

When the House re-assembled 11.43 pm, Bansal said sincethe government has received 187 adjournments to the Bill, itneeded time to study the same. It led to angry protests fromthe BJP, Left, AIDMK, JD (U).

Earlier, two of the RJD members -- Rajneeti Prasad and Ram Kirpal Yadav, snatched papers from MoS Parliamentary Affairs V Naryanasamy in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The bill is now expected to come up in the Budget session.
Source:Znews

Read More

Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha tomorrow: Govt

New Delhi: It appears there is another twist in the Lokpal tale. The government has now decided to move and debate the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011 in Rajya Sabha only on Thursday.

Lok Sabha had passed the Lokpal Bill last night with voice vote.

“Rajya Sabha will take up Lokpal Bill for discussion tomorrow,” said MoS Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla.

There was earlier speculation that the Lokpal Bill would be tabled in Rajya Sabha today after President Pratibha Patil gave her approval for the same.



The Lokpal Bill would now be tabled in the Upper House tomorrow, following which a debate on the same would be held which will conclude with a vote.

The government is now likely to table the Whistleblower’s Bill today for debate and vote.

According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson, the President gave her approval for tabling the Lokpal Bill from Hyderabad where she is on a 10-day visit.

The President's approval was required for the measure since the Lok Sabha made some amendments to The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011 before its passage.

Meanwhile, the Congress-led UPA government faces a litmus test in getting the controversial Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha.

MoS in PMO, V Narayanasamy said this morning, “The Congress party is concerned about the fate of the Lokpal Bill and is determined to get the same passed in the Upper House.”

The minister expressed concerns about the possible absence of its own MPs and those from major allies including NCP, DMK, BSP, SP and RJD during the voting in Rajya Sabha - the absence of some MPs resulted in the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha yesterday.

The party has decided to take action against its own members, who staged a walkout or remained absent during the voting on the Constitution Amendment Bill yesterday, the minister stated.

The government’s move to introduce the Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha comes amid concerns that it lacks the required numbers to get the legislation passed in the Upper House.

If the members of its alliance partners including the SP, RJD and BSP walk out of the House during voting as they did in Lok Sabha last night, the government would surely be in trouble.

In the 245-member House, the Congress and its allies NCP, DMK, Trinamool Congress, LJP and RLD together have 93 members. Parties supporting the UPA from outside - BSP (18), SP (5) and RJD (4) -- account for 27 crucial votes.

These three parties had walked out of Lok Sabha before voting on the Lokpal Bill last night but their absence did not matter much because the bill required only a simple majority and it was passed by a voice vote.

However, the absence of 42 MPs from these three parties in the Lok Sabha spelt disaster for the government in the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which required a special majority for passage.

Probably, this has triggered concerns in the Congress government, which is making every attempt to ensure that the Lokpal Bill sails through choppy seas in Rajya Sabha.

Also yesterday, Lok Sabha passed the bill to protect whistleblowers, an anti-corruption framework that the UPA government has been trying to put in place.

Lok Sabha yesterday voted on the two bills at around 10 pm after a 10-hour debate that had 38 speakers and saw heated exchanges, but Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention at 4.40 pm indicated the government's resolve to press ahead despite stiff opposition, primarily on the question of constitution of Lokayuktas in the states.

"Legal sophistry cannot be used to argue that state legislatures must not adopt the model law proposed, or delay its enforcement. Let us endorse the bill as proposed," the PM said.

The opposition proposed nearly 90 amendments in all and the voting process for the three bills went on for nearly two hours, ending close to midnight.

Alleging that the bill "attacks the federal structure of the state", Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj demanded that the bill be referred back to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for re-consideration.

Most opposition members wanted the CBI to be freed of government control, but opinion was divided on whether the agency should be brought under the Lokpal.

Members wanted deletion of Section 24, which requires the Lokpal to send reports on charge-sheeted MPs to the presiding officers of the two houses of Parliament, asking them to take action against the member.
Source:Znews

Read More

Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha tomorrow: Govt

New Delhi: It appears there is another twist in the Lokpal tale. The government has now decided to move and debate the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011 in Rajya Sabha only on Thursday.

Lok Sabha had passed the Lokpal Bill last night with voice vote.

“Rajya Sabha will take up Lokpal Bill for discussion tomorrow,” said MoS Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla.

There was earlier speculation that the Lokpal Bill would be tabled in Rajya Sabha today after President Pratibha Patil gave her approval for the same.



The Lokpal Bill would now be tabled in the Upper House tomorrow, following which a debate on the same would be held which will conclude with a vote.

The government is now likely to table the Whistleblower’s Bill today for debate and vote.

According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson, the President gave her approval for tabling the Lokpal Bill from Hyderabad where she is on a 10-day visit.

The President's approval was required for the measure since the Lok Sabha made some amendments to The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011 before its passage.

Meanwhile, the Congress-led UPA government faces a litmus test in getting the controversial Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha.

MoS in PMO, V Narayanasamy said this morning, “The Congress party is concerned about the fate of the Lokpal Bill and is determined to get the same passed in the Upper House.”

The minister expressed concerns about the possible absence of its own MPs and those from major allies including NCP, DMK, BSP, SP and RJD during the voting in Rajya Sabha - the absence of some MPs resulted in the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha yesterday.

The party has decided to take action against its own members, who staged a walkout or remained absent during the voting on the Constitution Amendment Bill yesterday, the minister stated.

The government’s move to introduce the Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha comes amid concerns that it lacks the required numbers to get the legislation passed in the Upper House.

If the members of its alliance partners including the SP, RJD and BSP walk out of the House during voting as they did in Lok Sabha last night, the government would surely be in trouble.

In the 245-member House, the Congress and its allies NCP, DMK, Trinamool Congress, LJP and RLD together have 93 members. Parties supporting the UPA from outside - BSP (18), SP (5) and RJD (4) -- account for 27 crucial votes.

These three parties had walked out of Lok Sabha before voting on the Lokpal Bill last night but their absence did not matter much because the bill required only a simple majority and it was passed by a voice vote.

However, the absence of 42 MPs from these three parties in the Lok Sabha spelt disaster for the government in the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which required a special majority for passage.

Probably, this has triggered concerns in the Congress government, which is making every attempt to ensure that the Lokpal Bill sails through choppy seas in Rajya Sabha.

Also yesterday, Lok Sabha passed the bill to protect whistleblowers, an anti-corruption framework that the UPA government has been trying to put in place.

Lok Sabha yesterday voted on the two bills at around 10 pm after a 10-hour debate that had 38 speakers and saw heated exchanges, but Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention at 4.40 pm indicated the government's resolve to press ahead despite stiff opposition, primarily on the question of constitution of Lokayuktas in the states.

"Legal sophistry cannot be used to argue that state legislatures must not adopt the model law proposed, or delay its enforcement. Let us endorse the bill as proposed," the PM said.

The opposition proposed nearly 90 amendments in all and the voting process for the three bills went on for nearly two hours, ending close to midnight.

Alleging that the bill "attacks the federal structure of the state", Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj demanded that the bill be referred back to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for re-consideration.

Most opposition members wanted the CBI to be freed of government control, but opinion was divided on whether the agency should be brought under the Lokpal.

Members wanted deletion of Section 24, which requires the Lokpal to send reports on charge-sheeted MPs to the presiding officers of the two houses of Parliament, asking them to take action against the member.
Source:Znews

Read More

Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha tomorrow: Govt

New Delhi: It appears there is another twist in the Lokpal tale. The government has now decided to move and debate the Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011 in Rajya Sabha only on Thursday.

Lok Sabha had passed the Lokpal Bill last night with voice vote.

“Rajya Sabha will take up Lokpal Bill for discussion tomorrow,” said MoS Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla.

There was earlier speculation that the Lokpal Bill would be tabled in Rajya Sabha today after President Pratibha Patil gave her approval for the same.



The Lokpal Bill would now be tabled in the Upper House tomorrow, following which a debate on the same would be held which will conclude with a vote.

The government is now likely to table the Whistleblower’s Bill today for debate and vote.

According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson, the President gave her approval for tabling the Lokpal Bill from Hyderabad where she is on a 10-day visit.

The President's approval was required for the measure since the Lok Sabha made some amendments to The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011 before its passage.

Meanwhile, the Congress-led UPA government faces a litmus test in getting the controversial Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha.

MoS in PMO, V Narayanasamy said this morning, “The Congress party is concerned about the fate of the Lokpal Bill and is determined to get the same passed in the Upper House.”

The minister expressed concerns about the possible absence of its own MPs and those from major allies including NCP, DMK, BSP, SP and RJD during the voting in Rajya Sabha - the absence of some MPs resulted in the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha yesterday.

The party has decided to take action against its own members, who staged a walkout or remained absent during the voting on the Constitution Amendment Bill yesterday, the minister stated.

The government’s move to introduce the Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha comes amid concerns that it lacks the required numbers to get the legislation passed in the Upper House.

If the members of its alliance partners including the SP, RJD and BSP walk out of the House during voting as they did in Lok Sabha last night, the government would surely be in trouble.

In the 245-member House, the Congress and its allies NCP, DMK, Trinamool Congress, LJP and RLD together have 93 members. Parties supporting the UPA from outside - BSP (18), SP (5) and RJD (4) -- account for 27 crucial votes.

These three parties had walked out of Lok Sabha before voting on the Lokpal Bill last night but their absence did not matter much because the bill required only a simple majority and it was passed by a voice vote.

However, the absence of 42 MPs from these three parties in the Lok Sabha spelt disaster for the government in the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which required a special majority for passage.

Probably, this has triggered concerns in the Congress government, which is making every attempt to ensure that the Lokpal Bill sails through choppy seas in Rajya Sabha.

Also yesterday, Lok Sabha passed the bill to protect whistleblowers, an anti-corruption framework that the UPA government has been trying to put in place.

Lok Sabha yesterday voted on the two bills at around 10 pm after a 10-hour debate that had 38 speakers and saw heated exchanges, but Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention at 4.40 pm indicated the government's resolve to press ahead despite stiff opposition, primarily on the question of constitution of Lokayuktas in the states.

"Legal sophistry cannot be used to argue that state legislatures must not adopt the model law proposed, or delay its enforcement. Let us endorse the bill as proposed," the PM said.

The opposition proposed nearly 90 amendments in all and the voting process for the three bills went on for nearly two hours, ending close to midnight.

Alleging that the bill "attacks the federal structure of the state", Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj demanded that the bill be referred back to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for re-consideration.

Most opposition members wanted the CBI to be freed of government control, but opinion was divided on whether the agency should be brought under the Lokpal.

Members wanted deletion of Section 24, which requires the Lokpal to send reports on charge-sheeted MPs to the presiding officers of the two houses of Parliament, asking them to take action against the member.
Source:Znews

Read More

Anna's fever climbs, refuses to end fast, may be moved to hospital

MUMBAI: Anna Hazare refused on Tuesday night to end his three-day fast in support of a strong Lokpal despite falling sick and running 102 degrees temperature, his doctor and aides said.

His doctor DG Pote announced from the stage at the MMRDA ground that Hazare, 74, was very weak, his blood pressure had shot up by 30 points to 170/96, and his pulse rate was poor.

"This is the unfortunate reality," the doctor said. "When he fasts, he is always on the stage. This is the first time he is resting in the back."

The doctor said although the fast began only on Tuesday, his failure to eat adequate food the past few days because of cold had added to the problem.

Hazare confidant Arvind Kejriwal said he and his colleagues had been doing their best to persuade Anna to give up the fast.

"He is not agreeing. He refuses to break his fast. No one can have medicines on empty stomach," he said, speaking after the doctor gave his assessment.

PTI adds from New Delhi

Concerned over Anna Hazare's health, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar today appealed to the social activist to end his fast and continue his agitation.

"I appeal to Annaji to end his fast and continue the agitation," Ravi Shankar wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

His appeal came as concerns were raised about Hazare's health.

Hazare, who is suffering from viral infection, began his three-day fast in Mumbai though his close aides appealed to him to stop his fast and continue with his dharna.

Source:timesofindia

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Anna's fever climbs, refuses to end fast, may be moved to hospital

MUMBAI: Anna Hazare refused on Tuesday night to end his three-day fast in support of a strong Lokpal despite falling sick and running 102 degrees temperature, his doctor and aides said.

His doctor DG Pote announced from the stage at the MMRDA ground that Hazare, 74, was very weak, his blood pressure had shot up by 30 points to 170/96, and his pulse rate was poor.

"This is the unfortunate reality," the doctor said. "When he fasts, he is always on the stage. This is the first time he is resting in the back."

The doctor said although the fast began only on Tuesday, his failure to eat adequate food the past few days because of cold had added to the problem.

Hazare confidant Arvind Kejriwal said he and his colleagues had been doing their best to persuade Anna to give up the fast.

"He is not agreeing. He refuses to break his fast. No one can have medicines on empty stomach," he said, speaking after the doctor gave his assessment.

PTI adds from New Delhi

Concerned over Anna Hazare's health, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar today appealed to the social activist to end his fast and continue his agitation.

"I appeal to Annaji to end his fast and continue the agitation," Ravi Shankar wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

His appeal came as concerns were raised about Hazare's health.

Hazare, who is suffering from viral infection, began his three-day fast in Mumbai though his close aides appealed to him to stop his fast and continue with his dharna.

Source:timesofindia

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Anna's fever climbs, refuses to end fast, may be moved to hospital

MUMBAI: Anna Hazare refused on Tuesday night to end his three-day fast in support of a strong Lokpal despite falling sick and running 102 degrees temperature, his doctor and aides said.

His doctor DG Pote announced from the stage at the MMRDA ground that Hazare, 74, was very weak, his blood pressure had shot up by 30 points to 170/96, and his pulse rate was poor.

"This is the unfortunate reality," the doctor said. "When he fasts, he is always on the stage. This is the first time he is resting in the back."

The doctor said although the fast began only on Tuesday, his failure to eat adequate food the past few days because of cold had added to the problem.

Hazare confidant Arvind Kejriwal said he and his colleagues had been doing their best to persuade Anna to give up the fast.

"He is not agreeing. He refuses to break his fast. No one can have medicines on empty stomach," he said, speaking after the doctor gave his assessment.

PTI adds from New Delhi

Concerned over Anna Hazare's health, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar today appealed to the social activist to end his fast and continue his agitation.

"I appeal to Annaji to end his fast and continue the agitation," Ravi Shankar wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

His appeal came as concerns were raised about Hazare's health.

Hazare, who is suffering from viral infection, began his three-day fast in Mumbai though his close aides appealed to him to stop his fast and continue with his dharna.

Source:timesofindia

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Some people waiting for agitation to turn violent: Anna

Anna Hazare tonight cautioned his supporters against some people "waiting" for his agitation to take a violent turn in a bid to malign his movement and asked them to refrain from any violence. The 74-year-old Gandhian also said he is going ahead with his planned dharna outside the

residences of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in Delhi after his three-day fast at the MMRDA ground in Mumbai from Tuesday.
"Some people are waiting for violence during the agitation. If there is violence, the agitation will be maligned," Hazare said addressing a "gramsabha" at his native village here in Maharashtra. The activist did not elaborate nor did he give any indication as to whom he had in mind.

The anti-graft crusader said he would reach Mumbai on Monday in preparation for his fast.

"After the fast, I will go to Delhi and stage a dharna outside the house of Sonia and Rahul. After Mumbai, we will hold a fast in Delhi. Our agitation has been going on for over a year but to no avail. We will need to speak in the language they (government) understand," Hazare said.

"During the agitation in Delhi, we have prepared ourselves to receive lathi blows if the government resorts to canecharge," he said.

The MMRDA ground rent is around Rs 2 lakh per day and the organisers of the fast have paid the rent with donations from the people, he said.

"The duration of the fast at Mumbai has been kept only for three days due to insistence from people not to undertake a long fast," Hazare said, adding he was fully fit to do it.

sOURCE:hindustantimes

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Some people waiting for agitation to turn violent: Anna

Anna Hazare tonight cautioned his supporters against some people "waiting" for his agitation to take a violent turn in a bid to malign his movement and asked them to refrain from any violence. The 74-year-old Gandhian also said he is going ahead with his planned dharna outside the

residences of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in Delhi after his three-day fast at the MMRDA ground in Mumbai from Tuesday.
"Some people are waiting for violence during the agitation. If there is violence, the agitation will be maligned," Hazare said addressing a "gramsabha" at his native village here in Maharashtra. The activist did not elaborate nor did he give any indication as to whom he had in mind.

The anti-graft crusader said he would reach Mumbai on Monday in preparation for his fast.

"After the fast, I will go to Delhi and stage a dharna outside the house of Sonia and Rahul. After Mumbai, we will hold a fast in Delhi. Our agitation has been going on for over a year but to no avail. We will need to speak in the language they (government) understand," Hazare said.

"During the agitation in Delhi, we have prepared ourselves to receive lathi blows if the government resorts to canecharge," he said.

The MMRDA ground rent is around Rs 2 lakh per day and the organisers of the fast have paid the rent with donations from the people, he said.

"The duration of the fast at Mumbai has been kept only for three days due to insistence from people not to undertake a long fast," Hazare said, adding he was fully fit to do it.

sOURCE:hindustantimes

Read More

Some people waiting for agitation to turn violent: Anna

Anna Hazare tonight cautioned his supporters against some people "waiting" for his agitation to take a violent turn in a bid to malign his movement and asked them to refrain from any violence. The 74-year-old Gandhian also said he is going ahead with his planned dharna outside the

residences of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in Delhi after his three-day fast at the MMRDA ground in Mumbai from Tuesday.
"Some people are waiting for violence during the agitation. If there is violence, the agitation will be maligned," Hazare said addressing a "gramsabha" at his native village here in Maharashtra. The activist did not elaborate nor did he give any indication as to whom he had in mind.

The anti-graft crusader said he would reach Mumbai on Monday in preparation for his fast.

"After the fast, I will go to Delhi and stage a dharna outside the house of Sonia and Rahul. After Mumbai, we will hold a fast in Delhi. Our agitation has been going on for over a year but to no avail. We will need to speak in the language they (government) understand," Hazare said.

"During the agitation in Delhi, we have prepared ourselves to receive lathi blows if the government resorts to canecharge," he said.

The MMRDA ground rent is around Rs 2 lakh per day and the organisers of the fast have paid the rent with donations from the people, he said.

"The duration of the fast at Mumbai has been kept only for three days due to insistence from people not to undertake a long fast," Hazare said, adding he was fully fit to do it.

sOURCE:hindustantimes

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Can India overcome the first-Test Fobia !

The MCG, along with Eden Gardens - the biggest cricketing theatre in the world, is not a place for those who get confused easily. The ground is a maze of similar-looking receptions, escalators, elevators, glass doors that open on their own and have a mind of their own, parking lots and stands. To go to the nets you have to go two floors underground, walk a lot to your right (or even longer left if you are really confused), and then climb back up. Groundsmen who have been working here for years still lose their way. If you leave trail marks here, the ground is so regulated they will have been removed by the time you start looking for your way back 10 minutes later.

However, it's inside the stadium, on the turf, that you need clearest of heads. Harsha Bhogle, commentator and writer, talks of the experience of walking next to the pitch and looking up at the Great Southern Stand. You feel like an ant, he says, when you imagine the ground full. A full house is expected: according to estimates, as many as 80,000 are likely to turn up on Boxing Day. Eighty-thousand voices instructing you; 80,000 pairs of eyes judging every move of yours. For the Indian players, despite the Indian population here, this is the closest thing to being at the receiving end of the Eden Gardens phenomenon, where many a side has frozen in front of similarly huge crowds.

This is also the first Test of the series, and if they were given a choice India would happily start every series with the second Test. On three of their last four tours, they have lost the first Test. The exception was in the West Indies. And the three losses came in rain-affected matches. There are spells of rain around here, interspersed with brilliant sunshine. Boxing Day is likely to receive rain too, although not enough to overly disrupt play.

These slow starts put pressure on the resilience that has been the hallmark of this team. On two of those three occasions, India have managed to come back. It reached a point where people started taking first-Test losses as par for the course. On the third occasion, though, England kept coming at them hour after hour, and rearranged all the good figures painstakingly garnered over the last three years. India had an overseas record of 4-2 under MS Dhoni before England. Now it doesn't make for flattering reading. Slow starts are an affliction every Indian player acknowledges.

Dhoni says the best way is to prepare as well as you can, clear your mind, and trust your instincts when you walk out. "We have to make sure we start off well, but again no pressure," Dhoni said before the Test. "We will again try to keep it as simple as possible because we all know we have taken care of the preparation, which is the most important thing. And once you turn up on the field you want to play according to what your instinct says."

It seems they have got the preparation part right this time. Five days of organised cricket, and various others of nets. During their lead-up, Zaheer Khan has turned up looking lean and fit, Ishant Sharma has come back from an injury scare, and the batsmen have all got decent time in the middle and in the nets. In fact, Dhoni says if this doesn't prepare them, it is unlikely a month will.

On Christmas Day, when the rest of Melbourne seemed to be in a happy blissful slumber, across the serene Yarra Park, down two floors and then back up, the Indians looked to put finishing touches on before the big day. Sachin Tendulkar went to the indoor nets and batted for hours with the bowling machine even as people talked about the 100th hundred. Rahul Dravid, having arrived even as Australia finished their light session in the indoor nets, batted for longer than usual in the nets, both against throwdowns and the bowlers.

Today was also the day when the bowlers got to face bouncers. Zaheer, who usually doesn't come to the nets on the eve of the match, showed up, but only to bat. He asked Trevor Penney, the fielding coach, to throw down bouncers at him. Dravid instructed Penney to bowl three bouncers and then the full one. Ishant got some too. Quick, short, at the throat. Dhoni often mentions the runs the tail has fetched over the last two years.

Outside, the MCG remained silent, except for the hollering from those of the players who played a game of football before starting the cricket training. They wouldn't have visualised a packed house while playing football. It is impossible not to look up and get awed or inspired by the coliseum. Two hours later, three in case of Dravid, they walked out one by one, thanking the net bowlers - Pakistan-born Worcestershire player Imran Arif who spends English winters playing club cricket in Victoria among them - thanking the coaches, content they had studied all they could before the exam.

The rain arrived as soon as they finished. All went away for their Christmas lunches. The MCG became eerily quiet. Thunderstorms followed for the rest of the evening. Melbourne had welcomed India with glorious days with sunsets as late as 9pm. But the clouds opened up, reminiscent of eves of their first Tests in Sri Lanka and South Africa. Rain and India's first Tests are not good bedfellows; if they are to get rid of the first-Test ghost, they'll have to do it the hard way.

Source:Ndtv

Read More

Can India overcome the first-Test Fobia !

The MCG, along with Eden Gardens - the biggest cricketing theatre in the world, is not a place for those who get confused easily. The ground is a maze of similar-looking receptions, escalators, elevators, glass doors that open on their own and have a mind of their own, parking lots and stands. To go to the nets you have to go two floors underground, walk a lot to your right (or even longer left if you are really confused), and then climb back up. Groundsmen who have been working here for years still lose their way. If you leave trail marks here, the ground is so regulated they will have been removed by the time you start looking for your way back 10 minutes later.

However, it's inside the stadium, on the turf, that you need clearest of heads. Harsha Bhogle, commentator and writer, talks of the experience of walking next to the pitch and looking up at the Great Southern Stand. You feel like an ant, he says, when you imagine the ground full. A full house is expected: according to estimates, as many as 80,000 are likely to turn up on Boxing Day. Eighty-thousand voices instructing you; 80,000 pairs of eyes judging every move of yours. For the Indian players, despite the Indian population here, this is the closest thing to being at the receiving end of the Eden Gardens phenomenon, where many a side has frozen in front of similarly huge crowds.

This is also the first Test of the series, and if they were given a choice India would happily start every series with the second Test. On three of their last four tours, they have lost the first Test. The exception was in the West Indies. And the three losses came in rain-affected matches. There are spells of rain around here, interspersed with brilliant sunshine. Boxing Day is likely to receive rain too, although not enough to overly disrupt play.

These slow starts put pressure on the resilience that has been the hallmark of this team. On two of those three occasions, India have managed to come back. It reached a point where people started taking first-Test losses as par for the course. On the third occasion, though, England kept coming at them hour after hour, and rearranged all the good figures painstakingly garnered over the last three years. India had an overseas record of 4-2 under MS Dhoni before England. Now it doesn't make for flattering reading. Slow starts are an affliction every Indian player acknowledges.

Dhoni says the best way is to prepare as well as you can, clear your mind, and trust your instincts when you walk out. "We have to make sure we start off well, but again no pressure," Dhoni said before the Test. "We will again try to keep it as simple as possible because we all know we have taken care of the preparation, which is the most important thing. And once you turn up on the field you want to play according to what your instinct says."

It seems they have got the preparation part right this time. Five days of organised cricket, and various others of nets. During their lead-up, Zaheer Khan has turned up looking lean and fit, Ishant Sharma has come back from an injury scare, and the batsmen have all got decent time in the middle and in the nets. In fact, Dhoni says if this doesn't prepare them, it is unlikely a month will.

On Christmas Day, when the rest of Melbourne seemed to be in a happy blissful slumber, across the serene Yarra Park, down two floors and then back up, the Indians looked to put finishing touches on before the big day. Sachin Tendulkar went to the indoor nets and batted for hours with the bowling machine even as people talked about the 100th hundred. Rahul Dravid, having arrived even as Australia finished their light session in the indoor nets, batted for longer than usual in the nets, both against throwdowns and the bowlers.

Today was also the day when the bowlers got to face bouncers. Zaheer, who usually doesn't come to the nets on the eve of the match, showed up, but only to bat. He asked Trevor Penney, the fielding coach, to throw down bouncers at him. Dravid instructed Penney to bowl three bouncers and then the full one. Ishant got some too. Quick, short, at the throat. Dhoni often mentions the runs the tail has fetched over the last two years.

Outside, the MCG remained silent, except for the hollering from those of the players who played a game of football before starting the cricket training. They wouldn't have visualised a packed house while playing football. It is impossible not to look up and get awed or inspired by the coliseum. Two hours later, three in case of Dravid, they walked out one by one, thanking the net bowlers - Pakistan-born Worcestershire player Imran Arif who spends English winters playing club cricket in Victoria among them - thanking the coaches, content they had studied all they could before the exam.

The rain arrived as soon as they finished. All went away for their Christmas lunches. The MCG became eerily quiet. Thunderstorms followed for the rest of the evening. Melbourne had welcomed India with glorious days with sunsets as late as 9pm. But the clouds opened up, reminiscent of eves of their first Tests in Sri Lanka and South Africa. Rain and India's first Tests are not good bedfellows; if they are to get rid of the first-Test ghost, they'll have to do it the hard way.

Source:Ndtv

Read More

Can India overcome the first-Test Fobia !

The MCG, along with Eden Gardens - the biggest cricketing theatre in the world, is not a place for those who get confused easily. The ground is a maze of similar-looking receptions, escalators, elevators, glass doors that open on their own and have a mind of their own, parking lots and stands. To go to the nets you have to go two floors underground, walk a lot to your right (or even longer left if you are really confused), and then climb back up. Groundsmen who have been working here for years still lose their way. If you leave trail marks here, the ground is so regulated they will have been removed by the time you start looking for your way back 10 minutes later.

However, it's inside the stadium, on the turf, that you need clearest of heads. Harsha Bhogle, commentator and writer, talks of the experience of walking next to the pitch and looking up at the Great Southern Stand. You feel like an ant, he says, when you imagine the ground full. A full house is expected: according to estimates, as many as 80,000 are likely to turn up on Boxing Day. Eighty-thousand voices instructing you; 80,000 pairs of eyes judging every move of yours. For the Indian players, despite the Indian population here, this is the closest thing to being at the receiving end of the Eden Gardens phenomenon, where many a side has frozen in front of similarly huge crowds.

This is also the first Test of the series, and if they were given a choice India would happily start every series with the second Test. On three of their last four tours, they have lost the first Test. The exception was in the West Indies. And the three losses came in rain-affected matches. There are spells of rain around here, interspersed with brilliant sunshine. Boxing Day is likely to receive rain too, although not enough to overly disrupt play.

These slow starts put pressure on the resilience that has been the hallmark of this team. On two of those three occasions, India have managed to come back. It reached a point where people started taking first-Test losses as par for the course. On the third occasion, though, England kept coming at them hour after hour, and rearranged all the good figures painstakingly garnered over the last three years. India had an overseas record of 4-2 under MS Dhoni before England. Now it doesn't make for flattering reading. Slow starts are an affliction every Indian player acknowledges.

Dhoni says the best way is to prepare as well as you can, clear your mind, and trust your instincts when you walk out. "We have to make sure we start off well, but again no pressure," Dhoni said before the Test. "We will again try to keep it as simple as possible because we all know we have taken care of the preparation, which is the most important thing. And once you turn up on the field you want to play according to what your instinct says."

It seems they have got the preparation part right this time. Five days of organised cricket, and various others of nets. During their lead-up, Zaheer Khan has turned up looking lean and fit, Ishant Sharma has come back from an injury scare, and the batsmen have all got decent time in the middle and in the nets. In fact, Dhoni says if this doesn't prepare them, it is unlikely a month will.

On Christmas Day, when the rest of Melbourne seemed to be in a happy blissful slumber, across the serene Yarra Park, down two floors and then back up, the Indians looked to put finishing touches on before the big day. Sachin Tendulkar went to the indoor nets and batted for hours with the bowling machine even as people talked about the 100th hundred. Rahul Dravid, having arrived even as Australia finished their light session in the indoor nets, batted for longer than usual in the nets, both against throwdowns and the bowlers.

Today was also the day when the bowlers got to face bouncers. Zaheer, who usually doesn't come to the nets on the eve of the match, showed up, but only to bat. He asked Trevor Penney, the fielding coach, to throw down bouncers at him. Dravid instructed Penney to bowl three bouncers and then the full one. Ishant got some too. Quick, short, at the throat. Dhoni often mentions the runs the tail has fetched over the last two years.

Outside, the MCG remained silent, except for the hollering from those of the players who played a game of football before starting the cricket training. They wouldn't have visualised a packed house while playing football. It is impossible not to look up and get awed or inspired by the coliseum. Two hours later, three in case of Dravid, they walked out one by one, thanking the net bowlers - Pakistan-born Worcestershire player Imran Arif who spends English winters playing club cricket in Victoria among them - thanking the coaches, content they had studied all they could before the exam.

The rain arrived as soon as they finished. All went away for their Christmas lunches. The MCG became eerily quiet. Thunderstorms followed for the rest of the evening. Melbourne had welcomed India with glorious days with sunsets as late as 9pm. But the clouds opened up, reminiscent of eves of their first Tests in Sri Lanka and South Africa. Rain and India's first Tests are not good bedfellows; if they are to get rid of the first-Test ghost, they'll have to do it the hard way.

Source:Ndtv

Read More