Latest News Update: Jan 15, 2010

Friday, January 15, 2010

[ZESTCaste] Dalit leaders demand Ambedkar memorial in Delhi

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/dalit-leaders-demand-ambedkar-memorial-in-delhi_100304484.html

Dalit leaders demand Ambedkar memorial in Delhi

January 15th, 2010 - 9:32 pm ICT by IANS -
New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) Leaders from various political parties,
including the Congress, Friday threatened to march to parliament April
30 if the government does not fulfill their demand for building a
suitable memorial at the place where B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of
India's constitution, breathed his last.
Meeting under the banner of "Dr Amedkar Parinirvan Bhoomi Samman
Karyakram Samiti", the leaders said the place in Delhi where Ambedkar
died should be given the same status as Raj Ghat, the memorial to
Mahatma Gandhi.

Former union minister Ramvilas Paswan, who is a senior member of the
committee, said they had met Social Justice Minister Mukul Wasnik in
November and also given a representation to President Pratibha Patil
in December, but the government has not acted on their demand yet.

He said they would seek an appointment with the Prime Minister. "If
our demands are not met, we will organise a march to parliament April
30," Paswan said, noting that memorials to Mahatma Gandhi and other
national leaders were maintained properly but the place of Ambedkar's
demise in the capital was lying in a state of neglect.

Ambedkar, suffering from diabetes from 1948 and failing eyesight, died
Dec 6, 1956, barely three days after he completed his manuscript "The
Buddha and His Dhamma", at his place 26 Alipur Road in the Civil Lines
area.

Demanding immediate start of work at the place, he said it should be
developed as a tourist spot with a museum containing memorabilia
connected with Ambedkar.

Those who attended the meeting included Congress MP Jesudasu Seelam
and party leader H. Hanumanthappa, Shiromani Akali Dal leader and
former Lok Sabha deputy speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal, Indian Justice
Party leader Udit Raj and Republican Party leader Ramdas Athawale.
Representatives from the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Samajwadi
Party were also present.

------------------------------------

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[ZESTCaste] SC stay on Noida park statues causing Rs 3 lakh loss per day: UP govt

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/SC-stay-on-Noida-park-statues-causing-Rs-3-lakh-loss-per-day-UP-govt/articleshow/5449360.cms

SC stay on Noida park statues causing Rs 3 lakh loss per day: UP govt
PTI, 15 January 2010, 07:02pm IST

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh government today told the Supreme Court that
its order to stop the work for construction of statues and memorials
for Dalit leaders, including those of Mayawati and her political
mentor Kanshi Ram at a park in Noida near here, was causing a loss of
Rs three lakh everyday.

"All work has been held up. We are losing Rs three lakh everyday,"
senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for Uttar Pradesh government,
told a Special Forest Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan.

The Bench, also comprising Justices S H Kapadia and Aftab Alam, had on
October 9 directed Uttar Pradesh government to stop the work at the
site and allowed NOIDA authorities only to continue with other work
like planting of trees.

However, later the Centre in its affidavit had said there was no need
for environmental clearance for the controversial project.

The Centre's view was in response to the apex court notice asking it
to respond to the Central Empowered Committee report stating that the
state government should seek environmental clearance for the Rs
650-crore project in the 33.43 hectare.

The Centre had earlier opposed the project on environmental grounds.

When the matter came up for hearing, Venugopal said the Centre's
affidavit was in favour of Uttar Pradesh government and it should be
given permission at the earliest to go ahead with the construction
work.

The Bench posted the matter for further hearing on February 5 as the
state government itself has sought adjournment.

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[ZESTCaste] Govt eliciting views of ministries on Ranganath Misra report

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Govt-eliciting-views-of-ministries-on-Ranganath-Misra-report/567348/

Govt eliciting views of ministries on Ranganath Misra report
Agencies Posted: Jan 14, 2010 at 1200 hrs

New Delhi The Government is eliciting views of concerned ministries on
the Ranganath Misra Commission report, which recommended 10 per cent
reservation for Muslims and five per cent for other minorities in
government jobs and favoured Scheduled Caste status for Dalits in all
religions.
The responses would be discussed by the Union Cabinet before a
decision on implementing the report is taken, Minority Affairs
Minister Salman Khurshid said.

"We are sending it (report) to various ministries asking them to come
back with their suggestions and responses. We can then place their
views before the Cabinet," he said when asked as to what the
Government was doing on the recommendations.

The report of the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic
Minorities, headed by former Chief Justice of India Ranganath Misra,
was tabled in Parliament in December.

The Commission has also recommended delinking of Scheduled Caste
status from religion and abrogation of the 1950 Scheduled Caste Order
which "still excludes Muslims, Christians, Jains and Parsis from the
SC net."

The Order originally restricted SC status to Hindus only, but later
opened it to Buddhists and Sikhs.

The Commission also suggested an alternative route for reservation to
minorities if there was "insurmountable difficulty" in implementing
the recommendation for 15 per cent quota.

In this regard, it said since minorities constitute 8.4 per cent of
the total OBC population according to the Mandal Commission report, a
sub-quota for them should be proportionate to their population.

The internal break-up should be 6 per cent for the Muslims and 2.4 per
cent for other minorities. Khurshid said his ministry had very little
role in implementing the report as a number of ministries were
involved.

"Our role is very little. We don't have to decide (on the
recommendations). It has to be decided by other ministries," he said,
adding his ministry will give its input on the recommendations when
the matter comes up before the Cabinet.

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[ZESTCaste] Maywati's low ley birthday celebrations

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Maywatis-low-ley-birthday-celebrations/articleshow/5449357.cms

Maywati's low ley birthday celebrations

15 Jan 2010, 1901 hrs IST, Man Mohan Rai, ET Bureau

LUCKNOW: Chief Minister Minister Mayawati, known for her elaborate
birthday parties and public fanfare, celebrated her 54th birthday in a
low key
fashion on Friday.

The BSP czarina also kept away from cutting a cake cutting ceremony in
public but announced public welfare scheme to the tune of Rs 7,312
crores on the occasion. The city was bedecked with blue lighting and
the statues of herself and Dalit icons were decorated with flowers and
special lighting arrangements.

Mayawati's birthday on January 15 was earlier celebrated with much
fanfare and was also marked as "Arthik Sahyog Diwas" (Economic
Cooperation Day), in which BSP cadres collected money to be donated to
the party coffers on the occasion.

But the sensational murder of an executive engineer in PWD allegedly
by a BSP MLA Shekhar Tiwari over the issue of money extortion for the
birthday celebrations saw huge public outcry which led to the CM's
birthday party being spoiled last year.

Later, Mayawati announced that from this year onwards her birthday
would be observed as "Jan Kalyankari Diwas" (People's Welfare Day), in
which BSP cadres reach out to the needy.

BSP general secretary and Mayawati's close aide Satish Chandra Mishra
accompanied by Secretary to the CM Navneet Sehgal distributed blankets
among the poor on the birthday eve.

Children danced under psychedelic lights at a function held in the
CM's residence, which saw senior party leaders and bureaucrats being
present in full strength.

Mayawati as per her past practice also released the fifth volume of
her biography "A travelogue of my struggle and the BSP movement" on
the occasion.

In her book she has recalled how rival political parties like the
Congress, BJP and the SP ganaged up to prevent her from becoming the
Prime Minister during the crissis over the trust vote on the nuclear
deal issue.

She also said that the Congress was opposing the memorials being built
by her government because of its anti-Dalit mindset and causing
hindrances in their completion.

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[ZESTCaste] USDMWM Report On "National Convention On Social Security" held at Patna on 8-10 Jan 2010 [3 Attachments]

[Attachment(s) from ARUN KHOTE included below]

UNORGANIZED SECTOR DALITS & MARGINALAZED WORKERS MOVEMENTS

USDMWM

301, Sukriti Apartment, Old RTO compound, Latush Road, Lucknow-226001 (UP) Ph: 0522-2231769/ 2231686 Mob: 91#9451872099 E Mail : usdmwm@gmail.com , arun.khote@gmail.com

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

USDMWM Report on

Three days national Convention Of Social Security for

Unorganized Sector Workers held at Patna on 8^th to 10^th Jan 2010

With the 30 grass root leaders from five states Bihar, UP, Jharkhand, Orissa and Punjab, "Unorganized Sector Dalits & Marginalized Workers Movements- USDMWM" has participated in the three days "National Convention On Social Security" at Patna on 8-10 Jan2010 organized by "Social Security Now-SSN" A platform of more then 500 organizations to address the issue of social security for the unorganized sector workers.

During the convention leaders of USDMWM has raised serious concerns of Dalits and other marginalized workers including Adivasi and women.

"Instead to provide protection for the empowerment of Dalits, UPA Govt is alienating them from all the rights like Forrest Act, where Govt has placed condition for Dalits and other Forrest dwellers to prove their tenancy of 75 years or three generation. Similarly UPA Govt has ignored all the majors and provisions which are needed in the Social Security Act 2008 for the non discriminatory and equal access to the Dalits, women and advises". Said Sandya Devi, National core committee member of USDMWM and convenor of Orissa JSM.

Dalits need social security from Govt and society both. Dalits comprise one third of the total unorganized sector workers. Out of 425 million unorganized sector workers Dalits are more then 130 million. Various studies have already revealed that Social exclusion and discrimination in the job market are most important issues for the Dalit labors. We demand that UPA govt should amend the law to ensure non discriminatory and equal access to Dalits and women. She demanded that Govt should form non discriminatory/ Equal Access monitoring committee comprising 2/3 member from social sector under the Social Security Act2008..

More then six lakh Dalit families are still working as manual scavengers in the country. Millions of sweepers are working as daily wage worker in the municipal corporations from 10 to 30 years. Now Municipal Corporations are giving contract to private companies for the sweeping. These private companies are giving just Rs.1000 to Rs. 2000 as monthly wage to the sweepers with out any social security and other benefits. UPA Govt should form a Separate National Board of Social Security for Sweeper Community under the Social Security Act 2008 and provide funds from Scheduled Caste Sub Plan. Demanded Rajmani (UP) of USDMWM.

More then 80% child labors are from Dalit community who are major contributor in the family income. If a Dalit child goes to school then the net family income will be declined which is major concern before a Dalit child labor and his/her family. UPA Govt should consider bridging the gape of family income through social security Act 2008 to ensure education and dignified life to the Dalit child labor. Said Ajeet Khote from NAI SUBAH and member of USDMWM.

Rajesh Kumar (Punjab), core committee member of USDMWM said that benefits of Social Security Act 2008 has been limited to the workers who are under BPL. This condition is alienating more then 90% workers of unorganized sector. He demanded that benefits of social security act should extend to all unorganized sector workers. In the view of recommendations and findings of Abhijit Sen Gupta committee and Suresh Tendulkar committee report UPA Govt should redefine the parameters of below poverty line (BPL).

Girsant Yaday from NREGA Mazdoor Union and member of USDMWM said that NREGA is a social security component but the parameters fixed for the work are not proper. In UP workers some of the areas NRGEA workers are getting less then 50 rupees after working more then eight hours. Dalit workers are getting less wages then the general category.

80% Dalits are landless agricultural worker and they comprising 49.06% of the total agriculture workers. To ensure a dignified life it is important that through Social Security Act 2008, Govt have to ensure land distribution with adequate resources. Said Jitendra Singh from Jharkhand.

Arun Khote, National Convenor-USDMWM said that Social Security Act 2008 is nothing but just bunch of the earlier welfare schemes with out any adequate provisions of the budget. This does not have any safe guards for the excluded communities.

Social Security Act 2008 should not be a welfare provision but should be right base approach. It should provide means of productions like land to the unorganized sector workers particular to the Dalits. UPA Govt should allocate minimum 5% of the budget for the social security of unorganized sector workers(who are contributing more then 65% in to the GPD) similar like Bengadesh and Sri Lanka.

Dalits are majority portion of labor force. For inclusive national movement on Comprehensive Social Security it is important that all people's movements and labor movements including all working class movements have to address the issue of social exclusion. Dalit needs special attention from working class movements. He said.

He appealed to all Dalit social and struggle groups, organizations, networks from national to grass root level to rage a national movement on the issue of Comprehensive social security for the Dalits and other marginalized people.

National Convention on Social Security has deeply criticized the UPA Govt attitude towards unorganized sector workers. Govt has provided 40,000 carore to the govt officials in the sixth pay commission but providing just 1300 carore for the social security of 430 million workers of unorganized sector who are contributing 65% of the GDP. Even UPA Govt has completely ignored the earlier recommendations of national advisory committee for the 20,000 carore for the social security of unorganized sector workers.

National Convention On Social Security has adopted a seven point declaration for the comprehensive social security.

Arun khote

National Convenor

Unorganized Sector Dalits & Marginalized Workers Movements- USDMWM

--
ARUN KHOTE

__._,_.___

Attachment(s) from ARUN KHOTE

3 of 3 File(s)

USDMWM Report_Hindi_.pdf

report of SSN National Convention.doc

Patna Decleration - FINAL.pdf

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[ZESTCaste] Mayawati releases book on birthday, targets Congress

http://india-forums.com/news/article.asp?id=222309

Mayawati releases book on birthday, targets Congress
By Indo Asian News Service | 15 January 2010 | 5:12pm 0 Comment

Lucknow, Jan 15 (IANS) On her 54th birthday Friday, Bahujan Samaj
Party (BSP) boss and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati released
the fifth volume of her book detailing her political struggles. In it,
Mayawati has claimed she would have become prime minister but for the
'ganging up by Congress, BJP and Samajwadi Party'.

Lucknow, Jan 15 (IANS) On her 54th birthday Friday, Bahujan Samaj
Party (BSP) boss and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati released
the fifth volume of her book detailing her political struggles. In it,
Mayawati has claimed she would have become prime minister but for the
'ganging up by Congress, BJP and Samajwadi Party'.

The BSP chief released the book, titled 'Mere Sangharshmay Jeevan Evam
BSP Movement ka Safarnam', at her official residence here.

Releasing the book, she said: 'This volume has a detailed account of
the progress made by the party togther with whatever I have done over
the past one year.'

In this 1,100-page volume, Maywati flays the opposition for
criticising her decision to dedicate and build memorials for leading
Dalit icons, who she alleged were 'systematically ignored by
successive ruling parties over the years'.

Lashing out at the Congress party in particular, for what she termed
as its 'anti-Dalit mindset', Mayawati writes in her book: 'The
Congress party has made these memorials, built in the interest and for
the use of general public, as an excuse for their political animosity
to us. In addition to misusing the central government machinery for
the purpose, they are also opposing these vehemently in the court of
law.'

She goes on to add: 'These historic construction works executed by my
government in Uttar Pradesh are like a thorn in the flesh of the
Congress party.'

Referring to her book, she said: 'I am able to write this for the
readers because it has been a very old hobby of mine to get up early
in the morning and do some reading and writing. That was how many
documents related to the BSP movement are now treasured by the party.'

She also made it a point to claim that she would have become the
country's prime minister 'if it were not for the ganging up by
Congress, BJP and Samajwadi Party.'

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[ZESTCaste] Rs.7,312 crore welfare schemes on Mayawati’s B’day

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/rs7312-crore-welfare-schemes-on-mayawatis-bday_100304290.html

Rs.7,312 crore welfare schemes on Mayawati's B'day

January 15th, 2010 - 5:39 pm ICT by IANS -
Lucknow, Jan 15 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj
Party (BSP) chief Mayawati's 54th birthday Friday was a clear
deviation from the past, as she announced welfare programmes and
development schemes worth a whopping Rs.7,312 crore.
Even as her dazzling diamonds were in place, the usual large cake from
the only five star confectionery in town was missing and so was the
ostentation at the function at her official residence.

Other than a brief specially composed birthday song-dance by children
from the City Montessori School, there was no cultural extravaganza
that used to mark the event on earlier occasions.

The focus was on 265 foundation stones and plaques that Mayawati
unveiled with the click of a button.

These included inauguration of or foundation stone laying of new
bridges, construction of new roads, installation of new ambitious
power projects, drinking water and sanitation schemes besies
programmes launched for the welfare of the poor, the infirm and women,
the chief minister told invitees at a jam-packed multi-purpose hall in
her residence premises.

"These welfare programmes, schemes and development projects were, in
all, worth Rs.7,312 crores," she said.

Most prominent of these is a monthly pension scheme that entitles the
poor to get Rs. 300 a month. This would entail a financial burden of
Rs.1,100 crores on the state.

"We brought this scheme to include the large chunk of the poor who
could not be covered under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list because
of the ceiling imposed by the union government on the number of such
beneficiaries," she said.

"After the centre's continued silence to our repeated requests for
lifting the ceiling, we mobilized our own funds to increase the ambit
of BPL beneficiaries. We propose to annually cover about 30 lakh poor
people who despite living below the poverty line did not have BPL
cards," she said.

Her other populist announcements included release of 25 mentally
handicapped prisoners and undertrials, besides proposed release of
26,335 undertrials who have completed 50 percent of the jail term to
which they could be sentenced for their alleged crimes.

While she distributed a number of tri-cycles to the physically
challenged, she also gave away cheques to some new BPL beneficiaries
to mark the launch of her monthly dole scheme. The monthly subsistence
pension of Rs.300 would be given away in six-monthly cycles.

------------------------------------

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[ZESTCaste] Her take on caste and more

http://www.expressbuzz.com/entertainment/Entertainstory.aspx?Title=Her%20take%20on%20caste%20and%20more&artid=wxa5lflCVSU=&SectionID=TPEu9LXF3Wk=&MainSectionID=TPEu9LXF3Wk=&SEO=Panthibhojanam,+Sreebala+K+Menon,+Santhosh+Echikan&SectionName=H6Lz7EG5SyQeO7G0FyybQg==

Her take on caste and more

T S Preetha

First Published : 15 Jan 2010 11:29:00 PM IST

Last Updated : 15 Jan 2010 11:42:47 AM IST ENS Photo What is the caste
of your food? This question points its fingers at Kerala's seemingly
secular society which puts on the fake show that the caste system is
an issue the state has already solved. And the query is raised by
Sreebala K Menon through her debut short film 'Panthibhojanam' which
was previewed at Thiruvananthapuram recently.

Sreebala chose Santhosh Echikanam's well-acclaimed short story for her
20-minute short film mainly to highlight this socially relevant issue.
The story is a poignant reminder that despite all its cultural and
social advancements, Kerala society still retains part of the age old
caste system and that Dalits still face social stigma even in urban
circles. The manners and food habits of those from the lower section
of the social ladder are still laughed at by the so-called upper class
who are unwilling to let them enter their world unless it is for their
benefit.

Sreebala spins the film around five lawyers, four from the creamy
upper caste who are forced to dine with Rugmini the Dalit at Susan's
home. The story ends with Sangeetha Namboodiri vomiting the food
brought by Rugmini, but Sreebala has added an epilogue where Rugmini
wonders when they will all come to her home for the real
'panthibhojanam'.

"The 'panthibhojanam' recorded in history has the lower class having
the food normally eaten by the upper class. Never once have we heard
about Namboodiris and others going to Dalit homes and eating their
food. That is what the story aims to focus Sreebala K Menon's short
film 'Panthibhojanam' is a dig at Kerala's puffed up image of a
casteless society on. That caste is something that creates borders
even among the highly educated men and women of today," says Sreebala.

She made the film to 'convince myself that I can do a film on my own'.

"It is like a test dose. I am happy with the final product even though
it has a few faults," she says.

Sreebala is planning to market the film through book stalls as a DVD.

Now that short films have attained popularity for their content and
style, Sreebala is hopeful that her film will reach out to many as
short film festivals and video film festivals have become common in
Kerala.

"Short film making is like blogging.

And it is a woman-friendly world too. There is no need to search for a
producer, no paraphernalia is necessary. With Rs 2 lakh you can bring
out a good film. Not all stories need to be stretched to full-length
feature films," says Sreebala who is the associate director with one
of Malayalam's most popular directors- Sathyan Anthikkad.

Sreebala created history of sorts when she started assisting Sathyan
Anthikkad for the film 'Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka' as part of
her internship for a visual communication course.

She then joined C-DIT but her mind was hooked on the film field. So
she returned to assist him in 'Achuvinte Amma' and stayed on to
complete his next films, 'Rasathanthram', 'Vinodayatra' and 'Innathe
Chinthavishayam'.

She turned associate director with 'Bhagyadevatha' and is now busy
with his new film starring Jayaram and Mamta Mohandas.

"When I came on the scene there were very few girls working in the
technical field. But it has changed now. Most of the prominent
directors have women assistant directors. The concept of film making
as a man's job is passe," she says.

Though being part of the direction crew is tough, Sreebala says she
enjoys every bit. "You have to be mentally and physically fit to
survive the strain of filming.

And you learn to keep your cool whatever happens. The shooting may go
on and on, sometimes at the cemetery, sometimes on the road." So has
she ever had to deal with the much publicised star acts? "Never," she
shakes her head. 'This field is very professional.

For everyone, time is money. So they don't throw tantrums or try to
show off. And being a woman I get a lot of support too. Once here you
learn human management and mould actors into our job." The winner of
Kerala Sahitya Akademi award in the humour category in 2006 for her
story collection '19, Canal Road', Sreebala says her hands are too
full with the new project to write.

As if to prove the point, her phone starts ringing. It is Sathyan
Anthikkad calling from Alappuzha to know about the pre-shooting
arrangements.

And Sreebala switches to her associate director mode happily.

ts_preetha@expressbuzz.com

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[ZESTCaste] Joint opposition prevented from PM's post: Mayawati

http://www.ptinews.com/news/469790_Joint-opposition-prevented-from-PM-s-post--Mayawati

Joint opposition prevented from PM's post: Mayawati

STAFF WRITER 16:39 HRS IST
Lucknow, Jan 15 (PTI) The opposition joined forces in the Lok Sabha
elections so that a Dalit does not occupy the chair of country's Prime
Minister, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP president Mayawati, who
turned 54 today, says in her latest book.

"This is the reason behind these parties reaching a covert
understanding during the confidence vote sought by the Central
government in the Parliament on the Indo-US nuclear deal so as to stop
me from becoming the Prime minister," Mayawati writes in the fifth
volume of her book 'A travelogue of my struggle ridden life and BSP
movement', excerpts of which were released by her on her birthday.

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[ZESTCaste] Caste list: Tytler, Sharma may escape Cong wrath

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Caste-list--Tytler--Sharma-may-escape-Cong-wrath/567628

Caste list: Tytler, Sharma may escape Cong wrath
Express news service Posted online: Friday , Jan 15, 2010 at 0255 hrs
NEW DELHI/PATNA : AICC Bihar in-charge Jagdish Tytler and state PCC
chief Anil Sharma are likely to survive the storm over the release of
the controversial list of the party's state executive that contained
the caste name of Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and other
office-bearers, even as they face legal troubles after the
registration of an FIR against them in Patna by a Dalit forum.
Bihar Dalit Kranti Morcha, a voluntary group, on Thursday lodged a
complaint with the Punaichak-based Harijan Thana under provisions of
the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The complainant, front chairman Vidan Chandra Rana told The Indian
Express: "Congress leaders Tytler and Sharma have hurt sentiments of
Dalits and insulted them by naming their castes in BPCC list, released
here on 6 January." The police have ordered an inquiry.

Though embarrassed, the Congress leadership is not inclined to take
any action against Tytler and Sharma, it was reliably learnt. AICC
general secretary (organisation) Janardan Dwivedi is holding an
internal inquiry into the incident. Party sources said that it was a
"mistake" to release the list with caste names, which was actually "an
internal exercise", but sacking Tytler and Sharma in an election year
was not considered practical.

Tytler, meanwhile, sought to wriggle out of the controversy claiming
that the internal document was "stolen" and leaked to the media. "You
find out who brought the list. It is an internal document. So many
things are mentioned in internal papers. But what is important is what
comes out officially," he said in Delhi.

Sharma termed it a "conspiracy" of political rivals.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attacked the Congress, saying, "Congress
has always been a casteist party and its list reflected it amply. The
party leaves no chances to criticise us when we talk of Dalit welfare,
but the party leaders are groping for an explanation now."

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[ZESTCaste] FIR against Tytler for casteist remarks against Meira

http://www.zeenews.com/news595856.html

FIR against Tytler for casteist remarks against Meira

Updated on Thursday, January 14, 2010, 21:17 IST
Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: Congress leader Jagdish Tytler is courting trouble again.
An FIR was lodged against him on Thursday for making caste-based
remarks against Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.

The FIR was filed against Tytler and Sharma here this afternoon by
Dalit Kranti Morcha leader Vidhanchandra Rana. The duo faces charges
under various sections of the SC/ST Prevention Act 1989, police said,
adding an inquiry was ordered into the matter.

Besides Tytler, who is the Congress in-charge of Bihar, the head of
party's state unit Anil Sharma has also been made an accused in the
case.

The use of caste names in the list of Bihar PCC office-bearers and
dragging Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar into a controversy has deeply
embarrassed the Congress leaders who have washed their hands off the
issue pleading ignorance.

Sharma has been blamed for the row that has shown Congress in a poor
light. The Speaker, a permanent invitee to the PCC, has her caste
mentioned in the Bihar PCC office bearers' list signed by Tytler.

Meanwhile, reacting to it Meira Kumar said, "I belong to a political
party. As a Speaker, I believe in strict neutrality of the chair."

Congress leader and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is the daughter of
the late Deputy Prime Minister Babu Jagjivan Ram- one of the tallest
Dalit leader of his time.

Rana alleged that both Tytler and Sharma violated the act by naming
castes of the leaders in the list and termed the act as "a
constitutional crime."

Sharma had denied having released the list with caste details and
described it as "handiwork of forces inimical to him."

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[ZESTCaste] Mayawati declares her birthday for the poor

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/mayawati-declares-her-birthday-for-the-poor_100304172.html

Mayawati declares her birthday for the poor

January 15th, 2010 - 2:52 pm ICT by ANI -
Lucknow, Jan 15 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, who
turned 54 on Friday, has decided that instead of accepting gifts, she
would present gifts to the poor on her birthday.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Supremo has declared her birthday to be
celebrated as Jan Kalyan Diwas, and special camps have been organised
in all the district headquarters for the purpose.

It is reported that a symblic cake will be cut in all the 403 assembly
constituencies, where her party workers are expected to inform the
people about the achievements of the government.

Mayawati's last birthday had come under strong criticism, as she was
lavished with expensiven gifts, golds, diamonds and cash by her
suuporters. (ANI)

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[ZESTCaste] Mayawati paints Lucknow BSP blue on her birthday

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/mayawati-paints-lucknow-bsp-blue-on-her-birthday_100304301.html

Mayawati paints Lucknow BSP blue on her birthday

January 15th, 2010 - 5:55 pm ICT by IANS -
Lucknow, Jan 15 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh capital was literally
covered under a blue blanket - from blue lights to blue buntings - to
mark the 54th birthday Friday of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president
and state Chief Minister Mayawati.
Long strings of tiny blue lights were draped around each of the
monuments erected by the Mayawati government in the name of different
Dalit icons, including Babasaheb Ambedkar, Shahuji Maharaj, Narayan
Guru, Ramaswamy Periyar, Jyotiba Phule and of course Kanshi Ram, the
BSP founder and Mayawati's political mentor.

Mayawati's half a dozen statues erected at different places across the
city were bedecked profusely with exquisite flowers, ordered specially
from Delhi and other places.

Millions of tiny blue bulbs were used to lend the city a BSP blue hue.
Officials were tight-lipped about how much the whole affair cost the
state exchequer. But the city sure wore a new look with the new kind
of illumination.

The decoration and illuminations on the birthday of "Behenji", as she
is known to her followers, were as on a grander scale than the
adornments on Independence Day or Republic Day.

While the chief minister confined herself to the four walls of her
heavily guarded official residence, people thronged the memorials for
a glimpse of the decorations.

Security was beefed up in and around each of the memorials since Thursday.

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Friday, January 15, 2010

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