Colombo, May 16 (PTI) With the Sri Lankan forces cutting off all their escape routes, the top Tamil Tigers leadership, including its supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran, may be preparing to commit "mass suicide", the defence ministry said today.
The Tigers are "preparing for a mass suicide after forces cut off their sea as well as land escape routes and cornered them in a mere 3.5 sq km area", a military statement said.
The reports of the LTTE leadership resorting to self destruction came as a government spokesman said that army was on the brink of capturing all the rebel-held areas.
"Within hours, we expect the news of end of fighting," state television reporters, who have been allowed to move with the frontline troops, reported.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is on a trip to Jordon, is cutting short his visit and returning here where he may make a televised announcement late tonight.
The fast paced development came as Sri Lankan forces today captured last strip of coastline held by the rebels virtually cutting off any sea escape routes.
Two army divisions advancing on parallel fronts on the island's northeastern coastline linked up at the village of Vellamullivaikkal early today cutting off any sea escape route of the Tigers, military spokesman Brig Udaya Nanayakkara said. PTI
Sunday, May 17, 2009
L K Advani steps into sunset of discontent
17 May 2009,
NEW DELHI: The L K Advani era has set. With results derailing BJP's power bid, a change of guard in BJP is inevitable. Advani is expected to step down as Leader of Opposition soon though an unclear pecking order could delay matters for a while.
After a long career in politics, during which he pitched Hindutva as a mainstream political thought, Advani's shot at the top job has fallen way short of target. BJP will soon have to address a generational change in the party — a fraught task given the competing claims.
Buzzing with activity till the morning hours, BJP prime ministerial candidate L K Advani's residence wore a deserted look as news of NDA's poor showing in the Lok Sabha polls trickled in. The scene reflected the exact mood in the party, which expected to make it as the single largest over Congress, even if there were doubts on whether it could cobble up enough numbers to form the government.
If the defeat five years ago hurt because it came as a surprise, the party was shocked on Saturday by the scale of Congress's victory which has settled the debate as to which is the country's number one political formation.
Typically, it will raise debate on the merits of ideological purity and pragmatism, with Hindutva hardliners backed by their comrades in the RSS pinning the blame on dilution of the brand under Advani. Many in the party fear that the dispute is going to sap the organisational energy and keep it from functioning as the main opposition.
The shrinkage carries with it the risk of the leadership being unable to forge a majority agenda because of the pressure from hardliners to cater to the biases of the base and protect the coherence of the brand. Coupled with this is the problem of succession and renewed factional bloodletting.
By afternoon, Advani had decided to step down as Leader of Opposition and asked the party's parliamentary board to choose a new leader. This exercise in itself is bound to start a war among second rung leaders in the party as seniors such as Jaswant Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh and Murli Manohar Joshi have all been elected to the lower House.
The problem is deeper and goes beyond who takes over as Leader of Opposition. Even as Advani fades into the political sunset, there is no automatic successor in sight. Narendra Modi's claim to be the natural successor was never acceptable to many. But the resistance will increase because of Congress's success in averting a mauling in Gujarat and Modi's failure to translate his Hindutva warrior image into votes outside Gujarat.
There was also the issue of unsettled dynamics between party president Rajnath Singh and his colleagues, including Advani. The party president lacks acceptance with many, but is sure to insist on hanging on now that the exit of Advani is imminent.
A blame game was already on with party strategists suddenly acknowledging that that projection of Narendra Modi as a future PM in the midst of electioneering was an "error of judgement". "It is a collective failure," BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley said.
NEW DELHI: The L K Advani era has set. With results derailing BJP's power bid, a change of guard in BJP is inevitable. Advani is expected to step down as Leader of Opposition soon though an unclear pecking order could delay matters for a while.
After a long career in politics, during which he pitched Hindutva as a mainstream political thought, Advani's shot at the top job has fallen way short of target. BJP will soon have to address a generational change in the party — a fraught task given the competing claims.
Buzzing with activity till the morning hours, BJP prime ministerial candidate L K Advani's residence wore a deserted look as news of NDA's poor showing in the Lok Sabha polls trickled in. The scene reflected the exact mood in the party, which expected to make it as the single largest over Congress, even if there were doubts on whether it could cobble up enough numbers to form the government.
If the defeat five years ago hurt because it came as a surprise, the party was shocked on Saturday by the scale of Congress's victory which has settled the debate as to which is the country's number one political formation.
Typically, it will raise debate on the merits of ideological purity and pragmatism, with Hindutva hardliners backed by their comrades in the RSS pinning the blame on dilution of the brand under Advani. Many in the party fear that the dispute is going to sap the organisational energy and keep it from functioning as the main opposition.
The shrinkage carries with it the risk of the leadership being unable to forge a majority agenda because of the pressure from hardliners to cater to the biases of the base and protect the coherence of the brand. Coupled with this is the problem of succession and renewed factional bloodletting.
By afternoon, Advani had decided to step down as Leader of Opposition and asked the party's parliamentary board to choose a new leader. This exercise in itself is bound to start a war among second rung leaders in the party as seniors such as Jaswant Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh and Murli Manohar Joshi have all been elected to the lower House.
The problem is deeper and goes beyond who takes over as Leader of Opposition. Even as Advani fades into the political sunset, there is no automatic successor in sight. Narendra Modi's claim to be the natural successor was never acceptable to many. But the resistance will increase because of Congress's success in averting a mauling in Gujarat and Modi's failure to translate his Hindutva warrior image into votes outside Gujarat.
There was also the issue of unsettled dynamics between party president Rajnath Singh and his colleagues, including Advani. The party president lacks acceptance with many, but is sure to insist on hanging on now that the exit of Advani is imminent.
A blame game was already on with party strategists suddenly acknowledging that that projection of Narendra Modi as a future PM in the midst of electioneering was an "error of judgement". "It is a collective failure," BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley said.
Obama looks forward to enhancing 'warm' India-US partnership
17 May 2009,
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama congratulated India on its "historic" national elections saying he looks forward to continue working with the Indian government to enhance the "warm partnership" between the two countries.
"President Obama looks forward to continuing to work with the Indian government to enhance the warm partnership between our two countries," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement on Saturday.
"President Obama congratulates India on its historic national elections," he said after the ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance surged to a commanding win.
"By successfully completing the largest exercise of popular voting in the world, the elections have strengthened India's vibrant democracy and upheld the values of freedom and pluralism that make India an example for us all," he said.
Gibbs added that the US recognised the achievement of Indian people in the election, noting they remained the "strength and foundation for India's prosperity and democracy".
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama congratulated India on its "historic" national elections saying he looks forward to continue working with the Indian government to enhance the "warm partnership" between the two countries.
"President Obama looks forward to continuing to work with the Indian government to enhance the warm partnership between our two countries," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement on Saturday.
"President Obama congratulates India on its historic national elections," he said after the ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance surged to a commanding win.
"By successfully completing the largest exercise of popular voting in the world, the elections have strengthened India's vibrant democracy and upheld the values of freedom and pluralism that make India an example for us all," he said.
Gibbs added that the US recognised the achievement of Indian people in the election, noting they remained the "strength and foundation for India's prosperity and democracy".
Stronger FII inflows to boost market
17 May 2009,
Circa 2004: As red flags swept parts of India, there was bloodbath on Dalal Street. The investors' fear that a powerful Left will call the shots at the Centre led to the sensex recording one of its biggest plunges. Circa 2009: With the Left decimated, the Street is gearing up for one of its best sessions in years. Some market players see the sensex rallying up to — hold your breath — 10% or 1,200 points.
The stunning victory of the UPA government is expected to help extend the 10-week-old rally that has added over 4,000 points to the 30-share BSE benchmark, from its 2009 low at 8,160. Most market players believe the UPA's continuation in power with a stronger majority, but without the Left's support, could help improve the fiscal situation.
FIIs are also expected to pump more money into the Indian markets, through equity and debt. And, rupee is expected to strengthen against dollar. This better FII inflow, forex market pundits said, will take rupee higher in both short term as well as in the long term. Some experts said rupee to start trading with a huge gap on Monday. “Rupee is expected to open below 49 level on Monday from its previous close of 49.41, considering the positivity in the forex market," said Aspi Bharucha, vice prsident, Vadilal Forex.
The new government is expected to amend the Forward Contract Regulation Act to give Forward Market Commission more teeth.
Circa 2004: As red flags swept parts of India, there was bloodbath on Dalal Street. The investors' fear that a powerful Left will call the shots at the Centre led to the sensex recording one of its biggest plunges. Circa 2009: With the Left decimated, the Street is gearing up for one of its best sessions in years. Some market players see the sensex rallying up to — hold your breath — 10% or 1,200 points.
The stunning victory of the UPA government is expected to help extend the 10-week-old rally that has added over 4,000 points to the 30-share BSE benchmark, from its 2009 low at 8,160. Most market players believe the UPA's continuation in power with a stronger majority, but without the Left's support, could help improve the fiscal situation.
FIIs are also expected to pump more money into the Indian markets, through equity and debt. And, rupee is expected to strengthen against dollar. This better FII inflow, forex market pundits said, will take rupee higher in both short term as well as in the long term. Some experts said rupee to start trading with a huge gap on Monday. “Rupee is expected to open below 49 level on Monday from its previous close of 49.41, considering the positivity in the forex market," said Aspi Bharucha, vice prsident, Vadilal Forex.
The new government is expected to amend the Forward Contract Regulation Act to give Forward Market Commission more teeth.
India Inc upbeat as it sees stable government, push for reforms
16 May 2009,
NEW DELHI: India Inc, too, has given its verdict: It has applauded the people's mandate that seeks the return of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, hoping for stability in governance and a major push to economic reforms.
Stung by a fall in industrial output, drop in demand, major dip in exports and an overall slowdown of the Indian economy, leading chambers Saturday said the electoral victory for the Congress-led alliance will now make the environment conducive to tackling these issues.
"This outcome will generate a feel-good factor in the Indian business community as political instability was a major concern," said Amit Mitra, president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
"You will see it on Monday how the stock market behaves with a positive note," Mitra told IANS.
"What is more important is economic revival will be easier and faster with UPA government back in power. They are fully aware of the financial and fiscal conditions and concerns."
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry described the election results as a vote for development and hoped the UPA government will pursue progressive social and economic agenda for inclusive growth and good corporate governance.
The chamber also said the vote was for measures like the rural job guarantee programme, the massive loan waiver for farmers, the numerous schemes to bridge the urban-rural divide and for the civilian nuclear deal with the US.
According to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the verdict was a clear sign that India wanted stability and will send a very strong signal to international investors.
PHD Chamber said that with the UPA government set to assume office again, the industry looked forward to much desired political stability that will create an environment favourable for business.
"We hope the new government will usher in a new wave of reforms to stimulate demand, provide a boost to the investment climate and put the economy on the path of growth," said PHD Chamber president Satish Bagrodia.
Looking ahead, the industry lobbies also had the wish list ready for the new government.
They hoped for pension and banking reforms, go-ahead for foreign investment in retail, private participation in the defence sector, further rationalisation of corporate and individual tax structure and push to the farm sector.
"We already have a 100-day agenda for the new government and we will hand it over to the prime minister as soon as he takes charge. Reform will happen with a much faster pace," said FICCI president Harsh Pati Singhania.
"It is also crucial to bring about a second Green Revolution, a skill revolution and a retail revolution," he said, adding the focus should remain on inclusive growth for long-term progress with economic and social justice.
CII, on its part, said the government must focus on three areas given the pain India Inc has had to endure over the past year. The chamber listed them as tax cuts, infrastructure development and lower interest rate.
NEW DELHI: India Inc, too, has given its verdict: It has applauded the people's mandate that seeks the return of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, hoping for stability in governance and a major push to economic reforms.
Stung by a fall in industrial output, drop in demand, major dip in exports and an overall slowdown of the Indian economy, leading chambers Saturday said the electoral victory for the Congress-led alliance will now make the environment conducive to tackling these issues.
"This outcome will generate a feel-good factor in the Indian business community as political instability was a major concern," said Amit Mitra, president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
"You will see it on Monday how the stock market behaves with a positive note," Mitra told IANS.
"What is more important is economic revival will be easier and faster with UPA government back in power. They are fully aware of the financial and fiscal conditions and concerns."
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry described the election results as a vote for development and hoped the UPA government will pursue progressive social and economic agenda for inclusive growth and good corporate governance.
The chamber also said the vote was for measures like the rural job guarantee programme, the massive loan waiver for farmers, the numerous schemes to bridge the urban-rural divide and for the civilian nuclear deal with the US.
According to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the verdict was a clear sign that India wanted stability and will send a very strong signal to international investors.
PHD Chamber said that with the UPA government set to assume office again, the industry looked forward to much desired political stability that will create an environment favourable for business.
"We hope the new government will usher in a new wave of reforms to stimulate demand, provide a boost to the investment climate and put the economy on the path of growth," said PHD Chamber president Satish Bagrodia.
Looking ahead, the industry lobbies also had the wish list ready for the new government.
They hoped for pension and banking reforms, go-ahead for foreign investment in retail, private participation in the defence sector, further rationalisation of corporate and individual tax structure and push to the farm sector.
"We already have a 100-day agenda for the new government and we will hand it over to the prime minister as soon as he takes charge. Reform will happen with a much faster pace," said FICCI president Harsh Pati Singhania.
"It is also crucial to bring about a second Green Revolution, a skill revolution and a retail revolution," he said, adding the focus should remain on inclusive growth for long-term progress with economic and social justice.
CII, on its part, said the government must focus on three areas given the pain India Inc has had to endure over the past year. The chamber listed them as tax cuts, infrastructure development and lower interest rate.
India's heart still throbs for Manmohan Singh
17 May 2009
NEW DELHI: After Jawaharlal Nehru, Manmohan Singh will be the first Indian premier to serve a second term after a full first term. That, by itself, is an enviable milestone. What is so attractive about 'brand Manmohan', and when did it evolve?
He wasn't supposed to have any kind of individual equity. When Sonia Gandhi nominated him to the post in 2004, he was only the most non-controversial person with absolutely no personal ambitions. For five years, Manmohan has battled the popular perception that he isn't master of himself.
But somewhere along the way, Manmohan showed that there were certain things he believed in, and a few things that he was willing to fight for. There was certainly one thing where he stared down the Left and BJP.
The nuclear deal, which will remain up there with his other legacy of economic reforms, showed the nation that here was a man with a vision for India.
If the nuclear deal had revealed Prakash Karat's intense dislike for Singh, the election campaign brought Singh back into the crosshairs of a very nasty, personalized attack by LK Advani. But this could be one of the reasons that left Advani poorer.
Saturday's results give Singh a completely different profile, a 'brand equity'. Modest to the extreme, Singh was almost mumbling as he stood beside Sonia Gandhi to take a bow. He has never taken the bulldozer path, his consultative style has delayed decisions to the point where he has frequently seemed unsure and undecided. That may not change, but his supporters are hoping he will be a little more assertive this time round.
Talking to friends a couple of days ago, Singh's only concern was for India not to end up with an unstable government when the neighbourhood is in turmoil and the global economic crisis needs skilful handling. There wasn't even a whiff of such a higher sentiment in other leaders' campaigns.
He has a chance now to work on the important things. The economy needs to be fixed and the volatile neighbourhood needs serious attention. He had once said that he wanted to reform energy and education in India. He has worked on the first with the nuclear deal. He now needs to address the second.
Over these years, he has lost some of his trademark diffidence, but not enough, rue his friends. He remains largely untouched by the fact that in the rest of the world, Manmohan Singh has built a reputation for himself. He's a most uninspiring speaker, but hey, what the man actually says is something of importance to say
NEW DELHI: After Jawaharlal Nehru, Manmohan Singh will be the first Indian premier to serve a second term after a full first term. That, by itself, is an enviable milestone. What is so attractive about 'brand Manmohan', and when did it evolve?
He wasn't supposed to have any kind of individual equity. When Sonia Gandhi nominated him to the post in 2004, he was only the most non-controversial person with absolutely no personal ambitions. For five years, Manmohan has battled the popular perception that he isn't master of himself.
But somewhere along the way, Manmohan showed that there were certain things he believed in, and a few things that he was willing to fight for. There was certainly one thing where he stared down the Left and BJP.
The nuclear deal, which will remain up there with his other legacy of economic reforms, showed the nation that here was a man with a vision for India.
If the nuclear deal had revealed Prakash Karat's intense dislike for Singh, the election campaign brought Singh back into the crosshairs of a very nasty, personalized attack by LK Advani. But this could be one of the reasons that left Advani poorer.
Saturday's results give Singh a completely different profile, a 'brand equity'. Modest to the extreme, Singh was almost mumbling as he stood beside Sonia Gandhi to take a bow. He has never taken the bulldozer path, his consultative style has delayed decisions to the point where he has frequently seemed unsure and undecided. That may not change, but his supporters are hoping he will be a little more assertive this time round.
Talking to friends a couple of days ago, Singh's only concern was for India not to end up with an unstable government when the neighbourhood is in turmoil and the global economic crisis needs skilful handling. There wasn't even a whiff of such a higher sentiment in other leaders' campaigns.
He has a chance now to work on the important things. The economy needs to be fixed and the volatile neighbourhood needs serious attention. He had once said that he wanted to reform energy and education in India. He has worked on the first with the nuclear deal. He now needs to address the second.
Over these years, he has lost some of his trademark diffidence, but not enough, rue his friends. He remains largely untouched by the fact that in the rest of the world, Manmohan Singh has built a reputation for himself. He's a most uninspiring speaker, but hey, what the man actually says is something of importance to say
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Advani not keen to be Leader of Opposition: Rajnath
16 May 2009, 1833 hrs IST, PTI
NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader L K Advani on Saturday told the party's Parliamentary Board that he does not want to continue as the Leader of the Opposition in the new Lok Sabha.
"In the Parliamentary Board meeting, Advani said he did not want to be the Leader of the Opposition, but the Board insisted that he should continue. However, Advani said he should not continue," BJP President Rajnath Singh said.
Since Advani was adamant on not continuing, the Parliamentary Board decided that a final view on the issue would be taken later.
"The Parliamentary Board has authorized me to convince Advani to change his opinion," Singh said.
Senior leader Sushma Swaraj's name is doing the rounds as the Leader of Opposition in case Advani sticks to his decision.
"Advaniji will continue to be our leader," Singh said.
NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader L K Advani on Saturday told the party's Parliamentary Board that he does not want to continue as the Leader of the Opposition in the new Lok Sabha.
"In the Parliamentary Board meeting, Advani said he did not want to be the Leader of the Opposition, but the Board insisted that he should continue. However, Advani said he should not continue," BJP President Rajnath Singh said.
Since Advani was adamant on not continuing, the Parliamentary Board decided that a final view on the issue would be taken later.
"The Parliamentary Board has authorized me to convince Advani to change his opinion," Singh said.
Senior leader Sushma Swaraj's name is doing the rounds as the Leader of Opposition in case Advani sticks to his decision.
"Advaniji will continue to be our leader," Singh said.
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