Phone was tapped, says Mamata; not true, says centre

Kolkata: After pulling out of the UPA government over differences on the Centre's recent decision to hike diesel prices and allow Foreign Direct Investment in retail, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today hinted that the central government was tapping her phones.

"If you have the central government in your hand you can get the phones tapped. It has happened with me before. My number had three copies. When I would go to Nandigram or Midnapore, I could not use my number as it was being used in Kolkata," said Banerjee in Kolkata.

She said that she had filed police complaints then against the misuse of her phone.

"I have been in the central government and I am aware about all these methods. There is no need to make me open my mouth," added Banerjee.

Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has, however, denied this, saying Mamata Banerjee's phone was 'never' tapped.

(With inputs from Indo-Asian News Service)

Nitish Kumar takes the lead, drops diesel prices in Bihar

Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has decided to cut local taxes in Bihar to make diesel prices 85 paise cheaper. Last week, in an attempt to reduce fuel subsidies, the centre increased the price of diesel by Rs. 5, excluding Value-Added Tax (VAT). The price hike was part of a series of big-bang reforms that included limiting the supply of subsidised cooking gas to households and opening up the retail sector to foreign super-market chains like Wal-Mart.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has quit the PM's coalition over these economic measures, citing them as "anti-people" policies. Sources in the Congress say the government is leaning towards a 50-paise rollback in diesel prices, and increasing subsidised gas cylinders from six to nine per household. The party has also suggested that Ms Banerjee could drop state taxes to lower the price of diesel. She has angrily rejected that option on the grounds that her state is broke.

Diesel prices had shot upto Rs. 50.80 per litre in Bihar. With the discount he has thrown in today, Mr Kumar has stolen the centre's thunder should it decided to drop prices soon. The chief minister is on a tour of the state to highlight his campaign to get "special status" for Bihar, a petition rejected by the centre earlier this year. His decision to make diesel cheaper will be used at rallies to claim that his government intervenes when the centre ignores the needs of the aam admi or common man. Due to the VAT reduction, the total loss to state exchequer will be Rs. 118 crore.

Without Ms Banerjee, the UPA is in a minority. Mr Kumar belongs to the opposing coalition, the NDA, which is led by his partner in Bihar, the BJP. Yesterday, he declared that his support in the next general election will extend to whoever promises "special status" for Bihar, which would make it eligible for special financial packages from the centre along with assistance in attracting private investment. The chief minister, who has 22 of Bihar's 40 Lok Sabha seats, said Bihar will be a major player in deciding who comes to power next in Delhi. Mr Kumar's remarks - which suggested he is up for grabs - shook up the BJP, which insists that he remains anti-Congress. But if Mr Kumar is open to wooing, the Congress has shown it's interested. "Several states including UP, Bihar need special packages, so we will have to discuss," Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh told NDTV. 

From: NDTV

FDI in retail: Mamata Banerjee's ministers to resign today, PM to address nation, trust vote likely

New Delhi: Mamata Banerjee's ministers will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh around 3 pm today to resign from his government over the new reforms he cleared last week. They will then head to Rashtrapati Bhawan where they will formally withdraw their letter of support to the ruling UPA coalition in which Ms Banerjee's Trinamool Congress was the second-largest ally. With his government reduced to a minority, the Prime Minister will most likely be asked by the country's President to seek a trust vote in Parliament.

This evening, the PM is expected to explain on television the economic measures for which he has staked his government. Even the opposition BJP concedes that he is likely to win his vote of confidence. The survival of the UPA depends on regional heavyweights Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati, who provide external support to the government. So far, neither has indicated a change of heart, though Mr Yadav has warned that his party should not be taken for granted.

On Facebook last night, Ms Banerjee attacked the government for the notification it issued yesterday stating that its new policies for foreign investment in the retail sector are in effect. A week ago, Ms Banerjee said she would not accept either this or a hike in diesel prices and a cap on subsidised cooking gas for households. "Is it ethical, moral and democratic for a minority government to issue government order forcibly and hurriedly when massive protests against it are taking place across the country?" she posted on her Facebook page.

The relationship status for the UPA and Ms Banerjee has for long been "It's complicated" with the chief minister often challenging the policies the government wanted to champion. Last year, when the cabinet first cleared 51 per cent foreign direct investment for multi-brand retail, Ms Banerjee threatened to quit the government, and the policy was shelved, provoking international criticism, and a loss of both face and investor confidence. This time around, the Prime Minister was resolute about standing his ground.

So though Ms Banerjee gave the government 72 hours of notice, creating a window for negotiations, no concessions were offered. The fact that the new retail guidelines were notified hours after she said she was sticking to her schedule for exiting the UPA was a clear message that the coalition was resigned to a future without her.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, whose party is another key member of the UPA, refuted Ms Banerjee's accusations that she hadn't been consulted about the new economic measures. He said that he was present along with Ms Banerjee at a meeting of senior leaders of the coalition when Dr Singh discussed FDI in retail. "Nobody was happy to do this...not even the PM....but it was required," Mr Pawar said.

Sources say that to appease other crucial partners like Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati, the government is likely to announce a 50 paise rollback in diesel prices, and increase the quota of subsidised cooking gas cylinders per household from six to nine, and that the decision was not shared yesterday to prevent opposition parties who called a massive nationwide strike from claiming credit for the concessions.

Prime Minister will make final attempt to change Trinamool's mind on Friday

New Delhi: The Prime Minister is likely to make a last attempt to persuade the Trinamool Congress to reconsider its decision of exiting the UPA government when its ministers come to resign. The TMC's six ministers are expected to resign on Friday.

At the same time, sources say, both the Congress and the government are standing fast on the reforms decisions taken last Friday that have now put the UPA government in a minority in Parliament, following the TMC pull-out.

The government also remains confident that it will manage the numbers and survive a trust vote if required in Parliament.

The sources said that both the PM and Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi are unanimous in their decision to push through the reforms. Both the party and government are firm that there will be no rollback on foreign investment in retail as well as the hike in diesel prices and a cap on subsidised LPG cylinders for homes.

The party has already announced that the states ruled by it will increase the cap on subsidised cylinder from six to nine. Delhi has already done so for the poor.

About the reported secrecy around the Cabinet decision on allowing FDI in multi-brand retail, the sources say that the decision was taken on September 14. The PM consulted Sonia, and allies Sharad Pawar and Farooq Abdullah. DMK's T R Baalu was also informed.

The government consciously decided not to circulate papers before the Cabinet meeting regarding FDI in retail. Most cabinet ministers were also in the dark about the consultations on FDI and that Cabinet would take it up soon.

A day before the Cabinet meeting, commerce minister Anand Sharma spoke to Mamata Banerjee but did not raise the issue of FDI in retail with her.





 

From: NDTV

FDI in multi-brand retail, aviation: PM introduces bold new policies

New Delhi: The Prime Minister has introduced the boldest reforms yet in his current term - foreign super-market chains can now enter India and foreign airlines can buy stake in Indian carriers. "The Cabinet took many decisions on Friday to bolster economic growth and make India a more attractive destination for foreign investment," tweeted Dr Manmohan Singh's office last evening. "I believe that these steps will help strengthen our growth process and generate employment in these difficult times."

Key ally Mamata Banerjee is reportedly furious and will decide on Tuesday whether to exit the ruling coalition - a threat issued by her party on Friday. "We cannot support price hike of diesel and reduction in subsidized LPG cylinders. On Friday, a decision has been taken allowing FDI in retail sector. It is a big jolt," Ms Banerjee said on her Facebook page, adding that she was prepared to take "hard steps" if the new policies are not reversed.


The government, though, made it clear that it will not be held hostage. Commerce Minister Anand Sharma pointed out that states have the right to reject the multi-brand reforms. "It is an enabling legislation," he said, adding that, "while we respect Mamata Banerjee's prerogative to implement or not implement...equally it is the prerogative of other states to have it." Late last year, the cabinet had allowed 51% Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in multi-brand retail, but suspended its plans after Ms Banerjee threatened to opt out of the Congress-led coalition at the Centre.

The new reforms, designed to revive a sluggish economy, means global firms such as Wal-Mart can set up shop with a local partner and sell directly to consumers for the first time. Like the Left and the BJP, Ms Banerjee has argued that the entry of international super-markets will put thousands of corner shops and farmers out of business.

The Cabinet on Friday also relaxed norms to allow international airlines to invest in domestic carriers, allowed more FDI in broadcasting services and announced disinvestment in four key profit-making public sector units (PSUs).

The dramatic announcements came a day after the government took the politically tough decision to hike the price of diesel by Rs. 5 per litre and also capped the supply of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to six per household. Faced with the threat of becoming the first in the BRIC (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) group of emerging economies to be downgraded to junk, the government now seems clear that economic imperatives far outweigh political expediency.

That signal has brought cheer to Industry and the markets, which surged on Friday in anticipation of reforms. The Sensex clocked the biggest one-day gain in 10 months. The BSE benchmark index closed at 18,464.27, up 443 points or 2.46 per cent - a 14-month high.

Foreign airlines can now own upto 49% in a domestic carrier, providing a much-needed source of funding for debt-laden airlines. Opening the sector to foreign airlines is likely to help passengers too with more competitive fares and world-class management and technology. 

Ailing Kingfisher Airlines, which was India's No. 2 local carrier a year ago but has since grounded most of its fleet, has lobbied hard for this move in hopes that it can attract a foreign airline investor, although none has publicly expressed interest. More successful players like IndiGo and Jet have expressed reservations in the past that allowing global players in will lead to cartelisation and takeovers of Indian carriers.

Budget carrier SpiceJet, the fourth-largest of India's six main airlines, said on Thursday it was in initial talks with several Gulf carriers and was waiting for the government to ease rules before it takes a final call.

With global airlines buffeted by the European debt crisis and high fuel costs, cash-rich and fast-growing Gulf carriers such as Dubai's Emirates, Qatar Airways and Abu Dhabi's Etihad are seen as the most likely buyers of stakes in Indian carriers, analysts say.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Govt clears FDI in multi-brand retail, 'furious' Mamata to decide on support on Tuesday

New Delhi: The government has cleared 51% Foreign Direct Investment or FDI for multi-brand retail, a major reform aimed at jumpstarting a lethargic economy and combating the image of an administration riddled with policy paralysis.

The move will allow global firms such as Wal-Mart Stores to set up shop with a local partner and sell directly to consumers for the first time, though individual states have the right to reject the reform. The proposal had been cleared by the cabinet in November last year but was suspended because of adamant opposition by key ally Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal. Her party warned today that it will take "a major decision on support" if the Congress does not withdraw both the FDI reforms cleared today and the decision yesterday to increase the prices of diesel by Rs. 5 and to cap the number of subsidised LPG cylinders available for each household. "We cannot support price hike of diesel and reduction in subsidized LPG cylinders. Today, a decision has been taken allowing FDI in retail sector. It is a big jolt," Ms Banerjee said on her Facebook page, adding that she was prepared to take "hard steps" if the new policies are not reversed.

The government appeared to have taken the risks into account. "We respect her decision...it is her prerogative to implement or not implement...equally it is the prerogative of other states to have it," said Commerce Minister Anand Sharma. The BJP and Left both described the multi-brand retail policy as a betrayal of the people, arguing that it will put thousands of small shop-owners and farmers out of business. 

The slew of reforms cleared by Dr Manmohan Singh today, the boldest in his current term, include permitting foreign airlines to buy upto 49% in an India carrier and selling off stake in major state-run firms, which will not be revoked, said sources. The government has also rejected demands from other political parties to revoke a hike in heavily subsidised fuel prices announced yesterday.

India's inability in the past months to push through major reforms and ease its subsidy burden as growth slowed sharply has put it in danger of becoming the first of the big "BRIC" emerging economies to see its credit rating downgraded to junk.

Foreign investors, experts, and industry have been stressing that the Prime Minister has a narrow political window to push reforms key to reviving India's flagging growth. The general elections are two years away, and international media in recent months has been critical of Dr Manmohan Singh, labelling him an "under-achiever" reluctant to take politically-tough but economically-critical decisions.

The government has been trying for months to build consensus around reforms in retail. Those plans appeared to come undone in June when Mulayam Singh Yadav, the head of the Samajwadi Party, wrote to the Prime Minister urging him not to proceed with reforming the retail sector because it would result in job losses.

Diesel price hiked by Rs. 5 per litre, allies demand rollback

New Delhi: The government raised the price of diesel by Rs. 5 per litre on Thursday, prompting angry responses from allies Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mamata Banerjee, who have demanded a rollback. The price hike is aimed at reining in the fiscal deficit and staving off the threat of becoming the first in the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) group of emerging economies to be downgraded to junk.

The Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs headed by the Prime Minister left kerosene and petrol rates untouched. It also decided to restrict the supply of subsidised cooking gas to six cylinders per household in a year. The government says about 44 per cent of the total domestic LPG consumers, who consume 6 cylinders or less each year, will not be affected by this decision.

While prices of petrol have been deregulated, diesel is a partially deregulated product. In the past two years, diesel prices have been hiked twice.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said, "We want rollback. I am shocked. The matter is very serious and sensitive; we can't compromise with the people's issue. We will discuss in our party meeting and our plan of action."

"If people do not mind, I will be most happy to withdraw support (to the UPA). If I withdraw support then other parties will provide support to them. And, then ask why we left the UPA which led to its collapse. People had misunderstood us when we had withdrawn support earlier. Therefore, we are having a detailed discussion in the party on these issues," she added, announcing here party would hold a protest rally on Saturday.

The Trinamool's lone minister in the cabinet, Mukul Roy, is not attending a cabinet meeting today that's scheduled to discuss relaxation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms in airlines.

Another UPA ally, the DMK, too has said it opposes the hike. DMK chief M Karunanidhi wants UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to convene a meeting of the alliance's coordination committee. The UPA coordination committee was set up recently to help keep allies in loop on critical policy decisions.

The Samajwadi Party, which provides external support to the UPA, also said it wants an immediate rollback. "The decision is ill-timed and will hurt the common man," Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav told NDTV.

Even the Congress says  it was not in favour of such a steep hike. General Secretary Digvijaya Singh said, "We are not in favour of a hike in diesel prices to such an extent because it hurts the farmers and common man. At the same time, there are some unpleasant decisions that have to be taken by the government by taking an overall view of what is best for the country."

Reacting to the diesel hike, C Rangarajan, chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, said the government had taken the right decision, and that fiscal deficit had to be contained. He told a private TV channel that an increase in diesel prices in India should help avert a credit rating downgrade for the country.

The BJP has slammed the government and senior leader Yashwant Sinha warned of mayhem in the economy. "This is going to cause undue hardship. Prices are not under control. This will lead to overall inflation," he said. Prices, he said, could have been increased in small doses.

The Left parties too want a rollback. Gurudas Das Gupta of the CPI said, "I have never seen such a massive increase. It will stimulate inflation and aggravate the economic slowdown, which will cost jobs. We will protest in every way we can."

However, the price hike led to some respite for the oil companies. State-run oil marketing companies are losing Rs. 550 crore everyday on under-recoveries as a result of higher crude prices in the global markets. They make a loss of Rs. 17 per litre on diesel sales, Rs. 32.7 per litre on kerosene sales, and Rs. 347 per cylinder on cooking gas sales every day.

"Diesel accounts for 53 per cent of total subsidies. Oil companies are running a deficit of Rs. 6000 crore every month. We are committed to cutting petrol prices whenever possible. By reducing excise duty on petrol, we have brought down the gap between the prices between petrol and diesel. A narrow margin between petrol and diesel will be good for economy. If prices of petrol fall internationally, we will pass on the benefits," said RS Butola, Chairman of the Indian Oil Corporation.

"This is a very good decision, and will certainly help oil companies and reduce the burden on the government in terms of subsidies. The reduction in the excise duty on petrol is good for us," said Bharat Petroleum's Chairman RK Singh.

The government subsidises the prices of diesel, cooking gas and kerosene to dampen inflation and protect the poor, a popular policy that has put a severe strain on public finances.

The government has acknowledged earlier that a price hike is essential for curbing fiscal deficit, a pre-condition for reviving growth in Asia's third-largest economy. A price increase will also aggravate inflation, as costs, such as road freight rates, will rise.

(With inputs from agencies)

Diesel price hike: Who said what

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs on Thursday approved a Rs. 5 hike in the price of diesel. Here are some of the reactions on the price hike:

Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief: We want a rollback. I am shocked. The matter is very serious and sensitive. We can't compromise with the people's issue. We will discuss our plan of action in our party meeting. We know the economic crisis we are with the government but enough is enough. I will be most happy to withdraw support (from the UPA). If I withdraw support, then other parties will provide support to them. And, then ask why we left the UPA which led to its collapse. People had misunderstood us when we had withdrawn support earlier.

Digvijaya Singh, Congress General Secretary: We are not in favour of a hike in diesel prices to such an extent because it hurts the farmers and common man. At the same time, there are some unpleasant decisions that have to be taken by the government by taking an overall view of what is best for the country.

Sushma Swaraj, BJP leader: We have a massive loot of national resource like Coal on the one hand. The Government is now robbing the common man to pay for that loot. Strange are the  policies of this Government which got elected in the name of the common man. They have demolished the kitchen of a lady who is to manage the house.

Yashwant Sinha, former finance minister and BJP leader: This is going to cause undue hardship. Prices are not under control. This will lead to overall inflation and mayhem in the economy. Need a system where the burden isn't transferred to the people in this hamhanded manner. If prices are to be raised, they should be raised in small dozes, not like by huge margins like Rs. 5.

Anant Kumar, BJP leader: It will be a direct hit on the common man and the farmers of the entire country. Cap on  number of cylinders is highly condemnable.

Kamal Farooqi, leader, Samajwadi Party: The jump is too big and it seems to be a political one than an economic decision. Immediately after Parliament, they have done it. Will demand a rollback. Definitely, we will ask for some consideration to be given, we are concerned.

Akhilesh Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party leader (to NDTV): Decision ill-timed, will hurt the common man.

Gurudas Das Gupta, CPI leader: Never seen such a massive increase. It will stimulate inflation and aggravate the economic slowdown, which will cost jobs. We will protest in every way we can.

Prakash Karat, CPM leader (to NDTV): UPA government has taken the anti-people's step by raising diesel prices, no way can we accept it. Unless the govt rolls back the price hike, it will have to face the political consequences.

J Jayalalithaa, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK chief: Centre is betraying the poor. The diesel price hike will lead to an overall price rise. The Centre should rollback the hike if its interested in people's welfare. Limiting the subsidised gas cylinders would affect poor and middle class households.

C Rangarajan, chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (to a private TV channel): The government had taken the right decision, and that fiscal deficit had to be contained. An increase in diesel prices in India should avert a credit rating downgrade for the country.

RS Butola, CMD, Indian Oil Corporation: Diesel accounts for 53 per cent of total subsidies. Oil companies are running a deficit of Rs. 6000 crore every month. We are committed to cutting petrol prices whenever possible. By reducing excise duty on petrol, we have brought down the gap between the prices between petrol and diesel. A narrow margin between petrol and diesel will be good for economy. If prices of petrol fall internationally, we will pass on the benefits.

RK Singh, CMD, Bharat Petroleum: This is a very good decision, and will certainly help oil companies and reduce the burden on the government in terms of subsidies. The reduction in the excise duty on petrol is good for us."

TK Ananth Kumar, CFO, Oil India: This is a welcome move and is very good for the oil industry.

Mulayam Singh Yadav talks of mid-term polls again, says he has high regard for Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Mulayam Singh Yadav has sewn up his election game plan in Kolkata and says those elections can happen before 2014. And though he has clearly taken a lead in cobbling together a non-Congress and non-BJP alternative, he insisted today that any Third Front would take shape only after the next Lok Sabha elections.

Mr Yadav has made no bones about the fact that after his party's spectacular showing in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, he is eyeing a bigger role for his party at the Centre. Asked if he was in the running for being the next Prime Minister, the veteran politician said, "I am not in line, but I am not a sadhu-sant (saint) either.

The Samajwadi Party, he said, would fight elections alone. "The Third Front can happen only after the polls. It will depend on the situation," Mr Yadav said. He also refused to say who of the two West Bengal rivals, the Left and Mamata Banerjee, would be part of such a Front, merely stating that, "We will keep good relations with all parties." Mulayam Singh Yadav has for years had political affinity with the Left parties and has joined hands with them on several issues like FDI in retail and the coal allocation scam in recent times.

But the Yadavs, Mulayam and son, Akhilesh, have also indicated during the Kolkata sojourn that they are willing to explore new equations. Mr Yadav said today that he had the greatest regard for Ms Banerjee and described a meeting between her and son Akhilesh yesterday as "very good talks." After the meeting Mr Yadav junior had said, "After coming to Kolkata, I would not have felt good not meeting Didi. It was necessary to meet her." Just a few months ago, the Congress managed to blunt a growing closeness between Mr Yadav and Ms Banerjee ahead of the Presidential elections. Ms Banerjee partners the Congress at the Centre, but that relationship has been at breakpoint for some time now. 

A common political imperative binds Mamata Banerjee and Mulayam Singh Yadav - both would like early elections to consolidate on their big wins in their respective states. In the first flush of victory and from a position of strength they know that they are likely to do much better now than after two years, when the honeymoon period is well over and anti-incumbency factors set in. Ms Banerjee swept the Assembly elections in West Bengal last year; Mr Yadav's Samjawadi Party won UP early this year.     

What Mr Yadav was startlingly unambiguous about today was where exactly he stood in his equation with the Congress, that leads the UPA government at the Centre.

"Let me make it clear, the Samajwadi Party does not support the UPA government. The Samajwadi Party is against communalism. If the Congress is weakening and needs support against communalism, we may provide that support." Not words of comfort for the ruling party which depends heavily on Mr Yadav to bail it out at crucial moments. Mr Yadav's assertion today that "the situation is such there may be elections earlier than 2014," makes it worse.

For three days in Kolkata, where his party is holding a convention, Mr Yadav has appeared determined to prove he's on a different team. Yesterday he had slammed the Congress for financial scams, especially the coal swindle that has forced the government on the defensive amid allegations of entrenched corruption. This after referring to his Samajwadi Party as the opposition on Monday.

That distancing from the Congress continued today when he said that both the national parties - the Congress and the BJP have weakened and are plagued by issues. He said that he would not field a candidate in Congress president Sonia Gandhi's constituency Rae Bareli as a return of favour for the Congress not contesting against his daughter-in-law Dimple in the Kannauj by-election a few months ago, but would not promise the same in Amethi, Rahul Gandhi's constituency. His party colleagues had made things rather awkward yesterday by saying that they saw little political ability in Rahul Gandhi.  Today Mr Yadav wished Mr Gandhi much luck.

(With PTI inputs)

Doctors passing off heart attack as dengue: Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is in the thick of a controversy yet again, this time for her comments on the doctor community. "Often what doctors are doing is, they just write... without confirming dengue they are writing anything... someone dies of heart failure, they write dengue. They are not even trying to diagnose. It has become easy. Not all but some doctors. So everyone is earning a bad name," Ms Banerjee said at a press conference today.

Ms Banerjee's government has been often accused of being intolerant. The Kolkata Police allegedly ordered the stop of sale of the book titled 'Musalmander ki Koronio' (What Muslims Should Do), authored by IPS officer Nazrul Islam, that reportedly criticises the state government for failing to improve the condition of Muslims in the state. On Friday, police raided the office premises, sales counter and godown of Mitra and Ghosh, the publishers of the book. The cops also allegedly closed the counter where the book was being sold.

But the author himself has refused to be drawn into the controversy, having maintaining a stoic silence so far.

While most say that there is barely anything in the 102-page Bengali book that could ruffle feathers, parts of it have certainly raised eyebrows. A case in point being the book questioning the Trinamool government's policy to pay stipends to Imams and its stress on madrasa education instead of modern education for Muslims. The book also criticises politicians for using terms like khuda hafiz (goodbye) and inshallah (God Willing) incorrectly.

Hence, the police action against the publishers of the book has sparked an outrage, with several questioning the government's censorship policies. "Now you are in power, if I just criticise you or I want to say something to you for revision of your statement or policies, it that a crime? I can't understand that," noted writer Sunil Gangopadhyay said.

The incident has re-ignited the debate on the Trinamool government's alleged highhandedness, with several having slammed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her autocratic style of functioning. The arrest of Ambikesh Mahapatra, a professor in Kolkata's Jadavpur University, in April for circulating a cartoon lampooning the chief minister had generated a lot of criticism for her government. Last month, a man named Shiladitya was arrested after he asked the Chief Minister a question at a public rally at Belpahari in the state. Ms Banejee had reacted angrily to the question; pointing to him, she claimed he was a Maoist and ordered the police to arrest him.

Now, Mamata Banerjee accused of targeting former top cop's book

Kolkata: Often accused of being intolerant, the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal is in the thick of a controversy yet again, this time for targeting a book written by an IPS officer that carries a veiled criticism of the current dispensation.

The Kolkata Police has allegedly ordered the stop of sale of the book titled 'Musalmander ki Koronio' (What Muslims Should Do), authored by Nazrul Islam, that reportedly criticises the state government for failing to improve the condition of Muslims in the state. On Friday, police raided the office premises, sales counter and godown of Mitra and Ghosh, the publishers of the book. The cops also allegedly closed the counter where the book was being sold.

"Thursday they called and told me not to sell the book. When they called me on Thursday, they said they would collect the books on Friday and not to sell the books," said Sabitendra Nath Roy, the book's publisher.

But the author himself has refused to be drawn into the controversy, having maintaining a stoic silence so far.

While most say that there is barely anything in the 102-page Bengali book that could ruffle feathers, parts of it have certainly raised eyebrows. A case in point being the book questioning the Trinamool government's policy to pay stipends to Imams and its stress on madrasa education instead of modern education for Muslims. The book also criticises politicians for using terms like khuda hafiz (goodbye) and inshallah (God Willing) incorrectly.

Hence, the police action against the publishers of the book has sparked an outrage, with several questioning the government's censorship policies. "Now you are in power, if I just criticise you or I want to say something to you for revision of your statement or policies, it that a crime? I can't understand that," noted writer Sunil Gangopadhyay said.

The book, though, has its share of detractors. Several local dailies have slammed both Mr Islam and his supporters, alleging that the book could provoke riots.

The latest incident has re-ignited the debate on the Trinamool government's alleged highhandedness, with several having slammed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her autocratic style of functioning. The arrest of Ambikesh Mahapatra, a professor in Kolkata's Jadavpur University, in April for circulating a cartoon lampooning the chief minister had generated a lot of criticism for her government. Last month, a man named Shiladitya was arrested after he asked the Chief Minister a question at a public rally at Belpahari in the state. Ms Banejee had reacted angrily to the question; pointing to him, she claimed he was a Maoist and ordered the police to arrest him.

From: NDTV

West Bengal government to honour President Pranab Mukherjee with 'civic reception'

Kolkata: The West Bengal government has decided to hounour President Pranab Mukherjee with a "civic reception" next month, a senior Trinamool Congress MP said on Thursday.

"Civic reception for honorable President Pranab Mukherjee by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee... (on) 14th September at Netaji Indoor stadium," Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh tweeted.

The relationship between two political stalwarts from West Bengal had reached an all-time low after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposed Mr Mukherjee's candidature for the presidential poll.

Ms Banerjee instead proposed former president APJ Abdul Kalam's name for the post. However, after Mr Kalam decided against contesting, Ms Banerjee said she would extend her support to the former Finance Minister, adding that she wishes she "could have voted for Mr Mukherjee with a smile on her face, but that is not the case."

From: NDTV

Mamata Banerjee's government denies permission for CPM meet

Kolkata: In an unprecedented move, Mamata Banerjee's government has denied permission to a CPM meeting, which was scheduled to be addressed by former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya. The reason given by Ms Banerjee's government is that the meeting may cause law and order problems.

The CPM's Hooghly district unit had written to the administration on July 23, seeking permission for a meeting at Arambagh inside the local auditorium Rabindra Bhavan on September 9.

But earlier this week, the district authorities replied to the CPM, rejecting their request.

Outraged CPM leaders on Thursday met the state home secretary urging him to review the administration's refusal.

This is the first time that Ms Banerjee's government has denied permission to the CPM for holding a meeting to be addressed by Mr Bhattacharjee.

Recently, Kolkata Police refused permission to the CPM's North 24-Parganas district committee which wanted to hold a meeting in the heart of Kolkata at the same venue where Ms Banerjee held her July 21 rally.

From: NDTV