Top Gujarat News- IBNLive.com

Ishrat case: CBI seeks Gujarat Police's help to trace Pandey

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:42:33 +0530

The CBI has sought the help of Gujarat Police to trace a top police officer, who is an accused in the fake encounter case of Ishrat Jahan and three others. "We received correspondence from the CBI to help them trace Additional Director General of Police, CID (Crime and Railways) PP Pandey and accordingly local police and CID were ordered to help the central probe agency in locating him," Director General of Police (DGP) Amitabh Pathak said.

SC slams Gujarat's vidya sahayak scheme

Tue, 21 May 2013 02:11:54 +0530

The Supreme Court on Monday severely criticised the Gujarat government of Chief Minister Narendra Modi over its Vidya Sahayak scheme. The court came down heavily on the Modi government on the recruitment process of vidya sahayaks in government primary schools.

Komal Ganatra, the only Gujarat woman to crack the UPSC exam this year

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:19:34 +0530

Thirty-two-year-old Komal Ganatra from Gujarat is the only woman from the state to have cracked the UPSC exam this year. After four attempts, the hard work has finally paid off. With a 591 ranking on the national merit list, she is an inspiration.

Modi lauds Sadhvi Ritambhara for 'Vatsalyagram' project

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:38:57 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed 'Vatsalyagram' project of VHP leader Sadhvi Ritambhara. "If one was to truly understand Sadhvi Ritambharaji and her work, one must also look at her role in building Vatsalyagram," Modi said.

SC pulls up Modi govt over part-time teachers in primary schools

Mon, 20 May 2013 02:54:09 +0530

The Supreme Court has pulled up the Gujarat government once again, this time over the appointment of part-time teachers instead of full-time ones in primary schools. The apex court was critical of the Modi government's policy of appointing Vidya Sahayaks in place of teachers in primary schools.

IPL 6 spot-fixing: Raids conducted across Gujarat

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:00:05 +0530

72 hours after the IPL spot-fixing scandal broke, investigations and raids are spreading outside Delhi and Mumbai. While Delhi and Mumbai figure prominently in the IPL spot-fixing case, a majority of bookies and fixers arrested are from Gujarat.

Naroda Patiya case: SIT to seek SC guidance on Kodnani death penalty

Sat, 18 May 2013 06:42:25 +0530

After a U-turn by the Gujarat government on the death penalty for former minister Maya Kodnani and nine others, convicted in 2002 Naroda Patiya riot case, the SIT has decided to seek Supreme Court's guidance on the issue.

Gujarat police launches mobile phone helpline for women

Sat, 18 May 2013 02:42:47 +0530

Gujarat police on Friday launched its most ambitious emergency response system - 'Help Emergency Assistance Rescue Terminal' (HEART) - a helpline which would enable women to seek immediate help of police through mobile phones in times of emergency. "Through this one step solution system our aim is to reduce the response time of the police to provide help to those women or girls who are in distress," Ahmedabad Joint Police Commissioner (headquarters) Sanjay Srivastav told reporters in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Gujarat: Floors of a residential building collapse

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:17:37 +0530

The top two floors of a five-storey residential building in Vadodara collapsed on Friday night, hours after all the occupants had evacuated it. "Mahavir Swami Apartment located in Kapdipole area of Raopura had developed cracks and started leaning in the wee hours today," acting city engineer of Vadodara Municipal Corporation Shailesh Mistr said.

One arrested for setting man on fire over dispute

Fri, 17 May 2013 01:15:31 +0530

City police on Thursday registered an attempt to murder case against three men including two brothers for allegedly trying to burn a man alive. Harshwardhan Shah, the complainant, alleged that brothers Parag and Devang Dave, along with another unidentified man, accosted him near his house in Isanpur area late Wednesday night, and had a quarrel with him over the will of Daves' aunt.

'Report of Gir lions affected by deadly virus incorrect'

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:32:58 +0530

Gujarat government on Thursday denied a media report that Gir lions are affected by the same virus which had wiped out 30 per cent of the lion population in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park in the 1990s. The news report, which appeared today, stated that scientists in India have recently found Pestes des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV) to be behind the death of a lion in Gir the first such incident ever.

Woman commits suicide after throwing 3 children into well

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:59:38 +0530

A middle aged woman in Nani Rajasthali village near Palitana killed her three kids on Wednesday, by throwing them into a well, police officials said.

BJP nominates gun-toting MLA for Porbandar LS by-poll

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:22:19 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday nominated controversial MLA Vitthal Radadiya from Porbandar for Lok Sabha by-poll.

Naroda Patiya case: Cong says no change in Modi's mindset

Tue, 14 May 2013 02:14:37 +0530

Congress on Tuesday flayed Gujarat government for withholding its decision to seek death for Maya Kodnani in the Naroda Patiya case, saying there has been no change in the mindset of Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his feelings about a community. "It proves that Modi has not changed. He was like this in the past and will remain so in the future. There has been no change in his mindset and his feelings about a community," party spokesperson Meem Afzal said.

Naroda Patiya case: Modi govt does a U-turn on Kodnani

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:51:10 +0530

In a U-turn of sorts, the Gujarat state legal department has written to the chief prosecutor in the Naroda Patiya massacre case, seeking approval for enhancement of punishment for BJP leader Maya Kodnani and Bajrang Dal's Babu Bajrangi to be put on hold. The legal department wants the punishment to be put on hold until further instructions.

Ishrat Jahan case: CBI moves for attachment of ADGP Pande's property

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:41:47 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday moved for attachment of property of Additional DG Gujarat PP Pande in the Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case. CBI sources said that Pande had not joined its probe despite repeated attempts by investigation agency.

Congress declares candidates for Gujarat by-elections

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:43:37 +0530

Gujarat Congress has decided to field new faces and play the sympathy card in the upcoming bye-elections for two Lok Sabha and four Assembly seats in the state. Krishna Gadhvi, who has been given ticket for Banaskantha Lok Sabha seat is the widow of Mukesh Gadhvi who died in March 2013, while for Porbandar Lok Sabha seat the party has chosen former city Youth Congress President Vinu Amipura.

Gujarat: Man arrested for raping 14-year-old girl

Sun, 12 May 2013 08:10:34 +0530

A minor girl was allegedly raped by a man living in Fanwara locality near the victim's house in Deesa, around 28 Kms from Palanpur, the police said.

Gujarat: Woman attempts suicide as in-laws accuse husband of 'cruelty'

Sat, 11 May 2013 10:28:58 +0530

A day after an elderly couple sought the district collector's permission to end their life saying they are "fed up" with the "abuse" by their son, their daughter-in-law attempted suicide on Saturday, apparently over the ignominy.

Ishrat fake encounter: 'Gujarat govt shielding the accused policemen'

Sat, 11 May 2013 06:01:01 +0530

Slamming the state government over the 2004 Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case, Gujarat High Court observed that it was apparently shielding the policemen accused in the case.

Best Bakery case: Court orders police to produce accused

Sat, 11 May 2013 03:24:50 +0530

The sessions court in Mumbai on Friday directed the Gujarat police to produce a recently arrested accused of 2002 Best Bakery case. Vadodara police's Crime Branch has moved an application before the sessions judge UB Hejib saying that a warrant was pending against Jayanti Gohil, an accused, who did not face trial in the case after a re-trial was ordered.

Modi to address NRIs in 18 US cities through video conference

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:22:40 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has been refused US visa since 2005, will address Indian diaspora in 18 cities in that country through a video conference on June 13 as a part of Gujarat Day celebrations.

Gujarat: Woman sets her two-year-old son on fire

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:35:04 +0530

A 30-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly killing her toddler son by setting him ablaze at her residence on Wednesday, apparently following a dispute with her husband, police said. "Vandana, wife of one Kishore Vadgama who is a carpenter by profession, today burnt her two-year-old son Raunak alive, after dousing him with kerosene," they said.

Gujarat: Families of Indian fishermen in Pak jails worried

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:07:27 +0530

The attack on Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah Haq happened just after Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh succumbed to his injuries from an attack in a Lahore prison. Human rights activists fear these prisoners are caught in a no man's land.

PIL in HC seeks probe in water theft by minister's aides

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:45:06 +0530

A PIL has been filed in Gujarat High Court seeking investigation in connection with water theft in Porbandar. The petitioners Meldabhai Ranavaya and two others from Porbandar have claimed "people who are distant relatives and workers of state Agriculture Minister and BJP MLA from Porbandar Babu Bokhiria have resorted to illegal trading of water from the public water distribution pipelines and selling it at a higher price".

Ahmedabad serial blast accused sent to police custody

Mon, 06 May 2013 02:27:55 +0530

The prime accused in the Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case of 2008, Mohammad Shahid Nagori, was remanded in nine days police custody by a local court on SUnday. Nagori, a member of Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and an alleged Indian Mujahedeen (IM) operative, was arrested by Madhya Pradesh police on May 3, 2013 from Ujjain and handed over to the Gujarat police team lead by DCP Crime Branch Himanshu Shukla on transit remand.

Ishrat case: CBI Court orders top Gujart IPS officer's arrest

Thu, 02 May 2013 06:34:44 +0530

A Special CBI Court on Thursday ordered the issuance of arrest warrant against top Gujarat police officer PP Pande, an accused in the 2004 alleged fake encounter of Mumbai teenager Ishrat Jahan and three others.

Gujarat riots: 'Suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt is manipulator'

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:22:12 +0530

Supreme Court-appointed SIT, probing the 2002 Gujarat riots, on Wednesday claimed suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt was not a "witness" in the complaint against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, but a "manipulator".

Ishrat Jahan case: CBI moves teams to UP to arrest top policeman Pande

Wed, 01 May 2013 05:48:31 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday moved its teams to Uttar Pradesh on a tip off to arrest former Joint Commissioner of Police PP Pande. CBI sources said that he was key to unfolding the mystery surrounding the Ishrat Jahan case. The teams will interrogate Pande's family and friends to know about his whereabouts, the sources said.

Former Gujarat Minister Fakirbhai Vaghela dies at 60

Wed, 01 May 2013 01:06:29 +0530

Former Gujarat Minister and BJP leader Fakirbhai Vaghela passed away after suffering a heart attack on Tuesday in Gandhinagar, party sources said.

Gujarat: 27 senior IAS officers promoted, transferred

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:24:55 +0530

In a major reshuffle, Gujarat government on Tuesday transferred 27 senior IAS officers, in which four principal secretaries were promoted to the rank of additional chief secretaries.

Ishrat case: Court reserves order on policeman's arrest warrant

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:44:07 +0530

A special CBI court here on Tuesday reserved its order on a revision application seeking the issuance of arrest warrant against IPS officer PP Pande, who is an accused in the 2004 alleged fake encounter case of Ishrat Jahan and three others. Special CBI Judge Gita Gopi concluded the hearing and said that she would pronounce the order on May 2.

Sohrabuddin fake encounter accused gets VIP treatment

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:25:24 +0530

In what is clearly a glaring case of lapse of duty, suspended policeman Rajkumar Pandian, who is facing trial in the fake encounters of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram Prajapati, spend the night on Sunday at his home in Ahmedabad. This even as he is lodged in a Mumbai jail and was brought to Ahmedabad to be produced in court for a hearing.

Ishrat case: Guj govt shielding ADGP PP Pande, say sources

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:10:02 +0530

Gujarat government and the state police are not cooperating with the investigation in Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case, said Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) sources on Monday. The sources have also said former Joint Commissioner of Police PP Pande is involved in the conspiracy of the case.

Ahmedabad: Two persons rob, murder woman in Chandkheda

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:22:07 +0530

A 50-year-old woman was allegedly robbed and murdered by two unidentified persons on Sunday in Chandkheda area of Ahmedabad, the police said. "One Pushpa Nathani was murdered and her jewellery was also stolen today. She was staying with her son, who had gone to office," the police said.

A true patriot should become next PM: VHP leader

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 05:20:45 +0530

Amid talk about Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's projection as BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Acharya Dharmendra on Sunday said he wanted "a true patriot" to occupy the country's top post after the next elections.

SC order to move Gir lions to MP has Gujarat govt up in arms

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:43:10 +0530

Gujarat is the last stand of the Asiatic lion. But a recent Supreme Court order stating that the lions should be moved to another sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has both the Gujarat government and the villagers there up in arms.

Modi targets Centre over attack on Sarabjit in Pakistan

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:17:55 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi launched a fresh attack on the Centre on Saturday by dubbing it "weak" and alleging that the government has suffered a "total blackout" in its foreign policy and failed on all fronts, including on the issue of death row convict Sarabjit Singh, who was attacked in a Lahore jail on Friday and is currently on ventilator support in a hospital.

Gujarat HC issues notices to government on land allotment

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:58:11 +0530

The Gujarat High Court on Friday sought replies from the state government, Centre, Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City Company and private companies on five PILs challenging various land allotments. The division bench of Chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Justice JB Pardiwala has fixed the next hearing in June 2013.

No riots in Gujarat since 2002: Narendra Modi

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:44:50 +0530

Religious leaders in Haridwar on Friday endorsed Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, giving more strength to his prime ministerial ambitions.

Narendra Modi never said 'go and kill people': SIT

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:53:45 +0530

The lawyer of the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has given a clean chit to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in 2002 post-Godhra riots case after investigating complaint filed by Zakia Jafri, on Thursday said that "Modi has never said that go and kill people".

Dipda Darwaza riot case: HC issues notices to 21 convicts

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:10:11 +0530

Gujarat High Court on Wednesday issued notices to 21 convicts who were awarded life term by a designated court in 2012 in the post-Godhra Dipda Darwaza riot case on a petition filed by the SIT seeking condonation of delay in filing appeals against the verdict. A division bench of Justices MR Shah and SH Vora also issued notices to 57 accused whose acquittal by the designated court in the case was challenged by the SIT earlier in April 2013.

Gujarat High Court stays trial against Sanjiv Bhatt

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:50:57 +0530

The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday temporarily stayed the trial against suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt in a 16-year-old case of custodial torture in Porbandar. Justice SR Brahmabhatt ordered stay till further orders and fixed the hearing in the first week of May 2013.

2002 riots: SIT opposes Zakia's protest plea

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:49:32 +0530

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday strongly contested the protest petition filed by Zakia Jafri against its closure report giving clean chit to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and others in the 2002 post-Godhra riot case. The day-to-day hearing on the petition filed by Zakia earlier this month, began in the court of Metropolitan Magistrate BJ Ganatra on Wednesday.

Gujarat court likely to hear Zakia's protest petition

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:00:36 +0530

A protest petition filed by Zakia Jafri seeking rejection of the SIT report giving clean chit to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and others in the post-Godhra riots case is likely to come up for hearing in a local court on Wednesday. Zakia, wife of 2002 post-Godhra riots victim and former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri who was killed in the Gulbarg Society riots along with 68 others, had filed the petition in the court of Metropolitan Magistrate BJ Ganatra earlier in April 2013.

Modi slams Centre for undermining nation's federal structure

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 11:48:31 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Centre on Sunday for undermining the federal structure of the state in his blog. "The credit for establishing the civil service in Independent India goes to Sardar Patel. He wanted and argued for a federal civil service, mainly to protect the unity and integrity of the country," Modi wrote on his blog, on Civil Service Day.

Politicians must not confuse values with secularism: Modi

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:40:34 +0530

Emphasising the need to inculcate values in youth to control social evils, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said traditional Indian value-based systems have been painted in "secular" and "non-secular" garb. Inaugurating a youth training centre of Brahma Kumaris in Ahmedabad on Sunday, Modi spoke on recent crimes against women.

Probe Modi's phone call records: Sohrabuddin's brother

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:42:31 +0530

Rubabuddin Shaikh, brother of alleged slain gangster Sohrabuddin Shaikh, has demanded that CBI should investigate phone call records of the office of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and senior IPS officers in connection with the Tulsiram Prajapati fake encounter case. "Rubabuddin Shaikh has sought probe of telephone calls between the office of Chief Minister and senior IPS officers under Sec 173 (8) of the CrPC," his lawyer Mukul Sinha said.

Modi 100 per cent secular and BJP's best bet for PM post: Jethmalani

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 05:38:01 +0530

Describing Gujarat CM Narendra Modi as being 'impeccably secular, honest and fully qualified' to become the prime minister, senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Ram Jethmalani on Saturday said the BJP should announce his candidature for the top post before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. "Modi is honest, possesses administrative ability and is fully qualified to become the prime minister. He is BJP's best bet for the top post," Jethmalani said on Saturday.

Decision to seek death for Kodnani attack on Hindus: Sena

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 05:22:53 +0530

Terming as "a deadly attack on Hindus" the Gujarat government's nod for seeking death penalty for former BJP minister Maya Kodnani and nine others in the 2002 Naroda Patiya massacre case, Shiv Sena on Friday said Hindus have different expectations from Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Naroda Patiya case: Babu Bajrangi says he was made a victim

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 04:20:19 +0530

Babu Bajrangi, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the 2002 Naroda Patiya riot case, has claimed that he is innocent and has been made a victim. Bajrangi was granted two days temporary bail on Thursday as his wife was undergoing a surgery.

Gujarat has made major contribution to India's growth: Modi

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:54:41 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the development that took place in Gujarat over the last 12 years has contributed immensely to the growth of the nation. Speaking at an event, he said "they may like it or not but political pundits and economists have to accept that in the last 12 years, the development that took place in Gujarat has contributed immensely to the growth of the nation".

Gujarat: Adani project violated green norms, says Probe panel

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:15:00 +0530

An Environment Ministry panel on Thursday held that a port and SEZ project of Adani group in Gujarat's Mundra violated green clearance conditions and recommended creation of a fund of a minimum of Rs 200 crore from the project cost for ecological restoration.

In Modi's vibrant Gujarat, 4,000 villages face acute water crisis

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:33:21 +0530

Nearly 4,000 villages in Sami in north Gujarat face a drought-like situation with no water to drink. People are being forced to dig pits and consume unsafe water.

Naroda Patiya case: Babu Bajrangi gets temporary bail

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 07:04:14 +0530

Gujarat High Court on Thursday granted two days temporary bail to Babu Bajrangi, sentenced to life imprisonment in the 2002 Naroda Patiya riot case, as his wife is undergoing a surgery. A division bench of Justices MR Shah and SH Vora allowed Bajrangi's plea, filed and argued by his son Viren Babubhai Patel.

Modi faces assassination threat, academic Madhu Kishwar claims on Twitter

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:56:11 +0530

Academic Madhu Kishwar on Wednesday tweeted about a threat to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's life.

Gujarat on alert following Bangalore blast

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 05:00:41 +0530

An alert has been sounded across Gujarat in the wake of the blast near the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Bangalore on Wednesday, a top police officer said. "We have sounded alert to police commissioners and district police heads in the state following the bomb blast in Bangalore," state police chief Amitabh Pathak said.

Narendra Modi's politics is communal: Vaghela

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 03:56:35 +0530

In the midst of Nitish Kumar raising the pitch against Narendra Modi, Congress on Wednesday accused the Gujarat Chief Minister of "communalising" politics and debunked his development model.

Naroda Patiya case: SIT to seek death for Kodnani, others

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:21:20 +0530

There is trouble for former Gujarat Women and Child Development Minister Maya Kodnani as the Special Investigation Team probing the 2002 riots will move the Gujarat High Court seeking death for her in the Naroda Patiya massacre case. The approval for this was given by the legal department of the Gujarat government.

Gujarat: Electricity to be costlier by 34 paise per unit

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:43:05 +0530

Electricity in Gujarat will get costlier on an average by 34 paise per unit as an order on tariff restructuring was passed by the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. However, consumers in below poverty level (BPL) category have been excluded from the hike, an official statement said.

Tremors felt in Gujarat bringing back memories of 2001 earthquake

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:12:21 +0530

Tremors shook Ahmedabad city and many other parts of Kutch and south Gujarat Tuesday afternoon, Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) official said. "A powerful earthquake, with the magnitude of 7.8 on Richter scale, occurred at the Iran-Pakistan border area, the effect of it in form of tremors was felt in western, central and southern areas of our state as well," Deputy Director, GSDMA Gandhinagar, Birju Patel said.

Gujarat to study SC verdict on lions before taking next step

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:40:36 +0530

The Gujarat government on Monday said it will study the full judgement of the Supreme Court on relocation of Asiatic lions to Madhya Pradesh before deciding its future course of action on the issue. Currently, Gujarat's Gir sanctuary is the only home to Asiatic lions, an endangered species.

Gujarat: Narendra Modi moves into his new office

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:26:04 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet colleagues moved into a newly-built four storey office building in Gandhinagar on Monday.

Gujarat riots: Jafri files plea against clean chit to Modi

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:14:03 +0530

Zakia Jafri, wife of 2002 post-Godhra riots victim and former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, on Monday filed a protest petition in a local court seeking rejection of the SIT report giving a clean chit to Chief Minister Narendra Modi and others in the Gulberg Society riot case. The petition also sought further investigations into the case by an independent agency other than the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team and filing of charge sheet against Modi and others.

Children operate dangerous machines in Gujarat's cotton factories

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:55:55 +0530

India is home to the largest child labour force in the world, child rights groups say. CNN-IBN takes a look at the cotton ginning factories in Gujarat where children operate dangerous machines and inhale cotton dust all day.

SC gives go-ahead for relocation of Asiatic lions from Gujarat to MP

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:35:37 +0530

The Supreme Court has given its go-ahead for the relocation of Asiatic lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh in the next 6 months. The two BJP-ruled states, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, had been locked in a dispute over whether the Asiatic lions should be relocated out of Gujarat or not.

Gulbarg massacre: Zakia to file protest petition against SIT report

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:43:57 +0530

Zakia Jafri, wife of 2002 post-Godhra riots victim Ehsan Jafri, is likely to file a protest petition in a trial court in Ahmedabad on Monday against the Special Investigation Team (SIT)'s closure report giving clean chit to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and others in the Gulbarg Society massacre case in Ahmedabad.

Children smuggled from Rajasthan working in Gujarat's cotton factories

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:25:16 +0530

India is home to the largest child labour force in the world, say child rights groups. Underpaid, overworked and going largely unpoliced, millions of India's children are at work every day when they should be at school. CNN-IBN traveled to Gujarat's cotton district to find that the use of child labour, brought from Rajasthan, is simply routine.

Gujarat's loan has risen to Rs 1.72 lakh cr: Digvijaya

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:30:30 +0530

Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh on Sunday slammed Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for making "tall claims" about development, and claimed that despite all talks of progress every citizen of Gujarat is burdened with a debt of Rs 26,000. "When Modi became Gujarat Chief Minister for the first time, the state had a loan burden of Rs 46,000 crore, but today it has risen to Rs 1.72 lakh crore, which means each and every individual in the state is indebted by a loan burden of Rs 26,000," he told reporters Saturday night, enroute to Indore.

Argentine delegation to meet Modi tomorrow

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:49:01 +0530

A high-powered delegation from the Government of Argentina will meet Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar on Monday to discuss issues of collaboration and investment opportunities in various fields. Governor of Mendoza province in Argentina, Dr Fransisco Perez, who is leading the delegation, said, "During the meeting, we will apprise the Chief Minister about the possibility of tie-up between Gujarat and Argentina in various fields like higher education, research, sports, academics, among others."

Elections in India not about who is looking or speaking better: Jairam

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:52:02 +0530

Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh dismissed talks of the next general elections becoming a contest between personalities, possibly involving Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, and said elections in India are fought between parties.

Surat: Ten bus passengers dead in collision with container

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 08:35:04 +0530

Ten passengers of a luxury bus returning from Mumbai to Amreli in Saurashtra were killed when the bus dashed into a container on Saturday night on National Highway 8.

Water shortage plagues Gujarat even before peak summer sets in

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:05:40 +0530

Through this summer, CNN-IBN will focus on the acute water shortage that is gripping large parts of the country. In areas like North Gujarat, where those who were promised water from the Narmada canals are still waiting for relief.

Gujarat jail tunnel digging case: Probe panel submits report

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:19:12 +0530

A three-member high-powered committee which probed a failed jail break bid in Sabarmati Central Jail by digging a tunnel, submitted its report to the Gujarat Home Department on Friday, a top official said. "A report has been submitted by the committee on the tunnel digging case," Principal Home Secretary SK Nanda told PTI.

In drought-hit Gujarat, university V-C builds 72,000-litre pvt pool

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:53:37 +0530

A swimming pool in Ahmedabad is creating waves of controversy. The Gujarat University Vice Chancellor, Adesh Pal, is building a private pool with a capacity for 72,000 litres of water. Political activists have hit out at him saying this is blatantly insensitive given that thousands of villages in the state are drought hit.

Guj Cong urges Governor to reject Lokayukta Aayog Bill

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:35:37 +0530

Gujarat Congress on Tuesday appealed to Governor Kamla Beniwal not to give her sanction to the newly-passed Gujarat Lokayukta Aayog Bill 2013, which the party said is "ultra vires" to the Constitution.

Narendra Modi taunts PMO over tweets

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:56:25 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday taunted the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) with a claim that it comes out with official response to issues raised by him during any speech even before he concludes it.

UPA most hated govt since 1947: Narendra Modi

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 06:05:39 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi continued his offensive against the UPA government on Tuesday. Addressing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Kolkata, the likely Prime Ministerial candidate of the party ripped apart the rival Congress and Left parties through his powerful oratory. Modi alleged that the UPA was the most hated government since Independence and that "32 years of Left rule" had brought West Bengal to ruins.

In Gujarat, Jasuben's pizza is indeed a favourite

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:11:16 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking of empowering women on Monday at the FICCI Ladies Organisation meet, gave an example of Jasuben and her thriving pizza business in the state. "More people in Gujarat prefer eating pizza at Jasuben's outlet rather than Pizza Hut or some other big company," Modi said.

Man rapes, murders teenager in Gujarat village

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:39:30 +0530

A 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered by her cousin at Uchvania village of Dahod taluka, police said on Monday. The incident took place late on Sunday night, they said, adding that she had attended a marriage party.

Think India Dialogue: Modi reveals agenda for progress

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:14:19 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was the toast of the day as he took to the stage on Monday, first at an event hosted by the FICCI Ladies Organisation and later, at the Network 18's first Think India Dialogue in the capital. At the former, he wooed women entrepreneurs with talks on the need for their empowerment, education and safety, during the latter, Modi spelt out his definition of governance as opposed to the "omnipresent government".

Technology, public participation needed for better governance: Modi

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:55:36 +0530

Government means rules and regulations while governance means delivery. Government is all about power, governance is all about empowerment. Government is all about files, governance is all about life. Government is all about outlay, governance is all about outcome.

Modi favours decentralisation of power to aid development

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:09:43 +0530

Emphasising on the need to decentralise power, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday revealed how his government was taken to task by the Centre for laying down gas pipeline across the state. "The Gujarat government was targeted by the Centre for laying down gas pipeline across the state. The Centre said that it was its job, not the state's. What is the use of such policies? We have reduced this centralisation of power in Gujarat," Modi said.

Reduce politics to end policy paralysis: Narendra Modi

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:46:01 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid down his formula for better governance at the first Think India Dialogue organised by Network 18 in New Delhi. Modi said clearly that what hurt India the most was policy paralysis due to politics and power play.

Opposition up in arms against Modi govt on water crisis

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 02:48:04 +0530

Water scarcity in major regions of Gujarat is heating up the political arena in the state, with Opposition parties and NGOs up in arms against the Narendra Modi government's "inaction" and "mismanagement" of the crisis. Passing the buck, Gujarat has targeted the Centre for denying permission to raise the height of Sardar Sarovar Dam, and stalling construction of gates over it.

Narendra Modi targets Congress over Gujarat

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:58:24 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a dig at the Congress while stating that his state needed to see much more economic development.

Narendra Modi sounds election bugle ahead of 2014

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 11:05:47 +0530

Narender Modi took on Rahul Gandhi for his recent speech to India Inc and sounded the election bugle ahead of 2014 with his party President Rajnath saying Modi will prove to be 'Yamraj' who will bring down the Congress.

Ishrat case: Suspended policeman sent to CBI custody

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:38:29 +0530

The special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Ahmedabad on Saturday remanded suspended Gujarat police officer Narendra Amin in six-day (till April 12) CBI custody in college student Ishrat Jahan fake encounter killing case. CBI had sought 14 days' custody of Amin who is a suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police and was arrested by the agency on Thursday from a hospital in Ahmedabad.

Modi most popular leader of the country: Rajnath

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 07:55:50 +0530

As hype over Narendra Modi's role in the next Lok Sabha elections grows, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajnath Singh on Saturday hailed the Gujarat Chief Minister as the "most popular leader of the country" and said the BJP leader has followed the path of Mahatma Gandhi while developing Gujarat.

BJP's foundation day to be celebrated in Gujarat

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 08:30:55 +0530

Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has organised grand celebrations of party's 33rd Foundation day, which will be attended by newly-elected President Rajnath Singh in Ahmedabad on Saturday. The Foundation Day celebration will be held at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, where large number of party workers will come from all over the state, Gujarat BJP spokesperson Jagdish Bhavsar said.

Gujarat: Congress to launch agitation against irrigation bill

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 07:10:22 +0530

The Gujarat Congress on Friday announced to launch a state-wide 'Jal Adhikar Yatra' against the recently passed Gujarat Irrigation and Drainage Bill which it termed as an "anti-farmer" bill. "From April 10 we will launch a 12-day 'Jal Adhikar Yatra' from Dwarka to Ambaji against the Gujarat Irrigation and Drainage Bill which is not only anti-farmer but also gives arbitrary and draconian powers to government officials," Congress President Arjun Modhwadia told reporters in Ahmedabad.

Dipda Darwaza riot case: SIT files appeal in Gujarat HC

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 01:35:15 +0530

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday moved the Gujarat High Court against a special court's judgement in a 2002 riot case in which 11 members of a family, nine of them women and children, were killed. The judgement in the Deepda Darwaza riot case was delivered on July 30, 2012. Designated Judge S C Srivastava had awarded life imprisonment to 21 people, a year in jail to a retired police officer and acquitted 61 other accused.

Ishrat case: Arrested police officer alleges torture by CBI

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 01:13:45 +0530

Suspended Gujarat police officer N K Amin, arrested by CBI in the alleged fake encounter of Mumbai girl Ishrat Jahan and three others near Ahmedabad in 2004, on Friday told a court that he was tortured by the investigation agency. Amin, a suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police, was arrested on Thursday.

Can't rule out possibility of life elsewhere: Sunita Williams

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:34:27 +0530

US astronaut Sunita Williams hinted at the possibility of life outside earth on Friday, saying that people on earth must not be arrogant about the fact that they are the only living creatures.

Sunita Williams visits her ancestral town in Gujarat

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:28:23 +0530

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams visited her ancestral town in Gujarat's Jhulsana district. During her visit, she hoped that the villagers would also get to go to space someday. "I feel like I'm at home. And I hope one day one of these smiles will go to space one day," said Williams.

Ishrat encounter case: Another Gujarat police officer arrested

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 01:15:21 +0530

The CBI on Thursday arrested another officer of Gujarat police in connection with the 2004 alleged fake encounter of 19-year-old college girl Ishrat Jahan and three others, officials of the agency said.

Sunita Williams: I hope another smile from Jhulsana goes to space

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:03:47 +0530

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams visited her ancestral town in Gujarat's Jhulsana district on Thursday and said that she hoped to see another smile from the area go to space one day. She added that, "I feel like I am at home."

People urging me to repay debt to India: Modi

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 05:58:24 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday gave yet another hint that he was eyeing the prime minister's post when he said in Gandhinagar that he had repaid the debt of Gujarat and now people want him to repay India's debt.

Congress to launch stir against Gujarat Lokayukta Aayog Bill

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:45:08 +0530

The Congress on Wednesday announced that it will shortly begin a statewide agitation to protest against the newly passed Gujarat Lokayukta Aayog Bill 2013.

Gujarat: 5 self-immolate in Rajkot municipal office

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 04:08:02 +0530

Five persons, including three women, on Wednesday set themselves ablaze in Rajkot Municipal Corporation office to protest the civic body's alleged demolition drive, police said.

Those spreading rumours 'jealous' of Modi, says Jolly

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 03:18:48 +0530

Delhi BJP Vice-President Vijay Jolly on Tuesday claimed the meeting of US Congressmen with Narendra Modi was not sponsored and those spreading such rumours were "jealous" of the Gujarat Chief Minister. "The trip hasn't been sponsored by either BJP or Gujarat government. These rumours are being spread by our opposition parties which are feeling jealous that Modi's good governance mantra is admired by foreign countries also," Vijay Jolly, BJP's Overseas Cell Convenor, said.

Man sets wife on fire for disagreeing with his choice

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:59:51 +0530

A man allegedly set his wife on fire for disagreeing with his choice of youth with whom he wanted his daughter to marry, police said on Tuesday.

Has Narendra Modi diluted the Gujarat Lokayukta Bill?

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:51:53 +0530

The Gujarat Lokayukta Bill 2013 was on Tuesday passed in the state Assembly amidst dramatic scenes of a walkout by Congress MLAs. The new law allows a six member committee headed by the Chief Minister to choose the Lokayukta.

Revised Lokayukta Bill an attempt by Gujarat govt to hide corruption: Cong

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:43:59 +0530

The Narendra Modi government on Tuesday passed the much awaited Lokayukta Aayog Bill. But the revised bill reduces the role of the governor and the High Court Chief Justice in the appointment.

Gujarat PSUs gave undue benefits to business houses: CAG

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:04:49 +0530

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has said government-owned firms in Gujarat granted "undue benefit" to big industrial houses, which resulted in revenue losses worth crores of rupees to the state exchequer. The CAG report, for the year ended March 31, 2012, was tabled on Tuesday in the Gujarat State Assembly.

Modi can keep the RSS in check much like Vajpayee: Bhupendra Chaubey

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 06:50:34 +0530

The newly constituted BJP parliamentary board has included not just Narendra Modi but also his trusted lieutenant, Amit Shah. Advani loyalists like Yashwant Sinha and Jaswant Singh have been left out, powerful regional leaders like Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Arjun Munda have also been kept away. So is it all going according to Modi's gameplan? CNN-IBN's National Bureau Chief Bhupendra Chaubey joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on the issue.

Gujarat Assembly passes controversial Lokayukta Aayog Bill 2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 06:38:33 +0530

Gujarat: New Lokayukta Bill introduced in Assembly

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 02:30:07 +0530

The Narendra Modi government on Tuesday introduced a bill in the Gujarat Assembly which curtails the 'primacy' of the Chief Justice of the state High Court and the Governor in the matter of appointment of the Lokayukta. The Lokayukta Aayog Bill, 2013 proposes to give all the powers of the appointment to a selection committee headed by Chief Minister and wants state Governor to act on the recommendations of this committee.

Gujarat: Congress protests against Irrigation Act

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 02:26:40 +0530

The Congress organised a farmers' rally against The Gujarat Irrigation and Drainage Act 2013 on Tuesday in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. After the rally Congress leaders tried to march towards the Gujarat Assembly but were stopped by police and taken into custody which led to a huge uproar and pandemonium.

Will Modi govt's Bill dilute powers of the Lokayukta?

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:27:27 +0530

The Gujarat government is set to table the Lokayukta Ayug Bill in the Assembly later on Tuesday, despite fierce opposition from the state Congress party. If passed, the Bill allows a six-member committee headed by Chief Minister Narendra Modi to choose the state's Lokayukta.

Is Narendra Modi calling the shots in the BJP?

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:20:59 +0530

Narendra Modi is the only Chief Minister to have been inducted into the BJP Parliamentary Board.

'Modi will now focus on the next Lok Sabha polls'

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:53:03 +0530

With his induction in BJP's Parliamentary Board, the party's highest decision-making body, Narendra Modi's prime focus will be on the next Lok Sabha polls, a state BJP leader close to the Gujarat Chief Minister said. "Now, with the official announcement of his induction in national Parliamentary Board and Central Election Committee of the party, the entire focus of Modiji will be on the next general elections," the state BJP leader close to Modi said.

RSS chief calls for 'glorious' Ram Mandir

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 02:58:55 +0530

On a day when Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was inducted into BJP's Parliamentary Board, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat raked up the issue of Ram Mandir in Ahmedabad, expressing the desire for a "glorious" temple at Ayodhya. "We will have to build good, honest and true Hindus in Bharat, because, now the whole world will be following Hindus. "In near future, we are taking up mass recitation of 'Vijay Mantra' for a glorious temple, Shree Ram Mandir," Bhagwat said while addressing a public gathering, 'Hindu Sangam', organised by VHP .

Swine flu kills 158 people in Gujarat in 2013

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 08:47:24 +0530

With Gujarat registering 158 deaths in the last three months, it along with Rajasthan are the worst hit states by swine flu this season.

Man arrested for hacking wife, two children to death

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 04:07:29 +0530

Police arrested a man on Thursday for hacking his wife and two children to death in Garbada area of the district.

Gujarat: US Congressman Aaron Schock meets Narendra Modi

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:38:19 +0530

A US Congressional and business delegation, which is on a visit to India this week, met Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The US has been denying Modi a visa for his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots, but of late American businesses have warmed up to him.

Gujarat: Six drown during Holi celebrations

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:57:08 +0530

Six Holi revellers drowned in two separate incidents in Ahmedabad and Navsari districts of Gujarat on Wednesday, officials said.

Nitish Kumar beats Narendra Modi in 'pichkari' battle

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:10:17 +0530

It is a contest between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his Gujarat counterpart Narendra Modi - and the former is ahead. "Pichkaris (colour sprinklers)" with pictures of the two leaders are doing brisk business in the markets here ahead of Holi.

All Cong MLAs suspended for a day from Gujarat Assembly

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 03:05:03 +0530

All the Congress MLAs, who created ruckus in the Gujarat Assembly on Tuesday over water crisis facing many parts of the state, were suspended by Speaker Vaju Vala for a day. As soon as the question hour commenced, Leader of Opposition Shankarsinh Vaghela raised the issue of water scarcity in Kutch, Saurashtra and North Gujarat region and demanded suspension of question hour to discuss the issue.

Liquor has become cheaper than water in Gujarat: Congress

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:17:05 +0530

The Congress on Monday alleged that liquor has become cheaper than water in parched Gujarat as Chief Minister Narendra Modi is busy chasing his 'dream' to become prime minister and ignoring the plight of the common people. "Water is not easily available in drought-hit areas in the state but liquor is not only readily available but at the rate cheaper than water", said state unit Congress president Arjun Modhwadia in Rajkot.

Ahmedabad: I-T officer caught accepting bribe of Rs 30 lakhs

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:59:27 +0530

An Income Tax officer was caught accepting a bribe in the city on Monday. Additional Commissioner of Income Tax CS Bharti was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) while he accepting a bribe of Rs 30 lakhs.

92 Asiatic lions died in Gujarat in last two years

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 01:20:25 +0530

Ninety-two Asiatic lions have died, including 83 of natural death, in the past two years in Gujarat's Saurashtra region while there has been no case of poaching.

Surat: Police allegedly beat up women during demolition drive

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:07:12 +0530

An inquiry has been ordered into an altercation between members of a family and police personnel during which some women were allegedly thrashed by police near Surat on Tuesday, a senior official said.

Meeting with Modi 'logical next step' in ties: UK minister

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:20:03 +0530

UK's Minister of State for the Foreign Office Hugo Swire on Wednesday met Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, and later said it was "a logical next step" in his country's relations with Gujarat. The meeting comes after UK decided to re-engage with the state recently, ending the boycott post-2002 riots.

UK delegation meets Gujarat CM Modi, signs mega gas deal

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:46:34 +0530

The British Minister of State for Foreign Office, Hugo Swire, met Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. A deal was signed between the state-owned Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd and UK-based BG group to get a supply of 1.25 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per annum starting 2015. When asked about granting Modi a UK visa, Swire said the decision is taken on an individual basis. He, however, added that relations between Gujarat and the UK were extremely cordial at the moment.

Vice President of Uganda meets Narendra Modi, discusses trade ties

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:37:22 +0530

Vice President of Uganda Edward Ssekandi on Tuesday met Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and held deliberations on strengthening ties. Modi told Ssekandi, who was leading a 16-member high-level delegation from his country, that Gujarat was keen to build relations with the African nation in the fields of agriculture, micro-irrigation, fertilisers and petroleum.

Narendra Modi to address Google Big Tent Activate Summit

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:29:08 +0530

Narendra Modi is the only Chief Minister from India to be invited to address the Google Big Tent Activate Summit 2013 on March 21 through Google+ hangout on the theme 'Technology in Politics'. Before delivering the address, Modi will be interacting with Eric Schmidt, Chairman of Google Inc. through Google+ Hangout, a state government release said on Tuesday.

Gujarat: Saurashtra faces acute water shortage

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:32:15 +0530

Lack of water in Gujarat's Saurashtra region has forced people to pay more for water than what they earn in a day. It has been over a week since residents of Bhatarwadi locality in Amreli have had water.

Gujarat: Official claims data on water portal is obsolete

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:04:14 +0530

After the official Water and Sanitation Management Organisation (WASMO) portal stated that 7675 habitations suffer from high ground water fluoride levels, the organisation's chairman called it a "goof-up" and said that less than 400 habitations are affected. The official WASMO portal states that a recent habitation survey found that 7675 habitations suffer from high levels of ground water fluoride, nitrate and groundwater salinity.

Panic button in your phone to summon help in times of distress

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 08:11:00 +0530

A single button women's helpline, that's the latest aid for women in Ahmedabad in times of distress. 'HEART' as it is called, is entrepreneur Ruzan Khambatta's brainchild, which requires just the push of a phone button to summon help for women in times of need.

SC dismisses review plea of Gujarat govt on Lokayukta

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 04:26:59 +0530

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed Gujarat government's petition seeking review of its judgement upholding the appointment of Justice (retd) RA Mehta as the state Lokayukta by Governor Kamla Beniwal.

Modi's 3D speeches during 2012 elections enter Guinness Book

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:19:19 +0530

The 3D broadcasts of the speeches of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi during the 2012 Assembly elections have entered the Guinness Book of World Records, he stated on Thursday. "Gujarat election campaign 2012 becomes even more memorable with the 3D interaction creating a Guinness World," Modi said on Twitter.

Nita Ambani's programme helps improve condition of farmers

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 01:49:10 +0530

Nita Ambani, wife of Mukesh Ambani who heads the country's biggest corporate house Reliance Industries Limited, is the chairperson of Reliance Foundation and has been trying to improve the conditions of villages.

Indian fishermen apprehended by Pak marine agency

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:02:36 +0530

Seventeen Indian fishermen have been apprehended and as many fishing trawlers seized by the Pakistan Marine Security Agency (PMSA) off Jakhau coast, Gujarat, near the international maritime boundary, a fishermen's association claimed on Wednesday.

Gujarat: More people succumb to swine flu, death toll crosses 100

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:47:34 +0530

Two people have succumbed to H1N1 virus in various parts of Gujarat in the last 24 hours, the death toll due to swine flue death has risen to 103 even as as many as 133 persons are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

Gujarat riots: Real hero Latifa a driving force behind communal harmony

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:20:57 +0530

CNN-IBN Real Hero Latifa Giteli, a housewife from Gujarat, is doing her bit to transform lives post 2002 Godhra riots. The 2002 Godhra carnage transformed Latifa Giteli from a housewife to the driving force behind communal harmony.

Gujarat riots: Crime Branch to probe Teesta Setalvad's collection of funds

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:02:15 +0530

The Ahmedabad Crime Branch is likely to conduct an inquiry into activist Teesta Setalvad's collection of Funds for Gulbarg Society. The residents had alleged that Teesta had collected donations in the name of Gulbarg Society and had not distributed the money.

PM used poetry in Parl to hide his govt's shortcomings: Modi

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:30:31 +0530

Narendra Modi on Thursday attacked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying that he used poetry in Parliament to hide his government's shortcomings. The PM on Wednesday went on the offensive as he presented his reply to a debate in the Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the President for his address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. During his speech, the PM, who is known for his quiet demeanour, unleashed scathing attacks on the BJP on all fronts. He did not spare Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi either, remarking, "jo garajte hain, woh baraste nahi (Barking dogs seldom bite)".

Blow to Cong in Gujarat, Vitthal Radadiya who pulled gun at toll attendant joins BJP

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 04:20:44 +0530

Former congress MP from Porbandar, Vitthal Radadiya, who had pulled a gun and threatened a tool-booth plaza attendant, will join the BJP in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi at a massive farmers' rally in Rajkot's Dhoraji on Friday.

Gujarat leader Vitthal Radadiya who pulled gun at toll attendant joins BJP

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 01:45:00 +0530

Narendra Modi's pep-talk to board exam candidates through blog

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:24:31 +0530

In a pep-talk for students on the eve of board exams, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said they should rise above negativity or self-doubts and take on the exams as an opportunity for self growth.

After Wharton snub, Modi to address Indian diaspora in USA

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:10:32 +0530

After the 'snub' from Wharton, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the Indian diaspora in the states of Edison, New Jersey, Chicago, Illinois, of USA through a video conference facility.

Gujarat: Fight for water now a way of life for Amreli residents

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:45:32 +0530

With chronic drought and chronic water shortage, the fight for water has become a way of life in Amreli Saurashtra. CNN-IBN travelled there to find out why the promise of drinking and irrigation water from the Narmada dam remains just another dry promise.

Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case: Gujarat ACP faces arrest

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:45:00 +0530

A local court has allowed CBI to arrest suspended Gujarat ACP Narendra Amin, facing trial in the alleged fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, in the 2004 Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case. "The special court in Gujarat had last week issued a production warrant against Amin. We submitted the production warrant in the Mumbai CBI court, which is trying Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, and it gave us permission to present him (Amin) before the Gujarat court", special CBI prosecutor Ejaz Khan said on Monday.

Wharton snub a bump in Modi's smooth road to bigger political role?

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:07:28 +0530

A day after he was feted at the BJP's National Council, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi received the snub. In a statement overnight, the US's top business school Wharton's India Economic Forum cancelled Modi's keynote address. In its statement, Wharton said, "Our team felt that the potential polarising reactions from sub-segments of the alumni base, student body, and our supporters, might put Mr Modi in a compromising position, which we would like to avoid at all costs."

Dolphin stranded in Gujarat backwaters dies

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 05:22:19 +0530

A dolphin stuck in backwaters of sea towards Tapi River in Gujarat was found dead on Sunday, officials said.

Gujarat: Government passes new irrigation Bill

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 09:15:57 +0530

The Narendra Modi government in Gujarat has passed an irrigation Bill that will make it mandatory for farmers to procure a licence for using ground water for irrigation. Farmers who do not have the licenses will now run the risk of losing their land.

Three die in gas leak at Gujarat agro-chemical plant

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 03:06:05 +0530

Three workers died following a gas leak at the agro-chemicals plant of Meghmani Organics in Ankleshwar industrial area on Saturday, police said.

Modi, Chouhan may be inducted into BJP Parliamentary Board

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 09:09:59 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to expand its highest decision-making body, the Central Parliamentary Board, thus paying way for the entry of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan into it. At the ongoing BJP National Executive meet, Modi seems to be slowly emerging as the front runner for the party's Prime Ministerial Candidate in spite of the warning by party president Rajnath Singh not to name leaders.

Ishrat Jahan fake encounter: Suspended Gujarat IPS officer resigns

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 08:49:20 +0530

Gujarat IPS officer GL Singhal, who was arrested in the Ishrat Jahan encounter case, has resigned from the police force. He was suspended after being arrested in the case. GL Singhal was the ACP in 2004 during the fake encounter case. Singhal is among the 20 policemen, including DIG Vanzara, named in the case.

Gujarat: Congress MP Mukesh Gadhvi passes away

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:43:04 +0530

Congress MP from Banaskantha, Mukesh Gadhvi, on Friday passed away at a private hospital here, party sources said. Gadhvi, 50, was admitted to Sterling Hospital here ten days back after he suffered a brain stroke. He died of multiple organ failure on Friday, sources said.

2002 riots: Gulbarg Society residents, Setalvad caught in a dispute

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:05:58 +0530

It's been 11 years since the Godhra riots, but apart from waiting for justice, victims' families are now facing what they call another injustice. At a function marking 11 years of the riots, at Ahmedabad's Gulbarg Society, activist Teesta Setalvad was missing from the memorial service. The human rights activist finds herself at the receiving end after a set of Gulbarg Society residents sent her a notice, asking her to distribute funds collected by her among the riot victims.

Budget lacks strategy and vision for India's development: Modi

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:01:29 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the UPA government's budget lacks a growth strategy and vision to develop India's economy. Coming down heavily on the budget, he said that there is a lack of co-ordination between the 12th Five Year Plan and the budget presented for the year 2013-14 by Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram.

Ahmedabad hit-and-run case: BMW owner surrenders

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 02:00:19 +0530

Twenty seven-year-old Vismay Shah, who killed two people and injured one while driving a BMW on February 25, surrendered before the Vastrapur police on Wednesday.

Gujarat: Man arrested for killing wife, daughter

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 01:17:48 +0530

The Gujarat police have arrested a police constable for allegedly killing his wife and daughter, and then chopping their bodies into 21 pieces. The gruesome killings took place in Sabarkantha district of Gujarat.

11 years since 2002 Gujarat carnage: VHP to hold function remembering kar sevaks who died

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:49:51 +0530

It has been 11 years since the burning of the Sabarmati Express which triggered the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is holding a function in Ahmedabad to remember the kar sevaks who died in the carnage.

Gujarat: Rape survivor attempts suicide inside courtroom

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:30:05 +0530

A rape survivor attempted suicide at the Gujarat High Court in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, alleging "delay in justice". The 26-year-old woman tried to take the extreme step by consuming poison inside the courtroom of Justice Ashish Desai after proceedings were adjourned as the lawyer of the accused was on sick leave.

Gujarat's gun-toting MLA quits Congress to join BJP

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:31:21 +0530

In a major blow to the Congress in Gujarat, influential leader Vitthal Radadia, who was embroiled in a gun-toting controversy, and his son Jayesh, on Monday resigned as MLAs and are set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Hyd blasts: Gujarat youth arrested for sending fake e-mail

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:07:27 +0530

A 23-year-old engineering student was arrested on Sunday from Kheda in Gujarat for allegedly sending a fake e-mail in the name of his former friend and her relatives to some electronic media houses. The e-mail claimed responsibility for the last week's twin bomb blasts in Hyderabad. According to local police, the student, who appears to be mentally unstable, had even tried to implicate his friend and her family in the 2010 Pune German bakery bomb blast case as well through the e-mail.

Ishrat Jahan case: Another policemen arrested

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 07:26:42 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested one more police officer in connection with the 2004 alleged fake encounter of Ishrat Jahan and three others, officials of the agency said.

Ishrat Jahan fake encounter case: CBI probing role of former Ahmedabad police commissioner

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 01:27:33 +0530

After IPS officer Girish Singhal, the CBI has now arrested two more police officers in the Ishrat Jahan alleged fake encounter case. Former deputy superintendent of police Tarun Barot and former inspector JG Parmar, both of whom are already in judicial custody in the alleged Sadik Jamal fake encounter case, are the latest Gujarat police officers facing trial in the fake encounter case.

Ishrat Jahan encounter case: Two police officers arrested

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 09:12:55 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two police officers who were part of as many squads that took part in the alleged fake encounter of teenage girl Ishrat Jahan and three others in 2004 in Gujarat. The duo were already under judicial custody in another alleged fake encounter case of Sadik Jamal.

Ahmedabad: Woman's burnt body found inside stadium

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 01:53:27 +0530

The body of a 22-year-old woman was found burnt from the city police stadium in Ahmedabad. The sensational discovery of the body led to police officials swinging into action to find out the truth.

BSF arrests 30 Pakistani fishermen near Padala creek

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 02:03:18 +0530

Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday arrested 30 Pakistani fishermen and took into custody their boats for illegally entering Indian Martime boundary near Padala creek off Kutch district, BSF officals said.

Ishrat Jahan encounter: CBI arrests IPS officer

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 01:29:24 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested first Gujarat IPS officer in the Ishrat Jahan encounter case. GL Singhal was the ACP in 2004 during the fake encounter case. Singhal is among the 20 policemen, including DIG Vanzara, named in the case.

Bharat bandh: Banking, transport sector hit in Gujarat

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:45:59 +0530

The strike call by Central trade unions hit normal life in Gujarat on Wednesday as workers from varied sectors, including transport and banking, refrained from work, to register protest against government's economic and labour policies.

Swine flu claims 30 lives in two months in Gujarat

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:46:25 +0530

As many as 30 people have succumbed to the deadly swine flu virus in the past two months across the state, while 99 others tested positive for the disease, health officials said on Tuesday.

No change in policy on visa to Narendra Modi: US

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 04:25:58 +0530

The European Union and the United Kingdom may have had a rethink on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, but the USA is certainly not warming up to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader.

We have 'strong' evidence against Modi in riot case: Activist

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 04:27:01 +0530

Social activist Teesta Setalvad on Monday claimed there is "strong" evidence against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, whom the SIT has given a clean chit in the post-Godhra riot case, in a complaint filed by Zakia Jafri, wife of slain ex-Congress MP Ehsan Jafri.

Katju looks at Gujarat with jaundiced eye: Modi

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 07:21:02 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday evening joined the war of words between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley and Press Council of India Chairman Justice Markandey Katju. Hitting out at Katju, the Gujarat CM tweeted, "Justice Katju looks at Gujarat with a jaundiced eye. Jaitleyji's insightful article demolishing lies spread about Gujarat."

Gujarat: Modi meets Advani ahead of Parliamentarians' meet

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:37:48 +0530

Ahead of the meeting of Parliamentarians from Gujarat on Saturday, Chief Minister Narendra Modi met former deputy prime minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader LK Advani in Ahmedabad on Friday. Parliamentarians from Gujarat are scheduled to meet on Saturday in Gandhinagar, where they would discuss the issues of state importance.

Minority students can get scholarships: Guj HC

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 03:16:27 +0530

The Gujarat High Court on Friday turned down the state government's contention that students belonging to the minority community cannot be given scholarships at the pre-matric level.

Swine flu claims 23 lives in Gujarat; 82 under treatment

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:46:53 +0530

Swine flu has claimed 23 lives in Gujarat since the onset of winter and 82 patients are being treated, the government said on Wednesday.

Sabarmati Central Jail's Deputy Superintendent suspended

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 04:44:09 +0530

The Deputy Superintendent of the Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat was suspended on Wednesday after a jail break attempt by inmates. Jail authorities on Monday had discovered an 18-feet long tunnel in the prison.

Gujarat: BJP sweeps polls in Salaya municipality

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:18:54 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party registered one more victory in Gujarat by sweeping the polls in the Salaya municipality in Gujarat's Jamnagar, where 90 per cent of the population is Muslim. The BJP put up 24 Muslim candidates in a total of 27 seats, all of whom won.

Court to hear SIT's response to Zakia Jafri's plea

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:30:12 +0530

The High Court is expected to hear on Tuesday the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) response to Congress MP's widow Zakia Jafri's petition against the clean chit SIT gave to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 Gujarat riots cases. The SIT had earlier recommended that the case against Modi and 62 others should be closed.

Modi demands provisions for high speed rail in budget

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:58:10 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on February 11 said seriousness on implementation of high speed rail (HSR) should reflect in the Railway Budget and provisions for the same should be there to provide an impetus to the ambitious project.

Ahmedabad: 18-feet tunnel discovered in Sabarmati jail

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:33:47 +0530

Authorities have discovered an 18-feet long tunnel inside the Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad where 14 of Ahmedabad serial blast accused are presently lodged.

Modi cancels Kumbh visit over security reasons

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:03:40 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has cancelled his visit to Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad over security reasons. He was scheduled to travel to Allahabad on February 12 to take a holy dip at the ongoing religious congregation. But due to "security reasons" the Bharatiya Janata Party leader called off his plan on Saturday.

Ahmedabad: Law university student goes missing

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 10:32:01 +0530

A student of Gujarat National Law University has gone missing after he left the campus, police said on Saturday. "It may be informed that GNLU student Dushyant Mehta has gone incommunicado since February 3 after he left the college hostel," an official statement from the institute said.

After UK, European Union woos Narendra Modi

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:16:32 +0530

The EU lifted the diplomatic ban on Narendra Modi with the German Ambassador saying the decision was taken after his victory.

EU decision on Modi out of respect for India's democracy: German envoy

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 04:28:10 +0530

German Ambassador to India, Michael Steiner, on Friday said that the decision by the European Union to lift the diplomatic ban on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was taken after the elections in the state.

EU stresses on 'accountability' for 2002 Gujarat riots

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:45:17 +0530

At a time when Narendra Modi is reaching out to cross-section of people nationally and internationally, the European Union on Thursday stressed on the "accountability" for the 2002 Gujarat riots, maintaining that the matter was of "interest" to everyone.

Zakia Jafri entitled to SIT report on Gulbarg riots: SC

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:19:23 +0530

The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that Zakia Jafri, wife of slain Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, was entitled to the entire Special Investigation Team (SIT) report barring comments of its chief into the Gulbarg Society riots case of 2002 post-Godhra violence.

2002 riots: SC to hear Jafri's plea against clean chit to Modi

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:33:53 +0530

Slain Congress MP Ehsan Jafri's wife Zakia Jafri's plea objecting to the Special Investigation Team's clean chit to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will come up for hearing in the Supreme Court on Thursday.

CBI wants to arrest me again, Amit Shah tells SC

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:15:40 +0530

Former Gujarat minister Amit Shah Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the CBI had made a U-turn by filing a separate charge sheet in a staged encounter case since it wanted to arrest him again. The bench of Justice P Sathasivam and Justice BS Chauhan was told that the CBI had maintained that the staged shootout of Tulsiram Prajapati in December 2006 was part of a larger conspiracy involving the abduction and killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and wife Kauserbi in November 2005 but now it was taking a contrary position.

15 dip hands in hot oil to prove loyalty to political leader

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:47:32 +0530

Fifteen persons received burn injuries after they dipped their hands in hot oil to convince a candidate, who lost in panchayat elections, that they had voted for him, police said on Tuesday. The candidate, identified as Girish Parmar, has been detained, police said.

Gujarat: Students say won't eat in utensils cleaned by a Dalit woman

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 07:38:33 +0530

In a startling case of discrimination, students of a government school in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district have been opposing the government's mid-day meal scheme. The reason being that the utensils are cleaned by a Dalit woman.

VHP's PIL against Shinde's terror remark dismissed

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:17:06 +0530

The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday rejected a PIL by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad against Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Shiva Kirti Singh and Justice Dilip Gupta dismissed in limine the PIL which had sought to make Shinde, the Cabinet Secretary and the Union Home Secretary respondents.

Gujarat: Man arrested for raping mentally challenged woman

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 04:57:24 +0530

A 35-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping a 21-year-old mentally challenged woman living in his neighbourhood in a village in Jamnagar, police said on Tuesday.

Modi will visit Kumbh on Feb 12, say sources

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 04:42:52 +0530

It is now confirmed that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will be going to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on February 12 after the Dharam Sansad of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad ends there. "Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Allahabad on February 12 to take a holy dip in the river Ganga during the Kumbh Mela," sources in the Chief Minister's office said.

Lokayukta issue exposed Modi's double speak: Guj Cong

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 03:58:33 +0530

Gujarat Congress on Monday alleged that the review petition in the apex court on the Lokayukta issue has exposed the "double speak" and "dual face" of the Narendra Modi government. "The BJP and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi have been vociferously protesting against the Lokpal bill and its modalities but when it comes to the appointment of Lokayukta Modi government has fully endorsed and applauded the very same modalities," former Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil said.

Tribal's family preserve his body for 60 days

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:19:37 +0530

Demanding justice, the kin of a 45-year-old tribal from Gujarat's Sabarkantha district has refused to perform his last rites and preserved the dead body for over 60 days. Jiva Bhumbariya's body was found at a secluded spot near Magwas village in December.

Gujarat: Van carrying pilgrims rams into bus, 23 dead

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:18:47 +0530

Twenty-three people, including children and women, have been killed in an accident that took place near Patan in Gujarat late on Wednesday night. 18 other people were injured when the van they were travelling in, was hit by a Gujarat state transport bus.

Ahmedabad: 18 killed, 15 injured in road accident

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:40:15 +0530

Eighteen pilgrims, including five children and eight women, were killed when an open loading van in which they were travelling collided with the state transport bus near Jhilwada village of Patan district, police said on Wednesday. Fifteen others were injured in the head-on collision.

Gujarat buses line up at fuel stations after price hike

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:58:22 +0530

In Gujarat, over 7000 state-owned buses of the GSRTC are now buying diesel at petrol stations instead of their own depot. The reason - the centre's price hike by Rs 12 per litre which has hit the already-loss-making bus service.

Narendra Modi meets Rajnath Singh, congratulates him

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 01:59:29 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met newly-appointed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajnath Singh at his residence in the capital. Though the meeting was described as a courtesy call, it may fuel talks over a possible greater role for the Gujarat Chief Minister at the Centre in the run up to the next General Elections.

Gujarat: Mild tremor felt in Kutch

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 10:49:51 +0530

A mild tremor measuring 3.2 on Richter Scale on Saturday shook Kutch, rekindling memories of the devastating earthquake which had hit the same day in 2001. The tremor was recorded late evening with its epicentre 11 km North-West from Bhachau taluka of Kutch, officials of the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) said.

Gujarat: Fighting all hurdles, girl heads for Special Olympics

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 02:02:30 +0530

Her family might be struggling to make ends meet, but that did not stop Maya Devipujak from following her dream of wielding the hockey stick on ice despite being bracketed among those with with Mild Intelligence Quotient. Maya is the only girl from Gujarat in the Indian Floor Hockey team which would paticipate in the World Winter Games (Special Olympics) which will be held in PyeongChang, South Korea, from January 29 to February 5.

Gujarat: Father rapes two daughters for years

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 07:45:42 +0530

More than 50 per cent rapes are committed at home by a non-stranger. Two sisters in Gujarat were allegedly raped for years by their father. "My father used to rape me, he warned me not to tell anyone about it. I was too scared to tell anyone," one of them said.

Ahmedabad: Gangrape survivor attempts suicide in court

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:10:39 +0530

A gangrape survivor on Wednesday attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance in the premises of metropolitan court in Ahmedabad. The survivor had alleged delay in justice as the reason for her action, police officials said.

Guj Cong legislators to meet today to select new leader

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 03:21:14 +0530

A meeting of 59 newly-elected MLAs in Gujarat will be held on Tuesday to select the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader in the presence of two central party observers including Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

Gujarat riots: Lower court not to deliver verdict on Modi

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 04:01:26 +0530

The Supreme Court has ordered a local court in Gujarat not to pronounce its verdict on the alleged role of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 riots in the state. The Supreme Court ruled that until its decision of Zakia Jafri's petition is not announced, the Gujarat court should not give its verdict.

BSF jawan arrested for abetting wife's suicide

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 03:20:06 +0530

An Assistant Commandant undergoing training at the Border Security Force (BSF) centre in Gandhinagar was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly abetting his wife's suicide. Jawan Sunil Kumar's wife, Preeti Kumar (26), who was a Sub-Inspector with Delhi police, committed suicide by hanging herself on Saturday after alleged torture by her husband and other family members for dowry, Chiloda Police Inspector (PI) BC Thakkar said.

CNG, piped gas to cost more in Guj as GGC hikes price

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 02:58:00 +0530

Citing non-allocation of cheaper natural gas from the Centre, GSPC Gas Company (GGC) on Tuesday hiked the gas prices in various categories. GGC, a subsidiary of the state-run Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC), has raised CNG prices from Rs 50.20 per kg to Rs 56.90 per kg, while piped cooking gas prices go up from Rs 18.18 to Rs 21.50 (Rs 24.73 with taxes) per standard cubic metre (pscm), a company official said.

Gujarat: Youth gets life term for raping a minor

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 03:46:17 +0530

A sessions court here on Tuesday awarded life imprisonment to an accused of raping a minor girl in Shingaj village of the district in March 2011. Additional Sessions Judge BA Gadhvi sentenced Vipul Koli (22) to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh as a compensation to the victim.

Congress meeting in Jaipur to discuss Narendra Modi

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 03:20:33 +0530

The Narendra Modi enigma is baffling the Congress and sources say at the party's brainstorming session, which begins the Gujarat Chief Minister will be the biggest political issue.

Pak national escapes from police lock-up in Gujarat

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 01:40:55 +0530

A Pakistani national, who was caught on the Indian side of the border in Santalpur area seven months ago, on Sunday escaped from a police lock-up. "Parbat Amarsingh Koli (25) on Sunday ran away from the Santalpur police lock-up and we have launched a massive man-hunt," Superintendent of Police, Patan, Saurabh Tolambia said.

We showed how a kite can draw the world to Gujarat: Modi

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 02:47:38 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said even though the kite festival existed in the state for a long time, it was his government which brought it at an international platform.

Gujarat Summit: Modi pledges Rs 40 lakh cr investments

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 08:20:42 +0530

The sixth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit concluded in the state capital Gandhinagar Saturday evening with promises from the Bharatiya Janata Party government of investments worth Rs 40 lakh crore for the state. However, the Narendra Modi government's track record of converting pledged investments into reality has been less than impressive, with even Modi, who swept through the Gujarat elections in December 2012 to become the chief minister of the Western state for the fourth time, choosing to downplay the numbers during the summit.

Modi announces patent unit for SMEs in Gujarat

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 02:21:18 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said a dedicated unit in the state industries department will be formed soon for catering to patent-related needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). "My government will soon open a patents unit in INDEXT-B (Industrial Extension Bureau) for the security of knowledge and innovation of SMEs in the state," Modi said, addressing a convention on 'Growth through Competitiveness' on the second day of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit (VGS).

Modi extends invite for 2015 Vibrant Gujarat Summit

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:40:27 +0530

Triggering a fresh bout of speculations about his probable role in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the 2014 elections, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended invitation to industrialists to attend the seventh edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit (VGS) in 2015.

Watch: India Inc's standing ovation to Gujarat CM Narendra Modi

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:18:44 +0530

The Vibrant Gujarat summit on Friday turned out to be a celebration of Narendra Modi as India's top businessmen showered praise on the Gujarat Chief Minister.

Anil Ambani compares Modi to Gandhi, Dhirubhai

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:24:16 +0530

Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani on Friday compared Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to to Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Dhirubhai Ambani at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013. Modi will reach out to around 50,000 investors at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, inviting them to set up shop in Gujarat.

Gujarat: Ex-MLA's nephew, 3 friends allegedly rape girl

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:12:26 +0530

Another incident of gangrape has been reported from Amreli in Gujarat. A young girl in Gujarat's Amreli, allegedly abducted five years ago and repeatedly raped, found the courage to file a police complaint year ago, but was allegedly beaten up and sent to a women's home for daring to take on the influential men.

Modi's Gujarat model might not work across India

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:20:31 +0530

Turning a single state with a long tradition of entrepreneurship and a solid political majority into an investor-friendly economic powerhouse is one thing. Replicating that experience across a diverse country of 1.2 billion would be a tougher prospect for Narendra Modi, whose leadership of booming Gujarat state has led to his being touted as a potential candidate to become India's next Prime Minister.

Modi to reach out to 50,000 investors at Vibrant Gujarat Summit

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:10:59 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will reach out to around 50,000 investors on Friday at the Vibrant Gujarat Investors' Summit, inviting them to set up shop in Gujarat. This even as the Opposition says that the past six summits have hardly got Gujarat any concrete investment.

2002 riots: Nanavati panel's order could trouble Modi

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 03:51:01 +0530

Justice Nanavati Commission's latest order could prove to be a major embarrassment for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The Nanvati Commission has ordered the Gujarat government to set up a committee which will investigate the circumstances under which documents related to the 2002 riots in the state were destroyed.

Gujarat: Police Inspector arrested for raping woman

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 01:26:07 +0530

The Crime Branch on Tuesday arrested a Police Inspector in Ahmedabad for allegedly raping a 37-year-old woman and extorting Rs 50,000 from her. An FIR was registered against Inspector FM Qureshi, after the woman lodged a complaint on Monday, and he was arrested by the Crime Branch, police said.

Gujarat: 3 women forced to put their hands in boiling oil

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:18:55 +0530

Even as massive country-wide protests are taking place against the gangrape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student in Delhi, crimes against women are still being reported at an alarming rate.

Solution to terrorism lies in Indian spirituality: Modi

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 11:31:41 +0530

Hailing Indian spirituality for having solution to problems such as global warming and terrorism, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the world was yet to realise its full potential. "The world has accepted the power of our youth in information technology, but it has yet to realise India's power of spirituality. Solutions to so many global problems such as global warming lie in the path shown by our saints, through our spirituality," he said.

Surat: Fire at IOC storage tank contained

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 12:58:43 +0530

Three people were killed and one reported missing in the major fire in storage tank number four of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) terminal in Hazira which was contained after a 21-hour operation by the fire brigade team on Sunday. Earlier, the bodies of two people had been recovered from near the tank number 4.

Fire at Surat's IOC storage tank still raging on

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 08:06:11 +0530

The fire that broke out at Indian Oil Corporation's Hazira Depot on Saturday is still raging on and four people have been reportedly missing.

Major fire breaks out at IOC's storage tank near Surat

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 04:35:26 +0530

A major fire broken out on January 5 at storage tanks of Indian Oil Corporation's terminal at Hajira port here, fire brigade officials said. Fire brigade personnel from Surat and nearby cities were trying to bring the fire under control.

Congress MP Radadiya resigns, retains his MLA seat

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:21:02 +0530

Congress MP from Porbandar Vitthal Radadiya, who was involved in gun-totting controversy, on January 3 resigned from the Lok Sabha and decided to retain his seat in state Assembly. "I have decided to stay in Gujarat to work for the people here by being an MLA and have resigned from Lok Sabha seat," said Radadia. "Today I have sent my resignation letter to Lok Sabha Speaker," he added.

SC upholds appointment of Justice Mehta as Gujarat Lokayukta

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:13:00 +0530

CM Narendra Modi had appealed against this appointment claiming that the appointment was unconstitutional.

Gujarat: FIR lodged against BJP MP for slapping doctor

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 02:51:08 +0530

An FIR was lodged on Tuesday against Naran Kachadiya, a Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Amreli in Gujarat, for allegedly slapping a government doctor on duty and threatening to kill him, police said. The incident took place on Tuesday morning at Amreli Civil Hospital, where one of the relatives of Kachadiya was undergoing treatment, they said.

Modi govt's attitude will not be a challenge: Lokayukta

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 01:41:19 +0530

After the Supreme Court upheld the appointment of Lokayukta in Gujarat, Justice (retd) RA Mehta on Wednesday said the Modi government's attitude will not come in the way of his work. "I don't think Modi government's attitude will be a challenge for Lokayukta," Mehta said in reply to a query by mediapersons.

Appointment row was never an issue for me: Gujarat Lokayukta

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 12:36:40 +0530

Justice RA Mehta refused to comment on the Supreme Court ruling upholding his appointment as the Gujarat Lokayukta, saying it was never an issue for him.

Gujarat Lokayukta appointment row: Teesta welcomes SC ruling

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 12:33:12 +0530

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the appointment of Justice RA Mehta as the Gujarat Lokayukta, in a blow to the Narendra Modi government.

SC upholds appointment of Justice Mehta as Guj Lokayukta

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:04:43 +0530

In a major setback to the Narendra Modi government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the appointment of Justice RA Mehta as the Gujarat Lokayukta. Governor Kamla Beniwal had appointed Justice Mehta as the state Lokayukta in August 2011, after the post had remained vacant for eight years.

Gujarat: Two men abduct and rape minor, arrested

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 09:51:47 +0530

Two persons were arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a minor girl in Ved village of Patan district in Ahmedabad, police said on Monday. According to police, a 13-year-old girl was returning from the school of her village, around 125 kms from here, on December 28, when she was kidnapped by Lala Mali (19), who took her to Patan in north Gujarat.

Brother-in-law rapes 13-yr-old girl, boy rapes classmate

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 07:35:28 +0530

Even as India stands outraged, demanding stringent anti-rape laws and more protection for women, and despite the nationwide rage and fury little seems to be changing on the ground and the call for change has failed to deter the rapists. In two recent and separate incidents, while an engineering student raped his classmate in Kurukshetra in Haryana, the brother-in-law of a 13-year-old girl and his friend gangraped her in Ahmedabad.

Narendra Modi is Gujarat's newsmaker in 2012

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 12:38:34 +0530

An eventful year in Gujarat saw Narendra Modi convincingly retaining power and emerging as a strong contender for BJP's prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 general elections besides a slew of judgements in the post-Godhra riot cases that convicted many, including former minister Maya Kodnani.

Gujarat: Gangraped by two, minor attempts suicide

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 11:25:36 +0530

A minor girl was gangraped allegedly attempted suicide by consuming poison at her residence on Saturday, police said. The 14-year-old girl's condition is critical and she has been put on ventilator, they said.

Gujarat MLA arrested in firing at polling booth case

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 05:23:58 +0530

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Jetha Bharwad from Gujarat was on Friday arrested by the police in connection with a case of firing during the second phase of the recently concluded assembly elections.

Gold platter worth Rs 11 cr donated to Somnath temple

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 07:28:53 +0530

A Mumbai-based business family has donated a gold platter weighing about 30 kg and worth around Rs 11 crore to the historical Somnath temple of Gujarat. The platter, donated by businessman Dilip Lakhi, his four brothers and their families, was brought to the temple in a procession on Thursday.

Ishrat encounter case: CBI files status report in HC

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 01:27:51 +0530

The CBI on Thursday filed a status report in the Gujarat High Court on its probe in the Ishrat Jehan fake encounter case of 2004. "Today agency has submitted the status report in sealed cover as per court's instructions and hearing will be taken up tomorrow," said CBI lawyer Yogesh Rawani.

HC upholds life term for 5 in 2003 Gujarat gangrape case

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 05:20:45 +0530

The Gujarat High Court today upheld life imprisonment for five persons, who gangraped a 24-year-old city girl after a New Year night party in 2003, at a hotel, where she was lured by her boyfriend Sajal Jain. The Division bench of Justices Jayant Patel and Mohinder Pal rejected the appeals of all five accused who had prayed to quash and set aside the sessions court order of June 2008.

Gujarat: Widow gangraped by two unidentified persons

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 10:22:01 +0530

A 37-year-old widow was gangraped Tuesday night by two unidentified persons and her her male colleague was stripped and beaten mercilessly, the police said Wednesday. An Unjha police official said the woman and the man were talking to each other sitting in a vehicle when the two men arrived on their two-wheeler and threatened the woman's colleague with a knife.

Narendra Modi sworn in as Gujarat Chief Minister

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:22:22 +0530

Narendra Modi on Wednesday took oath as Gujarat's chief minister for the fourth time after leading his party the Bharatiya Janata Party to a sweeping win in Assembly elections. This will be Modi's third consecutive stint as the Gujarat chief minister.

Two-year-old girl who was raped by her uncle dies

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 09:35:52 +0530

A two-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped by her uncle, on Tuesday died at a hospital in Vadodara, police said.

Two-and-half-year-old girl who was raped by her uncle dies

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 09:35:52 +0530

A two-and-half-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped by her uncle, on Tuesday died at a hospital in Vadodara, police said.

Gujarat's malnutrition rate worse than Somalia: Katju

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 04:29:20 +0530

Press Council of India Chairman Markendya Katju on Sunday hit out at Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi describing as "phoney" his claims of development in the state and saying its malnutrition rate was worse than Somalia.

Narendra Modi thanks Maninagar voters for big win

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:35:13 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked the voters of Maninagar for electing him for the third consecutive time. "The people of Maninagar were never voting to elect an MLA from Maninagar. They knew they were voting to secure their future," Modi said addressing a rally organised in his constituency following his victory with a margin of 86,373 votes, defeating Congress candidate Shweta Bhatt.

Modi to be sworn in as Gujarat CM on Dec 26

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 03:32:27 +0530

Narendra Modi, who posted a resounding victory in the Assembly elections, will be sworn in as the Gujarat chief minister for the fourth time on December 26. Modi became chief minister for the first time on October 1, 2001 and subsequently in 2002 and 2007.

Watch: Narendra Modi's victory speech

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 01:00:18 +0530

After leading the Bharatiya Janata Party to another victory in the 2012 Gujarat Assembly Elections, Chief Minister Narendra Modi addressed the people at a public meeting in Ahmedabad. Modi thanked the people for the support shown to the BJP in the elections and said that if there is a hero of today, it is the 6 crore people of Gujarat.

Why is it that people can't stop talking about Modi?

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 09:43:51 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi scored a hat-trick in the state as the Bharatiya Janata Party won the Assembly elections with 115 seats. But the question is as to what makes him the man he is and the mass appeal he enjoys.

Battle for the states: Modi scores hat-trick in Gujarat, Cong sweeps HP

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:27:14 +0530

It was a dramatic day for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh as the voters' verdict in the assembly elections 2012 came out. While Narendra Modi scored a hat-trick in Gujarat with a convincing victory, Congress's top leadership was routed in the state though the party performed well in rural Gujarat. In Himachal Pradesh, the Congress pulled off a victory as the BJP campaign fell victim to infighting. Virbhadra Singh appeared set to return as the chief minister for a fifth term.

Modi raises national pitch as he scores a hat-trick in Gujarat

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 07:59:08 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has scored a hat-trick in the state Assembly elections with the Bharatiya Janata Party winning just short of its 2007 tally of 117 seats, while the Congress was one better at 61. With this win, the big question now is as to what does this mean for national politics.

If I have committed mistakes, I apologise: Modi

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:52:21 +0530

Pitchforked into the prime ministerial race after his electoral hat-trick and amidst cheers of "PM, PM, PM " from his supporters, Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday apologised to the people of Gujarat if he had committed any mistake.

Modi scores a hat-trick in Gujarat, starts Delhi campaign

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:22:51 +0530

After leading the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to yet another win in Gujarat Assembly elections, Narendra Modi, a development-oriented and clean leader for his supporters and a despicable politician for his opponents, is clearly eyeing a bigger role in national politics.

It's a win for India's development: Modi after victory

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 06:54:33 +0530

ujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi after winning the assembly elections on Thursday in his acceptance speech made it clear that his focus is national politics and said, "By serving Gujarat, I serve India." Modi delivered his lengthy speech entirely in Hindi and also smiled when his supporters chanted, "PM, PM," after he mentioned that he would be visiting New Delhi on December 27.

Gujarat polls: Modi promises to work harder

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 05:57:31 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi after winning Gujarat assembly elections on Thursday tweeted to his followers and said, "I thank all those who voted for us & promise those who have not voted for us that we will work harder to get your vote next time! I would like to thank the 6 crore people of Gujarat & the Almighty for giving us an opportunity to serve the people in the years to come."

Narendra Modi wins, but five BJP ministers lose

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 05:07:32 +0530

Even as Narendra Modi is well on the road to make a hat-trick in Gujarat, five incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers lost the electoral battle. Among those defeated are three Cabinet ministers and two junior ministers.

Narendra Modi a highly polarising figure

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 04:51:16 +0530

Narendra Modi, whose hat-trick in Gujarat could possibly pitchfork him as a prime ministerial candidate of BJP in 2014, has always remained a leader with a difference, a personality you may love or hate but cannot ignore. The 62-year-old former RSS pracharak is no ordinary politician and has carved out a name for development in a state that has always nurtured talent and entrepreneurial skills.

Gujarat polls: Modi seeks Keshubhai's blessings after win

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 04:31:10 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called on Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP) President Keshubhai Patel and sought his blessings after BJP's victory in the assembly elections.

Is Narendra Modi fit to be a PM candidate?

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 04:18:50 +0530

With Narendra Modi set to become the chief minister of Gujarat for the third time in a row, speculations have started the BJP would project him as its prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Gujarat votes for Narendra Modi, but BJP fails to add to the tally

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 03:53:22 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Narendra Modi on Thursday scripted history, winning the Gujarat assembly elections for the fifth time in a row. The results were also a referendum on Modi, who not only led the party to a massive victory but also scored a hat-trick of electoral wins. The Gujarat Chief Minister won from the Maninagar constituency against Congress candidate and IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's wife Shweta Bhatt by over 86,000 votes.

Gujarat Cong chief loses from Porbandar, quits post

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 02:59:30 +0530

Arjun Modhwadia on Tuesday resigned as the president of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) after Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headed for a two-third majority in the state sweeping away the Congress and Keshubhai Patel's Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP).

Amit Shah wins from Naranpura in Ahmedabad

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 02:37:15 +0530

Amit Shah, former Gujarat minister of state for home and an accused in the Soharabuddin Sheikh and Tulsi Prajapati staged shootout cases, won from his constituency on Thursday. Shah contested from the Naranpura constituency in Ahmedabad, and won by more than 30,000 votes. In the previous elections, Shah had won from the Sarkhej assembly constituency, with a margin of over 2.50 lakh votes.

We congratulate Modi, but Nitish is a better PM candidate: JD(U)

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:50:29 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is all set for a hat-trick as the BJP leads in 112 of the total 182 seats.

Modi a key leader but decision on PM nominee later: BJP

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:43:35 +0530

As Narendra Modi headed for a hat-trick in Gujarat, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday parried questions on whether he will be the party's prime ministerial candidate in the next Lok Sabha elections. "Modi bhai has always been an important leader in the BJP...We are not a dynastic party which is led by a Yuvaraj. We function in a pure democratic fashion," BJP chief spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said hitting at the Congress.

Modi wins Maninagar, says time to move forward

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:26:02 +0530

Narendra Modi has won from Maninagar constituency by defeating IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's wife Shweta Bhatt of the Congress by over 70,000 votes while his party is set to form the government in the state for the fifth time in a row.

I'll vote for Narendra Modi for PM's post, says BJP leader Smriti Irani

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:33:54 +0530

Expressing her support for Narendra Modi for prime ministerial post, BJP leader Smriti Irani said her vote goes to the Gujarat Chief Minister. Smriti said Modi is the tallest leader across the party lines and has proved that he fits for the post.

BJP set to form government in Gujarat, Cong leads over BJP in HP

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:23:41 +0530

Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has crossed the half-way mark in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly and is all set to form the next government in the state even as the Congress has fought back after trailing for a long time in Himachal Pradesh to take the lead.

Gujarat poll results live: Modi sweeps away Cong, GPP with two-third majority

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:04:57 +0530

The counting for the Gujarat elections began on Thursday with the exit polls predicting a comfortable win for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a hat-trick for Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Gujarat post-poll survey: Narendra Modi-led BJP set to win 129-141 seats

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 08:08:58 +0530

Narendra Modi will continue to lord over Gujarat for the next five years as he is all set to score a hat-trick of electoral victories and lead the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) back to power. According to the post-poll survey conducted by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) and seat projections by Chennai Mathematical Institute Director Rajeeva Karandikar, Modi will steamroll the opposition and become the chief minister of Gujarat once again.

Large-scale practice of 'paid news' in Gujarat polls: PCI

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 06:06:25 +0530

Delhi Union of Journalists on Tuesday expressed serious concern over reports of "octopus-like" grip of 'paid news' in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly polls and demanded inquiry as well as action to check the practice. "Paid news is a blot not only on the press but also to the democratic process," the DUJ said in a statement.

Survey indicates Modi's popularity is intact: Suhas Palshikar

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 06:05:45 +0530

Professor Suhas Palshikar of CSDS joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on the CNN-IBN post-poll findings in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

Vehicles for poll: EC apologises before Gujarat HC

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 05:00:22 +0530

The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday tendered an oral apology to the Gujarat High Court on the issue of requisitioning of vehicles by it for the poll work, following which court reserved its verdict on the PIL challenging EC action.

Gujarat BJP MLA absconding after firing incident

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 02:53:35 +0530

Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Jetha Bharwad, who was detained in connection with the firing incident at a polling station in which four persons were injured, is absconding, a top police official said on Tuesday. Bharwad allegedly absconded from a private hospital here in the wee hours on Tuesday where he was admitted for head injuries.

Gujarat post-poll survey: Modi enjoys huge lead over opponents

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:24:18 +0530

Chief Minister Narendra Modi looks all set for a hat-trick in the Gujarat elections. A CNN-IBN-The Week post poll survey conducted by CSDS has found that Keshubhai Patel's rebellion hasn't been able to dampen Modi's prospects.

Patel community prefers Narendra Modi as Gujarat Chief Minister

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:15:04 +0530

Among the Patels, Narendra Modi has an even higher rating at 43 per cent while Keshubhai is far behind with 34.

Guj post-poll survey: Modi-led BJP way ahead of Cong

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:25:43 +0530

Politics in Gujarat has been synonymous with Narendra Modi for over one decade. Modi has not only towered over his rivals in the Congress but also over his party colleagues. The post-poll survey conducted in Gujarat by CSDS for CNN-IBN and The Week shows that the BJP under Modi's leadership is once again set to trounce the Congress and give the Gujarat Chief Minister a hat-trick of electoral victories.

Modi most preferred choice for Gujarat CM: Survey

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 06:16:13 +0530

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi continues to be the most popular choice for the Chief Minister of Gujarat, according to a post-poll survey by CSDS for CNN-IBN and The Week. As many as 41 per cent of the people preferred Modi as the Chief Minister, though the percentage was even more (49 per cent) in the pre-poll survey.

Gujarat elections are a plebiscite on Narendra Modi: Suhas Palshikar

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:37:08 +0530

Can Narendra Modi better the tally of 2007 in 2012? Professor Suhas Palshikar of CSDS joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on the final phase of Gujarat elections.

Gujarat elections: 'BJP will win convincingly'

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 02:25:38 +0530

BJP leader Harin Pathak on Monday claimed that the party would ride back to power without any problem.

BJP candidate Jetha Bharwad fired at, injured

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:16:42 +0530

BJP candidate Jetha Bharwad has been injured after he was allegedly fired upon in Panchmahal district's Tersang village on Monday afternoon. He and three other people have been injured in the firing. At least eight bullets were fired by unknown people at Bharwad and his associates.

Modi mother's blesses him, hopes he would be PM

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:52:21 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's mother Hira Ba prayed for his victory in the Assembly elections in the state and also gave him blessings, hoping that he would soon become the prime minister of India.

People will vote BJP for a third term in Gujarat: Modi

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:03:29 +0530

Confident of returning to power in Gujarat, Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the ruling BJP would score a "hat-trick" in the state by winning the assembly polls for the third time in a row on the plank of "good governance and development". "I thank all the voters. In this election, people of Gujarat will make a hat-trick by giving a third term to us. People of the state will once again vote BJP to power...the sentiments of people here is giving you an clear indication of that," Modi told reporters, after casting his vote at Nishan High School in Ranip locality.

Gujarat elections: Modi's victory is assured, say supporters

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:37:11 +0530

Narendra Modi cast his vote at Ranip on Monday in the second and final phase of polling in the Gujarat assembly elections.

Watch: Modi casts his vote, welcomed by thousands at poll booth

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:35:30 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at Ranip on Monday during the last phase of polling for the Assembly elections. A confident Modi flashed the victory sign to thousands of people who were waiting at the polling booth to catch a glimpse of the Chief Minister.

People of India want Modi as PM, says his brother

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:22:43 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's brother Soma Bhai is confident that Modi will get a hat-trick in the Assembly elections. He said Modi thinks about the people of Gujarat all the time and deserves to win. "Modi is worried about Gujarat all the time. He's always thinking about the people of Gujarat," he said.

Gujarat polls: 70 pc turnout in last phase

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:40:39 +0530

Gujarat elections: Final phase of voting today

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:32:31 +0530

Gujarat is set for the second and final round of polling on Monday. The Bharatiya Janata Party has left no stones unturned as it remains apprehensive of a possible dent in its bastion of Saurashtra, courtesy rebel Keshubhai Patel's new party, the Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP). The first phase of voting saw a record 70.75 per cent turnout, with the Congress confident that the high turnout meant a certain "regime-change".

Guj polls: Cong confident of high voting in second phase

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 02:55:58 +0530

Gujarat Congress on Sunday expressed confidence that in the second phase of the polling for the state Assembly elections there will be much higher voting than the first phase. "After the historical anti-incumbency voting for the first phase, we are confident that the second phase will record much higher voter turnout than the first," Gujarat Congress unit president Arjun Modhwadia said.

Gujarat Yatra: The two sides of the development story

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 11:23:46 +0530

On this special show we bring you the Gujarat's rising economic index on side and a growing divide on the other.

Gujarat polls: Voting for 2nd phase on Monday, Modi in fray

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 06:08:27 +0530

Ninety-five seats will go for polling on Monday in the second and last phase of Gujarat Assembly elections in which 1.98 crore voters will decide the fate of 820 candidates including Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking his third term.

Gujarat elections: Bookies predict Modi's victory

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 07:26:54 +0530

The campaigning has ended. Loudspeakers have fallen silent. However, on the eve of the second and final phase of polling in Gujarat, the underground betting markert in Ahmedabad is buzzing with activity, and it places Chief Minister Narendra Modi as a front runner in the race.

Gujarat: Modi indulging in politics of anger, says Rahul

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 01:52:55 +0530

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Saturday took on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the second phase of polling in the state and said that Modi is indulging in the "politics of anger".

Gujarat polls: Last day of campaigning today

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 09:03:45 +0530

Saturday is the last day of campaigning and both the Congress and BJP are going all out trying to woo those who will vote in the second and last phase on December 17.

'Modi identifies Gujarat growth story with himself'

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 07:10:48 +0530

All about Gujarat Elections with CNN-IBN's Rajdeep Sardesai, Veeraraghav and Bhupendra Chaubey.

GPP could eat into the BJP vote base: Ashok Bagriya on Gujarat polls

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 05:30:24 +0530

Gujarat Parivartan Party leader Keshubhai Patel is hoping to inflict the maximum damage on Modi's re-election prospects, though a number of pre-poll surveys have already predicted a hat-trick of wins for Modi. CNN-IBN's Correspondent Ashok Bagriya joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on whether Keshubhai Patel can dent Narendra Modi's dominance.

Gujarat elections: Deeply divided Godhra braces for poll

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:44:19 +0530

A decade after Godhra provided the spark that ignited almost the whole of Gujarat into a communal cauldron, this relatively underdeveloped constituency in the prosperous state remains deeply divided along religious lines. Going to poll in the second phase on December 17, the Muslims, who have a large presence among the 2.13 lakh electorate, are still not ready to forget and forgive the 2002 communal carnage, notwithstanding Chief Minister Narendra Modi's much publicised "Sadbhavna Mission" and numerous other overtures to woo them.

Gujarat Yatra: The two sides to vibrant Ahmedabad

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:44:14 +0530

Our series on Gujarat Yatra ends with our final stop, at Ahmedabad, which is often perceived as a city of contrasts, between the urban areas and the resettlement colonies for the riots victims across the Sabaramati that paint a picture of neglect. These are the two sides to a vibrant Ahmedabad: one with the hustle and bustle, well-paved roads and a rapid transport system that has become a role model for our cities and the other grotty, with garbage, poor sanitation, and alienation.

Gujarat polls: Congress, BJP intensify campaign

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:27:07 +0530

As the first phase of polling is over in Gujarat, both the Congress and the BJP are now focusing their energies on that second and last phase on December 17.

Guj polls: Modi aide Saurabh Patel to be his successor?

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:10:43 +0530

Fifty-four-year-old Saurabh Patel, an MBA from the US and related to the Dhirubhai Ambani family through marriage, is a key face in Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's army of election campaigners.

First phase of Gujarat polls sees record turnout

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:58:48 +0530

A record voter turnout was registered in the first phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections on Thursday in the biggest electoral test for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart and Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking a third straight term.

Gujarat polls: First phase sees record voter turnout

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:24:31 +0530

Gujarat polls: 67 per cent record turnout in first phase

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 07:33:09 +0530

A record 67 per cent voter turnout was registered in the first phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections on Thursday in the biggest electoral test for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart and Chief Minister Narendra Modi who is seeking a third straight term.

Gujarat elections: Modi will be defeated, says Keshubhai

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:32:47 +0530

The polling in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections began on Thursday in Saurashtra and South Gujarat.

Gujarat polls: 67 per cent voting in first phase

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:00:13 +0530

The voting in the fist phase of the Gujarat Aseembly elections began at 8 am on Thursday. The voting for 87 seats in 15 districts in Saurashtra and South Gujarat will end at 5 pm. Nearly 1.81 crore voters will decide the fate of the 846 candidates in fray. Nearly 46 of these are women.

Polls in South Gujarat, Saurashtra: big questions

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 07:56:42 +0530

Saurasthra and South Gujarat are the two regions of the state that will vote on on Thursday.

Gujarat polls: Can Keshubhai dent Modi's dominance?

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 07:18:29 +0530

With the first phase of polling set to begin in Saurashtra and South Gujarat on Thursday, former chief minister and BJP rebel Keshubhai Patel is one of the candidates who could make a dent in CM Narendra Modi's dominance in the state. The 84-year-old has emerged as a force to reckon with after he ended his lifelong association with the BJP and floated the Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP).

Narendra Modi's claim on Sir Creek mischievous: PMO

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:41:06 +0530

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Wednesday said the claims made by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi that Sir Creek was being "handed over" to Pakistan was "unsubstantiated" and "mischievous" as they came a day before the first phase of theassembly elections in the state.

Modi asks PM to assure Sir Creek won't be given to Pak

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:41:58 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hit back at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh claiming he had failed to answer the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader's questions on Sir Creek. Modi said that the Prime Minister must assure the nation on the stand taken on the issue.

Sir Creek not being handed over to Pak: PMO to Modi

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:20:09 +0530

The Prime Minister's Office on Wednesday rejected a claim by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi that Sir Creek was being "handed over" to Pakistan. In a letter to Modi, the PMO said, "The writing and release of this baseless letter by the Chief Minister of Gujarat in his "personal" capacity, a day before elections in the state, is mischievous."

Gujarat polls: Irfan Pathan in support of Modi

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 03:59:39 +0530

Cricketer Irfan Pathan on Wednesday shared the stage with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the campaign rally of BJP, the party which is trying to appease minority community voters in the state. During the rally for the second phase polling in the state, Irfan was seen standing besides the Chief Minister on the huge stage.

Watch: Irfan Pathan shares stage with Narendra Modi during a rally

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:38:24 +0530

In Gujarat, Chief Minister Narendra Modi has roped in cricketer Irfan Pathan to campaign for him for the second phase of polls.

BJP will get a majority but a reduced majority: Meghdoot Sharon

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:38:18 +0530

Why did Rahul Gandhi keep off campaigning in Gujarat till the last moment? Is it because the Congress has accepted defeat even before the actual polls? CNN-IBN's Ahmedabad bureau chief Meghdoot Sharon joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on the issue.

Modi vs Shweta Bhatt a lopsided battle in Guj CM's favour

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:50:48 +0530

As Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi bids for an unprecedented third term in office in Gujarat, the thought of his own electoral future seems to hardly cross his mind. And that's not without a reason. After all, Modi is locked in an unequal fight with a political novice, the wife of a suspended IPS officer who took on the BJP strongman over the most sore point in his career - post-Godhra communal riots - in the Maninagar assembly constituency.

Shweta Bhatt, Jagruti Pandya: 2 women taking on Modi

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 07:49:12 +0530

Two women have dared to take on the 'Iron Man' of Gujarat, Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The two women, Shweta Bhatt - wife of suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt - and Jagruti Pandya - former state Home Minister Haren Pandya's widow - have been leading a personalised campaign against him.

Liquor shops to remain shut in Gujarat till December 17

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 03:57:18 +0530

The few authorised liquor shops in Gujarat selling Indian Made Foreign Liquor(IMFL) to those holding permits have been asked to remain shut till December 17 in view of the assembly elections, official sources said.

FDI in retail will fetch better price for farmers: Rahul

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:21:53 +0530

Voicing his support for FDI in multi-brand retail, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said the entry of international supermarket chains in India will allow farmers to get better price for their produce. "Do you know why we brought FDI in retail? We brought it so that farmers can get better price (of their produce)," he said, speaking at an election rally here near Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Yatra: Rajkot's youth brigade backs CM Modi

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:31:46 +0530

Our Gujarat Yatra continues. On Tuesday, our focus was on the state's Generation Next - their aspirations, the 2002 riots, CM Narendra Modi's leadership and the state's thriving industry.

EC sees good response to postal ballot in Guj

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 06:15:37 +0530

Election Commission has geared up to conduct postal ballot at various facilitation centres in Gujarat where about three lakh polling staff including policemen are expected to cast their votes, officials said. Around 9,000 policemen engaged in poll duty have already cast their votes through postal ballots at the facilitation centres set up across the state, they said.

Gujarat set to vote, Modi faces tough test in Saurashtra

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 06:03:15 +0530

The campaigning for the first phase of the Gujarat Assembly elections 2012 ended on Tuesday with Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi hitting out at each other. While the past few days saw Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi raising the war cry for the Congress in the state, the last day of the campaigning saw the Congress General Secretary setting foot on the battleground to punch holes in Modi's claims of development.

Modi's power is over a homogenous Gujarati urban class: TM Veeraraghav

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:37:50 +0530

Narendra Modi is widely expected to lead BJP to another emphatic victory in Gujarat. Can the Congress conjure any plan to spoil Modi's party?

Gujarat CM does not listen to aam aadmi: Rahul Gandhi

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:21:00 +0530

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi finally campaigned in Gujarat on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of elections. Though Rahul did not name Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, he did say that the Gujarat Chief Minister did not listen to the people, but himself.

BJP rebels look to affect Modi's votebank in Saurashtra

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:01:26 +0530

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi will address meetings at Sanand in Ahmedabad in central Gujarat and at Jamnagar and Amreli in the Saurashtra region on Tuesday. Observers say it's in the rural confines of Saurashtra that the most powerful political battle is being fought. BJP rebels led by Keshubhai Patel will be looking to make a dent in Chief Minister Narendra Modi's original bastion.

Gujarat: Rahul to take on Modi on last day of campaign

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 07:50:45 +0530

Two days before Gujarat goes to vote, Congress's yuvraj Rahul Gandhi is finally set to enter the battleground on Tuesday. However, the question is whether it is a little too late to take on Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Encounter cases are vendetta politics against me: Amit Shah

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:37:39 +0530

With just a few days to go for polls, one of the most controversial candidates - former state Home Minister Amit Shah, is raising the pitch for Narendra Modi as PM.

Gujarat elections: Rahul to embark on campaign

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:18:45 +0530

After Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi hitting the campaign trail in Gujarat, Rahul Gandhi will be addressing rallies in the Narendra Modi-run state for the first time from Tuesday, the last day of canvassing for the first phase of polls. The Congress leader will address meetings at Sanand in Ahmedabad in central Gujarat and at Jamnagar and Amreli in Saurashtra regions.

SC bench refers Zakia Jafri's plea to larger bench

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:47:16 +0530

A Supreme Court bench on Monday referred to a larger bench the plea of slain Congress leader Ehsan Jafri's widow seeking documents on probe by Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the Gulburg Housing Society riot case in Ahmedabad in 2002.

Gujarat govt protects the accused, punishes the innocent: Sonia

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:04:36 +0530

A day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took on Gujarat CM Narendra Modi and alleged that his politics was divisive, Sonia Gandhi on Monday questioned his law and order credentials.

Gujarat Yatra: Surat entrepreneurs split between Modi, Keshubhai

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:53:14 +0530

Surat - Gujarat's second-largest city, that recorded the ninth-highest GDP in India in 2012, is growing rapidly and new flyovers are being constructed every month. The diamond city is commended for best utilising the Centre's JNURM funds.

JD(U) backs PM's remarks on minorities in Gujarat

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 04:31:16 +0530

Backing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks on the plight of minorities in Gujarat, JD(U) on Monday said there are "serious reservation in the minds of minorities concerning Narendra Modi." Stepping up the Congress campaign in Gujarat, Singh had told an election rally there on Sunday that minorities, including some government officials, felt insecure under the Modi government.

Gujarat govt is anti-people, alleges Sonia Gandhi

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 02:48:27 +0530

UPA chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday alleged that Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party government in Gujarat is "anti-people". She also said that there was no law and order in Gujarat.

Cong accuses Modi of causing Rs 1 lakh cr loss to Guj exchequer

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:24:51 +0530

As the Gujarat elections come closer, the Congress has questioned the Narendra Modi government's record in office as campaigning heats up. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Congress leader Manish Tewari has alleged Modi of causing a loss of Rs 1 lakh crore to the state exchequer. "17 scams in Gujarat have caused a loss of Rs 1 lakh crore to the state exchequer," Tewari said.

Modi hits back at PM for playing minority card

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:05:59 +0530

There are three days to go for the first phase of the Gujarat elections and Chief Minister Narendra Modi turned the heat on the UPA government. Speaking at a rally in Surat, he accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of playing votebank politics.

Gujarat's 'development' touches select few: PM

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:45:18 +0530

Faulting the BJP government in Gujarat for failing to sustain balanced growth, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Sunday that the state's development had only benefited only a few.

BJP attacks PM, say Cong is staring at defeat

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 07:25:01 +0530

Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday hit back at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying that Congress will be in a minority in Gujarat after the Assembly elections. Rubbishing Singh's remark that minorities were feeling "insecure" in the BJP-ruled state, BJP spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain said the results will show that Congress will be far short of majority.

Gujarat polls: Congress campaign based on untruth, says BJP

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 05:54:28 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh finally entered the campaign trail in Gujarat on Sunday. At a rally in Vansda of Dang district, the PM took centrestage, hitting out at the NDA's divisive politics.

Is Narendra Modi the undisputed king of Gujarat?

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 01:30:58 +0530

In the last 11 years, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's biggest creation is, what some would describe as Moditava - an image around a politician that makes him larger than life and gives him cult following.

Gujarat polls: Cong doesn't divide and rule, says PM

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 01:18:59 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh entered battleground Gujarat on Sunday and while addressing his first election rally before the upcoming elections, called for an end to the divide and rule politics in the state. Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi will be next to campaign in the state this week.

Rahul in Gujarat: Cong trying to prevent a face off with Modi?

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 11:19:27 +0530

fter Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi dared Rahul Gandhi to campaign in Gujarat, the Congress came quick to the defence of the party General Secretary, who will hold his first campaign rally in the state from Tuesday.

Gujarat: Will water woes drown Modi in Saurashtra?

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 10:30:28 +0530

The persistent water woes of Saurashtra, a scarcity-prone area of Gujarat, has become one of the main poll issues in the 2012 assembly elections in Rajkot as people are angry that virtually nothing has been done in the last ten years to resolve the problem permanently.

Gujarat polls: I am the captain of Congress, says Vaghela

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 07:48:13 +0530

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh man and former Bharatiya Janata Party chief minister of Gujarat Shankersinh Vaghela is Congress's most seasoned and tallest politician in the battle for Gujarat. Vaghela, who is known for his outspoken and brazen style of politics, has once again ruffled feathers in the Congress camp by declaring himself the captain of the party in Gujarat and the chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming state Assembly elections.

Modi misleading the urban poor in Gujarat: Maken

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 11:51:57 +0530

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Ajay Maken on Saturday mounted a scathing attack on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for consistently making false promises on homes for the poor in the state. "While in 2002, Modi had promised to make 15 lakh houses, a promise totally unfulfilled, he has again promised to build 50 lakh houses in the run-up to the current elections," Maken said.

Sonia blind to development in Gujarat: Jaitley

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 10:40:46 +0530

Criticising Congress president Sonia Gandhi over her remark that the BJP government's claims about development in Gujarat were "hollow and false", Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley on Saturday said signs of growth are clearly visible in the state.

20 pc of Guj poll candidates have criminal record: Report

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 10:10:33 +0530

Twenty per cent of the candidates contesting the Gujarat Assembly polls, who are fielded by major political outfits, have a criminal record, a National Election Watch (New) analysis report says. Gujarat Election Watch (Gew), the state chapter of New, analysed affidavits of 955 candidates out of 1,666 candidates, who are contesting the state assembly polls.

PM to address election rally in Gujarat on Sunday

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 08:06:31 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will campaign on Sunday for the assembly polls in Gujarat. Singh is expected to spell out the benefits of various central initiatives to the people of Gujarat at a public rally at Vansada in Navsari district. The Prime Minister's rally in Gujarat will come two days after Congress President Sonia Gandhi's whirlwind tour of the state during which she had sharpened attack on Chief Minister Narendra Modi who is seeking a fourth term in office.

Gujarat: Modi, Sonia in a war of words over farmers

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 08:11:17 +0530

War of words intensifies ahead of Gujarat polls as Chief Minister Narendra Modi hit out at Congress President Sonia Gandhi for her comments on the plight of farmers.

Gujarat Yatra: Mixed fortunes of farmers in Palanpur, Banaskantha

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:04:08 +0530

In North Gujarat's Palanpur area, Arun Kumar Saini, a farmer, is unaware of the FDI debate raging in Parliament. Arun has been growing potatoes for multinational Mc Cain since 2004, a partnership that has not only been profitable but has also helped him get technical expertise that has increased his yield manifold.

Gujarat elections: Sonia targets Narendra Modi

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 03:21:15 +0530

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Friday sought to tear into Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's claims on development accusing the state government of completely ignoring the welfare of poor and wondered where all the central funds for the state had vanished.

Gujarat polls: Rahul Gandhi to hit the campaign trail

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:20:17 +0530

With less than a week to go for the first phase of voting in Gujarat, the BJP and Congress' rallies have finally in the top gear. Congress President Sonia Gandhi will be addressing public rallies in Junagarh and Surat on Friday.

Gujarat: Modi the new avatar of Hindutva?

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 08:47:01 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's hold over the Hindu vote bank in the state has made organisations like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad irrelevant in the battle for Gujarat. He may have tried Sadbhavna Yatra to connect with the Muslims and for national political acceptance, but in the Gujarat elections it is not always about that same spirit.

Gujarat: Former Cong strongman Narhari Amin joins BJP

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:47:24 +0530

With just one week to go for the Gujarat elections, Narhari Amin, who was the Congress's strongman, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The move has come as a major blow to the Congress. Amin, who is the former Deputy Chief Minister, quit the party after being denied a ticket.

Gujarat: Modi capable of being PM, claims Amit Shah

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:12:11 +0530

Former Gujarat Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah is probably the most controversial candidate in the battle for Gujarat. But those don't seem to matter as Shah hits the campaign trail in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Yatra: In Modi's hometown, it's impossible to find detractors

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:58:02 +0530

It's Day 4 of CNN-IBN's Gujarat yatra and CNN-IBN heads to Vadnagar, which is the hometown of Chief Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi. The town, which boasts of a rich history, is completely sold on the idea of Modi and finding a detractor there is next to impossible.

Gujarat: Rebel Cong leader Narhari Amin may join BJP

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:25:59 +0530

Congress heavyweight in Gujarat Narhari Amin, who quit Congress after being refused party ticket to contest assembly polls, may join the state's ruling BJP, sources said on Wednesday. Amin, who wields a sizable clout in Patel community, will be a prize catch for BJP, given the challenge it is facing in Saurashtra region where former chief minister and Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP) president Keshubhai Patel has come out all-guns-blazing against Narendra Modi government.

8 illiterates contesting Gujarat polls: NGO

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 04:46:06 +0530

A peep into the educational qualification of the candidates in fray for Gujarat Assembly elections reveals that eight are illiterate and 272 (56 per cent) of the 482 candidates analysed are matric pass or below, as per an analysis of National Election Watch.

'No hope for Gujarat riot victims if Modi is PM'

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:40:46 +0530

Gujarat yatra: Health, pollution woes in Alang ignored

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:00:19 +0530

It's Day 3 of CNN-IBN's Gujarat yatra and CNN-IBN heads to Bhavnagar, where life revolves around a ship breaking yard. Alang, that employs almost 50,000 people, is a big money spinner both for the state and the central government, but is also a big polluter.

Kejriwal targets Modi over Gujarat gas deal

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:32:30 +0530

With days to go for the Gujarat elections, there is some embarrassment for Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Aam Admi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal has questioned his proximity to big business groups and raised uncomfortable questions about gas deals and favours to the Adani group in particular.

Gujarat gas deal: Modi govt refutes Kejriwal's charges

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:12:28 +0530

The Gujarat government on Tuesday refuted Aam Admi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal's charge that it favoured certain industrial groups in the state. "The charges levelled by Kejriwal are baseless and aimed at maligning the reputation of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi," government spokesperson and Minister of State for Energy, Saurabh Patel said.

Won gas block through competitive bidding: Jubilant

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 09:58:39 +0530

Jubilant Energy on Tuesday said it won the KG Deendayal gas block through international competitive bidding and did not get participating stake of 10 per cent as "gift" from the Gujarat government. "Jubilant Energy (subsidiary of Jubilant Enpro) won this block under international competitive bidding under the third round of New Exploration Licensing Policy of the Government of India. Jubilant Energy is a partner in the block and pays fully for its 10 per cent share of expenditure," the firm said in a statement.

Kejriwal's allegations seem motivated: Adani Group

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:26:08 +0530

The Adani Group on Tuesday hit back at Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal who had levelled charges of corruption against it and the Narendra Modi government. "The allegations seem to be motivated and lack deeper understanding of the matter," Adani Group said in a statement.

1,666 candidates in fray for Guj Assembly polls

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:50:50 +0530

A total of 1,666 candidates will test the political waters to get elected to the 182-member Gujarat Legislative Assembly, an EC official said on Tuesday. "820 candidates are in fray for the second phase of state polls, spread across 95 Assembly constituencies in Kutch, central Gujarat and north Gujarat while 846 candidates are contesting the first phase of elections," additional chief electoral officer Ashok Manek told PTI.

Kejriwal targets Modi over Gujarat gas deal, seeks probe

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:22:59 +0530

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday took on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi over the Tehelka report alleging irregularities in the sale of stake worth Rs 20,000 crore in Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation's (GSPC) gas exploration project in the Krishna Godavari Basin (KG), which the report alleged, was sold to a foreign company for virtually nothing.

Gujarat polls: Revolt in Cong, Amin quits party

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:10:47 +0530

Senior Gujarat Congress leader Narhari Amin on Tuesday resigned from the primary membership of the party. Narhari Amin was angry and had been sulking after the Congress denied him a ticket to contest Gujarat Assembly elections.

Gujarat: Congress manifesto focuses on 'aam aadmi'

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 04:31:12 +0530

A day after Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi promised 50 lakh housing units and insurance for the poor, the Gujarat Congress released its manifesto on Tuesday. And the focus was on 'aam aadmi'. Gujarat Congress President Arjun Modhwadia assured that if the party came to power, then big corporates would take a back seat, and the focus would be on the common man.

Gujarat polls: Modi finding it tough to woo Leuva Patels

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 03:15:30 +0530

Chief Minister Narendra Modi has received a rude jolt just a few days before voting in Gujarat. One of Gujarat's most influential votebanks, the Leuva Patels, have hinted that they could vote against Modi and the BJP.

Guj polls: EC dissatisfied with govt reply on cash transfer

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:30:03 +0530

The Election Commission is dissatisfied with the government's response on the direct cash transfer scheme and has asked the government to defer its implementation in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh till the end of the assembly elections. EC had questioned the timing of the cash transfer scheme, to which the government had replied that the scheme was announced before the announcement of poll dates.

Guj court to hear custodial death case involving Sanjiv Bhatt

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:40:25 +0530

Suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's case will be heard in a Jamnagar court on Tuesday. The local court had earlier framed charges of murder and other offences against him in a 22-year-old case of custodial torture. Recently, Sanjiv Bhatt's wife Shweta Bhatt given a poll ticket by the Congress against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the coming elections.

Gujarat yatra: Rajkot's cotton farmers suffer

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:45:13 +0530

On day 2 of our Gujrat Yatra, CNN-IBN takes you to Rajkot, fast emerging as a centre for politics. The region is currently reeling in the aftermath of a failed cotton crop and drought.

Gujarat gas deal: BJP refutes Congress's allegations

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:27:09 +0530

The BJP on Monday termed as "baseless and politically motivated" the allegations levelled by Union minister Manish Tiwari about the Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation's (GSPC) deal with a foreign company. "The Congress has invented a scam which does not exist. Contracts given or contracts cancelled are normally done with prior approval given by the Director General Hydrocarbons... Even in this matter it is so," said Nirmala Sitaraman, BJP spokesperson.

Congress issues 18-point 'chargesheet' against Modi

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:02:10 +0530

Gujarat Congress on Monday issued an 18-point "chargesheet" against Narendra Modi government accusing it of practising loot, corruption and adopting anti-people policies in the poll bound state. It also alleged that BJP led government has lost faith of the people of Gujarat.

Gujarat polls: Modi promises affordable housing for poor

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 07:37:47 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday came out with his party's election manifesto in the form of a commitment letter to the voters. The promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader included a specific focus on affordable housing for the poor and Narmada water for Saurashtra.

Gas deal: Cong attacks Modi govt over Tehelka report

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 06:23:18 +0530

The Congress Party is on the attack in Gujarat. Quoting an investigation done by Tehelka magazine, the party has questioned why the Narendra Modi government gave 10 per cent equity in a gas field to a firm, GeoGlobal, that exists only on paper.

Gujarat's GDP growth has slowed down under Modi's rule: Cong

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 03:29:23 +0530

Gujarat Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party for the poll promises it has made in its manifesto ahead of the Assembly elections in the state. He said while Narendra Modi is talking about competing with Germany's GDP, Gujarat's GDP is even lower than that of Bihar's.

In his birthplace Porbandar, Mahatma Gandhi is only a memory now

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 01:33:40 +0530

Porbandar's hero and perhaps its only claim to fame - Mahatma Gandhi - is only a memory now in the city. It seems Porbandar got lost in the transition. Even for Mahatma Gandhi's statue, there are hardly any visitors.

Modi promises insurance for all in BJP manifesto

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:58:28 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday released its manifesto for the Gujarat assembly elections this month. The manifesto, that focuses on development, promises 50 lakh houses in the next five years in rural Gujarat. Chief Minister Narendra Modi, while releasing the manifesto, said, "Normally people use the word manifesto, I have chosen the word 'Sankalp Patra' which means my commitment towards Gujarat."

Gujarat elections: GPP withdraws candidate against Modi

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:23:25 +0530

It is now going to be a direct battle between Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Congress nominee and suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's wife Shweta Bhatt. This comes after the Gujarat Parivartan Party candidate from Maninagar constituency withdrew his nomination. Earlier Shweta Bhatt had appealed to all non-BJP candidates to withdraw their nominations so that she could put up a strong fight against Modi.

Modi a role model for development, says Advani

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:10:15 +0530

A day after Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj openly endorsed Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as a potential prime ministerial candidate of the party for 2014, there's more support flowing in for him. Senior BJP leader LK Advani hailed the Gujarat Chief Minister as a "role model" of development while appealing to states to imitate him.

Direct cash transfer scheme: 'Code of conduct not violated'

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:27:32 +0530

In response to the explanation sought by the Election Commission over the much-touted direct cash transfer scheme announced by the Centre, the government on Monday said that code of conduct in poll-bound Gujarat was not violated. The government said that the first announcement about the scheme was made by the Finance Minister in his budget speech on March 16, 2012. It added that the first press release from Prime Minister's Office came on September 28 while the election dates were announced on October 3.

Withdraw candidate from Maninagar, Shweta Bhatt tells GPP

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 10:41:38 +0530

Congress candidate from Maninagar, Shweta Bhatt, on Sunday appealed Keshubhai Patel-led Gujarat Parivartan Party to withdraw its candidate from the fray. Bhatt, the wife of suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, is contesting the election against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi from Maninagar.

Guj Congress rebels to stay away from campaigning

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 10:21:05 +0530

Senior Congress leaders in Gujarat who have rebelled against the party after being denied tickets today declared, they would not campaign for the party in the assembly elections. Former deputy chief minister Narhari Amin, former city mayor Himmatsinh Patel, senior Congress leader and former MLA Naresh Raval and a host of other Congress leaders today joined hands by organising an anti-party gathering in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

PM candidacy debate: BJP's uncertainty may work to Cong's advantage

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 09:31:52 +0530

A day after an open endorsement by Sushma Swaraj of Narendra Modi being a potential Prime Ministerial candidate, the BJP clarified its stance. It said there were many others in the party suitable for the post.

Congress, Keshubhai conspiring to defeat me: Narendra Modi

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:53:45 +0530

Addressing an election rally in Rajpipla in Gujarat on Saturday, Narendra Modi said that the Congress was teaming up with Keshubhai Patel's party to defeat him.

There are many PM candidates in BJP, says Naqvi

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 11:20:08 +0530

By openly endorsing Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's name for the post of the prime minister, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj has revived the debate of who will be the prime ministerial candidate of the BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections.

Gujarat Muslims: A new narrative

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 11:57:20 +0530

Gujarat Muslims are now looking for developmental issues.

Asaram deposes before panel probing death of two children

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:57:34 +0530

Spiritual leader Asaram Bapu on Saturday deposed before the Commission probing the death of two children studying in his Gurukul in 2008, and maintained that the allegation that the kids died because of "black magic" performed upon them were false. Deposing before Justice DK Trivedi, Asaram said "This is a planned conspiracy against the Ashram and Hindu religion. It seems "foreign powers" are behind this conspiracy."

Modi takes a dig at Sonia, asks her to change her 'disha'

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:46:00 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a dig at Congress President Sonia Gandhi alleging the "misrule" of the party led by her will script its "worst-ever" drubbing at the hands of BJP in coming Assembly elections.

Keshubhai seeks EC action against Sidhu

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:29:51 +0530

Taking umbrage at Navjot Singh Sidhu's remark in which he termed him as an "anti-national leader", Gujarat Parivartan Party president Keshubhai Patel on Saturday appealed to the Election Commission to take suo motu action against the BJP MP and his party.

Guj polls will alter course of politics at Centre: Modi

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:12:38 +0530

An affirmative Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the Assembly elections in his state would change the course of politics at the Centre. "Gujarat Assembly polls will change the course of politics at the Centre. The Congress has only done vote-bank politics. Gujarat elections will provide a new direction to the entire country," Modi said.

Guj govt demands resignation of Governor Dr Kamla

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 09:14:58 +0530

The Gujarat government on Saturday demanded resignation of the state Governor Dr Kamla, saying it would make way for a "free and fair enquiry" into an alleged land scam pending against her in Rajasthan. The demand from Gujarat government comes at a time when a metropolitan court in Rajasthan has ordered enquiry against the samiti members of a co-operative society, of which Dr Kamla is an executive member.

Narendra Modi is fit to be PM: Sushma Swaraj

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:54:20 +0530

In the first clear indication that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi could be the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate in 2014 General Elections, senior party leader Sushma Swaraj, during a rally in Gujarat that goes to polls on December 13, said that he was fit to be the Prime Minister.

Gujarat polls: Modi to address 6 rallies on Saturday

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 02:24:22 +0530

With just two weeks to go for the Gujarat Assembly elections, Chief Minister Narendra Modi has intensified his campaign. On Saturday, he started his day with a visit to Somnath temple and was scheduled to address six rallies across the state. Modi will address the first rally in Veraval and will end his day in Surat.

Narendra Modi earned only Rs 1.5 lakh in 2011-12

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 12:53:02 +0530

The value of assets owned by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has crossed the Rs 1 crore mark in 2012, from Rs 40 lakh five years ago, as per his affidavit accompanying the nomination papers for Assembly elections. His income in the latest I-T return was, however, just Rs 1,50,630. Modi had filed the papers for Maninagar constituency in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Modi attacks Cong as it fields Bhatt's wife against him

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 07:17:29 +0530

It was the last day on Thursday for filing the nominations for the second phase of Gujarat Assembly elections, and amongst those who filed nominations were Chief Minister Narendra Modi and his opponent for the Maninagar seat, the wife of controversial IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt.

I want to defeat Narendra Modi: IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's wife

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 05:24:35 +0530

The Congress on Friday fielded suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's wife Shweta from the Maninagar constituency, from where the Gujarat CM too has filed his nomination papers.

Modi dares Cong to name Sonia's political secretary as its CM candidate

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 02:06:30 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has dared the Congress to name Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel as the party's chief minister candidate in the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections. This comes after the Congress fielded suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's wife Shweta against Modi in the elections.

Gujarat: Cong fields Sanjiv Bhatt's wife against Modi

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:10:34 +0530

The Congress has fielded suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's wife against Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the coming Gujarat election. Shweta Bhatt will contest from the Maninagar constituency. IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt had alleged Modi's role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Has Modi been able to win over the Muslims with his Sadbhavna yatras?

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:34:07 +0530

As Gujarat heads for polls, one of the big question this time is - has chief minister Narendra Modi been able to win over the Muslims with his Sadbhavna yatras?

Gujarat poll: Parties get insurance for their offices

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:10:19 +0530

Fearing damage to party office property because of large scale rebellion arising out of ticket distribution for the assembly elections, political parties in Gujarat have insured their party offices. Both the BJP as well as the Congress have installed CCTV cameras to keep an eye on troublemakers.

Gujarat polls: Fresh row over Congress campaign ad

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:51:37 +0530

After controversy over the use of a Sri Lankan child in a Gujarat Congress advertisement on malnutrition, the party is again facing flak for using photographs of farmers of other states in its ad related to electricity connections to farmers. Under its campaign 'Join hands for change', the Congress had issued a series of advertisements published in websites and newspapers.

Guj: Keshubhai's party gives poll ticket to Pandya's wife

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:57:10 +0530

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel's party has given a poll ticket to Jagriti Pandya, the wife of slain BJP leader Haren Pandya. She will contesting for Patel's Gujarat Parivartan Party from the Ellis Bridge constituency in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat: Modi aide Amit Shah to contest polls

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 07:18:41 +0530

Accused, arrested and released on bail in two fake encounter cases, Gujarat's former home minister Amit Shah will now contest as the BJP's candidate from the Narayanpura seat in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat elections: BJP decides to give ticket to Amit Shah

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 08:10:46 +0530

In a surprise move, the BJP parliamentary board has decided to give ticket to the controversial former Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah. He will contest from Naranpura constituency.

BJP plea to disqualify Keshubhai's party rejected

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 04:46:15 +0530

The Election Commission on Wednesday turned down Bharatiya Janata Party's application seeking to disqualify Keshubhai Patel-led Gujarat Parivartan Party. In its application the BJP had asked the EC to disallow Keshubhai's party from contesting the Gujarat Assembly elections using the cricket bat symbol, which are being held in December.

Gujarat poll: Modi's campaign goes 3D, Cong protests

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 03:42:51 +0530

As the Gujarat poll countdown nears, Chief Minister Narendra Modi is pulling out all stops to capture the public imagination. In his latest poll stunt, he has gone 3D. Narendra Modi has gone for a geek avatar this time around. It explains his virtual blitzkrieg over the next fortnight, addressing over 100 meetings across Gujarat via 3D dimensional technology leaving the BJP gungho about its poster-boy and his tech hangouts to garner more votes.

Gujarat polls: Cong, BJP field only 16 women in phase 1

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:45:02 +0530

Only 16 women candiates have been fielded by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opposition Congress for phase one of the Gujarat Assembly polls though both the parties back the Women's Reservation Bill that provides 33 per cent reservation.

Gujarat riots: Court rejects Zakia's plea against SIT report

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 05:23:59 +0530

In a setback to the activists seeking investigation against Narendra Modi in the 2002 riots case, a Gujarat court on Tuesday rejected Zakia Jafri's protest petition against the SIT closure report giving clean chit to the Gujarat Chief Minister due to lapse of time.

Gujarat BJP MLA has NREGA account: RTI activist

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 03:45:11 +0530

Even as Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi says that neither is he corrupt, nor does he allow his ministers to indulge in corruption, it seems that some of his colleagues do not adhere to this adage.

Gujarat: 117-year-old as EC brand ambassador

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 03:25:31 +0530

The Election Commission has started a campaign to ensure high voter turnout in Gujarat during the two-phase Assembly elections in the state. The Commission has made more than two dozen voters, all of whom are over 100 years old, as its brand ambassador in Narmada district of the state.

Guj Cong fields candidates with 'winnability' factor

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:33:04 +0530

Out of power since 1995, the Congress is leaving no stone unturned to snatch the mandate from the Narendra Modi-led BJP in Gujarat and has fielded three sitting MPs for the upcoming assembly battle, banking on their 'winnability'.

Guj Cong uses image of Lankan boy for malnutrition ad

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 07:14:23 +0530

With the BJP's crisis coming less than three weeks ahead of the Gujarat polls, it's opposition, the Congress, too has landed itself in a rather embarrassing position. One of its advertisement showcasing malnutrition in the state lifted the picture of a Sri Lankan child.

Email hacking case: SC stays probe against Sanjiv Bhatt

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 01:53:41 +0530

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the ongoing investigation against the suspended Gujarat IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt in an email hacking case till March 2013. Bhatt was accused of hacking the email account of Additional Advocate General of Gujarat Tushaar Mehta and leaking the information to media.

Entire BJP behind Narendra Modi, says Arun Jaitley

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:31:25 +0530

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley on Sunday said that since so many leaders have campaigned in Gujarat, it indicates that the entire Bharatiya Janata Party is behind Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Gujarat polls: SC to hear EC's plea on cash seizures

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:52:17 +0530

The Supreme Court on Monday will hear an Election Commission's petition. The electoral watchdog had challenged a Gujarat High Court order that had stayed the EC directive to seize cash above Rs 2.5 lakh if found in transit during the Gujarat Assembly elections.

National BJP leaders praise Modi for Guj 'development'

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 05:37:35 +0530

Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday received a pat on the back from national-level BJP leaders for "taking Gujarat forward on the development path". Former BJP president Rajnath Singh, who addressed a public rally in Bhavnagar, claimed that Gujarat was the only highly-developed state in the country.

Gujarat CM shoots from the hip, says Manish Tewari

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 11:28:20 +0530

The Congress on Saturday accused Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of shooting from the hip and asked him to come clean on alleged loss of revenue of Rs 1 lakh crore caused to the exchequer by "malpractices" of the state government.

Battle for Gujarat turns into a web war as BJP, Cong woo youth via social media

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 06:36:49 +0530

The battle for Gujarat is fast turning into a web war with both the BJP and the Congress trying to woo the youth on social networking sites. The Narendra Modi election machine has thrown a lot of muscle behind its social media strategy. For instance, even those who aren't registered members of the BJP, can now meet Modi personally, by posting the most number of messages on social media sites.

Gujarat: BJP to organise rallies at 55 venues

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 10:40:19 +0530

The BJP will organise election rallies at 55 venues across Saurashtra and South Gujarat on Sunday to be addressed by its senior leaders, party sources said on Saturday.

Gujarat: MiG 21 aircraft crashes in Kutch, pilot safe

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 01:53:05 +0530

A MiG 21 Bison aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Saturday in the fields near Naliya in Kutch, Gujarat. There were no casualties, confirmed the IAF, as the pilot had ejected safely.

Guj: After rebellions, Cong giving tickets discreetly

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 05:39:20 +0530

Following outbreak of rebellions after the announcement of party candidates for phase I of Gujarat elections, Congress on Friday chose not to make further announcements for remaining seats. Instead, the party is now calling the individual candidates discreetly, and giving them 'mandate' to file nomination papers, sources said.

Guj polls: Keshubhai's GPP releases first list of candidates

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 04:01:04 +0530

Former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, who had left BJP to form his own political outfit Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP), on Friday announced the first list of 63 candidates for the first phase of Assembly elections. Keshubhai himself on Friday filed his nomination papers from Visavadar constituency in Rajkot district.

Gujarat: Cong in damage control mode; BJP refields MLAs

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:39:47 +0530

Dissent among party workers in both the BJP and the Congress is expected to only intensify further, as parties will have to announce their complete list of candidates in a couple of days from now. But the impact of dissension will hit the BJP harder as it tries to win its fifth consecutive assembly election in Gujarat.

Gujarat polls: Modi faces a tough test in Saurashtra

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 03:11:37 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is finding that the Assembly elections in the state are not going to be an easy affair. His main concern is Saurashtra where Leuva Patels dominate and directly impact the results of 36 seats out of the 52 in the region.

Gujarat: BJP fears defection, repeats many MLAs

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:40:28 +0530

In a bid to avoid defection and dissent, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has retained most of the sitting MLAs in the first list of 84 candidates ahead of the Gujarat Assembly elections. But seven sitting MLAs are not on the list and it remains to be seen if they have been dropped all together.

Kasab hanged, justice done: Trawler Kuber victims' families

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 09:03:32 +0530

Families of the fishermen who were on the trawler Kuber when it was taken off the Gujarat coast by terrorists who attacked Mumbai on November 26, 2008, say that convict Ajmal Kasab's hanging has helped them get justice. All the five fishermen, including the captain of the fishing boat Kuber were killed by Kasab and his accomplices as they made their way to Mumbai via the sea route.

BJP retains most of its sitting MLAs for Guj polls

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:07:30 +0530

Contrary to reports that the party will replace several of its sitting MLAs in Gujarat assembly elections to fight anti-incumbency, BJP retained most of its legislators in the list of candidates for 84 seats announced on Thursday. The list for the first phase of elections in Gujarat has the stamp of Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Party sources said almost all the 84 names announced today were part of the original list presented by Modi to the BJP Central Election Committee (CEC), turning the whole exercise into a mere formality.

Scuffle follows Gujarat Congress's first list

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:56:35 +0530

Scuffle, demonstrations and a series of resignations were the order of the day in Gujarat Congress as those left out from the first list of 52 candidates for the assembly polls expressed their disappointment and anger.

Sohrabuddin case: Nine accused sent to Mumbai

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 06:57:39 +0530

Nine accused in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, who were lodged in a city jail, were on Thursday sent to Mumbai under heavy security for their production before the special court there on November 23. Later, they all will be sent to a jail in Maharashtra, as per the decision of the special CBI court in Mumbai, before which they will be produced.

EC notice to Modhwadia for comparing Modi to monkey

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 06:27:53 +0530

The Election Commission on Thursday sent a notice to Gujarat Congress President Arjun Modhwadia for comparing Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to a monkey. Modhwadia has been asked to file his reply by November 24.

Gujarat: Tech-savvy Modi uses 3D telecast to address audiences in 4 cities

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 02:28:12 +0530

Tech-savvy Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi on Sunday scored a first when he launched his election campaign for Assembly by addressing rallies in four cities simultaneously.

Credit for Pujara's double ton goes to his fiancee Puja: Father

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 06:24:19 +0530

The highlight of the second day of the ongoing Test match between India and England in Ahmedabad was the unbeaten double century by Cheteshwar Pujara. There were celebrations in Rajkot on the super knock by the Gujarat batsman and several people visited the Pujara residence to congratulate his family.

Watch: How Stock Guru duped its investors

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 05:55:11 +0530

In the multi-crore Stock Guru scam, a pan-India probe has been ordered against accused Ulhas Khare and Raksha.

NCP MLA arrested in 2008 water project scam case

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 08:13:06 +0530

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator from Gondal town, Chandu Vaghasia, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in 2008 water sector reforms project scam in Rajkot, police said on Monday. According to police, Vaghasia has been on the wanted list for the last four years after the Rs 50 lakh scam came to light following a complaint filed by Water Supply Board Executive Engineer KN Patel in Rajkot.

Children deaths: Asaram's son alleges conspiracy

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 11:32:19 +0530

Narayan Sai, the son of religious guru Asaram Bapu, on Sunday deposed before the commission which is probing the mysterious deaths of two children studying at Asaram's Gurukul at Motera in Ahmedabad in 2008 and claimed it was a part of a conspiracy to defame his father.

Cong sharpens attack on Modi, calls him 'Lahu Purush', Ravana

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 08:21:35 +0530

Personal attacks on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi have sharpened as Congress leaders from outside the state targeted the CM in their campaign. While Mani Shankar Aiyar called him a 'Lahu Purush' (bloodman) over the 2002 Gujarat riots, another leader said he is a mouse.

Gujarat: Fire breaks out at firecracker market in Vadodara

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 05:44:06 +0530

A major fire broke out at a firecracker market in Vadodara on Saturday. The market had been temporarily set up for the sale of firecrackers for the festival of Diwali. According to sources, ten fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

Guj govt targeting me for taking on Modi: Bhatt

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 08:02:03 +0530

Suspended Gujarat IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt who says that he has been targeted by Chief Minister Narendra Modi has alleged that evidence related to the 2002 Gujarat riots has been selectively destroyed and hence an inquiry should be ordered into the same.

Bhatt seeks probe into claim that riot papers were 'destroyed'

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 12:14:45 +0530

Raising doubts over the Gujarat government's claims that some 2002 post-Godhra riots-related intelligence documents were destroyed 'in routine course', suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt on Friday sought a "high-level investigation" into the matter. Bhatt filed an application before the Justice GT Nanavati Commission describing the chronology of events starting with his deposition in June 2011 before the panel, when a state government counsel first claimed that the documents were destroyed, till a recent affidavit filed by the state with the probe panel.

Ashram deaths: SC says no to CBI probe against Asaram

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:39:55 +0530

The Supreme Court has refused to direct a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against spiritual leader Asaram Bapu. This pertains to the death case of two boys, Dipesh and Abhishek Vaghela, who were found dead in his Sabarmati ashram in the year 2008.

Gujarat polls: BJP finds new Modi masks scary

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:42:10 +0530

There is only a little over a month left for Gujarat Assembly Elections and Chief Minister Narendra Modi is going all out to woo the voters and ensure that his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, returns to power.

Modi baiter Sanjiv Bhatt charged in custodial death case

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:02:37 +0530

IPS officer and known Narendra Modi baiter Sanjiv Bhatt has been charged with the custodial death of a VHP worker. The incident dates back to 1990 when Bhatt was the assistant SP of Jamnagar. Six other policemen have been indicted in the case as well.

Custodial death: Charges filed against Sanjiv Bhatt

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:53:34 +0530

In a major setback to suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, a local court on Thursday filed charges against him and six policemen who are accused in the 1990 Khambalia custodial death case.

Conviction of Modi aide in 2002 case gives us confidence: UK

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 10:25:11 +0530

Britain is considering opening a full-fledged consulate in Gujarat. British High Commissioner James Bevan spoke exclusively to CNN-IBN on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and how Maya Kodnani had a role in ending Britain's political boycott of the chief minister.

Vivekananda-Dawood remark: Complaint against Gadkari

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 04:53:56 +0530

A complaint has been filed in the Jamnagar sessions court of Gujarat against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Gadkari for drawing a comparison between Swami Vivekanda and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

Gujarat: EC transfers 4 Collectors, 4 IPS officers

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 03:46:17 +0530

To ensure free and fair elections in Gujarat, the Election Commission has directed the state government to transfer four Collectors and as many IPS officers with immediate effect.

Gujarat: BJP, Cong use Internet, TV to woo voters

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:56:55 +0530

The battle for Gujarat has intensified with just a month to go for the polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress are pulling out all stops when it comes to campaigning. Everything from the internet to VCDs to Chief Minister Narendra Modi's own channel is being used to woo voters.

Some documents related to riots were destroyed: Gujarat govt

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 08:54:34 +0530

The Gujarat government has admitted before Justice GT Nanavati Commission that some documents related to 2002 post-Godhra riots were destroyed by it 'in routine course'. This was disclosed on Friday in an order passed by the Commission on an application filed by suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, who had sought inspection of certain sensitive documents pertaining to the riots.

Modi spreading lies about development: Keshubhai

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:01:37 +0530

Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP) president Keshubhai Patel on Wednesday said Chief Minister Narendra Modi was spreading lies about the state's development. Addressing a huge public rally on the conclusion of his month-long 'Parivartan Sandesh Yatra', he said here, "If there were a competition for telling the maximum number of lies, Modi would win."

Gujarat poll vote projection: Modi lords over the state

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 09:10:13 +0530

For more than a decade, politics in Gujarat has been synonymous with Narendra Modi. With the Assembly elections due in a few weeks, the scenario seems to no different. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongman, who has ruled Gujarat with an iron hand since October 2001, has swatted all opposition with such ruthlessness that today there is no virtually no leader in the state capable of challenging him.

Court asks Zakia Jafri to file protest petition by Nov 7

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 08:20:03 +0530

A local court on Tuesday granted more time to Zakia Jafri to file a protest petition challenging the Closure Report of the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) which gave a clean chit to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi among others in the 2002 riot cases. The court of metropolitan magistrate BJ Ganatra on Tuesday directed Zakia to either inform the court about the status of the Special Leave Petition (SLP) she had filed in the Supreme Court or file a protest petition by November 7.

Ashram deaths: Inquiry Commission rejects Asaram's plea

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:35:30 +0530

A judicial commission probing mysterious death of two boys at Asaram Bapu Ashram in Sabarmati on Monday rejected the godman's plea for recording his statement at the Ashram. "The demand and suggestions put forward by Asaram cannot be accepted as it seems just another ploy to delay his appearance before the commission to depose," Justice (retd) DK Trivedi Commission said while rejecting the plea of the controversial spiritual guru.

Surat: 1-day old baby thrown off from building dies

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:14:22 +0530

he one-day old baby who was thrown off the third floor of a building in Surat succumbed to serious injuries sustained on Friday morning. The police are questioning the infant's mother and her husband.

Surat: 1-day old baby boy thrown off a building

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:11:48 +0530

In a shocking incident, a one-day old baby boy was thrown off the third floor of a building on Thursday in Surat. The baby miraculously survived the impact but is in a critical condition.

EC relaxes cash seizure norms in election-bound Gujarat

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:19:34 +0530

Election Commission on Thursday relaxed the norms for enforcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) with regards to seizure of more than Rs 2.5 lakh cash in transit. "Election Commission has decided to put farmers and business enterprises in the exemption category for the enforcement of the norms for carrying Rs 2.5 lakh or more cash while in transit," said Chief Election officer, Ahmedabad Vijay Nehra on Thursday while addressing the media in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat: 5 MS University students held for ragging junior

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:03:21 +0530

Days after arresting a faculty member at MS University of Baroda in Gujarat for allegedly ragging a student on the campus, police on Monday held five senior students of Architecture Department in this connection.

UK engaging with Gujarat govt, not endorsing Modi: Envoy

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 06:14:55 +0530

After meeting Narendra Modi, British High Commissioner to India, James Bevan, on Monday said that the talks with the Gujarat Chief Minister were not an endorsement of any person, but an engagement with the state. The UK High Commissioner clarified that engagement with Gujarat is in Britain's trade interest, saying we can't ignore Gujarat when we want stronger ties with India.

UK ends 10-year 'boycott', Modi meets British envoy

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:24:39 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met British High Commissioner to India, James Bevan in Ahmedabad. Experts opine that the meeting could be the start of the rehabilitation of the controversial Gujarat politician's image in the West. Diplomatic ties between the UK and Gujarat were strained after the 2002 Gujarat riots in which 3 British nationals were killed. British officials were banned from meeting with Modi. The US still has a travel ban on him.

British envoy to meet Narendra Modi today

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 06:57:32 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will meet the British High Commissioner to India, James Bevan in Ahmedabad on Monday. The meeting marks the resumption of diplomatic relations between Britian and Gujarat, which were strained after the 2002 Gujarat riots. Two weeks back, the UK had claimed that it was looking at normalising relations with Gujarat.

Ragging case: Gujarat university professor arrested

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 11:49:20 +0530

A faculty member at MS University of Baroda was on Saturday arrested for allegedly ragging, along with senior students of his department, a junior student on the campus, police said. "Professor Mayur Gupta of the Department of Architecture was apprehended on charges of ragging first year student Harshvardan Sutariya on the campus," Sayajigunj Police Inspector AB Saiyed said.

Guj: 3000 Dalits detained across state during protests

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 11:33:24 +0530

Around 3,000 Dalits were detained across Gujarat on Saturday during their state-wide protest against the alleged inaction by police in arresting culprits of Thanagadh killings. While 200 of them were detained in Ahmedabad, 100 people were taken into custody in Vadodara, 300 activists in Surendranagar and Patan districts and 200 people were detained in Surat, police said.

Modi cannot win polls on local issues, says Congress

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 10:50:33 +0530

The Congress in Gujarat on Saturday said Narendra Modi was targeting the Union government ahead of the Assembly elections because the Chief Minister knew he could not win polls by focusing on local issues.

Gujarat ATS gets Jundal's custody

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 09:40:30 +0530

A Delhi court on Saturday handed over the custody of 26/11 key handler Abu Jundal to Gujarat ATS in connection with the 2006 train blast at Ahmedabad station in which he is alleged to be one of the main conspirators. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidya Parkash handed over Jundal alias Syed Zabiuddin's custody to Gujarat ATS till October 31 for his custodial interrogation in connection with the Karanawati Express blast case.

Bihar leaders will campaign in Gujarat: BJP

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 08:06:22 +0530

The BJP on Saturday said its prominent leaders from Bihar will campaign in poll-bound Gujarat, rejecting reports that Chief Minister Narendra Modi had asked party leaders from the eastern state to stay away from electioneering there.

Modi accuses Congress of 'cheating' people

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 05:33:01 +0530

Lashing out at the Congress, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the party of "cheating" the public. "Congress party is cheating people in the name of development. We forgive those who make mistakes but we never pardon those who cheat people," said Modi.

Gujarat: MS University students accuse seniors of ragging

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 09:59:01 +0530

A video showing seniors ragging first year engineering students at Maharaja Sayaji Rao University here has surfaced on Saturday.

Cong files complaint against Modi for breach of poll code

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:18:55 +0530

Gujarat Congress on Monday filed a complaint with the State Election Commission alleging that Narendra Modi Government has violated the Model Code of Conduct for elections. In a written complaint filed with Chief Election Officer Anita Karval, Congress alleged that the state government breached the code of conduct by distributing booklets which prominently display pictures of Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Urban Development Minister Nitin Patel.

Modi questions Sonia's 'silence' on inflation

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:31:50 +0530

Criticising the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for its "failure" to keep its 2009 pre-poll promise on inflation, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday questioned Congress president Sonia Gandhi's "silence" on the issue. "Sonia Gandhi criticised Gujarat's development but never said a word on the pre-poll promise made by UPA in 2009 to bring down inflation within 100 days if voted to power," Modi said at a party function in Jasdan.

Gun not for show off: Gujarat MP Vitthal Radadiya

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 11:42:33 +0530

Gujarat Congress MP Vitthal Radadiya who was seen threatening a toll officer with his gun on Saturday said that he doesn't keep his gun only to show it off. "I showed my ID card but the security person said it was fake. They called me a fake MP and tried to misbehave. I thought they would fight with me. So, for self defence, I took out my rifle. I have a licenced gun which I don't keep to show off."

Toll operator said I was a fake MP: Vitthal Radadiya

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 07:57:04 +0530

Congress MP Vitthal Radadia on early Friday morning was caught on camera threatening a toll booth attendant in Gujarat's Kajran. He brandished his licensed rifle and threatened the toll booth staff after they asked him to pay the toll.

EC nod for TV channel named after Narendra Modi

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:53:55 +0530

Launched under supervision of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and carrying Chief Minister Narendra Modi's initials, the new 'NaMo Gujarat' television channel on Friday got the Election Commission's nod but with some riders in the election-bound state where model code of conduct is in force.

Gujarat Cong MP Radadiya justifies his gun-toting act

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 06:42:50 +0530

Gujarat Congress MP from Porbandar Vitthal Radadiya has defended his gun-toting act at a toll plaza booth saying he committed the act as he was upset over being called a fake Member of Parliament. Speaking to CNN-IBN, the Congress MP said that the toll booth operator told him that he was "bogus and fake" MP.

Cong MP caught on CCTV threatening toll booth personnel

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 05:51:46 +0530

Congress MP from Porbandar in Gujarat Vitthal Radadiya has been caught on CCTV cameras, pointing a gun at a security personnel posted at a toll plaza. Radadiya's car was stopped by the toll booth personnel at Karjan near Vadodara late on Thursday night. When the driver showed him Radadiya's identification card, the toll booth attendant demanded to see the original identity card.

Yet to get info on your expense, activists tell Modi

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 05:33:58 +0530

Two RTI activists have written a letter to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, saying details of travel expenses incurred by him and others in attending job fairs organised by the government have not been provided to them despite seeking the information six months ago.

Cong MP caught on CCTV threatening toll booth personnel

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 03:52:26 +0530

Congress MP from Porbandar Vitthal Radadiya has been caught on CCTV cameras, pointing a rifle at security personnel posted at a toll plaza. Radadia's car was stopped by the toll booth personnel at Karjan near Vadodara on Thursday night. When the driver showed him Radadia's identification card, the toll booth attendant demanded to see the original i-card.

My focus is Gujarat, talk of PM race is media creation, says Modi

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 09:35:38 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has claimed that he never targeted UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi over her treatment and expenditure abroad. Instead, in an interview with IBN18 Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai, Modi said that he was concerned about the health of the Congress president as she is the wife of a former prime minister of the country.

UK does a U-turn on Modi, decides to send British envoy to Gujarat

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 09:25:49 +0530

The British government has decided to turn around on its policy of the past decade and has reached out to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Sonia may come, but Guj won't go to the corrupt: Modi

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 07:22:39 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday culminated his state-wide Vivekanand Yuva Vikas Yatra in Pavagarh, continuing his attack on the Congress-led UPA government. Addressing a rally in Pavagarh, Modi also listed the achievements of his government over the past decade. The tour was organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongman ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

NCP ready for snap polls, says Sharad Pawar

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:27:49 +0530

Addressing the NCP conclave in Vadodara, Sharad Pawar asked his party leaders and workers to be ready for a snap Lok Sabha election.

Gujarat polls: Delimitation might stump parties

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 01:02:48 +0530

With boundaries of 60 out of the total 182 constituencies being re-drawn in Gujarat, the fortunes of two main parties - the Congress and BJP - in the 2012 Assembly elections, is likely to be hugely influenced by the delimitation process, which will alter several equations including caste and political following.

Surat: Video shows IPS officer thrashing a thief

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 10:00:11 +0530

A video clipping showing an IPS officer thrashing a thief in the Varaccha area of Surat surfaced on Saturday. The incident happened on Friday evening and was recorded by a bystander on his mobile phone.

BJP may win 133 seats in Gujarat, says survey

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 02:59:59 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to sweep 50 per cent of all votes and win 133 of the 182 seats in the upcoming elections in Gujarat, a survey of voters released on Friday said.

Naroda Patiya: Convict who was absconding gets 31-yr jail

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 03:52:07 +0530

A special court on Friday awarded 31 years rigorous imprisonment to a convict of the 2002 Naroda Patiya, who was produced in the court after he jumped his bail. Terming Suresh alias Shehzad Netalkar as one of the main conspirators, special judge Jyotsana Yagnik sentenced him to 21 years life imprisonment after serving 10 years under section 326 (voluntary causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means) of the IPC.

Cong scared, Sonia's speech 'lacklustre': Modi

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 04:22:20 +0530

Describing Congress President Sonia Gandhi's speech in Rajkot as "lacklustre", Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday taunted her, saying the Congress treads carefully in the state and is scared of speaking fearing a backlash.

Farmers in Gujarat, Haryana welcome FDI in retail

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:13:29 +0530

Many farmers of Gujarat and Haryana have been working with multi-national companies for years. CNN-IBN travelled to the two states tracking reactions on FDI in retail. The farmers in the two states seem to be seeing it as a welcome step.

Gujarat poll: The big questions

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 07:03:59 +0530

The Election Commission on Wednesday announced that Gujarat will have Assembly elections in two phases - December 13 and 17 and the counting of votes will take place on December 20.

Bhatt urges Modi to desist from "vindictiveness"

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 06:52:28 +0530

Suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt on Wednesday asked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Gujarat government to desist from "vindictiveness" and revoke a "half-baked" suspension order issued against him.

Gujarat to vote on Dec 13, 17, Himachal on Nov 4

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 04:36:51 +0530

The Election Commission on Wednesday announced dates for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. While Gujarat will have elections in two phases - December 13 and 17, Himachal Pradesh will vote on November 4. The counting for both the Assembly elections will take place on December 20.

Gandhi's ideals offer solutions to global warming: Modi

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 03:10:55 +0530

Ideals of Mahatma Gandhi offer solution to overcome various universal issues including global warming, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said on the occasion of the 143rd birth anniversary of Father of the Nation at his birth place.

Gujarat: Suspension of IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt revoked

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:40:30 +0530

The Gujarat government on Monday revoked the suspension of IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, as it accepted the decision of the central review committee which reports to the Union Home Ministry.

Sohrabuddin case: HC denies bail to IPS officer

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 04:32:43 +0530

The Gujarat High Court on Friday rejected the bail application of suspended IPS officer Abhay Chudasama, who is one of the key accused in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh fake encounter case of 2005.

Gujarat: CBI to charge ex-top cops in Jamal encounter case

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 01:27:40 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is ready to file a chargesheet on October 30 against top Gujarat police officers DG Vanzara and PC Pandey in yet another fake encounter. The central probe agency has said that like the killings of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram Prajapati, the encounter of Sadiq Jamal was also fake. Jamal was killed in 2003 outside a cinema hall in Naroda.

Gujarat govt offices shut as employees take 'leave'

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 07:37:16 +0530

Around six lakh employees of the Gujarat government on Thursday took casual leave en masse, seeking full implementation of recommendations of the Sixth Pay Panel.

CBI to probe RTI activist Amit Jethwa's murder

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 03:37:49 +0530

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will take over the probe into the murder of RTI activist Amit Jethwa. The case has been transferred to the CBI after the Gujarat Police gave a clean chit to BJP MP Dinu Solanki in February this year.

Gujarat: Roads wear a deserted look on Bharat Bandh

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 02:37:29 +0530

The NDA-led nationwide bandh against diesel price hike, cap on LPG cylinders and FDI in retail threw normal life out of gear in the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled state with the protest evoking a good response.

Gujarat: Traders protest against FDI in retail

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 02:19:16 +0530

The traders in Ahmedabad are supporting the protest against FDI in retail saying it will ruin small traders and only benefit foreigners.

Fake currency from Pak seized by Gujarat Police

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 05:04:58 +0530

A racket of fake currency circulation, allegedly being run from Pakistan and Dubai via Bangladesh, was busted by the Gujarat Police on Wednesday with a seizure of counterfeit notes with a face value of Rs 26.18 lakh, police said.

Modi's state-wide campaign enters Day 2

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:35:43 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who launched his month-long campaign in the poll-bound state on Tuesday, will continue with the yatra for the second day on Wednesday.

Prajapati case: Accused cop seeks anticipatory bail

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 05:41:54 +0530

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) RK Patel, whom the CBI has named as one of the 20 accused in its charge sheet in Tulsi Prajapati fake encounter case, on Tuesday moved Gujarat High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

Remembering Verghese Kurien, the Milkman of India

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 07:21:12 +0530

Everyday at the crack of dawn, more than 10 million dairy farmers in Gujarat begin a journey that has given them economic independence. Verghese Kurien was 28 when he came to Anand in 1949 and was soon working hard to help a budding cooperative to grow. For him, the dairy farmers were the rightful owners of the milk business.

Father of White Revolution Verghese Kurien dead

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 06:05:50 +0530

Verghese Kurien, father of White Revolution, passed away in Nadiad, Gujarat on Sunday. Kurien, who turned 10 million farmers into a legendary cooperative, was 90-years-old.

Gujarat: Modi calls for mass movement against gutka

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:27:36 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed to the people of the state to launch a mass movement against gutka.

VHP targets Modi govt over handling of riot cases

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 05:57:14 +0530

Just before the Gujarat elections, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has raised its voice against Chief Minister Narendra Modi government's handling of the 2002 post-Godhra riot cases.