Rehman Meets Lata Mangeshkar

All of Pune is today talking about A. R. Rehman. The Mozart of Madras, earlier called fondly Isai Puyal by Tamil film industry will be performing first time in Pune. Meanwhile, he met another icon of Indian music scene, Lata Mangeshkar in Pune. The combination of these two has given us a handful of memorable hits. Lata is currently in Pune undergoing treatment on account of ill health.

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Leaders Get Going Easy

Enough Followers Found to be Fooled

What does existence of our leaders prove? That there are enough followers who can be fooled or that the persons with enough talent to fool the people come up in accordance with each age? Whatever it may be, the tacit skills of the persons occupying various seats of power. Their highest acumen is showed off in the appearance of their groups which are presented as political parties. The whole notion of power being taken over by the mass of citizens has been changed into something different : it is only the muscle of men that wrests power!

The leaders are cultivated in such a fashion in today's politics is the only requirement of a good leader is presence of mind. The sensical approach is a thing about which they can eulogise on some national days with flowers in their hand and sorrowfulness on their faces. One thing that has left me perturbed is omnipresence of these men. They are everywhere: they discuss the vital issues about which they have little knowledge on news channels, they inaugurate the development projects which half of population has forgotten, they attend wedding ceremonies in the neighborhood and head straight to a disco bar...there is little they can not do. One of those restricted areas where these white robed creatures are restricted is the field of gumption. The gift of playing with words cultivated by them lose its shine in such situation.

Take for instance R. R. Patil. This former home minister of Maharashtra was always touted as the best speaker for the Nationalist Congress Party. He was considered a good orator and by default, as is the custom, also a good administrator also. His rhetoric is always liked immediately by the media in Maharashtra as well as India. Till 26/11 happened. Administrative skills of Patil came under scanner on this fateful day when unknown militants in unclear numbers descended on India's land through sea from where Patil's office is located just a few kilometers away. What militants did is a known to everyone now. But in one of those days of emergency, Patil was confronted by media, electronic and print, Indian and foreign alike. In one of those slippery moments, Patil said that such petty things use to occur in big cities. That was a big fault indeed. An uproar ensued and he was forced to resign from his post. Patil did not hesitate to claim that it was slip of tongue on account of his poor knowledge of Hindi. That was fine for a seasoned politics. But what was more surprising was Patil later became the president of Rashtrabhasha Sabha, Maharashtra which is supposed to propagate Hindi. Not only that, he was touted as the Star Campaigner in recently held parliamentary elections.

Take another case that of M. Karunanidhi. This man who has crossed 80 years of age has managed to get ministership to his three relatives, two of whom are his own sons, in the centre as well as state. Azhagiri is made a minister at New Delhi while M. K. Stalin is made deputy chief ministership in Tamilnadu. Fortunatelt enough, gis attempts to make his daughter Kanimozhi also a minister in the central cabinet failed, even though Dayanidhi Maran, son of late Murasoli Maran and a close relative of Karunanidhi made it to the cabinet. He did not hesitated to express his unhappiness over the adjustment. What perplexes more is that no worker of the respective parties takes objection to their stands. They can brazenly put on a face and alter it next day if it suits them. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is supposed to be an upright party not compromising on anything. But this time around, Karunanidhi has not faced any opposition from his partymen.

In this scenario, the future of the Indian democracy, I think, lies in the hands of these leaders. The unwilling workers who have serve the party only if thier objectives are fulfilled can not be a hope for the future.

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Thanks Raj Thackeray, you spoke it well

Caste Politics Deserved a Beating

Raj Thackeray, leader of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has finally spoke on behalf of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare. He has warned of retalitory action if any attempt is made to a harm Purandare physically.

An open letter written by Raj points to the controversy over Purandare's induction as chairman of the committee set by state government. The committe will look into issues for erecting a huge memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the Arab sea, off the coast of Mumbai. The total project will cost Rs 300 Crores.

Organisations like Sambhaji Brigade and Maratha Mahasangh has opposed to the name of Purandare as chairman saying that he does not deserve it. These organisations are fighting for the Maratha caste, to which Shivaji belonged. They have an old grudge against Purandare, suspecting that he had guided the US writer James Laine for writing his book, 'Shivaji: A Hindu King in Muslim India'. The book had attracted severe criticism five years ago because it had certain comments in the form of rumours deriding Shahaji, Shivaji's father. The issue was snowballed into a huge controversy then leading to an attack on Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. Since then, Purandare is a prime target of Maratha organisations.

As is there way, the leaders of the Maratha organisations, Vianayk Mete and Purushottam Khedekar, went overboard in opposing Purandare's appointment saying that he will be physically attacked if the appointment is not cancelled. This prompted Raj Thackrey, fresh from the success of recent parliamentary elections where his party's candidates pulled in more than nine lakh votes, to issue an open letter. Raj is known to be close to Purandare and it was Purandare who attempted unsuccessfuly but vigorously to mend fences between Raj and Balasaheb Thackeray. He is one of the closest persons to Thackeray family. Given the penchant of Thackerays to the history of Marathas and in particular Chhatrapati Shivaji, it was obvious that they share a bond between them.

This also marks a good step in the politics of Maharashtra where the casteism is taking bigger and bigger roles. Raj has pointed the casteist approach of Maratha organisation and rightfully also pointed the connection of Congress and Nationalist Congress leaders with them. Both these parties claim to have a monopoly over the secularism in the state. But their role in all this drama is clearly visible. In fact, it was NCP's overstress on Maratha card that lead to its defeat in the Vidharbha and Marathwada region since these two parts have the maximum polarisation of castes in terms of voting. Purandare is a Brahmin, that also has become a disadvantage for him.

"Maratha leaders like Purushottam Khedekar and Vinayak Mete should remember that their opposition to Purandare, who is well-known across the state for popularising the Shivaji's legend among masses, will not go unopposed. Maratha leaders are trying to divide Maharashtra on caste basis and that is why they oppose appointment of Purandare, a Brahmin. Is it Purandare's crime that he belongs to Brahmin community? He has spent his entire life researching on Shivaji's life" Raj said in a statement here.

The MNS chief's comments came in the wake Khedekar, a former state government employee, announced of strong reprisal across the state if Purandare was not removed from the panel. This is not the first time that such an issue has arisen in Maharashtra. But no leader has expressed explicit support for any side like Raj except for his uncle, Balasaheb Thackeray. Shiv Sena chief is famous for his non-partisan policies as regards castes. By pronouncing his support for Purandare, Raj has taken a big risk as most of his party workers, young one that for that, come from Maratha caste. He has shown readiness to set aside this consideration for the sake of an old and reverred historian. This is a welcome move by any political leader in India.

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One Computer per 30 Person

Ratio in India Has Improved

India has travelled far from where it was about a decade ago. Nowhere is this true than in the information technology sector. The country has a computer for every 30 Indians now compared to one computer per 50 person two years ago, a latest report indicates. It also confirms the notion that India has relatively little problem of recession as the personal computers have registered a growth in sales this year also. 

 

The PC market in India witnessed a 7% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) growth in shipments in the first quarter of calendar year 2009 over fourth quarter of 2008, according to IDC's Asia/Pacific Quarterly PC Tracker.

A press release issued by the company says, a total of 1.67 million units of Client PCs were shipped during the January-March quarter of 2009. Desktop PC shipments registered a sequential growth of 9% QoQ while notebook PC shipments recorded a growth of 3% QoQ. Overall PC shipments to the commercial segment were buoyed by demand from the Government, Education and Banking (nationalised banks) segments. Interestingly, all these sectors continue to record growth.

In spite of the overall subdued market, the total installed base of PCs in India surged past the 36 million units mark. The country now has one personal computer for every 30 Indians. This represents a significant improvement over March 2007 installed when the country boosted of one computer for every 50 Indians.

The top three players in the India Client PC market during 1Q CY2009 were HP, HCL and Dell in that order. 

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Railway Problem At Fore

At last, CM writes a letter to Railway Minister

The chief minister of Maharashtra seems to have taken at last the problem of railway passengers in the state. I have written about this problem some days ago. The CM has written a letter to the new railway minister Mamata Banerjee, who like her predecessor appears to incline more towards her native state. Barely two days after getting her portfolio, she has announced a new train for West Bengal.

In the letter sent to Banerjee, the CM has pointed out that the state government has earmarked 50 percent of amount necessary to complete four tracks in the state. These include Ahmednagar-Parali, Vardha-Nanded and Vadsad-Gadchiroli. With that, the permission for new railway route between Pune-Nashik is also sought. This route is 265 km long. At present, the only train connecting these two important cities have to pass through Klayan which adds up to more than 100 Kms of distance or two hours in terms of time.

All these routes were pending for many years. Ahmednagar-Beed-Parali route is 261.25 Kms and its survey has been completed by railway ministry. If completed, this route will lessen the travel between Pune to Nanded by more than half. At present, the trains connecting these two cities have to travel half of Maharashtra. The train connecting these two cities goes through Daund, Ahmednagar, Manmad, Aurangabad, Jalna and Parbhani. This consumes about 10 hours of travel. People from Marathwada are fighting for this route for more than 50 years. It is a welcome move if the CM has taken notice of this.

Connecting the Dots

Government seems to have at last realized the need of connecting Nanded sub-division to Central Railway. Oraganisation fighting for railway problems in Marathwada have since long expressing the need of joining the sub-division, which currently falls under South Central Railway to Central Railway.

Chavan while giving the information regarding his letter to RM, publicly said that people feel various inconveniences to approach the headquarter of SC railway in Hyderabad. Since people from the region travel to Mumbai for their official work, it is obvious that they should go to Mumbai instead of Hyderabad for work related to railway. This pronunciation itself is a corroboration of public demand to attach the sub-division to CR. If it is done, it will be of great help.

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How can bend backwards for an old actress

Actresses hardly get old...at least in their own eyes. That Maharashtra government was forced to change the name of prominent award is testimony to this fact. All this just for the sake of an actress's sake.

Bollywood icon, who was the top actress in the Amitabh era and still appreciated for her long lasting beauty, Rekha refused to make any compromise on her image of an evergreen actress. About a fortnight ago, the state government announced to honour her with the Raj Kapoor Jeevan Gaurav award (Lifetime Achievement award in memory of first showman Raj Kapoor). But officials of the state cultural ministry were in for a shock when Rekha told them to change the name of the award. According to her, Lifetime Achievement is supposed to be given to someone who has spent his entire life in the service of the industry. But she thinks she is still active in the field.

To honour her sentiments, the government has now amended the title of the award to "Raj Kapoor Pratiba Gaurav" (Raj Kapoor Talent Award), putting an accent on the creative aspect of the artist.

Now, the renamed award will be presented to the actress on the occasion of 46th Maharashtra state film award distribution ceremony slated for May 30 in the city.The fact was disclosed by none other than the Maharashtra cultural affairs minister Harshwardhan Patil। It is also to be noted here that the state government has also doubled the award amount this year to Rs two lakhs. The award ceremony is to take place on May 30.

Now, the question arises should government have give in before an old actress, who is now 55 years old? This is one of the flagship award of the state government. Earlier, actors like Rajnikant have received this award without any fuss. After that, he went on to create new records with the release of Sivaji-the Boss. So who is Rekha to make such a demand and can government just nod with her? Was not there anybody else as worthy and less exacting? One can understand if someone extracts the benefits when he is in prime. But to throw tantrums even after fading away to natural oblivion is an act that only Bollywood can do. Only the minister can tell what type of cultural activity this is.

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No shock for these incidents

Pune have many unsafe installations

Two people burned in the incident on Monday highlights the dangerous situation vis-v-vis power lines and residents in Pune. A mother and child sustained injuries in Dhankawadi when they came into contact of a high tension electrical line.

Various areas in the Pune city have a good number of buildings just below the electrical lines. Incidents occurring every now and then regarding the dangers posed by these lines did not succeed in making either administration responsible or people aware. As per the electricity law, no construction can be made within the 20 meters of the high tension lines. Majority of HT lines in Pune are erected in the 1970s. Since then, the city have grown leaps and bounds, and below these lines too! Neither officials heeded to remove the residents posing danger to their own lives nor did they actually take away the lines from these areas. The HT line where the episode took place yesterday is originally erected as Fursungi-Chinchwad HT line. About 80 houses in Dhankawadi area stand below this line. Ideally, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Corporation Limited should have stopped these houses being built in the initial stages.

It is not only a question of electrical lines only. It's about other electrical infrastructure also. City's majority of road stand witness to open Double Pole boxes, hinging wires and many other things. About a year ago, it was brought to fore within right to information that the supply of pre-monsoon maintenance material to various circles in Pune zone was far less than the requirement. The information was received in April-May 2008 according to which, only 45 % of total demand was fulfilled for the equipments. Out of 75 items demanded for maintenance, 35 items were not supplied at all where as 6 items that were supplied were only 10 % of the requirement . The items which are not supplied at all include various sizes of LT cable, cable joints, fuse wire, Distribution transformers Ironically, these items were not supplied previous year also. Though last year, only 30 percent of the demand was fulfilled.

As of now, most of the electrical installations are in dilapidated conditions. Not only do these installations flout Indian Electricity Rules, which stipulates proper process of fixing the electrical infrastructure on public places, but they also risk a big hazard to common people. These include incorrect cabling, incorrect connections, installation not gauarded by anyone, providing many connection from one pole, not removing installation which have been abandoned from use.

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The Story of Loss and Win

I am writing this post full four after the election results. I have to confess that I, like all in my fraternity, could not read the mood of voters. I thought Anil Shirole will win but it was not to be. Ex-pilot and president of Indian Olympics Association Suresh Kamadi rombed home with a satisfying win having a lead of over 20,000 votes.

It is time for introspection not only for losing political parties but also for us journalists. We were way away from the actual facts and believed that whatever trend we predicted were for real. We did not read the writing on the wall because we thought the analysis we engaged in were substantial. Now that this bubble burst with a heavy wind, we have to get back to business, that is analysis.

To be fair, there was no reason why Kalmadi was to be defeated. He had carried out various development works. He is also a suave politician and keeping with the tradition of Pune constituency, also known for his reach. He has not confined himself with a particular community of strata of society. Kalmadi can be seen in Hi-Tech Pune conference as well as at Eid Milan program organized by city Congress. There is also no criminal connection with his name. Media predicted his defeat solely on the assumption that D. S. Kulkarni will eat away his votes. But that did not happen that way.

Consider these facts: Congress had alliance with Nationalist Congress Party but guardian minister Ajit Pawar chose not to attend any campaign rally in favor of Kalmadi. Being a Brahmin from Karnataka, he had also caste factor against him. He is shrewd enough not to publicize or rather cover this disadvantage. This was the first year when Kalmadi openly spoke in Kannada in a gathering at Congress Bhavan in Pune.

We are always proud of being in the midst of people and having our ears to the ground. But these election results have shown us how far we are from the ground realities. So Congress' win is a loss for us. A loss of face and loss of confidence also.

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Who WIll be Next PM?

We will Know by Tomorrow  

The name of the next prime minister of India will be clear by tomorrow evening. Several things have been discussed during the two months. First time in the history of independent India, the election was a very dull and useless affair, which was also largely trouble-free. But it does not mean that this trial was not interesting. Political parties continued to promise several things for the public. Still, it is absolutely clear that no party can gain power.

Congress, a party with a long history behind it seems to be closer to victory. Bharatiya Janata Party will also be able to succeed in having the seat of power. The important names which could come for the post of PM include Dr. Manmohan Singh, Lal Krishna Advani, Mayawati and Sharad Pawar.

Personally I think Anil Shirole will win in Pune. Shirole, who is a BJP candidate MP can manage to win owing to his clean image. Suresh Kalmadi, who was MP for the five years since 2004 has not fared that bad but people are very unhappy with him. One reason for this is lack of communication between him and voters. Anil Shirole is not a very popular man either, but he will benefit from his clean image and also the dedicate workers of BJO behind him.

And me? I did not vote in Pune. Because I have my name in the voter's list of Nanded, so I could vote only there. The contest there is also much interesting because it is a constituency managed by chief minister himself.

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Counting of Votes On Saturday

Will It Ease the Administration

Curtains will come down on the election process of Pune on Saturday with about 4,500 employees deployed for the counting work. This will be the first time in the history of Pune district that such a large number of employees will be deployed for the exercise.

Counting of all four constituencies — Pune, Maval, Shirur and Baramati, will take place at Shivajinagar godown on Saturday. The counting process will be over before the noon itself. But the Election Commission has ordered to depute maximum employees for the counting. That is why, for each constituency one thousand employees will be deputed. Till now, there were only three constituencies in the district.

District collector Chandrakant Dalvi on Thursday informed that the administration is ready to carry out the counting process. Counting boxes from all four constituencies are placed in the 20 godowns. A total of 508 rounds of counting of votes will take place, Dalvi said.'

For common citizens, it also means that administration will return to working mode, at its usual slow pace. All the functions of the administration were put on back burner for last two months in the garb of code of conduct. As much as the usual problem of water supply, which is an annual exercise for the administration is also on hold. There is acute shortage in the district of drinking water. But hardly anybody has paid heed to it.

Counting in Maharashtra will be held at 39 centres. “Counting will begin at 8.00 am and almost all the results are expected within 8 hours”, according to Debashish Chakraborty, Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra.

The exercise will begin with the counting of postal ballots followed by assembly wise counting of votes. These will later be aggregated to obtain the result for the Lok Sabha constituency. Counting of votes will take place for one or more Lok Sabha Constituencies at a particular counting centre.

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Wealth From the Waste

Only Remedy to Assuage the Problem of Garbage

Can the city dump its unserviceable lifestyle on the areas adjoining it. This question has been brought to forth by the strong agitation carried out by the residents of Uruli Devachi near Hadapsar. The villager of this small village are protesting against the garbage depot for last many years. The latest agitation is going on for four day in a row and today is the fifth day. But the issue has been overlooked by all and sundry. There have been even instances in the past where the water in the wells of the village has been proved to be contaminated with poisonous matters because of existence of garbage depot.

The garbage depot was first situated in Kothrud. But owing to the rising complaints from residents nearby, the Pune Municipal Corporation decided it to be shifted to Uruli Devachi. What was a problem essentially of city dwellers was sent to the villagers ho had nopart to play in it. After about a decade, the vicious effects of 1000 to 1200 tonnes of garbage being dumped daily are felt. Besides the pollution, it has also posed health hazards. Just three months ago, a fire started in the depot which lasted for more than a week. Demands were made in past with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) authorities to rein in PMC.But MPCB has done little except issuing notices to PMC for “unscientifically” dumping the garbage.

Now that the garbage dumping has been stopped in Uruli Devachi, the heaps of garbage are piling up in the city. Complaints about the same have also been sounded. But one must look at the problem not through one side. City dwellers pride themselves and are always demanding for the new conveniences. But once their needs are fulfilled, these conveniences make a huge amount of garbage. And new trash dumps are always needed to put this waste. That's where the areas like Uruli Devachi come in. This area has been used as a dumping ground since 1983.

While Pune has developed multitudinously during last two decades, the adjoining parts of the city are best sites to develop housing and waste disposal as well. Fursungi, Vishrantwadi and such areas are looked upon as the best supporting land for the growing needs of citizens. You have industrial waste? dump it at Fursungi. You have drainage and human waste? Dump it in the rivers. This is the standard approach of civilized and democratic Puneites coming from all over the world. Nobody bothered to aks the villagers whether they want to accommodate the remains of human bodies, ash and decomposed food items, old and defunct parts of the machines that were engaged in building successful businesses, the dust and everything else that was thought not to be fit enough to keep in the city.

So this is the reason why the villagers are up in arms over the garbage issue. It is not about the rural versus urban divide. It is about arrogance versus existence. City's arrogance has reached its threshold and existence of the areas near cities is in question. The remedy? I am tool little and uninformed to suggest a remedy over this much big a problem. But it will be always good if we can find a way to create wealth from waste!

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A. R. Rahman To Start His World Concert from Pune

Jai Ho Flag Hoisted At MIT

Oscar winner A. R. Rahman will start his world tour from Pune. The musician known 'Isai Puyal' (Musical Storm) was in the city today. He addressed a press conference in which he announce the program of the concert aptly titled 'Jai Ho' concert. The program will take place at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Stadium in Balewadi and will be the first public concert of Rahman in Maharashtra.

Rahman also unfurled Jai Ho flag in front of the students of MAEER's MIT. Rahman said, "Pune is known as the cultural and educational centre. I wanted to have a program in the city for long." He especially mentioned Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Lata Mangeshkar as the personalities who have graced Pune. The proceeds of the concert will go to Lata Mangeshkar Foundation and Shri Kshetra Dehu-Alandi Vikas Samiti, which is responsible for the development works in Dehu and Alandi.
Rahman's show will take place in Pune on May 31st।SInger Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam and others will take part in it। This will also mark the start of his world tour. Rahman's show is hosted by MAEER"S MIT headed by Vishwanath Karad.

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Jeffrey Archer to Visit India Again

Celebrated writer Jeffrey Archer is to visit India and possibly also Pune again this month. The visit follows last year's visit which Archer had described as 'overwhelming'.

PTI has reported that Archer is coming here to promote his new book 'Paths of Glory.' The trip is organized by 'Landmark' and presented by Citibank.

Archer would catch up with fans at Landmark stores across Gurgaon, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore on his week-long trip from May 11 to promote his new book. Archer, 70 was on his first trip to India as part of the ‘Landmark Jeffrey Archer Tour’.

He had come to Pune on May 22-23. He had said that he was charmed by the city but was surprised by the traffic.

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Checking Influenza H1N1

Doctors Put At International Airport

Even though Pune authorities say that there is no fear of swine flu, which is now called Influenza A (H1N1) spreading in Pune, the government does not want to take any chance. A team of doctors is put up at the Pune International Airport. It is expected that all persons coming from America, Canada, Mexico will be checked for the infection.

According to J. P. Mathur, director of Pune airport, a team of doctor from central governments health scheme was present at the airport from May 1. Now the team from Sate government has been appointed at the airport. The team will be working in various shifts round the clock at the airport.

Dr. P D Adling, who is a part of the team told, “At present we have a team of 10 doctors, 12 nursing staff and 4 servants who will be examining the suspects. As there are cases from America, Canada and Mexico our focus is on foreigners. While boarding the international flight all the passengers are given a form in which they have to fill up the details of their health.

Meanwhile, the central government has directed all state governments to carry out checks for Swine Flu infections. As a part of prohibitive steps, it has been suggested all the poultries and pig farms in the state should be registered with Animal Husbandry department rather than agriculture department. This will enable the department to carry out routine checks on the animals.

However, the proposal is not new. It was put up three years ago when the Bird Flu hit India in 2006. Vasant Ramteke, additional commissioner of Animal Husbandry department told Pune Mirror, “A committee is being formed in this regard. The new rules for the registration of the poultries and pig farms will be framed based on the recommendation of the committee.”

Meanwhile, the central government has issued directions to all state governments with regard to measures against Swine Flu. This includes checking the places where pet and stray pigs are found. The abattoirs will also be checked by the department. On asked whether the piggeries are registered in the state with Animal Husbandry department, Ramteke said that pork consumed in the state come mostly from local breed. “Mostly a group of about 10 to 15 pigs are reared. It is not organised in the profession manner. Hence, there is no question of registering the piggeries,” he said.

Local officials have rejected the idea of any threat of Influenza A (H1N1). According to the Pune Municipal Corporation officials, hardly any imported pork is consumed in Pune. Therefore the the risk is minimal.

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Cong. NCP Alliance in Jeopardy

Mudslinging Continues from Both Sides

Can Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party part ways? That is a question on the mind of everyone watching Maharashtra politics. As the war of words intensifies between two coalition partners, the situation is fast heading towards a five cornered fight in the ensuing Legislature elections four months later.

Congress today came in with hard words towards NCP. It asked NCP to introspect on whether its senior leaders had worked for or against Congress candidates recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in the state. Manikrao Thakre, state chief of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC)has sent a letter to the NCP president R R Patil. He has asked in the letter that air of confusion between the two coalition partners must be cleared first. This came as a response to some harsh comments from NCP leaders in the state.

Issue arose over the some candidates. For example, in Mumbai North Central, NCP leader Nawab Malik was instrumental in putting up the candidature of Bhaijan on BSP ticket against Congress candidate Priya Dutt. Home Minister Jayant Patil had allegedly backed Congress rebel Ajit Ghorpade against party nominee Prateek Patil in Sangli. Tribal Development Minister Vijaykumar Gavit had put up his brother on Samajwadi party ticket against Congress candidate Manikrao Gavit in Nandurbar whereas Ajit Pawar had stayed away from Suresh Kalmadi's campaign in Pune.

The debate has flared up after chief minister Ashok Chavan, gave ultimatum to cabinet minister for Non-Conventional Energy Vinay Kore to quit the government for supporting candidates of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, party led by Raj Thackerey. Since MNS is perceived as a party dividing citizens between Maharashtrians and North Indians, Congress can never have an truck with it. There was also one more reason. Jan Surajya Party, led by Kore fielded two candidates in Marathwada for Lok Sabha elections. These candidates were fielded in Nanded and Latur, two constituencies represented by current and ex-chief ministers.

This strategy was seen as ploy by leaders of western Maharashtra to undermine the leadership of Marathwada. After Chavan's ultimatum, Kore had dared him by saying that Jansurajya Party was free to take any decision as there was no policy decision taken by Congress-NCP and alliance front government in Maharashtra for the ongoing general polls. Jan Surajya Party had supported Raj Thackeray-led MNS South Mumbai Lok Sabha candidate Bala Nandgaonkar.

Kore had even said that the ministership was given to him through NCP quota. Hence any decision about his ministership was to be made by NCP president Sharad Pawar and state party president R R Patil.

In the just concluded meeting of district Congress chiefs, NCP came under fire for not co-operating with the candidates of Congress. They district chiefs even advocated fiercely going solo for the Legislature elections. That has reallyl put the Ten year old alliance into jeopardy. The dynamics of the alliance are such that no leader from either side wants to continue it. It was some smart bargaining on the part of Sharad Pawar, which forced Congress leadership in the center to forge an alliance with the broke away party.

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First French Movie

Thanks to NFAI, I Could Watch It

First time in my life, I watched a French movie a day before yesterday. It was a beautiful movie telling a story of two young girls with dreams in their eyes. Though I understand French a little, it was easy to understand the movie because of subtitles.

French films are screened in Pune time and again but I do not get a chance see them. For one reason or another, I have always missed the bus. This time round also, I could not go to the all movies because of office timings. It was a chance holiday on May 1 that enabled me to attend the screening. There was a motley group of about 100 people to see the film. Although, I doubt how many of them came out of the love of French language because as far as I could see, the majority of them were from Film and Television Institute of India.

The movie was a part of the French film festivals organized in Pune by National Film Archives of India with the co-operation of Embassy of France in India. La vie rêvée des anges, that was the title of the movie. The film festival started on May 1 and will go on till tomorrow.

Before the start of the festival, India and France signed an agreement to donate 234 films to India. The films are donated from the library of embassy of France to NFAI.

All these films are produced in France. An agreement to this effect was signed on April 30 at NFAI by Philippe Martinet, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of France and Vijay Jadhav, Director, NFAI will sign the agreement.

This is one more time that NFAI will get a treasure of French movies. In 2003 also 88 films were handed over to NFAI by Embassy of France. Before that, Earlier, in 1998, the Embassy of France donated 29 films to the National Film Archives of India.

Under the agreement, these films will be preserved at NFAI. They will have non-commercial screenings, research and studies. An embassy press release said that the Embassy of France in India is committed to strengthening the relations between cultural institutions of our two countries towards achieving this goal.

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