Congress wins Madurai West Assembly seat Friday, June 29, 2007 | MP
Madurai (TN), June 29 (ANI): The Congress on Friday won the by-polls in Madurai West Assembly constituency.
Congress candidate K S K Rajendran defeated his nearest rival Sellur K Raju of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) by a margin of 31,115 votes.
Congress is part of the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu.
An estimated 70 to 75 per cent of the 1.5 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the by-election on June 26.
The seat fell vacant in February following the death of sitting AIADMK member S V Shanmugam. (ANI)
Tata Steel plans to build titanium dioxide plant in Tamil Nadu Friday, June 29, 2007 | MP
Chennai, June 29 (ANI): Tata Steel Ltd. has said that it plans to set up a titanium dioxide plant in Tamil Nadu at cost of 20-25 billion rupees.
After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu Government, Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata said that Tata Steel is undertaking the new project with about 2500 crores of investment.
According to the MoU, Tata Steel will complete the project in stages. It will compensate people who give up their lands for the project based on State Government policy.
The MoU also said that the Government would “extend full support” to implement the project expeditiously.
A Government release said the Tatas would provide jobs on a priority basis to people giving up their lands. It would also impart skills training for members in their families.
Later, the Tata group said in a statement that Tata Steel is open to offering equity stake to other group companies and technology providers as well as for state government undertakings in the venture.
According to Tata Steel, the project, including the construction of a sea water desalination plant and an integrated power generation unit, would be built in stages, but no timeframe was given.
The project involves mining, mineral separation and value addition to synthetic rutile and titanium pigment.
Titanium dioxide pigment (TiO2) is a white powder with high opacity, brilliant whiteness, excellent covering power and resistance to colour change. These properties have made it a valuable pigment and a pacifier for a broad range of applications in paints, plastic goods, inks and paper.
Though common throughout the world, they are most readily exploited in Australia, USA, India and South Africa. (ANI)
Counting begins for Madurai by-poll Friday, June 29, 2007 | MP
Madurai, June 29 (ANI): Counting of votes for the Madurai West Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu began this morning.
The results are expected to be declared today.
An estimated 70 to 75 per cent of the 1.5 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the by-election on June 26.
The seat fell vacant in February following the death of sitting All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) member S V Shanmugam.
Some of the prominent candidates in the fray are K S K Rajendran (Congress), Sellur K Raju (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and Siva Muthu Kumaran (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam). (ANI)
USS Nimitz to dock in Chennai on July 1 Tuesday, June 26, 2007 | MP
Chennai, June 25 (ANI): The US nuclear powered warship USS Nimitz is to dock in Chennai Port on July 1 and will remain stationed there till July 5.
The USS Nimitz is one of the world's largest aircraft carriers with 90 fighters and helicoppetrs on board.
Defence Minister A K Antony said on Monday that the visit of the warship to India was part of efforts to expand bilateral defence cooperation.
The ship is presently in the Gulf.
Water Transport Workers' Federation of India General Secretary T Narendra Rao warned that even if there was a small radiation from the USSNimitz, Chennai and its surrounding areas could be affected.
Though official clearance from the Centre for the ship's visit is still awaited, naval officials have already visited the Chennai Port Trust to supervise arrangements for its docking.
The Chennai Port Trust has reportedly made arrangements to face any eventuality in the wake of the ship's proposed visit, including vacating a hospital complex to treat people in case of a nuclear radiation.
The Department of Atomic Energy has also sent a consignment of medicines as a contingency measure.
Port Trust Chairman K Suresh said the fear about nuclear radiation was ''unwarranted and unnecessary as the warship had already visited many countries as part of its global cruise''. (ANI)
Police arrest parents of 15-year-old ‘surgeon’ Tuesday, June 26, 2007 | MP
Tirruchirappalli, June 25 (ANI): Mannapparai Police today arrested Dr K Murugesan and his wife Dr M Gandhimathy in connection with the alleged caesarean-section performed by their 15-year-old son Dhileepan Raj.
The doctor couple was detained at the Valanadu police station as per orders issued by District Collector Ashish Vachhani, police sources said.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Vachhani had said: "Appropriate action would be taken after studying the report and consultations with both medical and legal experts and informal interactions with the investigation team."
The Tamil Nadu Government has already set up a team to investigate the matter.
The team will also interrogate a local Indian Medical Association (IMA) member who claimed to have watched the controversial video showing Dhileepan performing the caesarean.
Murugesan had screened the video during a meeting of Manapparai unit of the IMA.
But now, he claims that he performed the surgery while his son watched him doing so.
Three months back, the doctor parents had allegedly asked their son to conduct caesarean in order to create a world record. (ANI)
Ram Sethu man-made, says Madras HC Tuesday, June 19, 2007 | MP
Chennai, June 19 (ANI): The Madras High Court today said that the mythological Ram Sethu across Palk Bay is man made.
The Sethu is coming in the way of the Central Government’s Sethusamundram Ship Canal Project (SSCP), which proposes linking of the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka.
The plan envisages dredging a 44.9 nautical mile (83 km) long deepwater channel in the shallow sea to provide a continuous navigable sea route around the Indian Peninsula.
On May 16, the Lok Sabha was adjourned after Bharatiya Janata Party MPs raised a furore over the construction of the project.
The BJP and the Vishva Hindu Parishad are demanding that the project be scrapped, as it would destroy the mythological bridge built by Lord Rama of Ayodhya.
The project was conceived as early as 1860 by Alfred Dundas Taylor. It recently received the approval of the Centre.
Incidentally, environmentalists have also opposed the project, saying navigation in the shallow waters will irreversibly damage the region’s flora and fauna. (ANI)
Third Front proposes Kalam’s name for second term Monday, June 18, 2007 | MP
Chennai, June 18 (ANI): All India Dravida Munnetra Khazgam (AIADMK) chief Jayalalithaa today announced that the newly formed Third Front proposed incumbent President APJ Abdul Kalam’s name for a second term.
Addressing a press conference, Jayalalithaa, however, said that since Kalam has not expressed his willingness for another term, therefore they would meet the President to persuade him in this regard.
She further said that the Third Front that they have formed has been christened as the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA).
She made an appeal to all political parties, fronts and alliances to give up their differences and support Kalam’s candidature for the top post of the country.
Eight regional parties claiming themselves as ‘Third Front’ or the UNPA include, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the AIDMK, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Indian National Lok Dal
(INLD) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) of Assam Jharkhnad Vikas Morcha (JVM - have formed a common political alternative to the ruling UPA and the opposition NDA.
Earlier in the day, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) declared that they will support Vice President Bhairon Singh Sekhawat as an independent Presidential candidate.
The United Progressive Alliance-Left's presidential nominee Pratibha Devisingh Patil will file her nomination on June 23.
On June 16, the Election Commission (EC) issued the notification for the Presidential election, scheduled for July 19.
The filing of nomination papers will continue till June 30. The scrutiny will take place on July 2 and the last date of withdrawal of nominations is July 4.
The counting of votes will take place on July 21.
The term of office of the incumbent President ends on July 24.
The President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and of the Legislative Assemblies of the States (including National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry).
As per the Presidential Elections Rules of 1974, a prospective Presidential candidate should get his nomination paper subscribed by at least 50 electors as proposers and at least 50 electors as seconders. (ANI)
Chennai meeting of Third Front to decide their strategy on Presidential polls Saturday, June 16, 2007 | MP
New Delhi, June 16 (ANI): Senior leaders of the newly formed Third Front held discussions to decide their stand on the Presidential polls here today.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav today held parleys with opposition NDA convenor George Fernandes.
After the meeting, general secretary of SP, Amar Singh said that the final decision of the Third Front will taken up in the June 18 meeting at AIADMK leader J Jayalalitha's Poes Garden residence in Chennai.
Though no details of the meeting was shared by the leaders today, Amar Singh today separately met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, rising the speculations that SP is keen to support the Left-UPA's Presidential nominee Pratibha Devisingh Patil.
However, Amar Singh refuted the speculations and said that during his meeting with the Prime Minister the issue of Presidential polls was not discussed at all.
The Third Front, which commands a little over 1 lakh votes in the 10 lakh votes of the Presidential Electoral College, is divided over fielding their own candidate or help Patil to become the first woman President of the country on its 60th year of Independence.
Opposition NDA has already begun talking to small parties of the Third Front to secure support for their Presidential candidate Bhairon Singh Sekhawat. (ANI)
“Sivaji—The Boss” enthrals movie buffs in Tamil Nadu Saturday, June 16, 2007 | MP
Trichy (Tamil Nadu), June 15 (ANI): Kollywood star Rajnikanth's latest film "Sivaji – The Boss" has caused a frenzy among his fans who have made a bee line at theatres on the opening day.
Frenzied fans danced on the streets, pierced their body and jostled for tickets as country’s most expensive film so far (worth 15 million dollars) opened to a huge response on Friday (June 15).
Made in Tamil "Sivaji - The Boss" has delighted the makers of the film as all tickets have been sold out for weeks.
Fans milled around cinemas screening the film from early morning. Standing in queues they were staring at cutouts and posters of the dark-skinned, heavy lidded Rajnikanth, who uses only one name.
Starring Rajnikanth, a star whose flamboyance is unequalled by the present-day Bollywood filmstars, "Sivaji--The Boss", was the most awaited film of the year.
His unique acting style is characterised by a trademark gesture—tossing a cigarette in the air, catching it in his lips, then lighting it with a matchbox struck on a shirtsleeve.
Posters show the actor sporting various hairdos, including a blonde one, standing in a strutting pose beside a young female star.
Srinivas, one of film buffs, said: "This film will be a huge hit. Rajnikant has done a wonderful job and we are proud of him. We will always support him."
The story of the film was kept a closely guarded secret, to create curiosity among the 57-year-old actor's millions of followers.
Rajnikanth's popularity remains largely restricted to South India. Though he has acted in some Bollywood films, he has never been able to replicate the success of his Tamil films in the Hindi language.
In south, fans collect opening-day ticket stubs of his movies, which change hands for exorbitant prices.
Directors cannot kill Rajnikant’s character in films because angry fans have threatened to burn down the theatres.
Even Rajnikant’s personal life reads like a movie script –he started as a poor bus conductor in Bangalore with a penchant for acting before making it big.
The movie King has also dabbled in politics and once strongly influenced an election in Tamil Nadu.
His last film was released in 2005 called "Chandramukhi" is completing 800 successive days in a theatre in south India! (ANI)
Sivaji ticket for Rs.15,000 Friday, June 15, 2007 | Nayan
The fresh news about Sivaji is really a source to horripilate. A hardcore fan of Rajni Kanth bought the Sivaji ticket for Rs 15,000 in Chennai. It is said that the guy is a software engineer who wishes to watch Sivaji on first day morning show at any cost. That way for the first time in the history of Indian Cinema a film ticket is sold out at whopping price on par with that of a pavilion ticket of live cricket match in stadium. Is it true? Or a mere hype from Shankar's side? That's not known but reliable sources say that it's true! The trade circles say that the ticket might have sold out at that whopping price but that wouldn't be so on the D Day as there will be big bargaining between vendors and fans. Wait and watch this place for more interesting details on Sivaji
Navya goes blind Thursday, June 14, 2007 | MP
Leading South Indian actress Navya Nair is going blind in her next Tamil film. The film 'Sila Nerangalil' directed by Jayaraj has Navya playing an important character enacting the role of a visually challenged girl. Vincent Ashokan plays the male lead. Navya who had success in Tamil with Cheran's Mayakkannadi is handful with many upcoming Tamil offers.
EC transfers six senior officers in the wake of Madras High Court directive Thursday, June 14, 2007 | MP
New Delhi/Chennai, June 13 (ANI): Acting on the Madras High court directive, the Election Commission today transferred six senior officers, including, Police Commissioner, District Commissioner, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, for violating guidelines.
Earlier in the day, the Madras High Court (HC) today directed the EC to take action, as per law on a complaint that former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief Jayalalitha had filed a "false affidavit" during the 2001 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.
The High Court gave the order after admitting a petition filed by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP C Kuppusamy.
In his petition, Kuppusamy has said that Jayalalithaa had suppressed the fact that she had filed nominations from four seats during 2001 Assembly polls. (ANI)
Chennai cine goers turn euphoric over Rajnikanth's 'Sivaji' Wednesday, June 13, 2007 | AA
Chennai June 12, (ANI): It's mad rush at cinema theatres in Chennai for advance booking for the forthcoming release 'Sivaji'- a film starring superstar Rajnikanth.
Thousands of cine goers have been queuing up outside theatres to secure advance bookings for 'Sivaji' since June 10 (when the booking began).
'Sivaji' is superstar Rajnikanth's 100th film and one of the costliest movies made in Tamil that has musical score given by famous A R Rehman.
'Sivaji'- deals with contemporary issues from politics to development and it will hit 30 theatres-18 in Chennai and 12 in its suburbs- on June 15.
"The movie 'Sivaji' is releasing on June 15 and there has been an overwhelming response when bookings opened on June 10. There was crowd waiting to pick up tickets from very early in the morning. There is a lot of excitement and hype around the movie," said Supriya, Communication Manager of Satyam Theatre in Chennai.
The much awaited and the most hyped film has set the cash registers ringing for theatre owners, as all the cinema halls have been booked at least for another month.
"I am a Rajnikanth fan and I have been trying to get a ticket for 'Sivaji'. Somehow I managed to get a ticket for rupees1000 in one of the theatres and I am very happy as I don't miss any of Rajnikanth's films," said Gandhi, a film buff and Rajnikanth fan.
Normally the prices of the tickets range from rupees 50 to 120 that have been fixed by the State government to make movie watching affordable.
However, scores of Rajnikanth fans were disappointed, as they could not get advance bookings for even a month ahead.
"I have been trying to get tickets for Sivaji for the last two days. But all theatres are booked for next two weeks. It will definitely take us two to three months to get tickets but I am sure, we will get them," said Raj Mohan, another movie buff.
Six hundred prints of the film have been distributed in India and abroad, which is expected to be screened in about 2500 theatres across the world.
A sizeable number of prints have been sent to America and Japan where Rajnikanth has a huge fan following.
'Sivaji' has made Rajnikanth the country's highest paid actor who has charged 16 million rupees for this movie.
His previous film 'Chandramukhi' had made a record in the southern film industry by running continuously for 800 days. (ANI)
Coimbatore man keeps brother’s corpse for 64 days! Tuesday, June 12, 2007 | AA
Coimbatore, June 12 (ANI): In a bizarre incident, a man kept the corpse of his brother for 64 days in his house hoping it would revive. But the deceased person’s immediately family is accusing him of murdering his own brother.
Charles, a native of Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) took along his brother Selvakumar (37), a psychological patient, saying he had come under the influence of some evil spirit and thus needed a special treatment.
Anuradha, Selvakumar’s wife, says: "He (Charles) took him (Selvakumar) six months back and then he went missing all these days. We searched for Selvakumar but with no results. Charles took him with the promise of curing him of evil spirits by prayer."
Samuel Dorairaj, Anuradha’s uncle said: "Six months ago he (Selvakumar) was in good health and Charles did some magic on him. Charles told us that he was taking him to Kerala to one preacher and will return within a week. Since then we never got any information about him.
After searching everywhere for three months, Selvakumar’s family checked Charles’ house. The door was bolted from inside. But when it was broken, the family had the biggest shock of their life. Selvakumar’s dead body was lying on the bed and Charles’ family was praying around it.
Dorairaj said, “It was yesterday night that we had some suspicion and broke open the doors of the house, as we felt a foul smell. Selvakumar’s dead body was lying on the bed… Charles apologised immediately but we informed the police."
Charles said he was trying to revive him. But Selvakumar's kin have charged Charles of murdering his own brother. .
Selvakumar’s dead body has been sent for a post mortem at a nearest Government Hospital. (ANI)
Centre to provide all possible help to Chikungunya-hit Kerala Tuesday, June 12, 2007 | Nayan
Chennai/Kottayam (Kerala), June 11 (ANI):Union Health Minister Ambumani Ramadoss has said that his ministry will give all possible help to Kerala, hit by Chikungunya. "Under the National Rural Health Mission, we are allotting nearly about three to 40 crore rupees for the districts. We are giving 10,000 to 20,000 rupees in each village for mosquito prevention work. If mosquito is prevented, Chikungunya is prevented," Ramadoss said. A team of doctors and other staff from armed and para-military forces, including navy, have also joined hands to combat the spread of chikungunya. The naval team comprising of 13 doctors joined civil doctors in Kottayam district to treat fever-affected in the hospital. The navy is also assisting local authorities in flogging and spraying to avoid further spread of the fever. Two medical teams from the army's medical corps are providing civil health facilities in Pathanamthitta District. Two medical teams from Kochi Naval Command have been assigned to Kottayam and Idukki districts. Forty people have died of the disease, while over 7000 are admitted to hospitals mainly in two districts of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam. Chikungunya virus is spread through mosquito-bite and causes a non-fatal self-limiting illness, marked by high fever, headache, severe joint pain, rashes and nausea. The disease broke out after the southwest monsoon hit Kerala coast early this month. The disease has spread near rubber plantations where farmers use plastic cups and coconut shells to collect rubber milk and leave it open, making it a breeding ground for the mosquitoes. A team of experts from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi has already visited the state to study the situation. Like dengue, another mosquito-borne disease, there is no vaccine for Chikungunya, and at best, symptoms can be countered through painkillers, intake of fluids and lot of rest. (ANI)
Sivaji waves: Second highest paid asian cine star Rajnikanth Tuesday, June 12, 2007 | Nayan
After months of anticipation and hype surrounding the film, Sivaji is finally ready for release. And the magic and madness of Rajni, whose star status seems unassailable, looks set to be unleashed again.400 prints in Tamil (including overseas prints and numbers growing by the day) 300 prints in Telugu Will be released in Europe, the US, Canada, UK, France, Middle East, Australia, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Germany. AVM does Rajni really get pad... Baba: Rs 15 crore Chandramukhi: Rs 25 crore-plus Sivaji: Rs 40 crore-plus Rajnikant is second only to Jackie Chan when it comes to highest paid Asian stars.
Graham Ford good coach material for India: Shaun Pollock Saturday, June 9, 2007 | AA
Chennai (Tamil Nadu), June 9 (ANI): South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock has commended Graham Ford, short-listed by India for the job of national coach, as being an able candidate for the assignment.
Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Pollock said Ford was a man dedicated to his job and has proven his mettle through stints with teams South Africa and Natal.
"Graham Ford was my coach and he coached me at the national level as well. I know what he can give. But I don't know what Indian cricket needs or what they require. Are they looking for a backroom man or a man in front? He has a very good track record and a good rapport with players," Pollock said.
Ford, 46, became coach of South Africa's domestic Natal side in 1992. Taking over from the late Bob Woolmer, he coached the national side between 1999 and 2001.
Ford's tenure was highly successful. He is now the cricket director of English county, Kent.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shortlisted Ford last week for the job and over Australian Dav Whatmore.
Ford and English former spinner John Emburey will be called to meet the board’s coaching committee today before a final decision is taken.
The job became vacant when former Australia skipper Greg Chappell quit following India's shocking first-round elimination at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean. (ANI)
AIADMK activists to be released: Government Saturday, June 9, 2007 | AA
Chennai, June 9 (ANI): The Tamil Nadu Government on Saturday ordered the release by the evening of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhgam (AIADMK) activists, who were arrested during the party's agitation on Thursday.
However, the 28 activists arrested on attempt to murder of an inspector in Villupuram District will not be released, official sources said.
On June 7, thousands of AIADMK supporters were arrested from across the State for protesting against DMK's alleged “defamatory comments” against their leader Jayalalithaa.
Jayalalithaa, had also warned that her party would not stand such remarks.
AIADMK said that they would continue the protest if the DMK continued to make critical comments on Jayalalithaa.
The AIADMK-DMK row came out on the streets after the DMK Government issued notice to the AIADMK to demolish a portion of party headquarters in Chennai that allegedly violated the building rules.
In reply, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief M Karunanidhi had said that the demolition notice was based on a court order and his government had nothing to do with it. (ANI)
Shivaji release on June 15th with 700 prints Saturday, June 9, 2007 | Nayan
The much-awaited Superstar Rajnikanths movie Shivaji is all set for a sensational release all over the world with about 700 prints on June 15th. The overseas release in US, UK, Australia, UAE and South East Asian countries is going to be simultaneous. The film is given total exemption from the Entertainment Tax by due certification from the Commercial tax directorate. Shivaji is the first Indian movie with highest budget (of Rs. 50 crore). Hit-sure director Shankar is the captain. AR Rehman, whose fame crossed the Indian shores, is the music director. AVM is the official banner.
Centre, DMK’s intervention sought to prevent atrocities against Tamils in Lanka Friday, June 8, 2007 | AA
New Delhi, June 8 (ANI): The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) today urged the Centre and the Dravida Munnetra Khazagam (DMK) party to intervene against reported acts of ethnic cleansing and racism against the Tamil minorities in Sri Lanka.
In a statement issued here today, the ACHR said that nearly 500 ethnic Tamils, including women and children, were hounded like animals, subbed into the Ceylon Transport Board buses and then deported to war-torn North and Eastern parts on Thursday on alleged security grounds. The victims were reportedly given just half-an-hour time to pack their luggage, it added.
"Even those who escaped threats from the Sri Lankan security forces, the LTTE and the Karuna faction are not being spared. Security threat is an excuse as the ethnic Tamils coming out of Northern and Eastern parts had already taken Travel Passes from the Sri Lankan Army and provided a surety to guarantee their return to their homes," said ACHR director Suhas Chakma.
"The forcible deportation of the ethnic Tamils from Colombo to the Northern and Eastern parts is reminiscent of The Holocaust,” he added.
Seeking External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s intervention, the rights body said, "The forcible deportation of the ethnic Tamils from Colombo to their homes will not only widen the ethnic divide and intensify the conflicts but these are acts of ethnic cleansing and racism which cannot be tolerated by any civilized society". (ANI)
Thousands of AIADMK workers arrested in Tamil Nadu Friday, June 8, 2007 | AA
Chennai, June 7 (ANI): Thousands of AIADMK supporters, who were protesting against DMK's alleged “defamatory comments” against their leader Jayalalithaa, have been arrested across Tamil Nadu.
Jayalalithaa, who is in Hyderabad for the formation of a third front, had warned that her party would not stand such remarks.
AIADMK workers condemning DMK’s references to Jayalalithaa said they would continue their protests if such remarks went on.
The AIADMK-DMK row came out on the streets after the DMK Government issued notice to the AIADMK to demolish a portion of party headquarters in Chennai that allegedly violated the building rules.
In reply, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief M Karunanidhi said that the demolition notice was based on a court order and his government had nothing to do with it. (ANI)
Puducherry sessions court to hear Sankararaman murder case Wednesday, June 6, 2007 | AA
Puducherry, June 6 (ANI): A Puducherry sessions court will hear the Sankararaman murder case today, in which Kanchi Sankaracharyas, Jayendra Saraswathi and his junior Vijayendra Saraswathi are the main accused.
Principal District and Sessions Judge M Chinnapandi had framed the charges of murder against Jayendra Saraswathi, Vijayendra and 22 other accused.
The seer and the co-accused have also been framed with charges of criminal conspiracy, misleading the court by giving false information to protect the offenders and criminal trespass.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court had stayed the trial in the case. The seer had challenged the Madras High Court order, which had allowed the Tamil Nadu Government to continue with its own prosecutor even though the case was shifted to the Puducherry, by the apex court.
The apex court posted the case for further hearing in the second week of July.
Sankararaman, Managing Trustee of the Lord Varadaraja Perumal temple at Kancheepuram, was murdered on September 3, 2004, allegedly at the behest of the accused. (ANI)
Young drivers perform at Tamil Nadu car rally Monday, June 4, 2007 | AA
Sriperumbudur (Tamil Nadu), June 4 (ANI): A strong grid of drivers in single-seater Maruti cars competed for honours at the JK Tyre Junior Cup Championship finals at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu on Sunday.
Organised jointly by the Madras Motor Sports Club and JK Tyre, the first four rounds witnessed a close tussle. Round one was dominated by Narain Shankar of Team Rams Racing, while round two saw Karthik Shankar from Team Wallace Sports stealing the thunder.
Narain Shankar of Team Rams Racing with 87 points was placed first in the race followed by Sudharshan Rao of Team Rams Racing with 75 points and Karthik Shankar of Team Wallace sports with 67 points placed in third position.
"I think in the second year itself, this event has become one of the most popular fronts for anyone who wants to enter motor-sports. The kind of response we are generating year-on-year is great. From here you go to the national championship, to Asian and then to formula three," said Sanjay Sharma, General Manager, PR and head of Motor Sports.
The finals were held at the Madras Motor Racing Track (MMRT).
It was a three-way fight for the JK Tyre Junior Racing Cup. Over 17 Formula Maruti cars formed the grid.
Motor racing is not big in India, but ever since Narain Karthikeyan, 'the Fastest Indian in the World' broke into the top league, things have started brightening for India. He is now on the threshold of participating in F-1 racing.
Narain’s speed and raw talent are attracting the attention of top Grand Prix teams and he is expected to break into the F-1 circuit in the next two years. (ANI)
DMK govt wants to demolish AIADMK headquarters, alleges Jayalalithaa Monday, June 4, 2007 | AA
Chennai, June 3 (ANI): All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief Jayalalithaa on Sunday alleged that her party has been asked by the Karunanidhi-led Tamil Nadu Government to demolish AIADMK’s Chennai head office.
The State Government has sent a notice to the party on the same, she alleged.
Chief Minister M Karunanidhi should realise that his power was "temporary", Jayalalithaa said in a statement.
''Power has gone to his head and that is why he is acting in such a manner,'' she added.
She said the headquarters was a symbol of AIADMK men, who had made sacrifices for the party.
Jayalalithaa said that during her chief ministership she never thought of asking the DMK to demolish its headquarters - Anna Arivalayam.
Terming this as Karunanidhi’s ''evil design'', Jayalalithaa said that she has pledged to ''wipe the DMK from the political map of the State”. (ANI)
Hollywood flick will soon be released as Erimalaigal - 4 Sunday, June 3, 2007 | Nayan
The latest Hollywood flick Fantastic Four will soon be released in Tamil as Erimalaigal - 4. Tamil Film Producer Council president Rama Narayanan has got the distribution rights of the movie and it is stated that it is to be released in Tamil this month. The movie had been shot with a budget of over a 100 million dollars. Extraordinary breath catching graphics are definitely worth watching.
Voting for bypolls conclude peacefully Sunday, June 3, 2007 | AA
Ranchi/Imphal/Bhopal/Shimla/Raipur/Bangalore, June 2 (ANI): By-polls for seven Assembly and one Lok Sabha seats in six states ended up peacefully with a modest percent of voters exercising their franchise.
A highest 89 per cent of polling was recorded in Khangabok Assembly seat and lowest 47 per cent polling was recorded in Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh, Deputy Election Commissioner R Bhattacharya told reporters.
Khairagarh and Malkharoda assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh recorded 65 and 60 per cent respectively, while Khundrapam assembly constituency in Manipur registered 79 per cent polling.
Doltonganj (Jharkhand) recorded 52 per cent and Ullal (Karnataka) 65 per cent polling.
According to preliminary reports, 60 per cent polling was recorded in Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency.
Elections were held for two each Assembly seats in Chhattisgarh and Manipur, one each in Jharkhand, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh and for one Lok Sabha constituency of Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. (ANI)
Laser shows, animations mark Karunanidhi's 84th birthday celebration Sunday, June 3, 2007 | AA
Chennai, June 3 (ANI): Amidst a sea of his party supporters, DMK supremo and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu today celebrated his 84th birthday celebration with his partymen organising laser shows and unique 3D animation for their leader.
Octogenarian Karunanidhi said, "You are like brothers. Come together and join us. I consider this my birthday gift," to his supporters raising the fever of the celebration which closely follows his completion of 50 years as legislator.
Governor S S Barnala was one of the first dignitaries to greet Karunanidhi, which was followed by the leaders of the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) coalition, who wished the leader their heartiest greeting.
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi also greeted the DMK supremo over phone.
However, there were no confirmations on whether Dayanidhi Maran, grand nephew of Karunanidhi, paid a visit to latter's residence to greet him.
After the family feud came out in open, Karunadnidhi sidelined Maran and also made him resign from the Union Telecom Ministry. Speculations are rife whether Maran would attend the gala function in the evening to celebrate Karunanidhi's birthday.
The city was draped with posters and flags of the party as people and ardent supporters of the party made a beeline to the DMK headquarters 'Anna Arivalayam' .
The celebration would continue entire month with various programmes being run, like a special drive to plant 84000 saplings during this entire month. (ANI)
Imran Khan to skip Chennai ACC seminar Friday, June 1, 2007 | Nayan
Pakistan's World Cup winning captain Imran Khan will not participate in a seminar organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Chennai during the Afro-Asia Cup due to his political commitments. "There are too many things happening on political front in Pakistan and, so, Imran has expressed his regrets for not participating in the seminar. We're disappointed," The News quoted ACC chief executive Syed Ashraful Huq, as saying. Huq said Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene and former South African captain Shaun Pollock were "certain" to participate in the seminar, with 'Leading Cricket' as its theme on June 8. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sharad Pawar and his Pakistani counterpart Dr Nasim Ashraf are also likely to attend the seminar. "Right now, there are plans for two Board chiefs too, to take part in the seminar," Huq said, hinting at Indian and Pakistani cricket board heads. Besides a representative from women's cricket, there could be a guest speaker from Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) also. Afro-Asia Cup gets underway in Bangalore on June 5 with a 20Twenty match. The first ODI will be played on June 6 at the same venue, while the last two one-dayers will be played in Chennai on June 9 and 10. The first edition of Afro-Asia Cup was hosted by South Africa in August 2005. (ANI)
Kalaignar TV to get Shivaji TV rights? Friday, June 1, 2007 | Nayan
It is known news that Karunandihi is starting a new TV channel Kalaignar TV in Tamil Nadu to compete with Dayanidhi Marans Sun TV. It has been a practice in Tamilnadu that Sun TV bags the satellite rights of any big film. Marans family is very keen on getting the rights of Shivaji and it was shocked knowing that AVM has given away the rights to Kalaignar TV for premium price. Already Sun TV is negotiating the terms with AVM for Shivaji rights.
Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi files nomination for Rajya Sabha Friday, June 1, 2007 | Nayan
Chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi, today filed her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha seat from the State. Daughter from Karunanidhi's third wife, Kanimozhi is presently a State legislator and is known for her knowledge in poetry and literature. "I am very happy. I will continue to work on the same line, as I was earlier. I will be keeping DMK party's stand and policy in the Parliament," Kanimozhi said after filing her papers. Biennial Elections from Tamil Nadu to the Rajya Sabha are due on June 15, and she is set to win the election as her party DMK has nominated its candidates for two of the six seats from the State. The party has left one seat each to Congress and the CPI, as the DMK-led ruling coalition in the State is sure of winning four of the six seats where elections will be held. Kanimozhi, 39, had shunned politics for years, but is now set to take a plunge. She holds a Masters in Business Economics and is the most educated among Karunanidhi's children. The decision of her party to nominate her for the Rajya Sabha seat comes after a recent feud in the party that saw Union Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran's exit from the Cabinet. (ANI)
