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THE LARGEST CIRCULATED ENGLISH DAILY IN SOUTH INDIA CHENNAI I SUNDAY 12 I JANUARY 2020

www.deccanchronicle.com WEATHER PAGE | 17 Max: 30OC Min: 22OC SUNDAY Rainfall: 2mml VIJAY’S `100 CRORE ASTROGUIDE CHRONICLE DEMAND Vikari: Margazhi 27 AJAY DEVGN TALKS tabloid Tithi: Thuvithiyai ABOUT BEING A JACK PANDYA FAILS FITNESS TEST >> PG 14 Star: Pusam OF ALL FILMY TRADES Rahukalam: Vol. 15 No. 287 Established 1938 | 32 PAGES PLUS A FREE COPY OF 16-PAGE SUNDAY CHRONICLE | `4.00 4.30 pm to 6 pm Yamagandam: 12 noon to 1.30 pm PRAYERS Forces owe allegiance to Fajar: 5.18 am Unintentionally shot down Ukraine plane: Iran Zohar: 12.20 pm Tehran, Jan. 11: Iran on horrific crash of the that the plane had been Asar: 3.31 pm Saturday said it uninten- Ukrainian plane & death shot down, as interna- tional pressure mounted Maghrib: 5.57 pm tionally shot down the of 176 innocent people,” Constitution: Army chief Ukrainian airliner that he added. on Tehran to conduct a Isha: 7.12 pm crashed this week killing “Investigations contin- credible investigation ● As far as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is SUNSET TODAY 6.00 PM 176 people, calling it an ue to identify & prosecute after several Western PAWAN BALI | DC “unforgivable mistake”. this great tragedy & governments blamed a NEW DELHI, JAN. 11 concerned, many years ago SUNRISE TOMORROW 6.35 AM The Ukraine Intern- unforgivable mistake.” missile strike. there was a parliamentary MOONRISE TODAY 7.41 PM ational Airlines plane Earlier, Iran’s official The disaster came as Bringing back the focus to resolution on it that entire J MOONSET TOMORROW 8.45 AM came down on IRNA news agency had tensions soared in the the apolitical nature of the and K is part of India. If Wednesday shortly after published a statement region after the Indian Army, the new DRDO probing sat Iran launched missiles at Hassan Rouhani from the military saying Soleimani killing, and Army Chief, Gen. Manoj Parliament wants that area bases hosting American disastrous mistake,” the Boeing 737 was mis- fears grew of an all-out Mukund Naravane, said should also belong to us and phone signals traced forces in Iraq in response Iranian President Hassan taken for a “hostile war between the United on Saturday that the if we get orders to that from TN village to the killing of Qasem Rouhani tweeted. plane” at a time when States and Iran. Army and the armed effect, then definitely we Soleimani, one of Iran's “Armed Forces' internal enemy threats were at the Washington has said the forces owe their alle- will take action on it Coimbatore: The Defence top generals, in a US investigation has con- highest level. Soleimani strike was car- giance to the Constitution Research and Development drone strike. cluded that regrettably The admission came a ried out to prevent ‘immi- of India and its core val- — GEN.M.M NARAVANE, Organisation (DRDO) is “The Islamic Republic missiles fired due to day after Iran's civil avia- nent’, large-scale attacks ues of “justice, liberty, Chief of Army Staff investigating the reported of Iran deeply regrets this human error caused the tion chief denied claims on US embassies. — AFP equality and fraternity,” satellite phone signals traced as enshrined in the the “ABC” of the Indian torial integrity, it is to from a village near Preamble, should guide Army was “allegiance, secure for our people Kangeyam in nearby Tirupur the forces in all their belief and consolidation,” these core values,” said district. The signals were actions at all times. adding, “We swear alle- the Army Chief. picked up from a village near Indirect polls: “As the Army, we swear giance to the Constitution This is what, the new Kunnathur by INS Parundu, allegiance to the Const- of India. Be it officers or Army Chief who took an Indian Naval air station itution of India... Justice, jawans, we have taken oath charge on December 31 located near Uchipuli in AIADMK, allies liberty, equality and frater- to protect the Constitution said, needs to be kept in Ramanathapuram district, nity enshrined in the con- and that is what should mind at all the times. and officials alerted DRDO, secure big win stitution should guide us,” guide us in all time and all Gen. Naravane’s comments police said. A team from he said in his opening our actions”. come in the backdrop of DRDO is at Kunnathur to remarks at his first press “What it translates into allegations by Opposition trace those using the satellite J. V. SIVA PRASANNA conference as Army Chief. is also the core values parties that the armed phone, police said, adding KUMAR | DC Gen. Naravane’s unequivo- which are enshrined in forces are being politi- use of such phones is CHENNAI, JAN. 11 cal message on the Army the Preamble to the cised.His predecessor and banned in India. being apolitical follows his Constitution — that is, current Chief of Defence The ruling AIADMK which predecessor General Bipin justice, liberty, equality Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat took a huge lead over its Rawat’s criticism of those and fraternity and that is was criticised for comment- Nirbhaya case: rival DMK in the indirect leading the protests against what we are fighting for ing on political issues, elections to the posts of the citizenship law some (when) we are deployed in including students’ protests SC to hear curative presidents and vice presi- weeks ago. the border safeguarding against the Citizenship dents of district panchayat Gen. Naravane said that the sovereignty and terri- Amendment Act (CAA). plea on Jan. 14 councils and chairpersons and vice chairpersons of GONE IN SECONDS New Delhi: A five-judge panchayat union councils, bench of the Supreme Court surged ahead registering No NOC? Close private drinking JNU: Cops identify will hear on January 14 cura- an impressive win in a A view of Holy Faith H20, a water-front complex, being demolished using controlled tive petitions of two of the majority of seats. implosion at Maradu in Kochi, on Saturday. ■Report on P7 — DC 37 more accused four death-row convicts in The presence of large water suppliers, says Madras HC the Nirbhaya case. number of independents in J. STALIN | DC A bench of Justices N V the councils tilted the scale CHENNAI, JAN. 11 from WhatsApp Ramana, Arun Mishra, R F in AIADMK’s favour, it is New Delhi, Jan. 11 A day Nariman, R Banumathi and said. Of the 27 district The Madras high court after the the Delhi Police Ashok Bhushan will hear the panchayat councils, the Mamata joins dharna after has directed the authori- identified nine suspects curative petitions filed by AIADMK emerged victori- ties of the public works responsible for Jawaharlal Vinay Sharma (26) and ous from 13 while its ally department to ensure Nehru University violence Mukesh Kumar (32) at 1.45 PMK won a district pan- complete closure of the on January 5, the sources pm on Tuesday. Curative chayat chairman post. The units manufacturing puri- or Chennai Metro Water in Delhi Police on petitions are decided in- DMK won in 12 places and asking PM to repeal CAA fied water, who do not Supply and Sewerage Saturday said that the SIT chambers by the judges. its major ally the Congress hold valid no objection Board (CMWSSB) for such has also identified 37 more could not secure any seat RAJIB CHOWDHURI | DC certificate (NOC) or per- extraction of ground suspects from a Six dead in blast at due to the raw deal it had KOLKATA, JAN. 11 mission from the depart- water and submit a com- “WhatsApp group” that received from the DMK ment concerned either pliance report on was created during the vio- gas manufacturing during seat sharing negoti- Prime Minister Narendra Public Works Department February 6, 2020. ■ P3 lence at the campus. — DC ations. Modi met with West unit near Vadodara In the indirect elections Bengal chief minister to the Panchayat union Vadodara: Six workers Mamata Banerjee on chairperson posts, the were killed and several Saturday evening amid AIADMK secured 140, out others injured in an explo- massive protests against of 287 councils for which sion at an industrial and the Citizenship election was held, while its medical gas manufacturing (Amendment) Act, allies the BJP and PMK factory in Gujarat's National Register of won 3 and 7 places respec- Vadodara district on Citizens (NRC) and tively. ■ P4 Saturday morning, the National Population police said. Register (NPR) across The explosion took place Kolkata. At their meeting around 11 am at Aims DSP Venkatesan in Raj Bhavan, Ms Banerjee raised her fierce Industries near Gavasad People stage a protest against Citizenship Amendment village in Padra tehsil. The opposition to the CAA and attacked NRC and demanded that Act and JNU violence at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai on plant is located off Padra- Saturday. — DC Jambusar highway, a Chennai, Jan. 11: they be withdrawn. senior police official said. Saturday poll was also Just after the meeting, marred by violence in ,Mamata went straight to which the Virudhun- TMC students wing sit-in CAA discriminatory Bangladesh foreign agar Deputy Superint- demonstration in the city COUNTER POINT endent of Police Venk- against CAA, where she and divisive, it must minister cancels atesan was attacked reiterated her stand that with a sickle by an the new Citizenship law armed gang in Narikudi would never be imple- be withdrawn: CWC Delhi visit panchayat union office mented in Bengal. SREEPARNA SRIDHAR when he attempted to Due to several large CHAKRABARTY | DC KUMARASWAMI | DC stop the gang. protests across the city, NEW DELHI, JAN. 11 NEW DELHI, JAN. 11 Visuals showed the including at the airport men emerging from and along the route his Terming the Citizenship Bangladesh's minister of behind security sandbag convoy was to take, Mr (Amendment) Act as a ‘dis- state for foreign affairs bunker and pelting ston- Modi was forced to avoid criminatory’ and ‘divisive’ Shahriar Alam has can- es at police and media at travel by road at least law, the Congress Party on celled his proposed visit to the union office. And twice. Saturday demanded that New Delhi to attend the one man was seen bran- Many demonstrators the CAA be withdrawn and Raisina Dialogue confer- dishing a sickle. The were waving black flags the process of NPR be ence, triggering specula- union office was van- and flying gas-filled black stopped. The party also tion that the cancellation dalised and a bike and balloons though the city demanded that a high- may be linked to chairs were also dam- as they shouted slogans powered commission be Bangladesh's reported con- aged. Two men have against the CAA, the constituted to inquire into cerns on the recent Indian been reportedly arrest- NRC and carried banners incidents connected with Citizenship Ame-ndment ed following the attack. that said, “Go Back the anti-CAA protests. Act (CAA). Modi.” ■ P7 ■ P6 No water shortage this summer in city A. ARUL PALANI |DC and Cholavaram have RESERVOIR LEVELS ● Karnataka CHENNAI, JAN. 11 together collected 5907.9 releases 85 tmcft mcft (million cubic feet) STORAGE AS ON Breathe easy, Chennaiites; water as on January 11 as STORAGE AS ON of excess Cauvery for the last year's nightmar- against a mere 1261 mcft on JAN. 11, 2020 (MCFT) JAN. 11, 2019 (MCFT) ish water shortage is the same date last year. water to TN unlikely to visit you this The water level in Poondi 1516.90 ■ Poondi 262.00 time as the four dams that reservoir has reached 133.99 PAGE 4 supply drinking water to ft against a full reservoir 72.00 ■ Cholavaram 48.00 the metro have nearly five level of 144 ft while the same ing summer," he said. 2659.00 ■ 870.00 times the water stored in at Cholavaram is 47.34 ft Red Hills The water level this year them now compared with against 65.50 ft. Red Hills' 1660.00 ■ Chembarambakkam 81.00 has gone up thanks to the last year. water level at present is two spells of bountiful mon- As per the data available 47.34 ft against a full reser- soons, according to the offi- with the Chennai voir level of 50.20 ft; the fig- from Krishna river and water in the reservoirs to cial, though the city had a Metropolitan Water Supply ures for Veeranam lake. meet the requirement of shortfall of 16 per cent in and Sewerage Board, the Chemabarambakkam is A senior official of city till next north east rainfall during the north- four dams Poondi, Red 77.09 ft and 85.40 ft. Chennai Metro Water said monsoon. "People need not east monsoon, which ended Hills, Chemabarambakkam The city also gets water the utility has adequate worry about facing the com- recently. ■ P2 Technology to the aid Chennai City Police Commissioner A. K. Viswanathan PAGE said installation of CCTV cameras has considerably Special 2 helped curb crimes and chain-snatching incidents DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY I 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI The slow surge of protests ■ Anti-CAA agitation at Valluvar Kottam gathers momentum as more people come It is essential for together and show their disagreement with a law they believe divides the nation school students to learn their lessons in PALLAVI MAJUMDAR & taken no initiative to take to show my disagreement SINDHIYA SAMUEL I DC the minorities into confi- with CAA but also to their mother tongue CHENNAI, JAN. 11 dence and alleviate their show support for the stu- fears. “So, we have taken dents of Jawaharlal — M. Venkaiah Naidu, There are students. There the initiative and are try- Nehru University who Vice-President of India are employees. There are ing to reassert the identi- were attacked by the home-makers; there are ty of India as a secular ABVP, the student wing of even children and tod- nation,” she said. the BJP,” Rahel said. “We dlers coming together in The protests have wit- are standing against the SHORT TAKES the evening these days at nessed an increasing par- violent politics that is Valluvar Kottam on the ticipation with each pass- preached and practiced Chennai outskirts. They ing day. Whereas the num- by the ABVP.” Water seems come not to spend the last ber of participants was in Sharada said more of winter evenings of the double digits in the initial women coming out on the better this year year but to join nation- days, it crossed 200 on the streets has turned the wide protests against the fifth day. graph in favour of those FROM PAGE 1 Citizenship (Amendment) “The voice is getting who oppose CAA. “I am Act, 2019, a law which louder and the notion that confident that they can The state faced massive they feel will divide the only the elderly can raise contribute in bringing water shortage last year as nation. And they exude their voice has to die about significant change northeast monsoon failed. the confidence that pubic down eventually,” said in the government’s atti- Residents, including those pressure will work on the Sharada Narayanan, an tude towards the who lived in the high-rise government and the law active participant in the protests,” she said. apartments, faced the heat will be allowed to lapse; protest. “More youngsters Regarding her getting while several companies and even though the govern- are coming up and show- support from her family, IT firms were partially ment has on Friday put ing solidarity with injus- Rahel said, “my family is closed unable to meet water the process of its imple- tices happening around entirely in my support. I requirement. A large num- mentation in motion. the world. Youngsters have my opinions on dif- ber of restaurants in the city The gatherings have form a significant part of ferent matters. I do exer- were also closed. During slowly turned Valluvar our population. It makes cise my rights and my peak summer nearly 12,000 Kottam, a monument ded- sense for more youngsters family respects it. I know water tankers were pressed icated to the classical poet to come on the streets and what I am doing and I Youth protesting in Valluvar Kottam on Saturday. —E.K.Sanjay into the service everyday to philosopher, Valluvar, raise their voices. I have want to be on the right right,” Rahel added. supply drinking water to the into a hotspot of activity been attending the side of the history.” Activist Gayatri residents after deep bore with people in their hun- protests almost every day Rahel is critical of the Khandhadai who has wells were sunk in dreds stand shoulder to and I have witnessed our way the police handles become a prominent face Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur shoulder and organise numbers strengthening the protestors. “Around 20 in the anti-CAA protests Unusual restrictions put districts. Water was also various forms of protests. every day.” people showed up for the held across the city said drawn to the city from The protests started Rahel, who has been protest on January 9 and that representatives of Jollarpettai in Vellore dis- with a candle light vigil attending protest pro- the police detained 17 of no political party or trict by trains and the water on January 6 and now grammes for the past them,” she said. Women NGO were present there wagon made 159 trips since people have started hold- three days, believes in the claimed that they were and it was an initiative by on protesters by police its operations in July and ing silent protests against power of the citizen who manhandled by the those who oppose transported nearly 420 mil- the CAA. comes on to the street and police. Rahel alleged that fascism. “People are get- DC CORRESPONDENT ber of women protesters, shut down his shop early. lion litres of water. “It is our right to come demonstrates her disap- the police on Friday ting information regard- CHENNAI, JAN. 11 an increase in the presence The instruction came The NE monsoon, which out in the public, raise proval of government detained women even ing the protest in of female police officials after the police witnessed began on October 1 gave our voice and explain actions. “I think that we after 6 p.m, which goes absolutely informal ways People who exercise their has been also noted. people hanging around Tamil Nadu a rainfall of 452 how discriminatory CAA should keep coming to the against the guidelines. and showing their soli- democratic right to protest Curiously, the police has even after the protest was mm against normal 445 mm. is,” said streets and hold people Police even went to the darity to unjust laws,” she against government acts put time limit to hold dispersed and discussing Chennai received 1098 mm, Rahel Philipose, a stu- in Parliament account- extent of heckling the said. “Every single per- question the presence of protests: the protestors matters on the same representing a 16 per cent dent of journalism in the able,” she said. “As citi- women protesters, she son’s act of dissent is the police in huge numbers have to wind up their pro- lines. Along with the shortfall. As a result of good city. “Laws are meant to zens, it is our duty to said. “If a few people important. We have peo- at Valluvar Kottam. grammes in 45 minutes. protestors, the tea shop rainfall over the catchment serve the people but that show solidarity with the showing up is such a ple gathered over here Several of them claimed One of the protestors owner has also been areas of lakes and clearly has not been hap- people who are not being threat to those sitting at who are ready to be the police manhandled claimed that owner of a tea instructed to live by the reservoirs, the water level pening in our country at served by the govern- the top that they had to detained or face any act of them on January 10, a shop, the only one shop terms of those in power has increased in the water this point of time.” She ment.” detain them, then clearly repression which sends charge the police denied. nearby, has been instructed and position, the protestor sources. said the government has “My presence is not just we are doing something out a powerful message.” Parallel to the rise in num- by the police officials to said. MLA charges govt with being steeped in corruption Puducherry: A ruling Congress MLA in Puducherry caused a flutter on Saturday by charg- ing the territorial government with being “steeped in cor- ruption” and warned it would lead to the downfall of the party in the Assembly elec- tions in 2021 if left unchecked. A detailed memorandum would be presented soon to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and senior leader Rahul Gandhi to bring to their notice the rampant corruption indulged in by the V Narayanasamy-led govern- ment in the union territory, the Bahour MLA N Dhanavelou told reporters here. —PTI HC cautions against issuing ID cards to fake journalists J.STALIN I DC CHENNAI, JAN. 11 The Madras high court has SIX QUERIES TO JOURNO UNIONS Govt to answer nine questions said the credentials of media people have to be ver- DC The queries are... DC ified in detail before issuing CORRESPONDENT ) How many reporters from newspapers/magazines CORRESPONDENT The queries are : identity cards, since many CHENNAI, JAN. 11 1registered with the Registrar of the Newspapers for India CHENNAI, JAN. 11 ) How many newspapers or magazines including weekly as well as fortnightly are people having criminal and Audit Bureau of Circulation are enrolled as members of registered with the Government of Tamil Nadu for past 10 years? (Yearwise details in background also claim to In order to weed Coming down 1 presspersons, like crimi- out fake reporters each association viz., Madras Union of Journalists, the heavily on those each category such as magazine or newspaper have to be given). nals who purchase law and protect the int- Madras Reporters Guild and Chennai Press Club? claiming to be press ) How many persons are issued with press identity cards totally by the government? degrees for shielding their erest of genuine ) Who are all the office-bearers of these associations viz., reporters for 2 criminal activities. reporters, a divisi- Madras Union of Journalists, the Madras Reporters Guild indulging in "Since the image of the on bench compris- 2 criminal activities, ) Are cases registered against people claiming to be press reporters for indulging in press is damaged because of ing Justices N. Ki- and Chennai Press Club and the newspaper/magazines they a division bench 3criminal activities? If it is so, how many cases have been filed and the present status of the activities of the people rubakaran and P. belong to? comprising Justices those cases? who are claiming to be Velmurugan im- N.Kirubakaran and ) Who are the members of all the three associations viz., ) Whether people claiming as press reporters are indulging in blackmailing and press reporters, the system pleaded Madras Madras Union of Journalists, the Madras Reporters Guild P.Velmurugan of the has to be cleaned up so that Union of Journa- 3 Madras high court conducting katta panchayat? and Chennai Press Club? 4 genuine journalists are pro- lists, the Madras has posed nine ) Is there any government scheme for the benefit of press people in case of any tected", said a division ben- Reporters Guild ) When was the last membership enrolment conducted for queries to be accidents or ultimately death? ch comprising Justices and Chennai Press all the three associations? answered by the 5 N.Kirubakaran and P.Vel- Club as party 4 authorities con- ) Who are members of the Accreditation Committee and the media organisation they murugan while impleading respondents in a ) When was the last election conducted to all the three cerned by January 6belong to and the circulation or viewership of the media organisations? the secretary, information case and posed six 5associations? 21, 2020. and public relations depart- queries to be ) On what basis the members of the Accreditation Committee are selected? ment, Press Council of answered by them ) Have press people and people not connected with the profession entered these associations and dominated 7 India, Madras Union of Jo- by January 21, 6 ) Why not the state government consider establishing a statutory body like Press Council of India to take urnalists (MUJ), the Mad- 2020. genuine press people? ras Reporters Guild and Ch- 8action against errant members? ennai Press Club as respon- counter affidavit on behalf writing negative stories. was running a fortnightly ) What is the list of journalist associations registered in Tamil Nadu? dents in the proceedings. of the official respondents. This has become a regular magazine called "Maneeda The petition was filed by Arul, counsel representing feature and therefore, some Manam" for the past 10 ye- 9 S.Sekaran seeking a direc- Pon Manickavel, also filed a mechanism has to be put in ars. Hence, he was directed pended from service for his how the identity card of the issue of fake journal- management claiming to be tion to the Director General counter affidavit. Arul sub- place to check the fake jour- to give the circulation and alleged involvement in an Khadar Basha landed in the ists/press reporters", the a reporter of "Daily Than- of Police, Tamil Nadu, to mitted that the petitioner nalists, the Bench added. registration details of his idol theft case, was also pro- hands of the petitioner. The Bench added. thi" was arrested. "This is consider his representation was a fake pressperson and Writing the order for the magazine, the Bench added. duced. "This raises suspi- identity cards are directed The Bench said it was evi- only a tip of an iceberg. dated September 26, 2019, to his magazine, "Maneeda Bench, Justice N.Kirubaka- The Bench said Lita cion with regard to the bona to be placed in sealed cov- dent from media reports The Bench ordered notice form a team and investigate Manam", was not known to ran said when the matter Srinivasan also produced fides of the petitioner in ers", the Bench added. that many people were to Press Council of India, the report conveying falla- anybody and he has not stat- came up for hearing on Jan- six original identity cards approaching this court by The Bench directed the claiming themselves as MUJ, the Reporters Guild, cious investigation data on ed the circulation figures of uary 6, 2020, the court di- of the petitioner, which filing a public interest liti- petitioner to file an affidavit press reporters and com- Chennai Press Club, after Idol theft submitted by his magazine. Many per- rected the petitioner to dis- were said to have been gation. Further the court under what circumstances mitting crimes and black- Government Advocate Special Officer Pon sons were claiming to be close his credentials and his issued by the information also suspects that the peti- the identity card of Khader mailing business people Krithika Kamal, took notice Manickavel, idol wing, press persons by registering membership in the press and public relations depart- tioner has filed the present Basha came into the hands and government officials. In on behalf of the Secretary, before the high court. their magazines/newspa- club. Accordingly, Lita Sri- ment. An identity card of petition claiming himself to of the petitioner. "When the one such case, based on a Information and Public When the matter was pers with the authorities nivasan, counsel for the pet- Khadar Basha, Deputy be a press reporter at the credentials of the petitioner complaint filed by "Daily Relations department. taken up for hearing, gov- and printing only handful of itioner, filed a reply affida- Superintendent of Police, instance of some third par- as a press reporter are ques- Thanthi" management, a The Bench posted the case ernment advocate (criminal copies and blackmailing vit. From the affidavit, it District Crime Branch, ties to scuttle the idol theft tionable, incidentally this fake press person who col- to January 21 for further side) Krithika Kamal filed a officials and politicians by was seen that the petitioner Thiruvarur, who was sus- case. It is not known as to court would like to go into lected money from a school hearing. Reaction Reacting to the economic slowdown, BJP MP PAGE Subramanian Swamy said PM Modi does not know City 3 economics. “He should make me the finance minister” DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY I 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI ■ Most number of suicides in farming sector ■Unemployment second reason, says report TN ranks second in suicides: NCRB SINDHIYA SAMUEL | DC reasons, which included dying in 15 cases. percent of the total suicide tivators and agricultural hour during 2018. Of the aged between 45 and 60 CHENNAI, JAN. 11 family problems, illness, victims (1,34,516) in the labourers during 2018, said total suicides by unem- years, while 2,431 males love affairs, career prob- country, the NCRB data the report.' ployed persons, males and 310 females were I have never seen With 13,896 deaths, Tamil lems, sense of isolation, Farmers’ suicide said. Suicides in the coun- Among the victims, 68.5 are 10,687 while the above 60 years. Nadu ranked II, with the abuse, violence, mental (10,349 suicides in the try in 2018 rose to 1,34,516 per cent were male. females are 2,249. The highest num- innocent people like second highest number of disorders, addiction to farming sector in 2018: from 1,29,887 in 2017. "Nearly 70.3 per cent of the The latest NCRB ber of suicides - the Indians suicides as per latest data alcohol, financial loss and NCRB) The rate of suicides was male victims were married data reveals that 12.3 percent - issued by the National chronic pain, among a few up from 9.9 percent in 2017 while 65.4 per cent of a total of 12,936 committed by — P. Chidambaram, Crime Records Bureau others. Of the 1.34 lakh suicides in to 10.2 percent in 2018. In female victims were mar- unemployed per- unemployed per- (NCRB), which comes Tamil Nadu ranked sec- the country in 2018, 10,349 2017, a total of 10,655 farm- ried," the report said. On sons committed sons were in Former union minister under the Ministry of ond after Maharashtra deaths occurred in the ing sector-suicides were the education front, it said suicide in 2018, Kerala (1,585 out Home Affairs. Tamil Nadu which topped the list with farming sector and this reported. 12.7 per cent of victims which accounted of 12,936 suicides), also contributed to 10.3 per 17,992 cases of suicides includes 5,763 farmers and Maharashtra (3,594 in were illiterate, 17.1 per for 9.6 per cent of 12.2 percent in cent of the total suicides reported in 2018. NCRB 4,586 agricultural workers. 2018 and 3,701 in 2017) and cent were educated up to the total suicides, Tamil Nadu (1,579), 9.7 IN BRIEF reported in the country in statistics revealed that a The 2018 statistics showed Karnataka (2,405 and 2,160) the primary level, 19.5 per and were below 18 years to percent in Maharashtra the year 2018. large number of people that the number of sui- topped the list of farmer cent were educated up to above 60 years, which was (1,260 suicides), 8.5 percent The country witnessed took the extreme step due cides in the farm sector, suicides. Maharashtra middle level, and 23.6 per higher than the farmers' in Karnataka (1,094 sui- Man stabbed to 1.34 lakh suicides, which to illness and family prob- had come down marginally recorded 10,956 suicides cent were educated up to suicide in 2018. cides). included 92,114 males and lems. from 10,655 suicides in and Karnataka 6,653 in the matric-level. Those below 18 years NCRB data says that a death by friend in 42,391 females in 2018, com- The state reported the 2017. farm sector between 2015 include 31 males and nine total of 1,34,516 suicides pared to 1.29 lakh in 2017, maximum number of 6,433 The annual data was and 2018. West Bengal, females, while those were reported in the drunken brawl 1.31 lakh in 2016 and 1.33 suicides due to family released around three Bihar, Odisha, between 18 and 30 years country during 2018, lakh in 2015. On an aver- problems, while 3,034 months after the govern- Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Joblessness cost lives comprise 1,240 males and showing an increase of 3.6 Chennai: A 40-year-old man age, 369 people (16 per ended their lives due to ment released the NCRB Goa, Chandigarh, Daman 180 females. As many percent in comparison was stabbed to death by his hour) committed suicide health issues. The state report on 'Crime in India- and Diu, Delhi, every hour in 2018 as 868 males and 95 females to 2017 and the rate of sui- friend, Siva Kumar, in a in 2018. Since 2008, 14.53 reported the maximum 2017. The number of sui- Lakshadweep, and In a shocking discovery, were aged between 30 and cide had increased by 0.3 drunken brawl at Maraimalai lakh people have taken number of mass/family cides in the farming sector Puducherry reported 'zero one unemployed person 45 years. A total of 237 during 2018 compared to Nagar on Friday night. their life owing to various suicides with 35 persons in 2018 accounted for 7.7 suicides' of farmers or cul- committed suicide every males and 21 females were 2017. The deceased Bendu Kumar alias Kumar was a resident of Madakovil area in Kattangulathur. He Man, son arrested was a daily wage worker. Following an argument, Siva with 55 kg of gutka Kumar allegedly Close illegal water units, says Madras HC stabbed Kumar with an DC CORRESPONDENT empty beer bottle, J.STALIN I DC secretary of NEAT India 2014 had informed that fied water out of the water the authorities of the PWD in the state of Tamil Nadu CHENNAI, JAN. 11 killing him on the spot, CHENNAI, JAN. 11 Association, an NGO, since the plant was situat- extracted and that the to ensure complete closure and how many of them police said, and fled. The which sought a direction ed in the metro area, they plant was being run only of the units manufactur- hold valid permissions The Chennai police on Mariamalai Nagar The Madras high court to the authorities to imple- should approach the to the extent of maintain- ing purified water, who from the authorities Saturday recovered 55 kg police sent the has directed the authori- ment the scheme of artifi- CMWSSB. Upon such ing the membranes in the do not hold valid No concerned. A complete of banned gutka, and body to Chengalpet ties of the Public Works cial recharge to preserve approach, the said board plant and machinery used Objection Certificate or overall view of the arrested a father-son duo government hospital for Department to ensure and improve the ground by its communication in the manufacture of the permission from the said position may be in Pallavaram. post-mortem. The police complete closure of the water level as per section dated July 10, 2017 had said purified water. “This department concerned produced before this court The arrested have been has registered a case and units manufacturing puri- 14 of Chennai informed that the unit was apparently is without the either PWD or CMWSSB during the next date of identified as Madaswamy launched a search for Siva fied water, who do not hold Metropolitan Area located in Sholavaram permission or approval of for such extraction of hearing by collecting ( 52), a resident of Kumar. valid No Objection GroundWater Regulation Block and according to the PWD. The grievance of ground water and submit requisite information Vempuliamman Kovil Certificate or permission Act and consequently them, the jurisdiction lies the petitioner in this PIL a compliance report on the from the officials con- Street in Pallavaram, from the department con- direct them to take penal with the PWD only and was only about the illegal next date of hearing”, the cerned of the depart- and his son, M.Ganapathy cerned either Public action against the indus- therefore, the said indus- extraction of ground bench added. ments. The said units (26). Madaswamy owns a Works Department or tries including G.D.Aqua try shall approach the water by this company and The bench said the offi- which were grocery shop. Chennai Metro Water Farm in Chennai, M/s PWD. This communica- other water manufactur- cials concerned of the closed under this order The arrests came Supply and Sewerage Jaya Package Industry, tion was issued to the ing plants, who are PWD, viz., S.Prabhakaran, will not be allowed to following a tip-off that the Board (CMWSSB) for such Thiruvallur, M/s Aravinth industry way back on July engaged in the manufac- Chief Engineer, State re-operate and extract duo sells gutka. extraction of ground Aqua in Redhills and 10, 2017. But, thereafter, ture of purified water by Ground and Surface Water water unless and until The police conducted a water and submit a com- Mallika Water Products in the industry does not seem extracting the ground Resources Data Centre, they strictly comply with search and seized 55 pliance report on Madhavaram, which are to have taken any effective water from the respective Tharamani, Chennai, the conditions and obtain kilograms of gutka from For representation purpose February 6, 2020. extracting the ground steps for obtaining the req- areas, in which their shall remain present due permission to extract a godown in the house. A division bench com- water illegally in critical uisite No Objection industries are set up. Such before this court during underground water. Such Madaswamy and son prising Justices Vineet and overexploited areas. Certificate from the PWD, illegal or unauthorized the next hearing i.e., on information should be were arrested Three cases of Kothari and R.Suresh The bench said counsel the bench added. extraction of February 6, 2020 with the supplied to this court in and lodged at Puzhal Kumar gave the directive for M/s Malliga Water The bench said counsel underground water is aforesaid compliance advance and only after the prison. gold smuggling while passing interim Products submitted that in further submitted that he causing depletion of water report and also provide permission of this court, Police said Madaswamy order on a Public Interest so far as this industry was has other relevant certifi- resources illegally and the the data as to how many they should be brings gutka from at Chennai airport Litigation filed by concerned, the Public cates such as BIS certifi- underground water table units were engaged in allowed to undertake this Karnataka and distrib- M.V.Sivamuthu, Tamil Works Department by its cate and FSSAI certificate has gone down consider- such purified water manu- manufacture activity utes it to the retail shops Chennai: The customs Nadu East Region General letter dated September 11, to manufacture the puri- ably. Therefore, we direct facturing industry again, the bench added. in city. officials at Chennai international airport detected three cases of smuggling of gold on Saturday. Based on a tip-off, Abdul Rahman ( 40) of Kerala who arrived from Riyadh was intercepted. Two rechargeable emergency lights were found concealed in his luggage. On further examination, a rectangular gold plate was found con- cealed inside the batteries. Eight plates weighing 593 grams and valued at Rs 24.3 lakhs were recovered. The passenger was arrested. In another two cases, Yaseen ( 46) of Chennai and Mohammed Panis ( 35) of TRADITIONAL ART FORMS Pudur who arrived from Dubai were intercepted. Rs. 3.7 lakhs worth gold weigh- ing 593 grams were seized. Artistes perform at the 7th Veethi Viruthu Vizha organised by Loyola College, Chennai, in a move to create platform for artistes to showcase their traditional art forms. The event will take place for two days. —DC Welfare schemes: God gives but pujari doesn’t!

rise in the price of gold, poor under the present circum- Welfare, the Madurai Bench families in vulnerable cate- stances. For daily earners, of the Madras High Court gories find it difficult to buy where there are no invoices (2018) rightly pointed that Sanjay even a small quantity for the or bills or income tax "in villages marriage are traditional mangal sutra." returns and only petty cash fixed at short duration. To be eligible for a cheque sales, how can income be Welfare measures are Pinto of Rs 50,000 and an 8 gram determined by a third party? intended to benefit the gold coin, the parents' annu- This is a classic case of deserving candidates and al income should not exceed officials defeating the pur- rejection of applications on Rs 72,000, the bride should pose of welfare. Many dis- technical grounds should be With educational loans, a have completed 18 years and gruntled applicants have avoided." roadside fruit vendor in the bridegroom 21 years and knocked on the doors of the In another instance, an Chennai has managed to the application should be judiciary. The Madras high orphan's application for the make both his daughters and received 40 days before the JUSTICE court in R.Latha Vs District "Annai Therasa Memorial his son graduates. The son is marriage, or in "unavoidable Collector,Villupuram (2019) Orphan Girls Marriage scouting for a job as he pre- circumstances", at least a noted that "the Legislature Assistance Scheme" was pares for the Civil Services day prior to the wedding. passes schemes for the bene- rejected on the ground Examination, along with one The fruit vendor believed FOR ALL fit of the citizens. When offi- that the death certificate of of his sisters, and can be that he met all the eligibility cials prevent the said her parents was not sometimes seen studying criteria. But has been goes against the principle of schemes from reaching the enclosed. The Madurai under streetlights, or listen- knocked down by the very natural justice. beneficiaries, writ petitions Bench of the Madras High ing to lectures on his phone first hurdle - obtaining an It is pertinent to note that of this nature are filed." The Court in A.Nirmala Alias at his parents' roadside stall. income certificate. The local while one government web- court hoped that instead of Nirmala Mary vs As wedding bells are to ring taluk office first argued that site only mentions "parents' technicalities a "practical The Secretary, Social Welfare next month, the father began as his son has an engineer- income" another refers to view" would be taken by (2012) lamented that "the the process of applying for ing degree, the daughter is "family income". The income authorities. very purpose of the scheme the Tamil Nadu govern- not eligible! Isn't the son's certificate issuing authority Poor people may not be that is to help the destitutes at ment's well intentioned education extraneous? Is it has columns for income of net savvy. Government web- the time of marriage. It is a 'Thaaliku Thangam' mar- in sync with the eligibility all the members of the fami- sites are not always user social welfare measure of riage assistance scheme. The criteria? To link the son's ly. If the 'family income', as friendly. As applications are the government. The state government website education to the daughter's opposed to 'parents income' online, many encounter persons without parents and says the objective of the eligibility goes against gen- is the yardstick, and let's glitches while uploading without any surviving scheme is "to help financially der equality and empower- assume the bride to be is documents. As a result, members in the family are poor parents in getting their ment. employed, and as a result, applications may be rejected. provided with the assis- daughters married and to When the applicant falls beyond the eligible In such an eventuality, the tance." Holding that the promote the educational sta- brought it to the attention of income pale, doesn't that run Madras High Court in rejection "was against the tus of poor girls." It is clear a senior official, he was counter to the intention of S.Selvi Vs District Collector, spirit of the scheme", it that this welfare scheme is to called again by the taluk the scheme itself ? The mes- Madurai (2019) had ordered assistance on the ensure that parents do not office. This time, he was sage would be: remain unem- permitted the applicant basis of court pleadings. have to choose between edu- informed that an income cer- ployed and get marriage to upload the documents The government proposes cation and marriage of their tificate of Rs.96,000 would be assistance, for if you, or your again and directed the but the official disposes, daughters, both of which can issued, making him ineligi- siblings work, you will not be authorities to process it marring many a 'bride' otherwise burn a hole in ble for marriage assistance! eligible! within 2 weeks. future! their pockets. While uphold- This figure of Rs.96,000 was This discrepancy aside, can The deadline for applica- ing freebies, the Supreme fixed randomly, arbitrarily a person's income suddenly tions is another sticky point. (The writer is an Court in Subramaniam and apparently on a whim, jump like the proverbial Courts have ruled that time- advocate at the Madras Balaji Vs State of Tamil perhaps even vendetta, for autorickshaw meter? Truth lines need not be written in high court, columnist, Nadu (2013) had observed daring to escalate the matter! be told, with inflation, stone. In Thangamuthu Vs author and former that "with the extraordinary Without an enquiry, it also income would only reduce Commissioner, Social resident editor of NDTV) Taking a dig Minister for cooperatives Sellur K. Raju PAGE said the DMK was a tiger outside but a Politics 4 cat in the Assembly DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY I 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI ■ ‘CM assured full protection to minorities in Assembly’ Will quit to protect rights CM WELCOMES VP

Neither have we of minorities: Velumani bitterness with the DC CORRESPONDENT “Chief minister Edap- bill in Parliament, he DMK, nor have we COIMBATORE, JAN. 11 padi K. Palaniswami added. parted ways had made it clear the Palaniswami had on With the anti-CAA party's stand with Thursday told the Assembly that his govern- — K. S. Alagiri, (Citizenship Amendment regard to the Act) protests increasing by ment will fully protect the TNCC president the day, state municipal Citizenship interests of minorities and administration minister S. Amendment Act, on called upon them not to be P. Velumani assured that the floor of the swayed by politically moti- the minorities would not Assembly. Also, he had vated rumours on the OTHER STORIES be affected by the Act and taken up the matter at NRC. that he is ready to quit his the Central The AIADMK, which K’taka releases post to protect the rights of Government, after a supported the CAA in Muslim community, delegation from Parliament, recently 85 tmcft of excess who have always stood by Jamaath met him a few asserted it would be the him. days ago” first to raise the voice in Cauvery water to TN “Nothing will happen to case even a single person the minorities and if any- the city, Velumani said met him a few days ago, he from the minority commu- SHILPA P. | DC thing happens, (then) I will Chief minister Edappadi said. nity was affected if and MYSURU, JAN. 11 stand by them. The post is K. Palanisamy had made it Stating that about 3,000 when the National not important to me and I clear the party's stand persons belonging to Register of Citizens (NRC) As Cauvery catchment areas am ready to quit to protect with regard to the Muslim were staying is implemented. have received a good rainfall their rights,” Velumani Citizenship Amendment around his house, the Over 20 Muslim organi- this year, Karnataka has alrea- said on Saturday. Act, on the floor of the Minister said they were all sations and outfits on dy released 85 tmcft of excess Speaking at a function to Assembly. Also, he had living like brothers and Thursday petitioned the water to Tamil Nadu, said Dr got up to distribute Pongal taken up the matter at the sisters. state government to pre- Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami welcomes Vice President Venkaiah Naidu at G.S. Srinivasreddy, Director, gifts at Karumbukadai, a Central Government, after Also, the party stood vail upon the Centre to Chennai airport on Saturday. Governor Banwarilal Purohit also seen. Karnataka Disaster Natural Muslim dominated area in a delegation from Jamaath against the Triple Talaq withdraw the CAA. Disaster Monitoring Centre. “Cauvery catchment areas received 53 per cent excess no- rth east monsoon showers wh- AIADMK wins ich was the highest in the state Indirect elections to local body heads and 16 per cent excess south west monsoon showers. The Kanyakumari state was supposed to release 177.25 tmcft of water to Tamil dt panchayat Nadu for the entire water year AIADMK nominee wins (from June 2019 to May 2020) DC CORRESPONDENT and it was supposed to release KANYAKUMARI, JAN. 11 only 165 tmcft by now. But Ka- rnataka has already released Ooty poll in draw of lots The AIADMK captured 262 tmcft. The quota of 177.25 the district panchayat tmcft was released by October B.RAVICHANDRAN I DC chairman post and three 6, 2019,” Mr Reddy said. OOTY, JAN.11 union chairman posts in “Other than water for sum- 27 panchayat unions poll pending Kanyakumari district. mer crops, 15 tmcft of Cauvery After a dramatic turn of FROM P1 duct elections. The DMK managed to win water is needed till May-end events, the AIADMK on On the other hand, the The vice chairperson only one seat in the indi- (until next south west monsoon Saturday won the election DMK managed to win from election too could not be rect election for the chair- showers begin in June) for to the post of chairperson 125 unions, the Congress held in about 41 panchayat man posts in the nine drinking water for Mysuru, Be- of the Ooty panchayat from 5, CPI: 3. T. T. V. union councils for similar unions in the district. ngaluru and villages en route. union in draw of lots. Dhinakaran's AMMK and reasons. Of the 273 vice In the indirect election Dams in Cauvery catchment Out of the 22 ward coun- independents won in 2 chairperson posts for for the post of Kanyaku- areas, including the Krishna DMK president M.K. Stalin waves to the crowd at a meeting in Port Blair, cilors to the Ooty panchay- places each. The elections which the indirect elec- mari district panchayat Raja Sagara, Kabini, Harangi Andamans late on Friday night. at union, the DMK alliance in about 27 panchayat tions were held, the chairman, S Merliant Dh- and Hemavathi, have 83 tmcft won 11, while the AIADMK unions could not be held AIADMK won 94, DMK: as of the AIADMK got the of water in gross and 73 tmcft alliance got 8 and other owing to several issues like 107, PMK: 19, Congress: 8, backing of six ward mem- of live storage,” he said. three went to independents. breakdown of law and DMDK: 7, AMMK: 5, BJP: 4, bers among 11 and defeat- CAA: Mamata cold-shouldering While one Chitra, an inde- order, lack of quorum (of CPI: 3, Social democratic ed her Congress rival P. pendent, expressed support elected representatives to Party secured a seat while Ambili, who got five vo- CM charge on to DMK candidate Kama- elect their chiefs) and independents won from 25 tes. Similarly, the AIA- Cong is no dampener for DMK raj, Prema, a DMK council- absence of officers to con- places. DMK members — S.Azha- posting OSD as or, suddenly joined hands gesan, E.Shanthini and R. D. SEKAR | DC Assembly adjourned and Left parties in with AIADMK with two in- ably in the other three pan- the expected lines as the po- Ayyappan were elected baseless: Bedi CHENNAI, JAN. 11 sine die, was enough Bengal during the one- dependents, bringing both chayat unions in district. st was reserved for ST(gen- chairpersons of the pan- indication that the party day strike called by the fronts polling 11 votes each. TODA TRIBES' PRIDE: eral) this time. With the chayat unions of Agasth- Puducherry, Jan. 11: Pudu- With the Congress inter- was keeping its powder Central trade unions on This made the returning Meanwhile, the DMK's M. DMK alliance having 5 co- eeswaram, Thovalai and cherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi im president Sonia dry for a bigger agitation January 8. officer elect the winner thr- Ponthus, a Toda tribesman, uncilors out of 6 in the dis- Rajakkamangalam res- on Saturday slammed Chief Gandhi convening a against the CAA. Mamata, however, had ough lot and AIADMK can- won the election comfort- trict panchayat, he bagged pectively. Minister V Narayanasamy for meeting in Delhi of all “It is an honour for the clarified that she was didate K. Mathan romped ably to become the chair- the top post unopposed. The Congress members his charge that she planned to its allies on January 13 to DMK that I am being supporting the cause home riding on luck. man of the Nilgiris district Ponthus said that he wou- won in three other pan- post her Officer on Special discuss further steps on called every time a new against the CAA and For the AIADMK, which panchayat. He was a former ld focus more for infrastru- chayat unions of Thucka- Duty as State Election taking forward the non-BJP government is related issues but would put up a very pathetic show president of Kodanad pan- cture development in tribal lay, Killiyoor and Mel- Commissioner and said it was protests against the ushered into office, the not back any 'bandh' call in Nilgiris panchayat polls, chayat between 2006 and villages and construct ho- puram and BJP contest- nothing but 'a figment of his Citizenship Amendment latest being in as it would lead to incon- this election to the post of 2011. uses, besides taking care of ants were elected chair- imagination'. Act (CAA), its key ally in Jharkhand,” Stalin said venience among the pub- chairperson of Ooty pan- The elevation of Ponthus the all-round development men in two panchayat Her comments came a day Tamil Nadu, the DMK, is at the meeting in Port lic. The West Bengal Ch- chayat union was a solace, to the chairmanship of the in the village panchayat unions of Kurunthancode after the Chief Minister getting ready for the Blair. This indicates the ief Minister's statement as the DMK won comfort- district panchayat was on areas in Nilgiris. and Munchirai. alleged at a press meet here next-level of agitation. importance that national is seen as a conciliatory that Bedi had a hidden agenda The DMK, depending opposition parties were gesture ahead of Prime of appointing her OSD, G on what is decided at the giving to the DMK when Minister Narendra Theva Needhi Dhas, a retired 10-party opposition they organise any agita- Modi's two-day visit to IAS officer, as the SEC. alliance meeting in the tion or protest against Kolkata from Saturday. Bedi, in what she described national capital, will critical issues facing the Nonetheless, these dev- was an 'open letter' to consult leaders of its country today including elopments of Mamata Probe terror outfits’ links with Narayanasamy, said the Chief allies in the state after the CAA/NPR/NRC, he cold-shouldering Cong- Minister continued to misin- the 'Pongal' festivities, to stressed. Mr. Stalin also ress' latest move does not form and mislead the people of discuss the modalities of took the occasion to say seem to have deterred Puducherry. a statewide agitation that DMK was the third the DMK in any way. In “Your allegations are mere demanding the repeal of largest single party in fact, Mr. Stalin and the DMK, Congress, says Ponnar figments of your imagination,” the CAA and putting Parliament now, lending DMK, which voted she said. pressure on the ruling it considerable weight in against the Citizenship DC CORRESPONDENT Maintaining that the OSD AIADMK not to imple- national issues. Amendment Bill in both CHENNAI, JAN. 11 wasnot separable to take up ment the Act in Tamil Stalin had also recently houses of Parliament, DMK announces `5L solatium for Wilson family any other assignment as long Nadu. The Act came into wished the Trinamool has been resolute to keep Former Union minister as she was Lt Governor, she effect from January 10. Congress leader Mamata the agitation momentum Pon Radhakrishnan has DC CORRESPONDENT Stalin said he was deeply ed in the country in main- said Theva Needhi Dhas was DMK president M. K. Banerjee on her 65th against the CAA going accused the DMK and CHENNAI, JAN. 11 pained by the interview tenance of law and order. indispensable to her office in Stalin had already given birthday after the West right from start despite Congress of “shielding” given by Wilson's wife, The DMK leader view of his long and outstand- notice to the Assembly Bengal Chief Minister several obstacles on his terror outfits who claimed The DMK president M K Mrs. Angel Mary that demanded stern and ing public service. speaker for taking up a had earlier written to the home turf and recent proximity to minority Stalin on Saturday annou- such a fate should befall quick action to bring the She also stated that Dhas was private member resolu- DMK leader on the need rural local bodies elec- community, and urged nced a solatium of `5 lakh her husband who "loved killers of Wilson to book, providing her office 'critical tion to press the Central to initiate a wider con- tions. The DMK had even Chief Minister Edappadi to the family of Wilson, the Police department adding, "let this be the last institutional memory', which government not to imple- certed action against the organised a mega opposi- K. Palaniswami to probe special sub-inspector who more than our family." instance of a policeman was so essential for her person- ment the CAA. But it was BJP government at the tion rally in Chennai on the alleged links “between was gunned down by sus- The incident showed being killed." Mr. Stalin ally as she was coming from not taken up in the national level on issues December 23 against the Muslim terrorists pected terrorists at that even policemen were also demanded better outside the region. House and DMK walked such as CAA/NPR/NCR. CAA though the city and the DMK and its ally. Kaliyakavilai check-post not safe under the infrastructure facilities Bedi asked the Chief Minister out from the Assembly However, Mamata police had refused per- Citing the gunning do- in Kanyakumari district AIADMK government, and security beefed up at to stop spreading such false- over the issue during the Banerjee had two days mission for it. The DMK wn of Special Sub-Ins- and expressed deep pain Stalin said, adding, the check-posts to ensure that hood through the media and recent brief session after back declined to attend had to move the High pector Wilson in Kali- at the tragic happening to ruling party was only policemen in duty were said her office needed the serv- the Governor's address. the Congress-convened court leading to a stand- yakkavilai in Kanyaku- a policeman on duty. "deluding itself" by claim- not affected in any way in ices of Dhas in view of his However, the tone and meeting of opposition off with the AIADMK mari district bordering In a message here, Mr. ing that Tamil Nadu topp- the future. integrity, vast experience and tenor of Stalin's speech parties in New Delhi, government and the city Kerala, on Wednesday, as capability. at a function in Port saying she had decided to police. an instance of the terror- and take stern action to fledged war against the ment of solatium of Rs. 1 “Theva Needhi Dhas too is Blair in Andamans “boycott” the meeting, The DMK has mean- ists getting emboldened, tackle the terror outfits. Tamil Nadu police,” he crore for the family of the not interested in any such posts where he had gone to disapproving of the vio- while convened its exec- Radhakrishnan said the “If prompt and appropri- said. SSI who was shot at and (SEC), she said. participate in some DMK lence allegedly utive committee meeting Chief Minister should ate action is not taken now, “The killing of Wilson stabbed by two assailants. functions, a day after the unleashed by Congress here on January 21. immediately intervene a situation will arise in shows that the terrorists The Chief Minister had Tamil Nadu wherein secu- have been well-trained to also announced a job for rity would have to be pro- cause destruction… It is the kin of Wilson. vided to the police force,” condemnable that the While speaking in the he said on Saturday. DMK and Congress have Tamil Nadu Assembly on The killing of Wilson not condemned his kill- Thursday, Palaniswami 85% beneficiaries get Pongal freebies cannot be construed as an ing,” Radhakrishnan said. had assured strong action incident targeting an indi- He welcomed against those responsible DC CORRESPONDENT each fair price shop is dis- vidual official but a “full- Palaniswami's announce- for the killing. CHENNAI, JAN. 11 tributing at the rate of 300 families per day covering With just three days to go two streets per ward. This for the harvest festival of will ensure that the distri- 'Pongal', the Tamil Nadu bution is hassle-free. 20 aides of accused in Wilson murder quizzed government's 'Pongal' ham- However, in some places, pers to rice-card holders card holders complained M. ARULOLI | DC sources, the Kerala Police from Coimbatore, were with their Kerala counter- under the public distribu- they did not get sugar- KANYAKUMARI, JAN. 11 picked up Seyyad Ibrahim found to have called the parts to prevent the mur- tion system (PDS) has cane. and Abdullah from two accused over phone der accused, believed to reached 85.26 per cent of The state-wide scheme More than 20 men are Palakkad and Rafiq from twice on the day of mur- have escaped into Kerala, the beneficiaries, according was launched by the Chief being questioned to find Poonthura near der. Rafiq, arrested at from fleeing the to the State Food minister R Minister, Edappadi K the whereabouts of Thiruvananthapuram. Poonthura, is a native of country by sea. Kamaraj. Palaniswami on January 9 Thoufeeq and Abdul These three were friends Tirunelveli. The police are also close- The remaining beneficiar- Women beneficiaries interact with each other after get- at Kallakurichi. Any eligi- Shameem, the accused in of Thoufeeq and The police have ques- ly watching the Hindu out- ies will also get the 'Pongal' ting Pongal freebies in Chennai on Saturday. — DC ble family left out can get the murder of special sub- Shameem. tioned the relatives of the fits that spread inflamma- freebies by Saturday night, the gift hampers on inspector (SSI) Y WIlson at Seyyad Ibrahim, who two accused in tory messages on social he said. two-ft long sugarcane, in making 'sweet' Pongal on January 13, officials Kaliakkavila border runs a shop near Kanyakumari and media, inciting communal The free kit to each benefi- cashews and dry fruits the festival day. added. This popular check-post three days ago. Coimbatore government Tirunelveli districts. The hatred in the guise of ciary given by the govern- including dry grapes and The total number of rice- 'Pongal' hamper scheme They are close to the duo. medical college hospital, Tamil Nadu Police is seeking justice for the ment includes `1,000 cash, 'elachi'. These ingredients card holders in 37 districts costs the state exchequer According to police and Abdullah, a welder working in coordination murder of the SSI. one-kg rice, one-kg jaggery, are for the people to be used come up to 1.87 crore, while `2,300 crore. Complain DMK leader T R Baalu and a few party cadre lodged a PAGE complaint with the state election commission that LB State 5 polls in several places were deferred for no reason DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY I 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI Vice-prez inaugurates KOLAM FESTIVAL

Govt. should take Thyagaraja Aradhana tough action against G.SRINIVASAN | DC should not be discrimi- contributions of saint mother tongue one can THANJAVUR, JAN. 11 nated against on the basis Thyagaraja to the enrich- articulate one’s thoughts, teachers involved in of religion, he said that ment of our cultural her- he said. “India, all over the world religion is personal, while itage cannot be quantified Dressed in silk dothi in sex abuse of is known by our culture culture is our way of life. or estimated. “It is infi- panchakacham, a jibba students and civilization” said He said, “we should be nite in its resonance” the and ‘angavastram’, Naidu M.Venkaiah Naidu, Vice- proud of our history and VP said. started his speech in — Dr S Ramadoss, president of India at called for re-orienting our “In the turbulent times Tamil and continued in PMK founder Thiruvaiyaru near education system.” that we live in, it is com- English and Telugu. He Thanjavur on Saturday. Describing saint-com- forting and invigorating listened to music pro- He inaugurated the poser Sri Thyagaraja as to pause and reflect on grammes after the inau- 173rd aradhana of saint “three-in-one” he said our unique cultural her- guration and also offered SHORT TAKES composer Sri that he stood for national itage” he added. Music worship to the ‘Moolavar’ Thayagaraja at the saint's integration. unites people. Art unites Sri Thyagaraja Swamy. Elderly woman Samadhi on the banks of “A Telugu born at hearts, he said. Mr. G.K. Vasan, presi- Cauvery at Thiruvaiyaru. Tiruvarur in Tamil Nadu, “From first lullaby that dent of Sri He said that ancient civ- lived at Thiruvaiyaru and is lovingly sung by moth- Thyagabrahma Mahot- arrested for ilizations like Roman, sang thousands of 'kritis’ er to her child, music pen- sava Sabha, Vellamandi Babylonian are no more in praise of Lord Rama etrates almost every part Natarajan, state Tourism selling ganja while our culture and civ- who is the best ruler, best of our life, our work, our minister and Chennai: Police arrested an ilization is still surviving. son to his father, best hus- relationships and even Haridwaramangalam elderly woman and launched Our culture is “Vasudeva band to Sita etc.,” Naidu the way we worship A.K. Palanivel and a search for her family mem- Kudumbakam” (entire said. almighty” Naidu said. Srimushnam Raja Rao, bers who fled the spot after world is a family) and He also said that saint He batted for giving secretaries of the Sabha police caught them selling “Saravajana Sukhino Thyagaraja was, beyond importance to mother participated in the func- ganja in Adambakkam. Bavanthu”, the Vice-pres- any doubt, a stalwart, one tongue and studying in tion on the banks of the The arrested woman was ident said. of the tallest figures in Tamil or Telugu as the scenic Cauvery river, in In all, 125 artistes, including two men, showcased their kolam drawing skills as they lit identified as Bernard (69), Stating that people the world of music. The language may be. Only in Thanjavur district. the entire east end of North Mada Street with traditional white pulli kolam on Saturday resident of Ambedkar Nagar evening at Sundaram Finance Mylapore festival. The artistes were given 45 minutes to in Adambakkam. draw their favourite kolam on a four-feet by four-feet space. — DC Police said, based on a tip- off that a family was selling ganja in the area, police ‘Promotion, basic right of public servant’ landed at the doorstep of one Lourdhuswamy on DC CORRESPONDENT ing of a petition from are eligible to be consid- panel years 2016-17, 2017- Friday night. CHENNAI, JAN. 11 M.Ramasubramanian ered for regular promotion 28 and 2018-19 by includ- On seeing the police, and two others, working to the said post, certain ing all the eligible per- Lourdhuswamy, his wife The Madras high court in Fire and Rescue directions can be issued by sons in the panel as per Shanthi, sons Manibala and has observed that it is the Services. this court to complete the the Special Rules for Joseph fled the spot, but fundamental right of The judge said this court process of regular promo- Tamil Nadu Fire and police managed to nab every public servant to be is not inclined to interfere tions within a stipulated Subordinate Services, as Shanthi's mother Bernard considered for promotion with the impugned order period and till such time, amended by reckoning and seized one kilogram of if he fulfills all the quali- of temporary promotions the temporary promotion the seniority in the feeder ganja and Rs 1,000 in cash. fications and depriving issued by the order passed by the DGP post of leading fireman. She was produced before the same will be in viola- DGP/Director, Fire and can be in force, the judge On such preparation of Alandur court and lodged in tion of Articles 16 and 14 Rescue Services. However, added. panel and giving promo- Puzhal prison. of the Constitution of in view of the fact that the The judge directed the tion orders, consequen- Adambakkam police has India. promotions to the post of authorities to prepare a tial service and monetary launched a search for her Justice N.Anand station officer is governed year wise panel for pro- benefits shall also be family members. Venkatesh made the by the Service Rules and motion to the post of granted to the promoted observation while dispos- there are candidates who Station Officer from the candidates. DMK takes delta with a shock Tiruchy: The opposition DMK won five district Panchayat president posts, while the ruling AIADMK won three in the indirect elections for those posts held in the delta districts of Tiruchy, Karur, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam on Saturday. The DMK won Tiruchy, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Thanjavur district pan- chayat president posts, while the ruling AIADMK won Karur, Ariyalur, and Pudukkottai districts. However, the indirect elec- tions in Pudukkottai district had a shocker unfolding for the DMK, which despite winning 13 district pan- chayat wards was edged out by the AIADMK that has captured the district panchayat with 12 votes. This, sources say, was made possible with two Congress ward members and one DMK ward mem- ber allegedly backing the AIADMK, which had won nine wards, for the district panchayat president's post, thereby reducing DMK's tally to only 10 votes. Meanwhile in Thanjavur, for the post of Thanjavur dis- trict panchayat president, Ms. Usha of DMK was declared elected unop- posed as chairperson as DMK and its allies had won 22 of the 28 wards. Since six elected AIADMK ward members did not turn up for the indirect election today held at the Panagal building there, Ms. Usha was elected unopposed. ‘Name road after freedom fighter Kakaji’ Mannargudi: Social service organisations and other like- minded bodies appealed to the Tamil Nadu Government to name an important road after freedom fighter Kakaji D. Ramaswamy at an impor- tant road at Mannargudi in Tiruvarur district. A resolution to this effect was adopted at a meeting to commemorate his 25th death anniversary held here on Thursday, organised by 'Nesakaram', the coordinator of the service organisations. A release from 'Nesakaram' said here on Saturday that the meeting also requested the government to install the statue of late freedom fighter near the Haridhra river Teppakkulam area here, and to set up a memorial at Mannargudi for freedom fighters in and around Mannargudi. Shah blames Oppn PAGE Union home minister Amit Shah alleged that the falsehood being spread by the Opposition parties Nation 6 against CAA has created anarchy in the country DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY | 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI GIRL WHO HELD ‘FREE KASHMIR’ JNU: SIT PLACARD APOLOGISES identifies 37 Attack at Jawaharlal SHILPA P. | DC Nehru University is an MYSURU, JAN. 11 act of ‘terrorist Leftist Nalini, the woman who more suspects held up a ‘Free Kashmir’ students’ placard during a protest to condemn an attack on DC CORRESPONDENT fied persons will be called —Ram Madhav JNU students at Mysuru NEW DELHI, JAN. 11 for questioning and after BJP national general secretary University on that it will be cleared if Wednesday night, has A day after the the Delhi they are associated with released a press release Police identified nine sus- any of the student out- and video statement to pects responsible for vio- fits,” said the source. SHORT the media, apologising lence in JNU on January 5, JNU unit ABVP secre- TAKES to the police and public the sources in Delhi Police tary, Manish Jangid, who for the confusions creat- on Saturday said that the had earlier alleged that he ed by the poster. SIT has also identified 37 was attacked by left stu- BANERJEE She stated, “I am a sim- more suspects from a dents, was also part of ple person and student ‘WhatsApp’ group that ‘Unity Against Left’ of journalism, interest- was created during the WhatsApp group and some HAILS DELHI ed in the functioning of violence at the campus. other ABVP members my country and I never Meanwhile, on Saturday, were also in this group,” GOVT SCHOOLS intended to cause any the JNU administration another source said. kind of hatred. My only Activists protest against arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the city over CAA, NRC and NPR and vio- had undertaken a security However, Jangid claimed Mumbai, Jan. 11: Education concern was about the lence in JNU, in Kolkata, Saturday. — PTI audit of hostels to check that on January 5, after he outcomes in state-run schools internet which has been stay of outsiders and was attacked by some peo- can be better than the private shut down in Kashmir unauthorised students, ple, his phone broke and ones, Nobel laureate Abhijit for the past five months. following the January 5 he had no knowledge Banerjee said on Saturday as I only wanted people of violence on the campus, about being added to that he lauded Delhi government Kashmir to live freely the JNU administration group. schools for “outperforming” like people in other said. The police on “When my phone got their private peers. states. I had done it vol- Post-CAA stir, cos not January 7 had requested repaired, then only I came He said state agencies have untarily and none had the administration to do to know I have been added been “generous” with instigated me to hold it. I an audit of hostels for out- to that group,” Jangid resource allocation for educa- am not affiliated or con- siders or unauthorised said. On Friday, the police tion, which is visible in nected to any organisa- students. released pictures of nine aspects like teacher salaries tion or political party. I keen to come to Assam According to a police students carrying out vio- and the system, and the focus am ready to cooperate source, the 37 suspects lence against JNU stu- needs to shift to making them with police investiga- identified do not belong to dents and teachers last perform better. The comments tions and ready to Firms from Norway, Hungary say time not correct any active students’ party Sunday. from the MIT professor, whose appear before them for in JNU. “Those identified JNU Students’ Union work on poverty alleviation investigation, whenever MANOJ ANAND | DC chase agreements have on Assam.” burning tyres on the are students of JNU who president Aishe Ghosh, won him the coveted Nobel needed.” GUWAHATI, JAN. 11 already been cancelled or He, however, refrained streets went viral. It is a were in favour of the too has been named in the Prize recently, come weeks She, who is said to be a put on hold, sources said from giving the exact fig- huge loss for Assam.” semester registration list of the suspects. ahead of the Delhi polls. former student of The ongoing agitation that fear of crash in land ure regarding the loss of He further said that process and wanted to Among the nine individu- “Do I think that you can University of Mysuru, against the Citizenship price is also looming prospective investment Abu Dhabi-based billion- enroll themselves. The als, seven belong to the aspire to doing better in the obtained interim bail Amendment Act (CAA) large. suffered by the state or aire businessman B.R. group had 60 members and Left wing while the government system relative to from a local court on and state government’s The impact of anti- the number of compa- Shetty, who had shown 37 of them are identified,” remaining two are from the average private school? Friday. After a notice announcement to intro- CAA movement was nies which have back- interest in acquiring the said a source. “The identi- the Right wing. Yes. The Delhi public schools was served on her, she duce new land policy put- more visible when tracked due to the anti- Nagaon and Cachar have done it actually. Results appeared before the ting restriction on sale of Assam minister for com- CAA agitation. paper mills, is now in the Delhi public school sys- Jayalakshmipuram land to non-indigenous merce and industry, Patowary, who was become reluctant to go tem, the government school police on Saturday and people have not only transport and parliamen- working tirelessly to ahead with the plan. BANGLADESH FOREIGN MINISTER system like the municipal the police interrogated impacted the investment tary affairs Chandra bring in investment, said “He called a few days schools are better than the her and the organisers climate in Assam but Mohan Patowary told that once a state loses its back and said that he will average private school in of the protest. also driving away the reporters, “Many compa- image as an ideal invest- not come to Assam now CANCELS DELHI VISIT Delhi, he told reporters here. Students, led by the prospective investors. nies are now refusing to ment destination, it is as the time is not con- He said private schools are UoM Research Scholars’ Informing that many come here. Being the not easy to regain that ducive. But I have not SRIDHAR KUMARASWAMI to the ORF explaining why “terrible” from an outcome Union, UoM Dalit companies who were in industry minister, I am status. He said that cor- given up hope. I will talk NEW DELHI, JAN. 11 he could not attend," diplo- perspective. Students’ Federation, process of procuring today the most despon- porate houses seek to him again. If neces- matic sources from Bahujana Vidyarthi land in Assam have put dent person in Assam. favourable environment. sary, I will visit Abu Bangladesh's minister of Bangladesh told this newspa- Sangha, SFI and AIDSO, their projects on hold, There are companies He argued, “Today Dhabi and meet him,” state for foreign affairs per. The Raisina Dialogue is ‘LAGE RAHO took out a protest march sources in the industry from countries like there is peace in said Patowary while Shahriar Alam has cancelled organised annually by the with torchlights from told this newspaper that Hungary and Norway Kashmir. But companies regretting that a big food his proposed visit to New ORF and the MEA. the Clock Tower to state government’s deci- which were keen to are still reluctant to processing firm from Delhi to attend the Raisina India, nevertheless, appears KEJRIWAL’ Kuvempu statue at sion to introduce ‘new invest in the state. Now invest there, because London too was in talks. Dialogue conference, trigger- to be struggling to contain Manasagangothri prem- land policy’ in which the they are calling us and once an impression is “They wanted to set up ing speculation that the can- the possible fallout of the ises on Wednesday government is contem- saying that they are no formed then it becomes a unit in Assam. Now the cellation may be linked to CAA controversy on ties RELEASED night. The organisers plating to ban sale of longer willing to do so. difficult to alter it. The company has cancelled Bangladesh's reported con- with Bangladesh and seems New Delhi, Jan. 11: The Aam had reportedly not taken land to non-indigenous One company was plan- North-East was a dis- the plan,” said the indus- cerns on the recent Indian to be in a damage-control Aadmi Party on Saturday permission from the people has created fear ning to invest `2,000 turbed region for a long try minister who reiter- Citizenship Ame-ndment Act mode on this. Bangladesh is launched the audio and video police or the university among industrialists crore, while another had time. But in the past ated that all sections of (CAA). How-ever, diplomatic one of the three countries of its official song Lage Raho for the protest. The who had invested huge investment plans of three and half years the society to come together sources from Bangladesh mentioned in the CAA. The Kejriwal as part of its cam- police had registered a amount of money in `4,000 crore. But now image of Assam had to ensure that agitation told this newspaper that Mr MEA had pointed out last paign for the upcoming Delhi suo motu case under land. they are telling us that changed and companies should not hurt the eco- Alam had cancelled his visit month that in Bangladesh, Assembly election. The song, against relevant sec- Pointing out that this is not the correct were making a beeline nomic development of because he will be accompa- the governments of Sheikh composed by music director tions. dozens of sale and pur- time to hedge their bets here. Then scenes of the state. nying Bangla-desh Prime Mujibur Rehman Vishal Dadlani, was launched Minister Sheikh Hasina on a (Bangabandhu) and (his by deputy chief minister visit to the United Arab daughter and current Prime Manish Sisodia and AAP Emirates (UAE). The devel- Minister) Sheikh Hasina had Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh Kerala govt sacks opments come in the wake of protected minorities in at the party headquarters cancellation of Bangladesh Bangladesh and that perse- here. Will take action if given orders to 430 doctors for foreign minister A.K. Abdul cution had taken place under “The theme song showcases Momen's visit to New Delhi spells of military rule in the sentiments of the people of last month. Bangladesh and under the Delhi about Arvind Kejriwal long absence "Mr Alam had been invited "previous government" and also the key achievements integrate PoK, says Army chief GILVESTER ASSARY | DC by the (private thinktank) there, a veiled reference to of the AAP government in THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, ORF to attend the Raisina the earlier government led Delhi,” Sisodia said. PAWAN BALI | DC JAN. 11 Dialogue and he had accept- by Bangladesh Nationalist He said this song is not only NEW DELHI, JAN. 11 ed the invite. But when he Party (BNP) chief Begum the voice of the people of The Kerala Government realised that he had to Khaleda Zia, which was seen Delhi, but it is also going to Army Chief Gen. M.M. has decided to sack 430 accompany the PM (Sheikh to be pro-Pakistan and anti- become the theme song of the Naravane said on doctors for unauthorised Hasina) to the UAE, he wrote India. city over the next five years. Saturday that if ordered, absence from service. The “In the last five years we Indian Army will take doctors include 43, who have worked relentlessly for appropriate action to had completed probation the people of Delhi. Today, reclaim Pakistan-occu- and 377 who are currently TENDERS / NOTICES wherever we go in Delhi and pied Kashmir (PoK). on probation. Despite meet people, they tell us how He said that Army is opportunity given by the happy they are with the clean “re-balancing” its deploy- authorities twice in the governance of the AAP led by ment along the Western past, the doctors facing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind and Northern borders to action did not respond, Kejriwal,” Sisodia said. deal with any kind of forcing the government to The song will be played at all threat that might emerge initiate steps to terminate party rallies and meetings, from Pakistan or China. their services. Health Sisodia said. He said that Siachen is minister K.K. Shailaja the closest point for “col- tweeted, “The govern- lusion” between China ment has decided to ter- and Pakistan and there- minate the services of 480 MP GOVT TO fore it is important to staff including 430 doc- keep that area in our tors working in the state HONOUR “possession”. He said that health department.” counter-insurgency is the DEEPIKA short term threat but Chief of Army Staff Gen M.M. Naravane during the annual press conference in “long-term threat will New Delhi, on Saturday. — PTI RABINDRA NATH always be conventional CHOUDHURY | DC war and that is what we to balance its deployment that threat. On the other the collusion can happen. BHOPAL, JAN. 11 are preparing for.” to cater to threat both front, we will adopt more And therefore the impor- Gen. Naravane said that from the West and the deterrent posture so that tance of being on our Madhya Pradesh government despite provocation by North. “For dealing with we are not found wanting guard and importance of on Saturday announced to Pakistan army and its the northern frontier we on either of them,” he keeping that area always honour Deepika Padukone Border Action Team at are going in for more said. in our possession,” said during the International India Line of Control (LoC), capacity building which He said that this is why the Army chief. Film Academy Awards sched- Indian Army will never include, creating roads to “we have a dual task for- He said that creation of uled to be organised at two resort to any “barbaric the forward areas, creat- mation and these forma- the post of Chief of places in the state in March, activity” and will uphold ing capacity in terms of tion are ready to move Defence Staff is a “very for making Chhapaak, a international norms. habitat, storage for from West to East and big step” towards integra- movie based on real life story Pakistan’s Border Action ammunition, moving East to West to cater to tion of the three forces of an acid attack survivor. Team is suspected to have some of our more the emergent threat.” and said the Army will State law minister P.C. decapitated a porter, who advanced weapon system He said that following ensure its success. Sharma told reporters that was among two civilians towards the eastern side,” Wuhan Summit between He said that decision of Deepika Padukone who played killed along the Line of he said. Prime Minister Narendra the CDS to set up an air the role of an acid attack sur- Control (LoC) in Poonch He said that with this Modi and Chinese defence command would vivor in the film would be hon- district on Friday, and Army will be able to President, both armies help in preventing the oured by the state government taken away the head. meet threat from any are resolving small differ- recent incident where during this year’s IIFA edi- “As far as Pakistan-occu- direction and it is pre- ences locally and don’t Iran shot down an tion. pied Kashmir is con- pared for the challenge. allow it to get serious and Ukrainian passenger jet. The IIFA awards would be cerned, many years ago Gen. Naravane said that therefore there is peace at Meanwhile, welcoming organised in Bhopal and there was a parliamen- Indian Army is aware of Northern border. Army chief ’s statement, Indore. The event would be tary resolution on it that the fact that there is Gen. Naravane said that the spiritual head of telecast in 90 countries and entire erstwhile Jammu threat from both China Siachen is “important for Ajmer Dargah said the would help in promoting and Kashmir is part of and Pakistan. “In case of us” as that is the only force should be ordered to tourism in the state. India. If Parliament simultaneous threat from area where one army for- take back PoK. The decision to honour wants that area should both directions, there will mation is looking after “When the Army is pre- Deepika Padukone comes a also belong to us and if always be a primary front both Western and pared, why wait?” the dar- couple days after Chief we get orders to that and a secondary front. Northern frontier. gah deewan Zainul Minister Kamal Nath declared effect, then definitely we Wherever our primary “That is what makes it Abedin Ali Khan said. Chhapaak tax free in the state will take action on it,” he front is, bulk of our forces so strategically impor- “The parliament should for sending a positive message said. and resources will be con- tant. We must not lose order the Army to take to the society. He said that Army has centrated to deal with sight that is from where back PoK,” he tweeted. Politics

A new political party has become PAGE a necessity in Assam, says senior Congress leader Tarun Gogoi Nation 7 DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY | 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI ■ Purpose of law is to divide Indians on religious lines, says Sonia Cong demands withdrawal of

Citizenship on religious basis is CAA, stopping of NPR process antithetical to our SREEPARNA the Indian people on reli- CHAKRABARTY gious lines, she said. Constitution NEW DELHI, JAN. 11 Mrs Gandhi further said — Asaduddin Owaisi, that she was inspired by Terming the CAA as a the struggle of the stu- AIMIM president “discriminatory” and dents who have taken to “divisive” law, the the streets and saluted Congress Party on Satur- their courage even as she day demanded that the decried the use of brute IN BRIEF Citizenship Amendment force by the police. Act be withdrawn and the “We are appalled by the process of NPR be stopp- police excesses and use of Kota tragedy: Maya ed. The party demanded brute force in many towns that a comprehensive of Uttar Pradesh, in slams Priyanka high-powered Commiss- Congress president Sonia Gandhi with former Prime Jamia Millia, in the JNU, Before and after: Two of the flats demolished through controlled implosion in Lucknow: A day after ion should be constituted Minister Manmohan Singh during CWC meeting in New BHU, Allahabad Maradu on Saturday. — AP Congress general secretary to enquire into the inci- Delhi on Saturday. — ASIAN AGE University, Delhi Univer- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visit- dents connected with the sity, Gujarat University, ed Jaipur, BSP president anti-CAA protests Aligarh Muslim a day passes without the Indian Institute of Mayawati slammed her for It also threw its weight University. home minister, and on Science, Bengaluru. We paying no heed to Kota hos- behind the agitating stu- At a special session of some days the Prime therefore demand that a Kochi: 2 high-rises razed pital tragedy. Over 100 dents of various universi- the Congress Working Minister himself, making comprehensive high-pow- infants have died in the gov- ties across the country Committee — the party’s provocative statements.” ered Commission should ernment-run hospital in Kota. even as interim President highest decision making The CAA is a discrimi- be constituted to enquire “...the Congress leader fre- Sonia Gandhi decried the body — Mrs Gandhi said, natory and divisive law. into the incidents connect- quently comes to Uttar Pra- “police excesses” in many “As the students protest The sinister purpose of ed with the anti-CAA for flouting CRZ norms desh to shed crocodile tears. parts of Uttar Pradesh gains momentum, it is the law is clear to every protests and justice to the But in Rajasthan during her and varsities like JNU, clear that the government patriotic, tolerant and sec- affected persons,” she Buildings were constructed close to Vembanad lake private visit yesterday she Jamia Milia Islamia and is digging in its heels. Not ular Indian, it is to divide added. does not consider it appro- DC CORRESPONDENT ment complex which has ment structures were priate to give a little time to THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, 17 floors and 122 flats will evacuated from the area wipe the tears of children’s JAN. 11 be razed at 11 am on by 9 am. mothers in Kota even though CAA protest: January 12 (Sunday) and A legal battle was on for she is also a mother and this Panel set up by MHA on Two of the flats con- it will be followed the years in connection with is most unfortunate,” the BSP Health survey structed in violation of demolition of 17-floor the construction of the supremo said in a tweet. CRZ rules were demol- Golden Kayaloram which four buildings which vio- workers abused ished through controlled has 40 flats, at 2 pm. lated CRZ rules as these Assam to meet Shah today implosion in Maradu in Holy Faith H20 was the were very close to 35 students down GURURAJ A. PANIYADI Kochi on Saturday. first of the apartment Vembanad lake. During New Delhi, Jan. 11: A discussed Assam Accord. MANGALURU, JAN. 11 Holy Faith H2O and complexes to be demol- an inspection by local high-level committee, set with him var- According to its terms Alfa Serene Twin towers ished at 11.18 am. bodies vigilance wing in with food poisoning up by the Home Ministry ious aspects and conditions, “The com- The ongoing protests came crashing within Thousands of people 2005, it was found that Aurangabad: In a suspected to suggest ways for pro- of the Assam mittee will assess the against CAA, NRC and seconds after the con- thronged the area to wit- the Maradu panchayat case of food poisoning, at viding constitutional safe- Accord’s appropriate level of reser- NPR across the country trolled blasts were trig- ness the unprecedented (now it is a municipality) least 35 students of a gov- guards to the indigenous Clause 6, vation of seats in Assam have had an effect on gered off with precision. sight of the high rise had given permits to 13 ernment residential school in people of Assam, will under which the central Legislative Assembly and healthcare and other The demolitions were apartment buildings apartments buildings Parbhani district of Maharas- meet Union home minis- government had promised local bodies for the surveys conducted at the carried out following the coming crashing within including the four which htra took ill, police said on ter Amit Shah on Sunday. to provide constitutional Assamese people”. district level. Supreme Court directive seconds. are now being demol- Saturday. Of 145 students at Sources said a four- safeguards to the indige- “The committee will rec- When Machina Panch- in May 2019. Since the district ished, for carrying out the facility, 35 experienced member delegation of the nous people. ommend the appropriate ayat president Harshala- The two buildings were administration had construction activities in acidity, vomiting and head- committee, headed by The committee is said to level of reservations in tha and three other demolished within a imposed prohibitory violation of CRZ norms. ache after consuming food at Justice (Retd) Biplab have completed its delib- employment under the women went to collect space of minutes. orders, the people wit- Though the Supreme the school on Thursday Kumar Sharma, will meet erations and discussions government of Assam for data for the National Though a portion of Alfa nessed the spectacle out- Court had ordered the night, inspector Subhash the home minister and is with various stakeholders the Assamese people," Rural Livelihood Missi- Serene building fell into side the restricted area of demolition by September Rathod of Purna police sta- expected to brief him in Assam and is expected according to a home min- on on Tuesday, a group the lake, authorities said 200 meters. There was a 20, because of Kerala tion said. The affected chil- about the progress of its to submit its report soon, istry notification. accosted and abused there was no major cause delay of 15 minutes in Government’s slackness dren were admitted to a work. may be within a month, The meeting will be held them. of worry. The debris will the demolition owing to it could be executed. The local rural hospital for pre- The meeting will take the sources said. amidst widespread The group also destr- be removed within 70 last-minute require- apex court took strong liminary treatment, he said, place three days after The committee with protests against the oyed the data collected days. ments. exception to the "go slow" adding that some of them Assam chief minister more than a dozen mem- Citizenship Amendment till then. An FIR has Two other apartments Earlier people living in approach of the govern- were later shifted to a Sarbananda Sonowal met bers was set up as per the Act (CAA) in Assam. been registered against Jain Coral Cove apart- and around the apart- ment. hospital in Nanded. The chil- the home minister and Clause 6 of the 1985 —PTI nine people. dren’s condition is now sta- ble and they will be dis- charged soon, he said. The police are probing to ascer- Will wait for Odisha boy tain the reason. ‘Should Rohingyas get citizenship & not refugees’ SC decision Sambalpur (Odisha), Congress and the tukde He said Muslims in India Had all the Muslims Anshuman Jan. 11: Union minister tukde gang whether need not panic as the CAA shifted to Pakistan and Goa Cong demands on CAA: MP Giriraj Singh on Saturday Rohingyas, Pakistani infil- will not snatch away any- Hindus stayed in India Kamila tops asked the Congress and trators should be given cit- one’s citizenship, but during and after partition, inquiry on conman those opposing the CAA izenship? And should those infiltrating into the there would not have been Panaji: Goa Pradesh Mahila law minister whether Rohingyas and Hindu and Sikh refugees country would not get it. any necessity of the CAA, IES exam Congress Committee on Sat- RABINDRA NATH Pakistani infiltrators from Pakistan be denied “The new law simply the BJP leader said. AKSHAYA KUMAR urday condemned the state CHOUDHURY should get Indian citizen- citizenship? If they have aims at according citizen- The National Register of SAHOO government’s failure to keep BHOPAL, JAN. 11 ship and not the Hindu courage, they should ship to religious minori- Citizens (NRC) is not BHUBANESWAR, JAN. 11 track of the conman, who and Sikh refugees from answer in yes or no,” Mr ties from Pakistan, being implemented in the posed as a Uttar Prade-sh Madhya Pradesh law the neighbouring country. Singh said. Bangladesh and country now and so, there Brining glory to the minister and enjoyed status minister P.C. Sharma on Anybody staying in India Members of the minori- Giriraj Singh Afghanistan. Some parties is no need for discussion state, Odisha’s of a state guest for 12 days. Saturday said the state should chant “Vande ty community are being like the Congress are try- on the NRC at present, Mr Anshuman Kamila has GPMCC president Pratima government awaited Mataram” and “Bharat attacked in Pakistan and Rahul Gandhi is trying to ing to spread false infor- Singh said. topped the Indian Coutinho said the incident order by the Supreme Mata Ki Jai”, the minister many temples there have do politics there. mation about CAA and “The National Economic Service (IES) reflects gross negligence on Court on Citizenship for animal husbandry, been demolished, he said. ‘Tukde-Tukde gang’ is a create disturbance in the Population Register (NPR) Examination 2019. the state government’s part, Amendment Act (CAA) dairying and fisheries Mr Singh said the ‘tukde term often used by right- country,” Mr Singh said. is linked to the Census Union Public Service as it left loopholes in the before taking the deci- said at a meeting to aware tukde gang’ is active in the wing parties to attack the The minister asserted process and needs to be Commission (UPSC) protocol department. “An sion to implement it in people about the Jawaharlal Nehru opposition, particularly that anyone staying in updated. However, some declared the final results inquiry should be conducted Madhya Pradesh. Citizenship (Amendment) University, which wit- Left and Left-backed out- India should chant “Vande people are trying to spread of IES exam on its offi- on how the conman was Mr Sharma said, Act. nessed violence last week, fits as well as those who Mataram” and “Bharat rumours about the NPR,” cial website — allowed to enjoy state hospi- “Although, the notifica- “I would like to ask the and Congress leader support them. Mata Ki Jai”. he said. —PTI upsc.gov.in on Friday tality at the cost of common tion seeking to enforce evening. man and the money spent on CAA has been issued by Anshuman is the son him should be recovered,” the Centre, we are of former chief post she said. Earlier this week, awaiting the order by Kalyani Devi crowned master general of Odis- the Goa crime branch arrest- the SC in the matter. ha, Santosh Kamila whi- ed Sunil Singh and four of his The case is currently le his mother is a profes- accomplices after he was pending with the apex sor in economics depart- caught impersonating as a court”. first woman Gajapati ment of Utkal Univer- minister in UP government. The notification AKSHAYA KUMAR had passed away while sity and a renowned announcing enforce- SAHOO undergoing treatment at singer of the state. ment of CAA was PARALAKHEMUNDI, JAN. 11 a private hospital in As per a notification of issued on Friday. Bhubaneswar early on the UPSC, a total of 32 “The state government After the demise of Para- Friday morning after candidates have been CONG: PM MODI has made its stand clear lakhemundi Maharaj Go- nearly three years of selected for appointment on the issue from day pinath Gajapati Narayan struggling with health- to the posts to be filled SILENT ON PAK’S one. Chief minister Deo, his only daughter, related issues. under IES and Anshu- Kamal Nath has already Kalyani was on Saturday Later in the day, mortal man secured the first declared his stand. He coronated as the head of remains of the king was position among them. BARBARISM has also reiterated his the royal family. taken in a procession in Sharing his success stand on CAA on the With the coronation Paralakhemundi and mantra, Anshuman New Delhi: The Congress on sidelines of leading a (Rajyabishek), Kalyani accorded national hon- said, “I did not study for Saturday attacked the Modi march to protest against has officially become the our before being con- hours, rather, I studied government over the killing Citizenship Amend- first woman Gajapati in signed to flames. regularly and every day. of two Army porters in ment Act on December the history of the As per tradition I had to face failures a Jammu and Kashmir’s Pooch 25,” Mr Sharma added. dynasty. Kalyani performed the couple of times but it did district by the Pakistan Army, The chief minister Head of the Parala-khe- last rites of her father not deter me from pursu- alleging that Prime Minister had then said his gov- mundi royal family is after her formal ascen- ing the civil services.” Narendra Modi and Defence ernment would follow called as Gajapati. sion at the Darbar Hall of The IES main exam Minister Rajnath Singh are the directive by Her father, Gopinath the palace with Vedic was held from June 28 to silent on the barbarism of Congress on the issue. Tourists walk on a snow-covered hill in Kullu on Saturday. —PTI Gajapati Narayan Deo rituals. June 30, 2019. that country. Referring to reports that Pakistan, in a BAT (Border Action Team) attack in Pooch, killed two IIT-KGP unveils device that Army porters and decapitat- ed one, Congress’ chief Credit Laxmi’s lawyer in Chhapaak, says HC spokesperson Randeep can perform CBC test at `10 Surjewala asked why is the without giving credit to the condition will come said in the order. The Regarding the theatrical Modi government “silent” on Kolkata, Jan. 11: motor-run spinning disc- the lawyer, who represent- into effect from January court passed the order on exhibition, the court said Pakistan’s barbarism. The Researchers from the IIT- based portable device for ed acid attack survivor 15, and where physical a plea by Fox Star Studio, since the film has already BAT generally comprises Kharagpur have devel- performing a Complete Laxmi Agarwal on whose copies are supplied, the producer of the movie been released on January special forces personnel of oped a spinning disc- Blood Count test. The life the movie is based, for changes shall be carried which was released on 10, both internationally the Pakistani Army and ter- based device that can per- design and fabrication inputs she shared with out with effect from Friday, challenging a trial and in India, to ensure rorists. Pakistani soldiers form Complete Blood techniques are simple,” them. January 18. court’s Thursday order that there is no disruption beheaded a porter while the Count (CBC) test with Prof Suman Chakra- The court directed film “The defendants (film asking them to acknowl- in the screening, it is prime minister and the 95 per cent accuracy at borty of IIT-Kharagpur’s director Meghna Gulzar makers) are restrained edge the contribution of directed that the film shall Defence Minister are “silent”, only `10, the institute said Department of Mecha- and producer Fox Star from releasing the film the advocate. not be exhibited in the- Surjewala said also question- in a statement on nical Engineering said. Studios to acknowledge ‘Chhapaak’ on any elec- The high court modified atres with effect from Jan- ing media’s silence on the Saturday. Prof Chakraborty, who advocate Aparna Bhat in tronic medium/s such as the acknowledgement of uary 15 without adding the issue. “Is the news of martyr- The average present cost is leading the team of the opening credits by cable television, home the trial court which had credit to the advocate to dom run taking into account of CBC — a collection of researchers, said, “The Deepika Padukone including the line — viewing, DTH platforms, directed that the film the digital copies. In the the government in power?” commonly required blood device can perform New Delhi, Jan. 11: The “Inputs by Ms. Aparna internet entertainment or ‘Chhapaak’ carry the line theatres where physical he said. “When will tests routinely suggested haematocrit (packed vol- Delhi high court on Bhat, the lawyer who rep- streaming services, etc., “Aparna Bhat continues to copies of the film are to be Pakistan’s cowardly acts be by doctors to assess a ume of red blood cells), Saturday restrained the resented Laxmi Agarwal, without acknowledging fight cases of sexual and supplied by the producer, given a befitting reply? 10 wide range of diseases — haemoglobin, red blood makers of Deepika Padu- are acknowledged”. the name of the Plaintiff, physical violence against the changes shall be car- heads for 1 when? Surjewala is `200. cell, white blood cell and kone-starrer ‘Chhapaak’ For theatres where digi- in the opening credits...,” women during the screen- ried out with effect from said. —PTI “We have developed a platelet count tests with from screening the film tal copies are provided, Justice Prathiba M. Singh ing of the film”. January 18, it said. — PTI MIND POWER ALEXANDER HAMILTON LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI PAGE There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes I am not as simple 8 human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery as I look Edit DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY | 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI LETTERS Subhani CONGRESS VS BJP RULE Congress had ruled the country for several 12 JANUARY 2020 years. Since it lost power at the Centre in 2014, it is now finding fault with BJP on Nilofar Suhrawardy demonetisation, GST and now CAA. For out- Off the beaten track siders like me, I feel Congress failed miser- ably since anti-capital- ist China allowed US An Indo-Anglian’s companies to set up shops in its soil by which it was able to document dilemmas manufacture and sup- ply A to Z items to the ust as notion of recognising people by their dress has been propa- gated, it wouldn’t be surprising if language is picked up next. Where world whereas the would those in largely western attire and more comfortable with Congress government JEnglish than local languages be deported to? And what proof would woke up very late when be provided to other nations of these being their citizens? Notwithstanding this limitation, as a part of the annual New Year reso- everything was saturat- lutions exercise, I am deliberating on where to procure a birth certificate ed. BJP government for officials when and if they do ever turn up demanding them. Parents are had boldly abrogated no longer around. All this scribe and her sibling are aware of is the hospi- The Manu in us: Kill tal, where we began our life. Am 200 per cent certain that hospital’s name article 370 and 35A bears little appeal for present party in power at the Centre and in the state and put an end to J&K where it is located. It is Kamala Nehru in Allahabad, the city now known as Prayagraj. And this spells another dilemma. Even if we had birth cer- row. Instead of creating tificates, the officers are least likely to view them as genuine. The name of trouble, it would be city, in present circumstances, may be viewed as false. him to exorcise caste better for the Congress Ok, assuming they have no problems with city’s name, how do we con- vince them about date and place of our birth? Which person can verify by caste Hindus. Yet, the- Ambedkar said fighting to cooperate with the his/her own birth and also be sure that it is true? We don’t have birth cer- orisation of brahminical caste in isolation is BJP in taking the coun- tificates. Whatever the date entered by parents at time of admission to patriarchy doesn’t neces- impossible. Caste and try forward. school has to date been considered as proof of our date of birth. A possible Sowjanya sarily mean absence of patriarchy should be option is for governments to ask hospitals across the country to provide dalit patriarchy which, annihilated together. R. Ganesan them with a record of persons born before 1971. The credible point, per- Tamalapakula in turn, is nothing but an The construction of the Chennai haps hopefully, would be correct entry of parents’ names. This scribe extension of the brah- dalit man’s access to a would not have too much problem with this formula for in all probability minical patriarchy. The brahmin woman’s sexu- less than 10 babies born in Kamala Nehru Hospital and/or other hospitals No More Mansplaining dalit movement’s exhor- ality (inter-caste mar- in Prayagraj have this family name. tations driven by a posi- riage) as a defeat of brah- BETTER LATE THAN NEVER However, those with other sur- tion that dalit women mins is based on patriar- The order of the Supreme Court on names may not be so lucky. But let abasaheb nuity of caste. If this con- face violence from upper chal ideology. While the curbs in Kashmir with a five-point this be government’s headache to Notwithstanding this limita- Bhimrao trol over women is sub- castes and not from fami- dalit man’s access to agenda for immediate compli- ensure whether persons born here tion, as a part of the annual Ambedkar’s verted, caste dies a quick ly are not based on savarna women results ance/ implementation should before 1971 are Indian citizens or New Year resolutions burning of death. Ambedkar’s theorisation in violence, if the dalit have come as a great shock to the not. With respect to another key exercise, I am deliberating Manusmriti In order to continue the of caste. Ambedkar movement constructs BJP government at the Centre. issue that of parents’ place of birth, Bspeaks volumes on his caste system, women are never accepted that there this as a form of owner- The unambiguous assertion of the on where to procure a birth what do we do in case of their not certificate for officials when formulation of the inter- controlled in the name of has been a radical alter- ship over the savarna apex court that access to the inter- being alive? Lively discussions with sectionality of gender sexual purity and wifely native thought within or woman’s body, women’s net is a fundamental right and parents never ever focussed on their and if they do ever turn up and caste. Manusmriti is devotion or pativrata among dalits in tradi- autonomy will be a far- indefinite shutdown of the facility birth certificates. All we have been demanding them. Parents a document that still dharma, to be upheld tional society. fetched dream. is abuse of power and unconstitu- aware is that of hailing from Uttar are no longer around. All wields enormous power both before and after Ambedkar proposed Similarly, construction tional and should be restored Pradesh. It would be all more trou- this scribe and her sibling over Indian society. It is marriage. Glorification inter-caste marriages of the dalit woman solely immediately for key services has blesome for people of our parents’ are aware of is the hospital, the primary text that for- of motherhood, a concept and inter-caste dining as as a victim of rape and come as a great relief not only to generation to produce proof of their where we began our life. Am malised and legitimised limited only to the caste- antidotes to caste. This sexual violence at the people of Jammu and Kashmir but parents’ birth. The older a person is, 200 per cent certain that patriarchy and caste. endogamous marriage, is particular aspect of his hands of upper-caste also to peace-loving people of the more problematic would be the exer- hospital’s name bears little The text “normalises” another way. A caste theorisation is the most men is nothing but a entire country. The top court's cise of providing proof of his/her misogyny with its codes Hindu woman who misunderstood one in denial of her subjectivity take on the repetitive imposition parents’ birth-certificates. Nobody appeal for present party in of control on women’s becomes a mother out of the post-Ambedkarite and political agency. of Section 144 in the state as abuse would have been around if their par- power at the Centre... mobility and reproduc- wedlock is not glorified dalit movement. The dalit movement of power and its call that right to ents weren’t there. If only this sim- tion. According to Manu, but shunned, even killed. Annihilation of caste has not engaged with life should be secured in the best ple explanation worked. women are a sex com- This theorisation of through inter-caste mar- questions regarding the possible manner have come at a It wouldn’t be a bad idea to try and confuse officials asking for our par- posed of anger, mean- intersections of caste and riages is possible when a position of dalit women time when the entire nation is wit- ents’ birth certificates by politely questioning on how we can provide the ness, treachery, heart- gender — and the caste- large number of mar- in inter-caste marriages. nessing agitations by people of same, when we weren’t around to get theirs made. Am not aware about lessness and natural dis- endogamous marriage as riages take place to Instead, it has construct- almost all walks of life over the how popular surrogacy, etc. was in earlier days. It may have been known loyalty. Manu says, the central tenet of efface the societal memo- ed dalit women who unilateral imposition of CAA and by some other traditional term. To date, have not heard of DNA tests “Women are the edge of a Hindu sociology — is the ry of caste identity. That marry savarna men as the anticipated implementation of being earlier conducted, precisely prior to 1971, to verify parentage. This razor, poison, snakes, exceptional and monu- the miniscule number of betrayers of the dalit the draconian NRC pan India. is just being mentioned lest some new law is introduced about DNA tests and fire all rolled into mental contribution of inter-caste marriages movement and engaged Tharcius S. Fernando being made compulsory. Well, at present, digging out nonexistent birth one.” Manu’s law also Ambedkar. Feminism in which took place in the in their character assas- Chennai certificates seems as impossible as conducting DNA tests of those who constructs a shudra man India cannot be complete framework of “romantic sination. Setting the are not around. as subhuman and legit- without incorporating it. love” could not solve the brahiminical ideals of It may not be a bad idea to suggest the United States’ example regard- imises violence against Manu enjoys great caste question is an glorification of mother- MISSION 2020 ing citizenship. Who knows, the American-formula may have some “untouchables” (Manu, influence and empirical fact. The chil- hood, brahminical femi- appeal. The paternal grandparents of President Donald Trump were IX 17). respectability in Indian dren born out of this ninity, dress code, moral Kudos to Kohli and his team for German immigrants. His mother was born in Scotland. Former In Indian society, caste society even today. small number of mar- code (sexual purity) and their clinical performances during President Barack Obama was born in Hawaii and his father in Kenya. In and gender are not mutu- Concepts of sexual puri- riages continued to body image as the norms the T20 series against Sri Lanka fact, a significant number of Americans trace their origins to the United ally exclusive con- ty, marriage-centered inherit the caste identity for dalit women, the dalit team and win the series 2-0. Of Kingdom and other parts of Europe. The recent decades have witnessed structs. They are inter- socialisation, monogamy of the father figure movement has been course, this Sri Lankan team is the increase in Chinese and people from other Asian countries, including twined and inseparable, and endogamy, all of uncritically. This hap- upholding Manu weakest led by Lasith Malinga an India and Pakistan taking American citizenship. Just think, who would and cannot sustain inde- which aim to control pened because the mar- unapologetically. Con- is on a transition period. But it be left behind in the USA if birth certificates of parents and grandparents pendent of each other. women’s sexuality, have riages unilaterally sub- sidering women as a cat- will be a real acid test for Kohli were given importance there? How does a person in devolved from verted caste-endogamy egory “internal” to a and his team to conquer the Yes, the question is not of others opting for Indian citizenship but of Indian society know Manusmriti. Differ- but not the patriarchal community is not based Australian team, which is on a India granting citizenship to some minority citizens being oppressed in a their caste identity? entiating married nature of the institution on Ambedkar’s ideas but high after their Test series victo- few neighbouring countries. Perhaps, the government needs to be a little They inherit it from the women from unmarried, of marriage. on the brahminical ries against Pakistan and New more specific. Through what process the question of which citizens father, or the father fig- pativrata (devoted wife) The dalit movement, framework of Manu. In a Zealand. Our MIB should be on belonging to certain minorities being oppressed in a few countries is going ure. Using Friedrich from prostitute, brahmin meanwhile, has reduced brahminical patriarchal their toes and ensure that no catch to be proved? It may assume the nature of a sensitive diplomatic issue. Engels’ theory of The women from dalit, origi- an intellectual giant like family, women are made is spilled. Incidentally, it was a The preceding point draws attention to yet another aspect. If some- Origin of the Family, nated from Manu’s law. Ambedkar to a mantra to sacrifice their rights surprise that the captain finally thing is happening beyond Indian borders, in external territories, Private Property and the The ritual of tying a for inter-caste marriage. for the sake of husband gave chance to Sanju Samson and should it be considered as an internal issue — a concern of the home State, a man can identify thread around a By using Ambedkar’s and children. The dalit Manish Pandey. Though Pandey ministry or the external affairs ministry? If it concerns illegal immi- his children by marrying woman’s neck in mar- ideas as formulae and movement demands dalit grabbed the opportunity, Sanju grants, the defence ministry remains answerable for security lapses a woman and controlling riage as a signifier of not as an episteme, it has women sacrifice their Samson was unfortunate to be allowing their entry. Maybe, the ministers and the officials of the three her sexuality by restrict- husband’s ownership excluded formulations of rights for the “larger” LBW. But definitely he is a better ministries should deliberate seriously on this. It may not be a bad idea ing her mobility and over wife is akin to sexism, patriarchy and cause of fighting caste. bet than Pant and should get at to form another ministry, exclusively devoted to this issue, that of ensuring that she is man’s ownership over heteronormativity. Thus It is high time individu- least a couple of more chances like oppression of minorities in a few countries. The new ministry would impregnated only by him livestock. It is only a tiny dalit women, dalit gay als and progressive Pant, before discarding him. If need to draw lines regarding what is considered as oppression and what in order to bequeath his minority of middle class men, lesbians, bisexuals, movements reflect on the Dhoni is not being considered for is not. Besides, the central government needs to be extremely cautious property to them. women who do not follow transwomen and dalit Manu inside them and World Cup in Australia, then about the diplomatic missiles it may face regarding oppression of Similarly, Manu advises this ritual. disabled persons are burn him down in order Samson is a man for Mission 2020. minorities within its own quarters. It may not be a bad idea for the gov- upper-caste men to guard The value of a woman excluded from the move- to embrace Ambedkar. N. Mahadevan ernment to ink its New Year resolutions in this direction, unless, of their women closely so is determined by her ment. Dalit ideologues Chennai course, it is opposed to these as being non-Indian. that no other man plants caste purity. Dalit wom- have distorted The writer teaches at his seed in their en do not have value on a Ambedkar by portraying the Tata Institute of The writer is a journalist with specialisation in communication studies wife/woman in order to par with brahmin wo- his aim to fight caste Social Sciences, Mail your letters to and nuclear diplomacy. She is the author of four books. ensure purity and conti- men, and are assaulted only in isolation. In fact, Hyderabad [email protected]

FM Nirmala’s swansong? Start small in Feb irmala Sitharaman’s Budget he Congress in Delhi plans to Nspeech on February 1 may well Brace for a ‘pathbreaking’ Budget Tfocus on a dozen odd seats to be her farewell speech as finance make the best use of its resources minister. She may have to take the mobile number. The idea of privacy Reshuffle time blues of books, from language to genre to and talent. In the grand old party’s fall for the economy’s nosedive. The weighs several notches less than the M Modi is set to reshuffle his cabi- hardbound/paperback, poses a scheme of things, it has a chance to impression the economists, industri- fear of being snooped upon. While Pnet before the Budget Session. The challenge. Often, a VIP and staff are repeat its 2013 Delhi state Assembly alists and policy planners got in there has been no law or directive PMO is conducting ministry-wise on the same page: a bouquet costing performance when it won eight seats their meetings with Prime Minister from ministry of home affairs, appraisals of the work done by each over `1,000 settles such dilemmas. and had joined with the AAP’s 28 Narendra Modi was that he was now except for the routine inquiry on ministry. There is near-panic and Flowers, therefore, continue to seats. The party hopes to position the man in charge. Budget 2020 will why a private mobile number is anxiety among ministers who have score over books. itself as a challenger to the BJP on bear his touches and can be expected sought, many leading lights from the reportedly been asked to make a brief grounds of its direct opposition to to be pathbreaking. Sources have it Opposition have given it up. presentation before the PM. Some Needed, sarkari rappers the CAA-NRC. the PM is aware this is a make-or- senior ministers who are reasonably break moment for the economy and ‘Undisciplined’ Kanhaiya sure of retaining their portfolio have he BJP and the Sangh Parivar is Judging Padukone can’t be left to bureaucrats anymore. a task. They are expected to tell the Tsaid to be rattled by the anti- It is on the cards that Nirmala will he Communist Party of India PM how they intend to fulfill promis- CAA-NRC stirs. Its internal feedback eepika Padukone’s presence at be shunted out after she presents the Tleadership is reportedly dis- es and generate new ideas. is that slogans like azaadi from Dthe JNU stir enthused many. In Budget on February 1. turbed with Kanhaiya Kumar's poverty, unemployment, hate and Bollywood, some were not surprised behaviour. Being a great orator he The PM prefers books dictatorship are not being received by the actress’ posturing and Better than ‘privacy’ has infused the party with fresh By WAQYANAWIS negatively. The successful use of courage of conviction. However, energy, but at the same time his he practice of offering bouquets Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poetry and rap- some veterans were not so confident. t was most desired and the ulti- indiscipline and irreverence Tat official meetings and cour- ping need a counter-narrative. So a They claim that there were similar Imate status symbol in Lutyens’ towards CPI bigwigs is irking the party was aggrieved because Kumar tesy calls is showing no sign of search is on for appropriate poetry expectations from Deepika when the Delhi — the private mobile number leadership. Recently, Kanhaiya was did not, despite orders, visit decline even though PM Modi has and rappers to counter the pro-JNU #MeToo movement had gained that is hidden from others on calling. reportedly pulled up for not obeying Jharkhand during the recent been advising others to present and anti-CAA-NRC narrative. The momentum. Deepika chose to No longer. More and more politi- party diktats. Apparently each time Assembly poll. When he was pulled books instead of flowers. Senior idea is to use these rappers in met- remain silent. cians (mostly non-NDA), media the party sends Kumar to a function, up, Kumar simply it shrugged off bureaucrats say most ministers ros, trains, university campus and moguls, business tycoons and others he excuses himself saying he has a and said, “I am young and still have find bouquets appropriate in terms shopping malls to whip up national- The writer is a keen observer of the are surrendering their private prior speaking commitment. The to learn party discipline!”. of protocol and class. The selection ist emotions. goings-on in backrooms of power

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NICHE WORRYING HASHTAGIFICATION PAGE Dealing with fears by worrying The process of turning a word Oped 9 about one thing at a time or phrase into a hashtag DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY | 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI

Dilip Honour Gandhi for message, not publicity Cherian Remembering Gandhi our Constitution. Gandhiji Millia Islamia university, demonising those who oppose Dilli Ka on his 150th birth never reconciled himself to where even the library was it. Its refrain is that anyone the fact of Partition, but even vandalised and students mer- who doesn’t agree with it is a Babu anniversary is if he reluctantly accepted it, cilessly beaten. Paki stooge, or should be ban- Pavan K. Varma something a grateful he was emphatic that India, On January 5, JNU saw the ished to Pakistan. All those nation should do. But unlike Pakistan, would not worst example of organised who differ from the party are remembering him become a bigoted religious violence by goons against stu- ipso facto anti-national. They IPS WARS theocracy, and would dents and faculty members. are peddlers of fake news. Chanakya’s View through official embrace all the religions As the nation — and the Only the BJP has a monopoly IN UP publicity, while simul- which have over millennium world — watched in horror, on what is good for the taneously demolishing found a home here. these goons, armed with nation. Such an attitude has rather ugly war has bro- ast week, I worldview is directly opposed everything he stood Moreover, the NRC will par- stones and lathis and metal put an end to the possibility ken out in the higher saw a brilliant to this vision. Its leaders, for, is a cruel joke. ticularly work towards the clubs, reminiscent of the Klu of a civilised discourse which Aechelons of the UP and evocative spokespersons, and affiliated harassment of the margin- Klux Clan, went on the ram- is an inalienable adornment police. Senior IPS officer and documentary organisations talk openly and alised and vulnerable who page inside the precincts of of a democracy, and which Noida police chief Vaibhav on Mahatma repeatedly about the Hindu bukam (For the big hearted, will have to produce the docu- one of India’s foremost uni- Gandhiji set great store by. Krishna has alleged murky Gandhi, called rashtra; and, they look upon the entire world is our fami- mentation to prove their citi- versities in the capital of the Remembering Gandhiji on dealings in the transfer and Ahimsa. It has minorities, especially ly). Adi Shankaracharya zenship. This would be yet Republic. A police inquiry his 150th birth anniversary is posting of police officers in the been made by Muslims, as derivatives on audaciously declared that the another repudiation of the has been ordered to establish something a grateful nation state. In a written complaint to Ramesh Sharma, the award- sufferance in a nation where only reality is the all-pervad- Mahatma, who fought for their identity, but there should do. But remembering the director-general of police Lwinning filmmaker. The film only Hindus have a monop- ing cosmic consciousness of their rights tirelessly. appears to be enough evi- him through official publici- and state home secretary, Mr brought tears to my eyes. A oly. Brahman, and all other man- Secondly, ahimsa or non- dence — although I am will- ty, while simultaneously Krishna claimed that huge thought that struck me after- This exclusionist view of made differentiations have violence was an article of ing to be corrected by con- demolishing everything he sums of money exchanged wards is that, while the the BJP militates directly little ontological value. faith for Gandhiji. The abhor- crete facts to the contrary — believed and stood for, is a hands in the transfer and post- Central government is com- against the most cherished The communal venom that rent violence inherent in acts that these were right-wing cruel joke. Ultimately, ings of SHOs and district police memorating with great fan- tenets of Hinduism itself. It is BJP leaders often spout, of lynching — and that too in thugs who wanted to teach Gandhiji wanted a united chiefs in the state. fare the 150th birth anniver- important to emphasise this including the valorisation of the name of protecting the “left oriented anti-nation- India, where people of all Expectedly, this has set off a sary of Gandhiji, the BJP is because the Mahatma, while Godse, the man who killed Hinduism — would have al” students of JNU a lesson. faiths can live with respect furore among the cops. A few doing everything, directly or extracting the best from all the Mahatma, and the brittle deeply pained him. Most The police, through its inex- and equality, and in which months back, the Noida police indirectly, to demolish the religions, especially drew and false definition of recently, he would have been plicable inaction, became an social peace and harmony had arrested three journalists legacy and message of the inspiration from Hinduism’s Hinduism aggressively prop- appalled at the statement of accessory to this crime, as did prevails, for that alone can and some others who, it was Mahatma. Consider the fol- eclectic foundations. The agated by their followers, UP CM Yogi Adityanath that the JNU administration and ensure a happy and prosper- alleged, used to facilitate trans- lowing. revered Upanishads state: would have been anathema to he would take badla or the university’s security ous India. That was his Ram fers and postings in exchange The Mahatma laid the great- Ekam satya, bipraha bahud- Gandhiji. He would have revenge against those protest- apparatus. Rajya. Until the BJP under- for huge sums of money. It was est stress on inter-faith har- ha vadanthi (The truth is one, been appalled at the CAA- ing the CAA. Undoubtedly, Finally, Gandhiji was the stands this basic, unalterable, also alleged that these mony, and respect for all the wise people call it by dif- NRC scheme, which seeks to violence by the protesters quintessential democrat. He and non-negotiable aspect of “journos” were conduits for faiths. He was a pious Hindu, ferent names). Our ancient institutionalise religious was wrong too. But the dis- believed that dissent is a vital Gandhiji, and acts upon it, all some senior police officers. but he was, in thought and scriptures have emphasised: division and target one com- proportionate use of force by part of a democracy, as is the its lip service to the Mahatma Curiously, Mr Krishna him- action, a man who envisaged Anno bhadraha kritvo yantu munity in particular, thereby the police in UP, and their right to protest. He was a firm will remain just that. self has been controversial for an inclusive India, where all vishwataha (Let good militating directly against reportedly communal bias, believer in the efficacy of dia- some alleged “sex chat” videos Indians, irrespective of their thoughts come to us from all the plural, composite and makes a mockery of the prin- logue, where disagreement The writer, an author and that went viral. He has accused faith, would enjoy equality directions). It was our sages inclusionist vision for which ciples of the Mahatma. The did not entitle you to hate or former diplomat, is a member IPS officers who bore a grudge and be a part of the national who proclaimed: Udar chari- Gandhiji lived and died for, police used the same kind of demean the other side. On the of the JD(U). The views against him for trying to tar- mainstream. The BJP’s tanam vasudhaiva kutum- and which is enshrined in vicious violence in Jamia contrary, the BJP believes in expressed are personal. nish his image. Now the cry has gone out that the Yogi Adityanath govern- ment should institute a CBI probe into the transfer-posting racket. ‘The attack on JNU was barbaric in the least’ AIR INDIA two are from the ruling party order suspending the How are you so sure that and it clearly indicates that Internet issued under the sus- the Congress will do well? BLUES Sandeep Dikshit people who are victims of the pension rules must adhere to In the last Assembly elec- incident — they have been the principle of proportionali- tions you got zero seats? he recent roadshows held named as accused. What we ty and must not exceed in Singapore and London have seen in the police report, beyond the necessary dura- That was a different election Tto gauge investor interest what we have seen in the tion. The Supreme Court in and the two elections cannot in the debt-ridden national car- investigation: the police’s its order clearly states that be compared. This time rier Air India have received a investigation is clearly influ- freedom of speech and expres- round people have seen what lukewarm response. But it is Q&A enced by the ruling party, by sion and freedom to practice they voted for. We have new unlikely to change the govern- the government, by the home any profession or carry on state unit president, the party ment’s plan to privatise the air- The national capital has minister and people around any trade, business or occu- is on the move, our cadres at line. Union minister for civil — 40-50 persons — masked pation over the medium of the booth level are energised. aviation Hardeep Puri remains been engulfed in protests people — with lathis, rods the Internet enjoys constitu- There is a huge rush of optimistic even though similar over the last couple of and weapons, they entered tional protection. Hence, we candidates seeking tickets efforts in 2018, when the gov- weeks, and with state the JNU campus, they beat up welcome this order. from the Congress because ernment offered to sell a 76 per the students, they created a people know that the party cent stake in the airline, met Assembly elections mess in JNU and then very The Delhi Assembly elec- will come to power. We as a with a similar fate. round the corner, the easily they are coming out in tions are round the corner. party are going to people In the meantime, Air India Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit front of the police, in front of How do you see the telling them about the false chairman and managing direc- political temperature has the eyes of Delhi police and chances of your party? promises that were made to tor, Ashwini Lohani, surpris- also risen. Congress protesters is perhaps the persecuted in their nations” the police has so far not been them. ingly, took to Facebook to leader and former Delhi highest in the country. All would get the benefit of eased able to identify such masked The ruling AAP has thor- remind us that the airline this has been happening norms of citizenship. This people. It is a matter of shame oughly exposed itself. It is What has the Congress got needs to survive until it is sold. Lok Sabha MP because a discriminatory law line would have given bene- — that’s the least I can say. nothing but a big PR exercise to offer to people in this Mr Lohani is a trusted public Sandeep Dikshit spoke was passed and people were fits to all minorities in neigh- going on and on and on. It has election? servant who has been working with Ashhar Khan apprehensive and wanting bouring countries and The Supreme Court has not carried out any original on initiatives to narrow down the government to reconsider excluded others. said that suspension of developmental work. Instead, The number of hospitals, the carrier’s staggering debt. A on these issues. its decision. Instead of listen- Internet services in it has only inaugurated the schools, flyovers we built far former railway board chair- The last couple of days ing to the people or the stu- There has been violence in Jammu and Kashmir can- projects that were started at outshine anything the AAP man and now in his second have seen protests not only dents, it went ahead. So you JNU also. But the Delhi not be indefinite. How do the time of the previous gov- has done. We will ensure that stint as Air India chief, Mr in New Delhi but across the can see for yourself: college police has named the uni- you see this step, especially ernment. Just show me one the pollution levels come Lohani has often used social country. In fact you were campuses across the country versity’s students’ union with regard to Jammu and new road or flyover they have down, which is one of the media platforms to connect also a part of one of these are abuzz. I also joined one leader too, who was Kashmir? built in the last five years. most important things affect- with employees as well as the protests in New Delhi. Do such protest but I was also injured. Your comments? They talk about Delhi govern- ing the lives of everybody. public. In the post, Mr Lohani you think that the govern- picked up but released subse- If we go with global indica- ment schools: Schools of the The people of the city know said that expecting a radical ment should reach out? quently. But what is alarming The attack on JNU was bar- tors, perhaps India will be Delhi government have that the Congress has fulfilled turnaround would be impracti- is that this government has baric to say the least. I hold amongst the top countries always been good — if you its promises earlier and it can cal. But the message is clear: As is evident, this govern- shown no inclination or will- the administration of JNU where Internet shutdowns just look at the record of the do the same now. All the Selling the carrier is the only ment does not want to talk to ingness to reach out or have completely responsible for keep happening all the time. previous Congress govern- claims being made by the way it can survive. or engage with anybody. We discussions with protesters. this attack. Also, when the Also, the blatant use of sec- ments of the state it will be AAP in the areas of education have seen that they brought a Hence, the protests are going attack was going on, what tion 144 to keep the protesters clear to you. As far as the BJP and health are hugely exag- law that was unacceptable to on. Hope this government lis- was Delhi police doing? We away is being used indiscrim- is concerned, it has got noth- gerated and we will expose many people. When they tens and better sense prevails had seen Delhi police moving inately. In UP there was no ing to offer — absolutely them. MEA protested, mainly students, on it. around with alacrity when Internet in several cities as it nothing. There is major they were brutally lath- The demand of people like they were beating up stu- was shut down by the govern- infighting amongst the lead- Since you are so confident, MOVEMENTS icharged by the police. The us opposing the current CAA dents and protesters earlier. ment. Now the issue here is ers of the Delhi BJP. The only does the party have a chief police entered university is very simple — rather than The press conference by that several businesses and thing they are hoping for is ministerial candidate in he appointment of Harsh campuses — in New Delhi identifying religions of peo- Delhi police on Friday essential services are run on polarisation so that they can mind? Vardhan Shringla as they entered and smashed the ple, which is against the spir- evening was even more the Internet. So you cannot go ahead with their divisive TIndia’s new foreign secre- library of Jamia Millia it and nature of our shocking — their report of have a perpetual lockdown. politics. So the Congress will Well, you know very well tary precedes other changes in Islamia. Similarly, in Aligarh Constitution and the values investigation of the June 6 Similarly, in Jammu and surely be in a position to form that in our party it is the the ministry of external affairs also, police excesses are well of the freedom movement, the JNU incident — it is a shoddy Kashmir also the shutdown a government. The results elected MLAs who elect their (MEA). There are many vacan- known and for all for see. The act could have just stated “all investigation to say the least cannot be in perpetuity. The will surprise everybody. leader when there is no sit- cies in India’s foreign missions death toll in Uttar Pradesh of people who are religiously because out of nine people, court has also said that any ting chief minister seeking and some key ones that will be up for grabs in 2020. These appointments were on hold while the government took its time to announce Mr Shri- he Citizenship Amendment minister Amit Shah who has it is quite revealing. When it possible and perhaps likely that ngla’s name. Now, sources, Act has been notified and approved this reversal of justice. became clear that the protests were Donald Trump will not win re-elec- say, the decks have been clea- has become effective. The When Jammu and Kashmir was not going away, Mr Modi tried to tion and it will be a Democrat who red for other appointments. Tprotests against it around dismembered and there was (as put a pause on them by saying that a will win America’s presidency In the coming months, top the country have made no differ- there remains) an even greater nationwide NRC had not been dis- later this year. If you look at the positions in London, Wash- Aakar ence to the strong posture of the presence of India’s security forces cussed. He chose not to say that it list of their candidates, it is hard to ington, Kathmandu, Colombo, government in favour of it. The on the city streets, I had asked a would not happen. This did not find even one who will be friendly Ankara and the permanent Patel fact that it may be seen as a law local journalist what the strategy bring comfort to those who were to Mr Modi or an India that is bru- mission of India in New York that is internationally indefensible from New Delhi was. He said that worried over a nationwide action talising its own minorities. will become vacant due to the and that India’s foreign minister there did not appear to be anything similar to that of Assam. However, What happens then? At the respective envoys completing ran away from a meeting with a US new, but the instruction for the the Prime Minister is not going to moment, the government thinks it their tenures or retiring from Congresswoman who would grill administration from National let it go because it is coming from an has control over what is going on. service. Both Pakistan and him on it also has made no differ- Security Adviser Ajit Doval was to ideological belief and not any sense In UP, the police have murdered Canada are without envoys; ence to the government. Yes, the “be strict, be very strict” with of political strategy or specific poli- over a dozen Muslim protesters Ajay Bisaria was sent back by law has been challenged in the locals. This is indeed what has cy. He appears willing to absorb while the Supreme Court is con- Islamabad and Vikas Swarup Supreme Court but unfortunately come to be. The state’s leadership some damage in India’s internation- cerned about damage to public is back in the MEA. the experience of the Emergency, is in jail without charge or without al reputation (I am quite sure that property. From JNU to Kashmir Interestingly, Mr Shringla the Ayodhya judgment and the a crime, the citizens are pretty foreign minister Subrahmanyam and elsewhere, Mr Modi is insist- caps a sterling career and will Modi govt Kashmir issue shows us that it is much in jail to, with restricted Jaishankar would not have run ing on the rights of his government be superseding three foreign easy for our judges to be aligned movement, no right to peaceful away from that meeting without the over the rights of Indian citizens. service officers: Ruchi with the government. assembly, no access to communica- specific approval of the Prime And he is doing so out of a sense of Ghanashyam (1982), who is won’t back off In the matter of Jawaharlal tions and, as has been the case for Minister) in order to further the ide- anger and vengeance, which is not currently the Indian high com- Nehru University, what the nation many decades in that state, armed ology. only not in keeping with leader- missioner to the UK, Rajeev saw was visuals of an assault on forces outside their door constant- This puts us in dangerous territo- ship, particularly of a large democ- Chander (1983), the Indian young women, particularly the ly. All this has not been accompa- ry for the rest of the year. From the racy, but also dangerous. envoy to the permanent mis- on CAA, NRC leader of the students association. nied by any words or actions that first of April, the Narendra Modi The good thing is that he has sion of India to the UN in Justice was being demanded for provide reassurance that the government will send officials to absolutely no opposition inside his Geneva, and Amita Nair (1983), them. What has happened instead future will look any different for all homes seeking details under the government to be concerned about. who is India’s ambassador to is that the police has named her as Kashmiris. National Population Register, the All 300-plus Lok Sabha MPs line up Chile. the culprit while more or less giv- What we can understand from the first step of the National Register and applaud anything he says and Mr Shringla will take over for ing a clean chit to the assailants. above is that there is a pattern to the of Citizens. When the threat of does. The Supreme Court, as we his fixed two-year tenure after The police is theoretically indepen- way in which the issues of greatest being robbed of their citizenship have seen, need not be worried Vijay Gokhale retires next dent of the administration, but this concern to Indians and the world and freedom comes to the doors of about. It is going to be a rough and month and has a big job cut out is not true even in theory any watching India are being managed millions of already persecuted brutal 2020 for India as its govern- for him. longer. The police will do what the by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. individuals, the reaction will be ment pushes on with its ideological government tells them to do and And that pattern is that they will even stronger than the one we are agenda, and the citizens do whatev- Love them, hate them since Delhi police is controlled not not back down from pushing ahead currently seeing on the streets. er they can to protect themselves. ignore them at national peril, by the local government of Arvind with their ideology. If we notice And as their trauma becomes clear is the babu guarantee and Kejriwal but the Union govern- what has been said by Mr Modi and and is made visible, which it will, Aakar Patel is a writer Dilip’s belief. Share ment of Narendra Modi, it is home Mr Shah on the issue of citizenship, the world will not stand aside. It is and columnist significant babu escapades [email protected] Seeking Justice PAGE Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seeks justice 10 for crash victims’ families World DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY | 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI Ukraine talks tough, wants punishment Pay compensation for ‘disastrous mistake, says Zelensky. Iran should have closed airport, says UIA It is vital that all Kiev, Jan. 11: Ukraine on I emphatically advise leaders now pursue a Saturday demanded that the general headquar- Iran punish those guilty ters (of the armed forces) to diplomatic way for the downing of a follow up on shortcomings Ukrainian airliner and forward. compensate victims while to ensure this kind of error — Boris Johnson praising Tehran for coop- does not happen again. British Prime Minister on the erating with an “objec- — AYATOLLAH ALI Ukrainian jet crash tive” investigation. KHAMENEI “We expect Iran... to Iran’s supreme leader bring the guilty to the courts,” Ukrainian Armed Forces’ internal President Volodomyr A woman lays IN BRIEF Zelensky wrote on investigation has con- cluded that regrettably mis- flowers at a Facebook, calling also for memorial of the “payment of compen- siles fired due to human 2 US troops killed the flight crew sation” and the return of error caused the horrific remains. crash of the Ukrainian plane members of in Afghan blast the Ukrainian Iran’s President Hassan & death of 176 innocent Kabul: Two US service members Rouhani said Tehran 737-800 plane people. Investigations con- that crashed were killed and two injured when “deeply regrets this disas- tinue to identify & prosecute their vehicle was hit by a roadside trous mistake”. on the out- bomb in southern Afghanistan, the Tehran has invited the this great tragedy & unfor- skirts of US military said in a statement United States, Ukraine, givable mistake. Tehran, at Saturday. Canada and others to join — HASSAN ROUHANI Borispil inter- In keeping with defense depart- the crash investigation. Iran President national air- ment rules, the US military did not Kiev said that Iran had port, in Kiev on identify the service members. The cooperated with its ■ German Chancellor Saturday. Taliban immediately took responsi- experts and it expects an — AP bility for the attack. Qari Yusouf objective probe. Angela Merkel met Russian Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, said Tehran has handed President Vladimir Putin at it occurred in the southern Ukrainian experts enough the Kremlin on Saturday for Kandahar province. More than data including “all the talks set to focus on flash- 2,400 US service members have photos, videos and other points in the Middle East. been killed in Afghanistan. Last materials” to show the Germany and Russia said year was one of the deadliest for investigation “will be car- ahead of the talks that they the United States, even as ried out objectively and Washington engaged in peace talks promptly”, Zelensky’s would cover the confronta- with the Taliban. The latest attack office said. “The political tion between Washington seemed certain to stall fresh efforts part of the work is fin- and Tehran. to restart the on-again, off-again ished,” it added. peace talks between Washington It published photos of should have closed the air- and the Taliban. US peace envoy experts examining the port due to the escalation Zalmay Khalilzad has been pressing scene and close-ups of of regional tensions fol- the insurgents to agree to a cease- holes in the fuselage and lowing the US assassina- U.S. TRIED TO TAKE fire or at least reduce violent shrapnel damage. tion of a top Iranian gen- attacks. Earlier, both NATO and Ukraine said Friday its eral. “It’s absolutely irre- World demands a full account OUT ANOTHER Afghan officials had confirmed a experts dispatched to Iran sponsible,” Sosnovsky roadside bomb hit a US army vehi- had been granted access to said, accusing Iran of fail- Paris, Jan. 11: Iran said ■ CONFRONTED BY persistent questions tion,” Parly told France IRANIAN LEADER cle Saturday, without mentioning the flight’s black boxes, ing to protect ordinary cit- Saturday it had uninten- Inter radio. casualties. In a short statement, a debris from the plane, the izens while “playing at tionally shot down the about his military action in the Middle East, German Foreign Washington, Jan. 11: NATO spokesman said that officials crash site and to record- war”. “They were obliged Ukrainian airliner that President Donald Trump and his top officials Minister Heiko Maas said, The US military tried, but were still “assessing the situation ings of conversations to close the airport. crashed this week outside offered a string of fresh explanations, with “It ias important that Iran failed, to take out another and will provide more information between the pilot and the Obliged! Then shoot as Tehran killing 176 people, Trump now contending Iranian militants had brings clarity to this senior Iranian command- as it became available.” An official airport control tower. much as you like.” calling it an “unforgivable issue.” er on the same day that an said the attack had taken place in Oleksiy Danilov, the sec- Iran said a missile opera- mistake”. planned major attacks on four US “Now Tehran needs to American airstrike killed Dand district of Kandahar province. retary of Ukraine’s tor shot down the Boeing The statement sparked embassies. Trump gave a worrisome num- draw the right conse- the Revolutionary national security and 737 after mistaking it for a some relief that at least ber but no specifics. quences in the continued Guard’s top general, US defence council which is cruise missile at a time the immediate cause of appraisal of this dreadful officials said. coordinating the probe, when threats were at the the disaster would not be Trudeau’s office said in a that Iran will continue to catastrophe, and take The officials said a mili- said Kiev did not yet have highest level. concealed amid interna- statement. cooperate fully and under- measures to ensure that tary airstrike targeted evidence on where the Many in Kiev have com- tional calls for a full Iran must “learn les- take a comprehensive and something like this can- Abdul Reza Shahlai, a missile was produced, pared the crash to the 2014 accounting and compen- sons” from the disaster, transparent investigation, not happen again,” Mass high-ranking commander only that it was “launched downing of Malaysian sation for the victims. the chairman of the which should abide by told Funke media. in Iran’s Islamic from Iranian soil”. Airlines MH17 killing 298 Canadian Prime Russian parliament’s for- international standards, Swedish Prime Minister Republican Guard Corps Zelensky said earlier people over eastern Minister Justin Trudeau, eign affairs committee into how this tragedy Stefan Lofven said the but the mission was not that Ukraine hoped the Ukraine where pro- with the country mourn- said. occurred.” “act should be condemned successful. The officials inquiry would be pursued Russian separatists are ing the loss of so many “If decryption of the French Defence and Iran should assume spoke on condition of “without deliberate delay fighting government citizens, said closure and black boxes and the work Minister Florence Parly all responsibility, includ- anonymity in order to dis- and without obstruction”. forces. accountability were need- of the investigation do not said it was “important to ing for the all persons cuss a classified mission. Ghosn: Japan He urged “total access” “Iran has shown itself to ed after Iran’s announce- prove that the Iranian seize this moment to give affected”. “Iran said the Officials said both Iranian for the 45 Ukrainian be more civilised than ment. army did this intentional- space to discussions and plane was shot down in Gen. Qassem Soleimani seeks Interpol help experts, and in a tweet Russia,” pro-western He demanded “trans- ly, and there are no logical negotiations” on the Iran error. This declaration and Shahlai were on also sought an “official Ukraine MP Volodymyr parency, and justice for reasons for this, the inci- nuclear deal. “The lessons constitutes the basis for a approved military target- Tokyo: Japanese authorities have apology”. Ariev wrote on Facebook. the families and loved dent must be closed.” that we should learn from complete and transparent ing lists, which indicates requested the International UIA vice-president Igor “Tehran has admitted its ones of the victims”. A European Union state- the dramatic sequence of investigation which a deliberate effort by the Criminal Police Organisation for Sosnovsky told a news guilt in three days while “This is a national ment said the bloc events that we have expe- should shed light on all US to cripple the leader- an Interpol wanted notice for the conference in Kiev on Russia continues to try to tragedy, and all Canadians deplored the event, rienced... is that we must the circumstances.” ship of Iran’s Quds force. wife of former Nissan Motor boss Saturday that Tehran get out of it.” — AFP are mourning together,” adding: “The EU expects put an end to this escala- — AFP — AP Carlos Ghosn, local media report- ed on Saturday. If the notice is issued for his wife, Carole, the couple’s travel chances outside of ‘Because of Macron’ Lebanon may be restricted, Pelosi ends impeachment standoff Mainichi newspaper said. Interpol has already issued an arrest war- rant for Ghosn. The request from To send articles of impeachment to Senate next week Japan was made on Thursday, Mainichi and other Japanese Washington, Jan. 11: her to quit delaying the media said, quoting unnamed Speaker Nancy Pelosi trial. Her decision to end TRAVEL sources. Officials at the Japanese said the House will take the showdown with justice ministry weren’t immedi- steps next week to trans- Senate Majority Leader ately available for comment. mit the articles of Mitch McConnell does BANTRAVEL Japanese prosecutors on Tuesday impeachment against not fully bring closure to issued an arrest warrant against President Donald the question of whether BDFLKFDAJ Ghosn’s wife for alleged perjury, Trump, ending a three- the Senate will consider as officials stepped up efforts to week standoff but con- new witnesses, as some Washington, Jan. 11: bring the fugitive car industry fronting the Senate with want, shifting pressure The White House is con- boss back to face trial on financial only the third trial in on senators to decide. sidering dramatically misconduct charges. U.S. history to remove a Trump swiftly sig- expanding its much-liti- chief executive. Nancy Pelosi nalled his intention of gated travel ban to addi- In a letter to her blocking any testimony tional countries amid a Democratic colleagues, choice: to be loyal to the from John Bolton, for- renewed election-year Pelosi said on Friday she President or the mer national security focus on immigration by NORTH KOREA was proud of their Constitution.” adviser who could be a President Donald “courage and patriot- The trial could begin wildcard witness in the Trump, according to six SETS TERMS ism” and warned that next week. The trial. Bolton has said he people familiar with the senators now have a Constitution gives the would appear before the deliberations. choice as they consider House the sole power to Senate if he received a A document outlining FOR TALKS the charges of abuse and impeach a president, but subpoena. the plans — timed to Seoul, Jan. 11: North Korea obstruction against the the Senate the ability to At the same time, a key coincide with the third said Saturday it had received president. “In an render a verdict when it centrist GOP Sen. Susan anniversary of Trump’s Donald Trump’s letter wishing impeachment trial, convenes as the Court of Collins of Maine January 2017 executive a happy birthday to leader Kim every Senator takes an Impeachment. announced Friday she order — has been circu- Jong Un, but warned it would oath to do ‘impartial jus- Pelosi was particularly was in discussions with lating the White House. only return to nuclear talks if Feminist activists perform the ‘Because of Macron’ choregraphy as they march during a tice according to the upbeat Friday as she other Republicans on a But the countries that Washington fully accepts its demonstration in Paris on Saturday, as part of a nationwide multi-sector strike against Constitution and laws’,” strode through the strategy that would would be affected if it demands. the French government’s pensions overhaul. — AFP Pelosi wrote. “Every Capitol, despite the allow the Senate to hear moves forward are The US president and Kim Senator now faces a mounting pressure on new testimony. — AP blacked out, according to have held three meetings since June 2018 but negotiations over denuclearisation have been ■ largely deadlocked since the DISCREET | MEDIATOR Qaboos’ cousin Haitham bin Tariq sworn in as new ruler of the nation breakup of a summit in Hanoi last February. Before the collapse of that meeting, Trump had said that he and Kim had an excellent Sultan who shielded Oman from region’s turmoil dead relationship — and had even “fallen in love”. Muscat, Jan. 11: Sultan children or brothers. ing tourism industry, Kim Kye Gwan, North Qaboos, the longest-reign- Sultan Qaboos was laid thanks to the country’s Korea’s foreign ministry advis- ing leader of the modern to rest at the royal ceme- crystal waters and scenic er, said on Saturday that Arab world, has died at the tery on Saturday after his mountain ranges. But it Trump’s congratulatory letter age of 79, the royal court coffin, draped in the was the sultan’s policy of to Kim had arrived in the iso- said Saturday. Omani flag, was driven neutrality and non-inter- lated state directly from the “With great sorrow and through the streets of the ference that elevated United States. deep sadness... the royal capital Muscat. Thousands Oman’s standing as a “As acknowledged by the court mourns His Majesty of people, including mem- “Switzerland of the world, it is true that the person- Sultan Qaboos bin Said, bers of the royal family, Middle East” and made al relations between (Kim Jong who passed away on were present for prayers at him an important go- Un) and President Trump are Friday,” the court said in a the main mosque which is between. Many experts not bad,” he said in a statement statement. Qaboos, who named after the sultan. had expected the throne to carried by the official KCNA has ruled since 1970 when His cousin Haitham bin Sultan Qaboos bin Said go to Asad bin Tariq, news agency. he deposed his father in a Tariq, the culture minister, another cousin, who was However, it would be “absent- palace coup, had been ill was sworn in shortly after speech which was aired appointed deputy prime minded” to expect Pyongyang for some time and had modern Oman’s founding live on state television. minister for international to resume dialogue because been believed to be suffer- father was laid to rest. “We Qaboos transformed the relations and cooperation of that warm personal ing from colon cancer. He will follow the path of the Arabian Peninsula nation affairs in 2017 in what was relationship, the statement left no apparent heir. He late sultan,” Haitham, 65, from a backwater into a seen as a clear message of Oman's newly sworn-in Sultan Haitham bin Tariq (right) carries the coffin of the late continued. was unmarried and had no said in his first public modern state with a thriv- support. — Agencies Sultan Qaboos to the royal family cemetary, in Muscat on Saturday — AFP Narendra Modi, Prime Minister FEATURES The strong absorbent capacity of the Indian economy OPINION o PAGE shows the strength of basic fundamentals of the REVIEWS ANALYSIS INTERVIEWS 360 11 Indian economy and its capacity to bounce back STORY BEHIND THE NEWS DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY | 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI Lofty promises, but TESTING TIMES AHEAD economy in freefall MADHUSUDAN SAHOO

ew Delhi, Jan 11: Ahead of the Union Budget 2020 on February 1, wish lists are said to have poured into the North Block from all quarters. Though Nthe Indian economy lost its sheen in 2019, the gov- ernment is hopeful that there will be an overhaul. With the new geopolitical tensions sparked off by the conflict between Iran and the United States looking all set to impact us, the Narendra Modi government is still confident that FOR INDIA, GOVT India will meet its lofty financial goals and achieve a $5 tril- lion economy by 2024. The big question is, will measures taken mid-to-late 2019 reverse the current downtrend? There is absolutely no doubt that the economy is going through a tough phase. The GDP growth rate for July- September quarter came down to 4.5 per cent – the lowest in six years. Growth during 2019-20 is pegged at only five per cent as compared to 6.8 per cent in the year-ago period. Sensing the slowdown last year, the government had taken several measures. They included a merger of major public-sector banks, an affordable housing package, an automated electronic refund system and annual mega- shopping festivals. These were expected to boost demand and consumption across sectors. However, critics have questioned finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ambitious infra agenda — projects worth `102 lakh crore of infra projects to be implemented by 2024-25. It puts central funding at `8 lakh crore a year which is a tall order. “The total budgeted capex of Centre in 2019- 20 is `2.35 lakh crore. IN A NUTSHELL Close to a 300 per cent ■ hike in capital expendi- What drives ture is needed in 2020- economic growth: 21,” an expert averred. GDP, inflation, rupee On financial measures movement, exports, recently taken, former imports, industrial chief statistician and senior economist production, FDI flow, Pronab Sen said, “These job creation, fiscal are not addressing the math issue directly. For ■ What caused instance, the corporate the slowdown: tax cut does not address demand and consump- Consumer’s confi- tion at all. It may encour- dence in production, age India Inc., but the consumption, demand focus should be on con- as well as other eco- sumption, mostly in nomic parameters that rural sectors.” nosedived last year Economists believe strategy in Bihar, the one that economy grows ■ Measures taken FACED WITH TWO CRUCIAL thing which is clear is that mostly on exports, FDI by the government: CAA/NRC are going to be flows and taming the Merger of major pub- the main issue for both BJP rupee. “As far as exports lic-sector banks, STATE ELECTIONS, and Trinamul Congress are concerned, the roots when West Bengal goes to of problem lie in the fact affordable housing THE MODI GOVERNMENT polls in 2021, the political the rupee has been package, automated temperatures for which allowed to appreciate. It electronic refund sys- IS IN A DILEMMA ON would start rising by the had appreciated strongly tem, annual mega- end of this year. over past couple of shopping festivals The Bengal elections which years. It is time now to ■ WHETHER OR NOT TO STAND many say Mr Shah has arrest the rupee move- Economists suggest: turned into a personal battle ment,” Sen said. At the moment, the FIRM ON CAA AND NRC will see a highly polarised Asked about the gov- sensible thing to do is atmosphere and it remains to ernment’s confidence to relax the fiscal SREEPARNA been maintaining that NRC be seen whether it would that the effects of its deficit target and not CHAKRABARTY would follow the CAA. The benefit the BJP or not. measures were set to get worry so much about home minister’s stand has The other significant reflected by the second ew Delhi, Jan though been subdued since political development to half of 2020 despite a it. Focus the demand 11: The politi- the PM made his statement. watch out for would be the global slowdown, he on the lower end of cal slugfest Delhi would go to polls on BJP’s relationship with its said, “This is the govern- the society, and most- and social Feb 8 and the results would NDA partners. The party ment’s reading, and that ly in rural sectors. ramifications be out on Feb 11. has already lost crucial is my worry. As far as of the passage The BJP has on its part allies Shiv Sena in recovery is concerned, it Nof the Citizenship decided to launch a country- CAA/NRC debate to sway posed NRC in all fora even bined with the people Maharashtra and ran into may or may not happen in the near future.” Amendment Bill and the wide outreach campaign on the electorate of Jharkhand going to the extent of giving protesting on the streets has trouble with another one In what can potentially hurt the math for the ongoing fis- proposed National Regis- CAA to be spearheaded by where the BJP lost badly TV interviews arguing rattled the ruling party so the AJSU in Jharkhand cal, strategic divestments of the government is learnt to trar of Citizens has set the none other than Mr Shah. that has possibly led to a against it. much that PM Modi has both of which cost it state have faced a challenge. “Strategic divestments in Air India, political agenda as far as For a party known to play realisation of the need to That he has a hold on the come out and openly governments in both states. BPCL and Container Corporation — among which BPCL 2020 is concerned. the Hindutva card to the slow down in the matter agenda to be set was clear blamed the Opposition for The next flashpoint could alone can fetch the government over `60,000 crore if it were With the Opposition on a hilt, this in itself is being within the party. when both Mr Kumar and fanning the agitation and be Bihar with JD(U) already to sell its entire 53 per cent stake — are unlikely to be com- high following the losses seen to be a tacit acceptance Unlike in the past, the Mr Kejriwal declared that has gone to the extent of flexing muscles and pleted in FY20. Similarly, on Container Corporation and Air suffered by the Modi-Shah that it miscalculated the Opposition has been quick there would no NRC in their accusing the Opposition of Prashant Kishor having India as well,” a senior government official said. juggernaut in Maharashtra gamble of CAA/NRC after to move in this time in both states, this after the Nitish speaking in the language of gone to the extent of saying The finance ministry has budgeted to garner `1.05 lakh and Jharkhand last year, it the success of implement- states. While chief political Kumar-led JD(U) had sup- Pakistan. that the JD(U) should fight crore from divestments this fiscal. It has already breached remains to be seen whether ing its other key agendas protagonists of Delhi and ported the CAA in The Opposition parties on more seats than BJP. the budgeted fiscal deficit gap and the extent of the gap the BJP wants to milk the like abrogation of Article Bihar, namely chief minis- Parliament. their part are using the Not only allies, but friend- stands at 115 per cent with four months to go. CAA/NRC issue by creating 370 in Kashmir and the ban ters Arvind Kejriwal and Not only Bihar and Delhi, mobilisation to reap benefits ly parties like BJD and the “This is not the time to worry about the fiscal situation. a polarised electorate or on Triple Talaq. Nitish Kumar have perti- but state after state, special- at the same time pursuing a Y.S.R. Congress which have There is no fiscal intervention unless the demands pick up. wants to stay clear of it Though mass student nently remained aloof ly in the South have policy of keeping issues local voted in favour of the CAA The economy may not show a satisfactory sign of recovery faced with the mammoth mobilisation and from the debate, opposed the NRC and said during state elections—a in Parliament have said in 2020. At the moment, the sensible thing is to relax the fis- protests by students and large-scale protests Prashant Kishor that they would not imple- strategy which has paid divi- they would not bring in the cal deficit target, not worry so much about it and focus the civil society. by all sections in whose IPAC is ment it in their states. dends in both Maharashtra NRC if and when it is demand on the lower end of the society,” Sen said. Faced with two crucial major cities like handling the Though Kerala Assembly and Jharkhand. brought in. The country’s economy shattered due to several reasons. state elections — those of Delhi, Mumbai, election cam- has gone to the extent of Delhi chief minister This coupled with the Banks struggled with a load of bad loans among the biggest Delhi and Bihar — this year, Hyderabad paigns of passing a resolution against Arvind Kejriwal has also open rebellion of states run in the world. Overextended traditional lenders gave way to the Modi government and Bengal- both these it, most other ruling parties tried to keep it that way by Opposition parties in the shadow banks. One of the most prominent non-banking though for the first time uru seem to states has like the DMK in Tamil Nadu keeping the debate localised matter will be a deciding financial companies, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial seems to be in a dilemma on have taken been vocif- and TRS in Telangana have on Mohalla clinics, govern- factor in whether the BJP Services Ltd (IL&FS), defaulted on about `1 lakh crore last whether to stand firm on the govern- erously also said they would not ment schools and zero space across the states year, setting off a liquidity crisis. The other major default- these twin issues. While ment by opposing implement the NRC if it power and water bills. keeps shrinking despite its er is Dewan Housing Finance Corp. But Sen adds: Prime Minister Narendra surprise, it the CAA happens in their states. While it remains to be mammoth 303-seat majority “Farmers’ distress is where I feel it all begins and it really Modi has in a rally, ostensi- is the fail- and the The coming together of seen whether Mr Kumar in last year’s general starts from 2014. Then it gets worse after demonetisation." bly to kick off campaigning ure of the pro- the Opposition parties com- would deploy the same election. Madan Sabanavis, chief economist, CARE Ratings, seems for the Delhi Assembly polls to have a solution. “The RBI can do a couple of things. First, at the fag-end of last year, ■ The mass student mobilisation and ■ CMs of the two states headed for as an apex bank, it will have to ensure that banks are in a claimed that there is no pro- powerful position to lend and increase their long-term lend- posal for a countrywide protests in major cities have taken the polls, Nitish Kumar and Arvind ing. Second, it should go for a further round of rate cuts to NRC as of now, Amit Shah government by surprise Kejriwal have stayed aloof the tune of 25 basis points. Third, transmission of rate cuts. — his home minister – ■ The CAA-NRC issue failed to sway ■ Kishor, whose IPAC is handling The government can announce some sops in the form of and J.P. Nadda — his act- the electorate in Jharkhand both campaigns, has opposed CAA income tax waivers which will help increase household ing party president – have spending.” Great sporting moments in store this year R. MOHAN of his natural gifts as a golfer. more, that too in the game’s girl’s game was a revelation even If there was another suspense- ■ The leap year will begin with most unpredictable lottery of as it brought about a revolution he gripping suspense of ful 2019 tale remotely approach- the women’s T20 world champi- a format. in badminton with the ultimate sporting climaxes was ing this, it came in the question- onships, starting March 8 The focus of the sporting world Indian triumph in a world cham- accentuated in two able triumph of Team England ■ will indisputably be the pionship. Her silver gave way to great events of 2019. in the cricket World Cup. No one The men’s event will be in Olympics in Tokyo where clock- gold in the worlds much as her The first came in Tiger could quite make out how October-November like Japanese precision will be silver medal in the Olympics had TWoods winning his fifth US England was adjudged the win- ■ on display in the venues and con- galvanised a whole nation into The 2020 Summer Olympics Masters at Augusta, by a single ner, but the fact that Ben Stokes will begin in Tokyo on July 24 duct of the Games. The Tokyo following her fortunes with the stroke from three star golfers. was there at the deep end of a challenge will be the toughest avidity of Brazilian football fans. More than a tale of a great sport- pulsating day’s cricket in which and end on August 9 for India’s singular achiever of There will be more of that phe- ing comeback, this was a human the pendulum had swung so ■ Sports lovers also have the 2019 — the lanky P.V. Sindhu nomenon in 2020. saga of redemption even if the crazily it was easy enough to con- UEFA Euro 2020 and the four whose graceful reach in getting In another crowded sporting champion cannot strictly be con- clude there had never have been Grand Slams to look forward to to the shuttle was one of the year in the age of pro sport, sidered a better a human being a game quite like this in 44 years standout sporting images. With there should be heaps of laurels for having won the title. of cricket World Cups. And this year Indian women athletes, right for the American gymnast Tiger Woods was no Stokes was on the list of those from P.T. Usha who was famous Simone Biles, who is on the Muhammad Ali who stood up who had to make amends too for for having been there but not threshold of being crowned the against racial inequality in the personal indiscretions. quite there enough to win a greatest female gymnast as she USA. He was simply the world’s The Leap Year of 2020 lends medal in the 1984 Olympics, it attempts to become the first greatest golfer who had lost his itself very easily to be the year of be in October-November, with microcosm of life itself. five centuries before rebuilding was always a case of building up gymnast in more than half a moral compass. That he came T20 cricket and global events will the final again at one of world Skipper Virat Kohli and his a Test reputation — will bear the great hope but failing to bring century to win again as Olympic back to win despite the fallout of begin with the women’s T20 sport’s great venues in the deputy Rohit Sharma who had a brunt of massive expectations of about the fulfilment of a medal. champion. In a difficult time for his shenanigans and his back world championship, with the Melbourne Cricket Ground. fantastic 2019 — the former top a billion Indian cricket followers Sindhu broke the stereotype in sport with all the #MeToo float- and knee surgeries made this a final appropriately scheduled on There should be triumphs and scoring across three formats and in 2020. With seven years having her stellar demolition of an old ing around male coaches, she grand tribute to his perseverance International Women’s Day, heartbreak moments in a sport the latter hitting a purple patch gone by since India won an ICC nemesis in Nozomi Okuhara. had also stood up for those as much as it was a proclamation March 8. The men’s event too will that prides itself on being a in the World Cup (50 overs) with event, the pressures will be even The aggression in the Telangana wronged by men. French poet Raymond Queneau was attracted to mathematics as a source of inspiration. Along with François Le Lionnais, a chemical engi- PAGE neer by profession, he founded Oulipo, experiments in constrained writing 12 and a literary movement, in 1960, giving rise to important works. Books DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY | 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI A novel-in-stories Fondly remembering the world’s charts the secret life of a neighbourhood

Devapriya Roy last polymath review efore we begin, you must know where you are. t is surprising that J.B.S. [J.B.S.] Haldane’s pounded by Soviet agronomist honours in mathematics and the Sandwiched between two bustling bazaars in the Haldane, a genius in his illustrious and restless life Trofim Lysenko. He did so Greats (classics) but he later went south of Mumbai is a winding stretch of road, on to write papers in genetics lifetime, no longer enjoys a with all its brilliance, because the Soviet government Bbroken on the edges and pockmarked from years Ajith Pillai place in popular imagina- backed the scientist and it could which created a flutter in the sci- of neglect. From dawn to twilight, hurried feet trample tion like say a Watson and romance, politics, not be wrong! entific world. However, the out- over this uneven strip, while handcarts crush and pound Crick or a Stephen Hawk- excesses, indulgences and All this and more details of break of the First World War it further, making its presence unsightly. At the mouth of ing.I And yet, during his prime contradictions has been Haldane’s life comes together in interrupted his scientific pur- the lane, hanging perilously from a wrought iron pole is review (1920-1950) he was a colossus in Subramanian’s engaging 378- suits as he enlisted in the army. a plaque the colour of midnight blue. The inconspicuous the scientific world who con- distilled into print in this page biography of the man. The It was in 1917, following an sans serif font in waning white reads: Dr D’Lima Street, tributed much to genetic science, unputdownable volume book scores on three counts — injury in the War, that Haldane Cavel. physiology and biometrics. Not that deserves a place meticulous research, an ener- was sent off to Pune to recuper- In her charming first novel, Bombay Balchao, journal- just that. Haldane was also a com- on any eclectic bookshelf. getic style of narration and ate. He would return permanent- ist Jane Borges brings to life Cavel, a nearly forgotten municator par excellence who Subramanian’s ability to place ly to India with his second wife neighbourhood in Marine effectively unravelled the myster- the narrative in the tumultuous Helen Spurway in 1957. The sci- Lines, South Bombay. The ies and complexities of science to mutation, provided the inspira- political and social context of the entist believed post-Independent true natives of this fasci- lay readers through his newspa- tion for the Aldous Huxley clas- twentieth century. Haldane’s life India under Jawaharlal Nehru’s nating little pocket were per and magazine columns. sic, Brave New World. In fact, not only straddled two World watch would be the ideal social- the “East Indians”, locals Celebrated sci-fi writer Arthur C. Daedalus, was a much-discussed Wars but also witnessed dramatic ist, democratic and secular state converted to Christianity Clarke described Haldane as “the book in its time -Einstein owned a intellectual and ideological to migrate to. by Portuguese missionar- most brilliant scientific popu- copy of it and underlined key pas- churning as well as rapid scien- Haldane was 65 by then and had ies who had settled here lariser of his generation”. sages in pencil and Bertrand tific and technological advance- quit his job at University College in the 16th century, mak- Novelist and physical chemist CP Russell deemed it fit to write ment. Subramanian, as the biog- London and joined the Indian ing Cavel one of the old- Snow rated him as the “most Icarus in rebuttal and bring out rapher, captures it all for the Statistical Institute (ISI) in est Latin quarters of the learned scientist of his time”, the horrors that science could reader through a very objective Kolkata to head the biometry city. Later, to the (mild) and philosopher Isaiah Berlin unleash through its misuse. bifocal. unit. However, his stay in India chagrin of the East saw him as “one of our major So, who was Haldane? It was a remarkable life that proved to be tumultuous too. He Indians, the place became intellectual emancipators”. Journalist and writer Samanth Haldane lived. Being born to a first had differences with the home to other Indian Serious students of genetics Subramanian’s biography (A physiologist father with a labora- head of the ISI and quit. Then an Catholic communities, and medicine would no doubt still Dominant Character: The Radical tory at home meant that the he assignment with the Council of mostly the Goans, but be exposed to Haldane’s work. Science and Restless Politics of was exposed to research at an Scientific and Industrial also Mangaloreans and After all, he was the one who pro- J.B.S. Haldane) is an attempt to early age. He assisted his father Research fell through because he others, who brought their vided a mathematical and statis- unravel the life and work of the — often doubling up as a human could not cope with bureaucratic unique cultural influ- tical base for the theory of evolu- brilliant scientist who was a man guinea pig in experiments or wrangling. Finally, Haldane took ences with them when tion and modelled the processes of many parts and contradic- recording data and helping with up an offer from then Odisha they settled in Cavel, soon of natural selection and estimat- tions. Thus, though he enjoyed an calculations. The boy also trav- chief minister Biju Patnaik to going on to outnumber ed rates at which gene mutations upper-class upbringing and elled extensively through the dis- work out of Bhubaneswar. It was the East Indians. They develop and spread through a lifestyle, Haldane was a commit- tricts with his adventurous father here that he breathed his last at lived, loved and often BOMBAY BALCHAO population. His hypothesis on ted Marxist and atheist who who did not hesitate to go down a the age of 72. waged simmering neigh- By Jane Borges ectogenesis predicted IVF and believed science could help fight mining shaft to record air quality Haldane’s illustrious and rest- bourhood wars that, in Tranquebar, `499 cloning. Haldane also mapped the inequities in a capitalist-fascist or send his 13-year old son under- less life with all its brilliance, typical Indian fashion, A DOMINANT CHARACTER: genes for haemophilia and colour world. Throughout his life he had water off the Scottish coast to fig- romance, politics, excesses and carried on for generations. In Borges’s fine and timely blindness. The list does not end disdain for the bureaucracy and ure out how the respiratory contradictions has been distilled Bombay novel, thematically reminiscent of Rohinton THE RADICAL SCIENCE there… yet worked on various occasions mechanism could function best into print in this unputdownable Mistry’s Tales from Ferozeshah Baag, this piquant way Yet very few students of science with the British government. As under pressure. volume that deserves a place on of life — unfortunately fading away, now that Gujarati AND RESTLESS POLITICS OF would know that Haldane’s 1924 a man devoted to the scientific With a scientific baptism of this any eclectic bookshelf. and Marwari traders outnumber the Catholics in Cavel J.B.S. HALDANE treatise, Daedalus, in which he method, Haldane always swore by kind Haldane was perhaps des- — as well as the history underpinning it, has finally predicted a future when humans proven scientific data but gave tined to be scientist. And yet he The writer is a senior Delhi- found its due. By Samanth Subramanian controlled their own evolution the benefit of doubt to the pseu- never had a degree in science. At based journalist and author Bosco Mansion in Pope’s Colony is the beating heart of Simon & Schuster, `799 through in vitro fertilization and do-scientific genetic theories pro- Oxford he obtained first class this uniquely structured novel-in-short-stories, while Michael Coutinho, veteran journalist and long-time res- ident of Bosco, adds the element of narrative continuity in discrete chapters. Michael, who grew up in the build- ing, is linked to most of the other characters (their tart observations about Michael interrupt his own account of himself, giving us a clever and complex picture). We meet his gardening-obsessed wife Merlyn (when the Friends from Potterverse don’t live up to promise chikus in her garden are messed with she doesn’t hesi- tate to hire a tantric to get to the bottom of it all), his him to stay focused on and perceptive Harvard drawn to Curtis and Harry? wild sister Annette and the two men she loves and hates achieving good grades and graduate in her early 20s Kannan. Working with a sparse in equal measure, Mario, his neighbour and protegee of fruitful employment. looking to put a friendly To this Boston-based trio, plot and plenty of fresh sorts, whose father David dies in the Bombay Port Neha Bhatt Kannan doesn’t always lis- face to the online Potter the arrival of Malathi, a ideas and themes, explosion of 1944 and whose mother then starts a local ten: as he begins to find joy chatter, finding herself voracious reader and a lit- Accidental Magic hops brewery to make ends meet (though that quickly makes and confidence in charting erature student back in between multiple perspec- her the local villain), as well as an extended and colour- an identity distinct from his India, shifts the equilibri- tives of the four characters. ful cast of minor characters. brother, he becomes an um is a strange and some- But just as you begin to set- Where Borges pulls off a masterstroke is that her indi- expert at shirking work at what inexplicable way. tle in, the spell breaks. The vidual stories, set in the Austenesque “two inches of the website he is employed Arranged to be married to characters seem to go off in ivory” of Cavel, are not arranged chronologically. round 1999, when the mean for and to them? at so he can spend his morn- Kannan after a brief meet- unconvincing and under- Instead, we go back and forth in history, seeing Cavel Harry Potter fandom With a silver lightening ings debating furiously on ing in Bengaluru, the near written tangents. The through a new filter every time, witnessing how time Acame to be unofficial- bolt as the centrepiece of its online Potter fan clubs and strangers are comforted, to book’s strong sense of reorders old arrangements and decays what was once ly labelled Pottermania and glossy white cover, forums, dedicating his some degree, by their place, time and specificity ripened to perfection. That delicious unpredictability its members Potterheads, it Accidental Magic begins evenings and most nights to shared craze for Rowling’s which sets it apart begins to works well, as does Borges’s felicitously woven histori- was not uncommon to imag- with great promise. reading fanfiction. books. feel insular, the protago- cal research and inclusion of the rich patois spoken by ine the world neatly divided Set in Boston, with He bumps into Curtis Accidental Magic quickly nists appear trapped and Cavelites in her narrative. Given that one of the macro into two kinds of people — glimpses of Madras and Grimmett — the host of a draws you into its very spe- disconnected. Though Guha trends that a fair bit of Bombay-writing falls into is the those who were devoted to Bangalore, Guha's debut weekly radio show and cific universe, spread over a writes lucidly, with humour maximum city extravaganza, of crime or politics or the the Potter world and those novel has a lightness that is founder of Boston couple of years. There is a and affection, the narrative grand drama of poetry and drugs, Bombay Balchao sit- who weren’t. Accidental disarming, bringing us a Gobstones, a Potter fan club little something for every stops short of becoming an uates itself in the quietly resistant strain of the domes- Magic by Keshava Guha motley cast of four — while waiting in line to Potterhead here: this is a immersive experience akin tic novel that, like Anjali Joseph’s Saraswati Park or locates itself in this time of Potterheads — Kannan, pick up midnight copies of novel where Potterheads to the Potter rage it hat tips. Amrita Mahale’s Milk Teeth, allows the richly detailed Potter frenzy with a charm- Curtis, Rebecca, Malathi. Harry Potter and the Goblet get together and talk in I wished for a lot more specificity of a particular world to tell eloquently of the ing premise, as it explores Kannan, the central charac- of Fire. It is an odd but sat- deep detail about fanfiction magic. inner life of the metropolis just as well if not better the meaning of identity and ter, is a programmer living isfying friendship with and the various controver- than their more OTT versions. community through the in Boston, “a knock-off ver- moments where “Kannan sies surrounding it and Neha Bhatt is an A novel perfectly pickled and presented, to pun on the lens of fandom. How do the sion” of his conservative felt like Harry to introspect carefully on mag- independent journalist and title, if you savour the quirks of its characters you may lives of four very different brother Santhanam, an Grimmett’s Dumbledore”. ACCIDENTAL MAGIC ical objects in the books, or book critic based in Delhi. even get a secret balchao recipe out of it after all! people with a shared love engineer in Austin and a When the Gobstones has whose friendship is more She tweets @nehabhatt70 for J.K. Rowling’s books somewhat sour presence in their first offline meet, in By Keshava Guha authentic, Ron and and @bookishbadish on Devapriya Roy is the author of five books, most intersect and what does it Kannan's life who presses walks Rebecca, a passionate HarperCollins, `599 Hermione or Hermoine and insta recently Friends from College David Bowie: Just an ordinary boy who kept on keeping on few years ago Will black cap just yet. Wide- be reminded that a mere there was nothing special ‘The Prettiest Star’, as one ingly learned musicologi- For myself, I can’t see how Brooker spent 12 ranging and closely ten years before Ziggy about the lad. If he had of his song titles has it. cal analysis of the Bowie anyone can read and listen Christopher Bray months pretend- argued, this book is one of shocked your mum and ambition, so did many of Little wonder one manag- oeuvre. at the same time. Still, ing to be David the best Bowie has yet dad by draping a limp the similarly rock ’n’ roll- er after another eagerly Talking of learned, the were I forced to push my A eyes through this book Bowie. For several weeks had. Brooker may lard his wrist on Mick Ronson’s addled kids he hung took him, ahem, in hand. young Davy Jones left review he dressed up as Ziggy prose with post-structural- shoulder on Top of the around with. If he had And then there was his school with a single O again I think ‘We are the Stardust (gold bindi, ist name-drops — Pops Bowie had been just starry fantasies, there talent. Untrained he might level (art). Yet a couple of Dead’ might fit the bill. maroon mullet, jumpsuit Jameson, Deleuze, another schoolboy with a were other boys at school have been, but Bowie was years before he died the run up from old curtains), Guattari, the gang’s all ‘wonky grin and a neat who could actually play an an eerily wonderful song- man who once quipped he By arrangement with the then as Aladdin Sane (blue here; so too are Joyce, haircut’. instrument. Yet it was smith. True, he could be was ‘responsible for start- Spectator and red lightning slash Yeats and even Philip Indeed, Brooker argues, Bowie who made it. How portentous. But when he ing a whole new school of daubed across face), then Larkin (what would he come? relaxed, his lyrics made pretension’ gave us a list as the Thin White Duke have made of Blackstar’s Simple, says Brooker. He modernist fracture — of the 100 books he (black waistcoat, black ‘cobra-coaxing cacopho- never gave up. Despite all ‘Like to take a cement fix’; believed had done most to eyeliner, slicked-back nies’?) — but not once do the setbacks and failures ‘And in the death’; ‘Time shape his life. It was a hair). And so on, right they seem pressed into he endured through takes a cigarette’ — mass- mixed bag, with every- through every satin-and- service. To be sure, the1960s — Bowie’s ’pren- es-friendly. As with words, thing from the predictable tat get-up of Bowie’s long Brooker occasionally tice years were pretty so with music. You don’t — A Clockwork Orange career. What larks! overstates his case. When much a ’prentice decade — have five number ones and was a big influence on the And yet. I don’t know he remarks of Bowie’s he kept on keeping on. He another 20 top ten hits Ziggy look — to the outré whether Brooker had his death that ‘he stepped showed us, Brooker says, without being able to craft — Julian Jaynes’s The mother in a whirl, but he aside so we could take his ‘what an ordinary person a tune. Origin of Consciousness certainly had some of us place and bravely cry’, the can become with enough But what really counts in the Breakdown of the wondering what was going Biblical parallels are ludi- tenacity and self-belief ’. about Bowie is his har- Bicameral Mind. And on on in the groves of acad- crous. But in the main he Well, up to a point. I monies. His chord changes to the absurd: Colin eme. Did I mention that has the measure of his don’t doubt that sense of would have startled Bach. Wilson’s The Outsider, a these wardrobe antics man. purpose, but Brooker of Alas, Brooker is so hung book nobody has taken were part of a research He starts, as the young all people ought to know up on facepaint and glad seriously since about BOWIE’S BOOKS: THE project? That Brooker is Davy Jones did, in the sub- that Bowie’s face was his rags he has precious little three weeks after its publi- professor of film and cul- urbs. Bowie always called fortune. He might have to say about the songs. But cation. HUNDRED LITERARY tural studies at Kingston himself a Brixton boy, but tried his best to dress like if an ‘arpeggiated dimin- In Bowie’s Books, John University? That he has though he was born in the ASHES TO ASHES: THE Bowie, but he was never ished C# passing chord’ is O’Connell takes us on a HEROES WHO also written books on inner city his parents going to look like him. your thing, do check out tour of this list while fatu- CHANGED HIS LIFE WHY BOWIE MATTERS Batman and Blade Runner were off to leafier SONGS OF DAVID BOWIE Bowie, on the other hand, Chris O’Leary’s Ashes to ously recommending puta- byWill Brooker and Star Wars? Bromley as soon as they by Chris O’Leary was a preternaturally Ashes, the second and tively appropriate tracks by John O’Connell William Collins, £12.99 But don’t reach for the could afford it. It is good to Repeater, £20 beautiful young man — final volume in a daunt- from the Bowie catalogue. Bloomsbury, £16.99 Catch Me If You Can (2002) shows Frank PAGE Abagnale, Jr. on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. In real life, however, he never made the list. Movies 13 DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY | 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI OUR CRITIC’S RATING Outstanding ★★★★★ | Great ★★★★ | Good ★★★ | Okay ★★ | Poor ★ | Truly Terrible TT Brave and significant, but also very filmy

begin a dialogue. melodrama, is there throughout the than rape victims. case but has also been pursuing ic, onomatopoeic word, is also a Chhapaak Meghna’s feminism and composure film. Amol Dwivedi (Vikrant Malti’s PIL in the Supreme Court to euphemism for a brutal crime, and as as director, complemented with Chhapaak does not solicit our pity. It Massey), who runs an NGO that cares ban acid. is the case with casting Deepika, it (U) 123 min Deepika Padukone’s warm perform- does not turn acid attack victims into for acid attack victims, is at hand to Malti doesn’t want to burden Shiraz seeks to make the unpalatable palat- CAST: Deepika Padukone, Vikrant ance, and Clover Wootton’s makeup becharis. It does not goad us to shed harangue reporters and remind them aunty further and finally lands a job at able. Massey, Madhurjeet Sarghi have forever changed how acid attacks tears. of Malti. Amol’s NGO. Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak shows DIRECTOR: and its victims will be viewed and Every time there is sanctimonious We meet Malti (Deepika Padukone) Alongside more rounds of plastic us the brutality of the assault, but Meghna Gulzar talked about in this country. breathing by an activist, or a patronis- and in a quick succession of scenes we surgery, her job, Malti is often in instead of opting for a voyeuristic, RATING: ★★★ ing comment, or a child screams in see what she is struggling with in her court, not just to prove the accused — invasive gaze, her film opts for heart- eepika Padukone, a Bollywood shock, or a stranger’s stare lingers on desperate search for a job, some family friends Bashir Khan and felt humanity that sees in the scars A-lister around whose beauty the face for a second too long, the film income. Though she’s good at her Parveen Sheikh — guilty, but also to and the self-conscious, diffident Dseveral films have been con- flinches with distaste and moves beauty parlour job, she is not a pre- fight against IPC’s Section 326 where- demeanour of acid attack victims structed, deserves a bravery award for away, never allowing it to turn into sentable employee. in the maximum jail sentence is just courage, dignity, and a will to live. taking the risk of playing an acid self-gratifying pity. Malti always looks straight at every- seven years. Chhapaak’s greatest feat is that it SUPARNA SHARMA attack victim. But, it does sell acid attack victims a one, seeing how she is being seen, and Running parallel to Malti’s attempts puts the crime front and centre, mak- She brings her heart and infectious Bollywood dream. While that is cute, most of the people she approaches for to piece together a life for herself are ing the “kyun?”, the why, the peering ith a big-ticket charm to her character and, in some it is also cruel. jobs can’t get past her face. the lives of the culprits — proceeding inquiry into the girl’s, the victim’s life commercial star at its moments, when she taps inside herself Shiraz aunty, at whose house her unaffected by the crime they have completely irrelevant. centre, Meghna and into Laxmi’s experience, we see hhapaak opens in December father works, has taken care of committed. Chhapaak treats acid attacks as vio- Gulzar’s Chhapaak both, vulnerability and quiet determi- 2012 Delhi, in the middle of her surgeries and helped her At the NGO there are often urgent lent, criminal acts of men with frail carefully walks a razor nation. There are also moments when Cprotests against the with a lawyer, Archana calls to tend to other, new victims of but massive egos, desperate to feel Wsharp line to mainstream a brutal her eyes twinkle as she breaks into a Nirbhaya rape, and it immediate- Bajaj (Madhurjeet acid attacks, including two sisters their power “by showing a woman her crime against women that has been life-embracing smile, giving us a ly broaches the topic of acid Sarghi), who is who are targeted by upper caste men aukat”, by punishing her for having lingering in the margins — not just of glimpse of the adorable and formida- attacks — of the crime and its not just fight- in their village because they aspired dreams and aspirations of her own. the criminal justice system, but also of ble Laxmi. In those moments, Deepika victims being treated as lesser ing her to become software engineers. With a bottle of acid that costs `30, people’s collective rage. touches you. criminal Amol is forever miffed with the they try to hold her hostage for life. Chhapaak tells the real-life story of But those moments are few. Mostly world for not caring enough, not The film deliberately doesn’t pursue Laxmi Agarwal — who was attacked she remains Deepika, despite the doing enough for acid attack vic- the motive of the woman who is a co- with acid at the age of 15, by 32-year- incredible prosthetics and makeup. tims. And he is not wrong. But his accused in Malti’s case, suggesting old Naeem Khan in 2005 — with palpa- That’s partly the fault of the direc- relentless harangue comes from an that it is pointless. The evidence of the ble sensitivity and clarity of purpose. tor, but mostly of the writing (Meghna egoistic place, he exudes piousness crime is there for you to see, and that Along with Laxmi’s story, Chhapaak Gulzar has co-written the film with about “his” cause, and that, in should be enough. chronicles this heinous crime against Atika Chohan). The writers have not the presence of an acid attack While this sensitivity and care bur- women that is unique to patriarchal, so much cast Deepika as Laxmi, but victim, feels obscene. nishes the film, Chhapaak’s screen- feudal societies, including India, and have cast Laxmi, the girl who want- Sometimes Malti tells him play is rather sparse and episodic, is particularly grisly in its intent and ed to compete in Indian Idol, as a off, sometimes she sticks devoted entirely to its lead star. impact. Yet, it is not talked about with Bollywood heroine. out her tongue at him. Whenever Malti is on the screen, the the seethe and tear that accompanies And therein lies Chhapaak’s It’s much later in the film shines and seems to have a pur- rape. f l aw. film that we see what hap- pose. But when she is not, Chhapaak One reason for that, of course, is that Chhapaak, written in pened to Malti, in 2005, seems quite uninterested in itself and in the patriarchal priority list, Bollywood’s fail-safe when she was 19. drags its feet in a half-hearted manner. women’s sexual violation is a blot on template, is too filmy. This The flashback is clev- Luckily, Chhapaak is short and what the khandan, acid attack not quite. story deserved its own narra- erly placed, towards stays with you after the film is over is But beyond that, perhaps the reason tive tone and style. the end, because the Deepika’s brave act, Vikrant Massey’s why it’s not talked about enough is not But Chhapaak’s strength is film wants us to first stunning ability to be an amalgama- because people are insensitive to it, that while it works within meet and see the acid tion of many characters and emotions but because the sheer barbarity of it, that Bollywood song-and- attack victim, and not at the same time, and the girls — acid the unimaginable pain inflicted dance template, it is sen- Deepika.attack victims who struggle, fail, who makes people freeze with horror. And sitive to what it shows, don’t understand why this happened words — especially of sympathy — how it shows it and hhapaak in Hindi to them, who seek justice but also a feel entirely inadequate, rude even. why. And this balanc- means “splash”, and sliver of normal life. And that sliver Chhapaak is extraordinary and sig- ing act, between com- Cthe film’s title seeks to sometimes comes with the reconstruc- nificant because it gently, and with mercial compromises convey how, just one splash tion of a melted ear on which an ear- dignity, breaks the ice. It makes us see and determination to of acid changes lives forev- ring can dangle, its happy swing light- the victims of acid attack, and helps steer clear of demeaning er. But Chhapaak, the poet- ing up not just their face, but our Thrilling action flick marred by twisted agenda It’s Rajini all

and sacrifice his all for desh social evils like caste, sati, anhaji: The Unsung, the way, again! Tanhaji: The ki izzat. child marriage... whose plot is essen- Unsung Warrior 3D So while they leave out Ttially a march towards irector Om Raut and Yashwanti, the trained the battle, is not a bad film. (U/A) 135 min writer Prakash monitor lizard who scaled It is, in fact, quite entertain- CAST: Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali DKapadia, who obvi- the wall, carrying a rope the ing when it is at war. Khan, Kajol, Sharad Kelkar, ously have these guidelines Marathas had attached to The film’s action Luke Kenny, Neha Sharma framed and hanging in their her, and helped win the bat- sequences, made sharp, DIRECTOR: Om Raut offices, have mounted an tle, they have added Nagin, urgent and cool by excellent RATING: ★★★ impressive war film where a deadly cannon, as a sort of editing by Dharmendra two groups of men in long, nod towards the Guns of Sharma, are lyrical and pleated frocks — one, led by Navarone, perhaps, or seductive, including the Tanhaji Malusare (Ajay Aurangzeb’s favourite can- human chess scene. The film Devgn), under the guidance nons — Fateh Rahber (guide also puts 3D to very good use. of Shivaji, and the other, to victory) or Azhdaha- An arrow and a spear grazed under the command of Paikar (Python Body) — my ear, and several men Aurangzeb (Luke Kenny), is that were used in the Siege somersaulted and died in the SUPARNA SHARMA led by Udaybhan Rathod of Golconda in January row in front of my seat. (Saif Ali Khan) — are at 1687. Saif Ali Khan adds a spe- pawned by the right- war with each other. Along with Nagin the can- cial zing and thrill to the ward tilt of our The film opens in the mid- non, Udaybhan’s entourage lead up to the climatic battle times, as well as the 1600s, when India was a also has a special someone with his dashing evil swag. Sregular meetings the sweetly chirping sone ki called Kamla (Neha He is in top form here, and Prime Minister has been chidiya, and envious, dis- Sharma), a widow he “kid- embraces the stereotypical having with Bollywood wor- honourable foreigners napped” up from atop her villain wholeheartedly. He thies, Tanhaji: The Unsung arrived to take over its land Sati pyre. is so good that I found Warrior sets out to sing and forts. It is to the film’s credit myself rooting for him. It ARNAB BANERJEE paeans to a subedar warrior Delhi was already taken, that it manages to turn even helped, of course, that Ajay in Shivaji’s army, and give but that was not enough for this act of saving a widow Devgn was mostly dull and here’s nothing new in A.R. Murugadoss’ him his due place in the greedy foreigners. They from burning herself over boring. Darbar, but despite that, let alone Rajini’s Bollywood’s new pantheon were eyeing the Deccan, her husband’s pyre into Tanhaji: The Unsung fan following, even his character’s fearless- of sanskari, Hindu desh where a very young Tanhaji some sort of evil design. would have been a worthy Tness coupled with his natural flamboyance bhakts who fought the was being taught by his Kondhana Fort with the he broad outlines of That he loves her and wants film if it didn’t have a twist- allows him to get away with just anything, even Mughals. father to make swords and scary Nargis cannon, the story are true and to marry her is of no signif- ed agenda that is laid bare extra-judicial killings! The proof: the audience The express purpose is to fight with them. Shivaji plans to attack and Tbased on the Battle of icance. Because Udaybhan, when, in a scene where he is rejoicing with a thunderous applause at every scene toady to the guidelines Daddy gets killed in battle free the fort. Sinhagad that took place on a Hindu in the service of goading a group of men to he spears in! But is anyone complaining? Or, has wherein heroes are created with Aurangzeb’s men and He doesn’t ask Tanhaji, the night of February 4, Aurangzeb, has become stop being gaddar, Tanhaji any issues? None at all. After all, it’s Rajini! Bhai! only when they fight for Tanhaji grows up to be a for- because Tanhaji is busy 1670. non-Hindu by association. says that under the Mughals In Darbar, the narrative is set in Mumbai, where their Mother Land against a midable warrior upon planning a child marriage But Mr Raut and Mr He is also ruthless and eats “Brahmin puja nahin kar its police force is in dire need of a revamp to wipe specific kind of enemy — whom Shivaji, who has had at home. Kapadia have, of course, felt tandoori crocodile. sakte”, Hindus can’t chant out the most evil crime ever reported — the drug meat-eating, lady-leering, to surrender his forts to the But, of course, Tanhaji free to twist and add But Udaybhan is also “Jai Shri Ram” and yet, in mafia headed by Hari Chopra (Suniel Shetty) as the Hindu-hating Muslim. Mughals, relies. gets to know and he dupes whatever they felt like to smart and he fools Tanhaji the very next scene, in mastermind. For Adithya Arunachalam, the The hero, of course, has to So when Aurangzeb sends Shivaji into giving him per- serve the larger picture — into killing some innocent Udaybhan’s durbar, he sings Mumbai police com- be a family-loving pious his loyal guard-turned mission to wage the good stitch together a mythical Marathas. Soon Tanhaji and dances to Shankara Re missioner, who is spe- Hindu who, when called favourite soldier Udaybhan fight. His sweet wife Savitri Hindustan that was Hindu, smartens up and lays siege Shankara... wearing many cially deputed to elimi- upon, will thump his chest to take charge of the (Kajol) approves. happy, humane with no to the fort. shades of saffron. nate the drug mafia, Darbar the task seems tough. (U/A) 159 min Is he scared? No. As a CAST: Rajinikanth, Suneil rather unscrupulous Shetty, Prateik Babbar, cop, he could act most Nayanthara, Nivetha brazenly and go to the Thomas extent of taking on the DIRECTOR: Breezes through a Fox News rebellion might of human rights A.R. Murugadoss activists too. When he RATING: ★★★ er named Katya Pospisil (Margot Bombshell is how it captures just arrests drug peddler Bombshell (A) 109 min Robbie). This is the story behind how difficult it is for each to come goon Ajay Malhotra CAST: Charlize Theron, Nicole the toppling of Roger Ailes forward. At a network like Fox (Prateik Babbar) from Kidman, Margot Robbie (played by John Lithgow, in a fat News, it means a kind of rejection the streets, he doesn’t suit), who after events kicked off of its entire culture. It means know what he is getting into — Ajay happens to be DIRECTOR: Jay Roach ★★★ by Carlson’s 2016 sexual harass- damaging one’s own career. It the son of a rich industrialist Vinod Malhotra RATING: ment lawsuit against him, was means going against what they, (Nawab Shah) who is also a drug dealer. His power- eventually ousted from the net- themselves, have often stood for. ful father takes care of just everything. work he had long ruled as a pow- Some might quibble that Carlson, As the do-gooder cop unceremoniously pulls off erful media fiefdom and, as it who acted first, deserved cen- the tale with familiar twists and turns with style JAKE COYLE turned out, a personal harem. trestage. But this is Kelly’s movie and verve, all hell breaks loose — the kingpin Hari The fallout at Fox News came and the drama for her has greater Chopra (Suniel Shetty) needs to step in and return t’s probably a testament to the before Harvey Weinstein’s down- meaning. She’s drawn into a fight to India to teach Aditya a lesson for life. Hari is the makeup artists of Jay Roach’s fall but it also, as a #MeToo drama, she didn’t ask for when Donald real father of Ajay. Fox News docudrama had a sensational backdrop. Fox Trump, then a presidential candi- If you are with Adithya, the violence would look IBombshell that the movie News was never anyone’s idea of a date, attacked her debate moderat- gratuitous, and the revenge would naturally look opens with a disclaimer announc- natural battleground on women’s ing, saying “there was blood com- like aggression and brutality. But since it’s our very ing that the people depicted within rights. And Bombshell delights in ing out of her eyes, blood coming own Rajini, or Thalaiva (spoken for Rajinikanth are played by actors. Films don’t going inside Fox News’ Manhattan structure. As a workplace drama, him and is soon told to hike up her out of her wherever”. with respect), faces punched to pieces look indis- ordinarily require a heads up, that studios (it opens with a travelogue it’s quite successful. We get a dress, we arrive at the ugly source The question, ultimately, is pensable, imperative and an absolute must. that’s, you know, Charlize Theron. of the various floors of its Sixth sense of whispers and rumours of the toxicity. whether Bombshell ought to have Rajini gobbles up the entire length of the 159- Bombshell depicts the corporate Avenue headquarters) and teasing and careless misogyny every- Each of the three women bear spun quite so snappy a movie out minute film that has at its heart everything that his culture of sexual harassment at out how this reckoning reverberat- where. Glass tables are used on the burden of abuse in various of such a story. It does cartwheels films have appealed at, to the young and the old Fox News through the perspec- ed within what many in sets so that the legs of female cor- ways, largely unaware that others to make a vile tale compelling, and alike. All the traits and attributes are almost brand- tives of three women: star anchor Hollywood would consider the respondents can be seen. Carlson share in their predicament. And it can feel like a parade of starry ed are incorporated and used smartly to cater to his Megyn Kelly (a husky-voiced belly of the beast. draws Ailes’ ire for hosting a show they, or at least the veteran TV impressions rather than some- fan base. In addition, his character being a tad psy- Theron, almost unrecognisable), Roach’s camera snakes through without makeup on National Girls personalities, are accustomed to thing genuine. (Best of the bunch chologically troubled and messed up may seem dif- Fox & Friends star Gretchen those offices, capturing how the Day. When the hopeful Katya, being played against each other in is Alanna Ubach’s Jeanine Pirro.) ficult when the film grants him enough leeway to Carlson (Nicole Kidman) and a fic- predatory climate filtered down aspiring to become an on-air tal- competition for time slots and rat- But to quote Ailes in the film, “It’s get off scot free and escape punishment. But then, tional composite associate produc- through the newsroom’s power ent, goes into Ailes’ office to meet ings. The best thing about a visual medium.” — AP as I don’t tire of repeating: it’s a Rajini film! In race for honour PAGE Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has been shortlisted as one of the 20 contenders for the greatest Laureus Cricket 14 Sporting Moment 2000-2020 Award DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY | 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI Pandya fails fitness Scorching Sunny test, return delayed Mumbai, Jan. 11: With That’s (playing all-rounder Hardik 2023 World Cup) a Pandya’s anticipated Gavaskar questions Dhoni’s long break from game return getting delayed definite goal. That after he failed the fitness will come down to New Delhi, Jan. 11: amount is no match to the IPL players, who don’t test, India’s limited overs Sunil Gavaskar on millions the IPL stars always play first class squads are unlikely to be form & fitness; the Saturday questioned MS earn. cricket, and those who tinkered with much for the Dhoni’s sabbatical from “IPL dominates Ranji play all the domestic upcoming six-week tour of desire won’t be any the game since the World Trophy. Unless their games, about 80 days and New Zealand. less than it is. Cup semifinal loss in July, match fees are increased somebody who plays 14 Starting January 24, asking “does anybody substantially, it will be days of IPL. India will be playing five — Aaron Finch, Australia skipper keep himself away from considered an orphan and “There is big disparity. I T20 Internationals, three playing for India for that poor cousin of Indian am talking about the ODIs and two Test match- long?” Dhoni’s future has cricket,” Gavaskar said. uncapped players. es, and squads for the tour SHORT TAKES been a subject of intense “I think 26 percent of the Hopefully that will be nar- will be picked on Sunday. speculation since India’s BCCI revenue goes to the rowed down as much as Pandya was expected to Got no demons in World Cup semifinal loss the players, out of which possible.” make the Indian squad to New Zealand on July 9. 13 percent goes to the On ICC’s proposal to after remaining out of Hardik Pandya my head: Maxwell The 38-year-old has not international players, 10 trim Test cricket to four action for four months due played since that heart- percent goes to domestic days from five, he added: to a back injury but the all- Melbourne: Glenn Maxwell says breaking defeat but is cricket, 1.5 to junior, 1.5 to “What I think doesn’t mat- rounder could not clear the I didn’t step out he has got “no demons” in his likely to make a comeback women’s cricket. That has ter. It is what the current mandatory fitness test, head now, reaping the rewards with the IPL. Asked if not really been increased players think that mat- indicating that it will take of the house for of a break he took to deal with Dhoni can make India’s over the past few years ters. They should him more to recover from mental health issues. Maxwell, T20 World Cup squad, barring the Test crick- be consulted the surgery he recently who took a short break from Gavaskar said, “Fitness is eters.” Gavaskar said before BCCI had. 10 days: Hardik the game in October last year, something that I can’t tell there is too much dis- takes a call.” India will be playing New Delhi, Jan. 11: The made a roaring return in the you anything at all. The parity between the — PTI eight white ball games in 2020 has started with love ongoing Big Bash League, scor- question that needs to be earnings of a first-class New Zealand, and it will be and promise for newly- ing runs at will while leading asked is of MSD himself. cricketer and an IPL Sunil Gavaskar interesting to see if the engaged Hardik Pandya Melbourne Stars. He struck an He has not made himself recruit. selectors pick a 16 or 17- but exactly a year back the unbeaten 83 off 45 balls on available to play for India “I am hoping new member squad. With the flamboyant all-rounder Friday night to guide Stars to a since 10th of July (9th president India A team’s shadow tour was finding it difficult to seven-wicket win over actually). Sourav coinciding with the sen- even step out of his house Melbourne Renegades. And the “That is the important Ganguly iors’ visit, it gives the selec- following his much-criti- 31-year-old right-hander question. Does anybody will look tors an option to draft play- cised sexist remarks on thanked Cricket Australia for keep himself away from into this. ers on SOS basis if the chat show ‘Koffee with supporting him and insisted playing for India for that The dispari- need arises. Karan’. that he had greatly benefited long? That is the question ty that you The selectors will prima- Pandya was indefinitely from the break. “I’ve had no and therein lies the see between rily focus on zeroing in on suspended by BCCI for baggage coming in. I think answer,” said the former the core for white ball making outrageous back to the break I had and I’m India captain after deliv- cricket considering that remarks on women and so thankful that Cricket ering the 26th Lal Gavaskar says country is in this is a T20 World Cup subsequently let off with a Australia and all the powers Bahadur Shastri year. While the T20 squad fine. that be were able to grant me Memorial lecture. turmoil over students’ protest that played against Sri “I still remember I did that break to get myself right, In a recent interview, Lanka in the just-conclud- not step out of my house. It because I think I’m starting to head coach Ravi Shastri New Delhi, Jan. 11: The their classrooms. Some of ed series all but picks took me a week or 10 days see the benefits now,” Maxwell said Dhoni may soon end legendary Sunil Gavaskar them are ending up in hos- itself, Pandya was expected to just realise that this is was quoted as saying by his ODI career but could on Saturday expressed pitals for being out on the to be included once he not it. You have to step out ‘cricket.com.au’. — PTI be in contention for a T20 confidence that India will streets,” were Gavaskar’s proved his fitness in the and face the things than World Cup berth provided overcome the current introductory remarks warm-up games. just being in your cocoon,” Stop comparing he is in good form. “turmoil” caused by while delivering Lal However his failure to Pandya told ‘India Today’. Gavaskar also said that nationwide students’ Bahadur Shastri clear the fitness test is an “I realised that this is openers: Kohli Ranji Trophy will remain protests just like it had Memorial Lecture. indication that he is far kind of an exam that is a “poor cousin” of the dealt with several critical The iconic opener from ready for interests. It coming at a difficult phase Pune: India skipper Virat Kohli cash-rich IPL until the situations in the past. Gavaskar believes in the will be interesting to note which you have to get doesn’t endorse the idea of pit- player’s match fee in the There had been multiple idea of India which will if the ODI team is an exten- through. I then shifted my ting two in-form teammates country’s premier first- protests, first at the Jamia enable the citizens to pull sion of the T20 squad. The focus to my game and for- against each other contrary to class tournament is sub- Milia University against through this hour of cri- weakest link in the ODI got what happened.” what fans think will happen stantially increased. A the CAA and then due to sis. “The majority of them team is Kedar Jadhav, who The 26-year-old feels that after Shikhar Dhawan’s attack- player now gets approxi- violence by a masked are still in classrooms try- has managed to hold onto a lot of people perceive ing half-century in the series mately `2.5 lakh per attckers at the Jawaharlal ing to forge their career his 50 over slot amid pres- him wrongly and it deciding 78-run win against Sri match in the Ranji Nehru University (JNU). and to build and take sure to replace him. changes once they meet Lanka in the third T20 Trophy, a far cry from the “The country is in tur- India forward. We as a — PTI him. — PTI International. Dhawan was meagre salary the crick- moil. Some of our young- nation can go higher only M.S. Dhoni hasn’t played a game since India’s semifinal under some pressure before the eters would withdraw not sters are out on the street when we are all together,” final game and a smashing half- long ago, but still the when they should be in he said. — PTI defeat in the 2019 World Cup. century will keep him in the mix Pujara enters elite for the upcoming series where Rohit Sharma will be back from his break. “All three openers are pretty strong players, and it’s I’m back in picture: Dhawan list with 50th ton great to have players playing well in the team. It gives you Pune, Jan. 11: “I am also Rahul and Rohit Sharma (Rohit, KL and me) are Rajkot, Jan. 11: The 31-year-old Pujara, options. But I think people back in the picture,” India being the other two. This doing well. Rohit had an Cheteshwar Pujara on who has 18 Test centuries need to stop pitting players opener Shikhar Dhawan really augurs well for the excellent 2019. Rahul has Saturday joined a select to his credit, is fourth on against each other. It’s all about said after his fluent fifty in team ahead of the T20 been doing well since 1-2 group of cricketing greats the list of active players a team game. I don’t endorse the third T20 International World Cup in Australia months and he is a good by smashing his 50th first- with most first-class cen- this idea of putting people in against Sri Lanka and later this year. player and ‘mei bhi picture class century during turies behind former the team against each other,” insisted that zeroing in on With India vice captain mei aaya ga hu, maine bhi Saurashtra’s Ranji Trophy England skipper Alastair Kohli said. Kohli is happy that the second opener is the Rohit rested for the Sri aaj acha kar diya hai’ (And group ‘B’ match against Cook (65), former South 2020 has started on a bright team management’s Lanka series, Dhawan I have also entered the fray Karnataka, here. Africa captain Hashim note with a convincing series “headache”. made optimum use of the and have done well today). Pujara warmed up nicely Amla (52) and India’s win. “We have started on the With Dhawan back in two opportunities and “Toh picture achihi ban for the upcoming Test domestic cricket giant right track, chasing (in) one form in the shortest format, made 32 in Indore and fol- rahi hai abhi (the picture is series in New Zealand with Wasim Jaffer (57). game and setting one game. the Indian team manage- lowed it up with a 52 in looking good), khair yeh stylish 162 off 238 balls that Among current active Two very clinical performances, ment and captain Virat Pune on Friday night. sardaredi meri nahi hai had 17 fours and a six. Test players, the nearest so I am happy. Just the confi- Kohli will have the Asked about the race for (but this is not my Pujara, joined an elite list contender to Pujara is dence of getting that 200 mark headache of picking from the opener’s slot, Dhawan headache). So I don't think of nine Indians led by Australia’s Steve Smith, every now and then will put us Shikhar Dhawan three in-form openers — KL said, “All the three players about it,” he said. — PTI Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin who has 42 first-class cen- in a good stead.” — PTI and KL Rahul. Tendulkar and Rahul turies while Virat Kohli Dravid. (34) is far behind. — PTI Aussies will pose tougher challenge to India RANJI | TROPHY agenda — whether Test Mulani, Tare help Mumbai cricket should be played over five days or four — is Ayaz Memon likely to overwhelm the on- field action. recover from shaky start CA chief executive Kevin Over The Top Roberts is scheduled to dis- NEHA SURANA cuss with BCCI President CHENNAI, JAN. 11 Sourav Ganguly the feasi- ow new batting sen- But while he’s been bril- bility of reducing Test Mumbai recovered from an sation Marnus liant in Tests, will matches to four days (which early wobble to make 284 HLabuschagne squares Labuschagne be as prolific Cricket Australia ostensi- for six on day one of their up to the Indian bowling in ODIs? Particularly on bly supports) even as debate Group B Ranji match attack, particularly Jasprit Indian pitches, and more rages all over the cricket against Tamil Nadu here at Bumrah, is being pitched as particularly against Jasprit world. the M.A. Chidambaram the major attraction in the Bumrah who retains his This debate is not new. Stadium on Saturday. A 155- ODI series against no.1 spot in the ICC rank- The issue has dogged Test run stand for the sixth Australia that begins next ings in this format despite cricket ever since it came wicket between Shams week. For good reason too. not having played a single into existence. Test matches Mulani (87) and Aditya Labuschagne’s rise in match since the World Cup? of different tenures have Tare (69 not out) helped international cricket in the Bumrah returned to inter- been played in the long his- Mumbai wriggle out of last six months has been national cricket in the T20 tory of the sport as admin- trouble after being pinned Baba Aparajith completes a catch to dismiss Siddhesh Lad meteoric. Part of the Ashes series against Sri Lanka. istrators looked to keep down to 129 for five. squad, he looked destined to There were some concerns fans engaged. As Vijay Shankar got an off Sai Kishore. — E.K. Sanjay be on the reserves bench for whether the long lay off Cricket’s longest format India ‘A’ call-up at the catch. Sarfaraz Khan bagged three wickets — all has suffered erosion in a long while when he got an would have had adverse Steve Smith (left) and David Warner during a training eleventh hour, B. Aparajith looked confident during his before lunch — said he unexpected lifeline thanks effect on him, but he didn’t spectatorship (hence spon- walked in for the toss. short stay as he blasted could have bowled a lot session in Mumbai. — AP to the newly adopted rule look any the worse for sorship and interest of Opting to bat, Mumbai four fours and two sixes. tighter in the second and on substitution in Test the injury that kept him out home this season, India fact, it should whet the broadcasters) continuously started on a good note with But Ashwin brought his third sessions. “I am not cricket. of cricket for six months or haven’t really been appetite of every cricket for decades. How to arrest Jay Bista and debutant downfall by cleaning him judging my bowling by the Maestro Steve Smith got so. stretched. lover. this has been the challenge, Bhupen Lalwani bringing up. way I took three wickets or hit on the head in the sec- Hot pace, daunting line South Africa are in Both teams are star-stud- which has currently up 50 runs in 12.6 overs Skipper Tare hit nine in the second session they ond Ashes match at Lord’s. and length, steep bounce makeover mode and impov- ded and in terrific form. become the talking point all before the former was fours in his unbeaten hit me for two sixes. I am Labuschagne replaced him and clever variations, erished of talent when Think Rohit, Kohli, Rahul, over as more and more play- trapped by left-arm spinner knock, while Mulani pretty happy with the ball to bat in the second innings, which saw Bumrah become here, Bangladesh were hit Pant, Shami, ers, especially the big Sai Kishore. smashed 14 fours and a six. that came out of my hand. I made a gritty half-century the world’s leading fast by controversy surround- Kuldeep/Chahal pitched names (current and retired) The Baba twins — The big hit over cover want to do the same thing that saved Australia from bowler were quickly on dis- ing major domo Shakib Al against Finch, Warner, have also voiced their opin- Aparajith and Indrajith — region was majestic. tomorrow,” said Sai. defeat, and he’s not looked play, much to the relief of Hasan who missed the tour Smith, Starc, Cummins. No, ion. were excellent on the field. Mulani said he shares a It was the last ball of the back since. not just fans but also the (along with injured Tamim I haven’t overlooked There is no easy solution Aparajith’s one-handed special bond with Tare that day that turned the tables After a second ball duck in selectors and team manage- Iqbal), and Sri Lanka, as Bumrah versus that the ICC’s Technical catch sent Siddhesh Lad helped him, put on a cru- when Ashwin broke the his debut Test innings, ment. mentioned, were there in Labuschagne, but that only Committee can pick on back to the pavilion for a cial stand. “I was waiting well-built partnership by Labuschagne has scored However, the stiffer test body, but not in mind. represents the exciting con- when it meets to address duck. At lunch, Mumbai for the loose balls and that removing Mulani. “I think 1459 runs in just 14 Tests. for Bumrah will come All three teams were easy test ahead. the issue. were 91 for three in 38 was my plan all along. I had it bounced a bit more than His form since his recall to against Australia. Sri meat for Virat Kohli’s team, This series, of course, will What’s becoming clear, overs. confidence in my defence. expected,” said Mulani. the Test side in the Ashes Lanka, by body language ravenous for success. An be played against the back- however, is that some Hardik Tamore was sent Tare and I were roommates Brief scores: Mumbai 284 for series has been and performance, were Australia side brimming drop of a meeting (or sever- changes — irrespective of at number three to make for a while and we have that 6 in 89.4 overs (Shams Bradmanesque, to use a stragglers, almost doomed with confidence after a fine al of them) between the the tenure of the match — his first-class debut but was understanding and I think Mulani 87, Aditya Tare 69 cliché. So much so that he’s to defeat. Frankly, without home season will be a far, administrators of BCCI and may be necessary for Test dismissed for 21 off 90 balls that helped,” said the all- batting, Jay Bista 41; R upstaged both Smith and taking away anything from far tougher challenge. Cricket Australia. Given cricket to survive the by R. Ashwin. Baba rounder Mulani. Ashwin 3/58, R Sai Kishore Warner in this period. the emphatic victories at Given the talent on view, in the issue uppermost on the Tsunami of T20. Indrajith pouched a neat TN spinner Sai who 3/77) vs Tamil Nadu. No national duty PAGE Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers doesn’t expect Jamie Vardy (in pic) to end his England Games 15 retirement despite his prolific form this season DECCAN CHRONICLE SUNDAY | 12 JANUARY 2020 | CHENNAI MAN UTD WON’T MAKE PANIC BUYS, SAYS OLE Arsenal pegged back Manchester, Jan. 11: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Manchester I would never, ever, United will not look for ever, put myself short-term solutions in Crystal Palace hold 10-man Arsenal after Auba red card the January transfer win- before the club. dow just to guarantee his London, Jan. 11: Arsenal captain job security. Solskjaer This is Manchester Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not countenance United and there is opened the scoring at Crystal bringing in players if Palace on Saturday but was later they do not fit in with no I in Manchester. sent off as the hosts fought back to United’s long-term plan. — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, draw 1-1 at Selhurst Park. His squad has been Manchester United boss New Gunners boss Mikel Arteta stretched by injuries and was on course for a third straight a gruelling schedule and win when his skipper made the they have not won any of SHORT TAKES breakthrough in the first half, but a their three matches so far deflected effort by Jordan Ayew in 2020. cancelled it out early in the second Those weaknesses were Racist City fans period. brutally exposed in the 3-1 When Aubameyang received a red defeat by Manchester City handed 5-yr ban card with 23 minutes left, the expe- in the first leg of the London: Two Manchester City rienced Roy Hodgson would have League Cup semi-finals supporters have received five- fancied his chances of gaining on Tuesday to once again year bans from football match- three points against the youngest put the spotlight on es and lifetime suspensions manager in the league and but had Solskjaer. from the Premier League cham- to settle for a share of the spoils. United struggled in the pions’ stadium after being Arsenal’s difficulties this season absence of injured mid- found guilty of racist abuse. were highlighted by the fact this fielders Paul Pogba and Ian Baldry, 58, made a racist was the first time Palace were fac- Scott McTominay. comment towards City and ing the Gunners after Christmas in However, Solskjaer England winger Raheem a top-flight match with the Eagles refuses to discuss the idea Sterling as he celebrated scor- higher in the table. of any stop-gap signings. ing a goal in a Premier League Hodgson was boosted by the “I am not going to pro- game against Bournemouth at return of Wilfried Zaha after he tect myself,” Solskjaer the Etihad Stadium in missed the defeat to Derby with a said ahead of Norwich’s December 2018. knock but new loan signing Cenk visit to Old Trafford on The defendant from Yorkshire Tosun was only named on the Saturday. “I am here to do pleaded guilty in September to bench. what I think is best for the causing racially aggravated Captain Aubameyang was club and what I feel is intentional harassment, alarm recalled by Arteta after sitting out best.” — AFP or distress. Baldry’s friend, the FA Cup win over Leeds and James McConnell, from opened the scoring at Selhurst Park Manchester, was heard making in the 12th minute. racist remarks about two match Mesut Ozil’s licence to roam had XAVI TO REPLACE stewards at the same game. already caused the hosts problems McConnell was also spotted and he moved inside to combine BOSS VALVERDE shouting similar comments at a with Alexandre Lacazette, who City player who took a corner played in his fellow forward to curl at a home game against into the bottom corner for his 16th AT BARCELONA? Newcastle two months earlier, goal of the season. Doha, Jan. 11: Barcelona said police. He was also sen- It was a breathtaking Arsenal have asked former cap- tenced in Manchester after move, which started with a brave tain Xavi to take over pleading guilty. — AFP through ball between the lines by from the under-pressure David Luiz, and Palace struggled to Ernesto Valverde as head gain possession during the opening coach, Spanish media Two Indians on top 30 minutes. reported on Friday. Zaha cut a frustrated figure and The club’s sporting at Delhi Open chess this was highlighted when he director Eric Abidal has shoved Nicolas Pepe into Lucas reportedly spoken to the New Delhi: Five players, includ- Torreira, with the visiting pair boss of Qatari side Al ing India’s Karthik needing treatment. Sadd about arriving on a Venkataraman and C.R.G. Referee Paul Tierney shows Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (left) a red card following a VAR review during their English two-year-deal, with radio Krishna, were on top with an WEST HAM ‘LIVID’ Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in London on Saturday. — AP station Cadena Ser claim- all-win record at the end of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice ing the former midfielder round four in the 18th Delhi claimed “nobody wants VAR” in the could return this season International Open Grand Premier League after the controver- if Valverde is sacked. Masters chess tournament, here sial review system condemned his Al Sadd’s general man- on Saturday. Grandmaster side to a dramatic 1-0 defeat at Stage set for Madrid derby in Jeddah ager Turki Al-Ali refused Venkataraman and International Sheffield United on Friday. to rule out a move back to Master Krishna were joined by Trailing to Oliver McBurnie’s sec- Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Jan. Atletico scored two late goals sports daily Mundo Deportivo Barca for Xavi. Jose Eduardo Martinez ond half striker, David Moyes’ men 11: Lionel Messi has pre- to beat Barca 3-2, with a derby SPANISH SUPER CUP on Friday. “Second in the “The issue of Xavi going Alcantara (Peru), Aleksej thought they had snatched an dictably been the star attrac- final now to come against Real ● An all-Madrid final in league against semi-finalist in to Barca is normal and Aleksandrov (Belarus) and equaliser in stoppage-time when tion but there will be no Madrid. the cup.” expected because he will Bangladesh GM Ziaur Rahman Robert Snodgrass fired home from Clasico in Saudi Arabia this When the Spanish Football Jeddah offers both An all-Madrid final in Jeddah be at his club and it’s his at the top. They were ahead of Rice’s pass. weekend, as Atletico Madrid’s Federation signed a three-year Atletico and Real the offers both Atletico and Real first home and he must six players, who are joint sec- But, with West Ham celebrating defeat of Barcelona set up a contract worth 120 million chance to claim a first the chance to claim a first tro- return there in the future, ond. Karthik posted a win over wildly, the goal was checked by VAR clash with rivals Real Madrid euros ($133.4 million) to move trophy of the campaign phy of the campaign and per- but as of today, Xavi is the Gurgaon’s Ishvi Aggarwal. On and eventually ruled out for a hand- in the Spanish Super Cup final the tournament to Saudi, a title haps a valuable psychological coach of Al Sadd,” Al-Ali the top board, 18-year old ball by Rice. — AFP on Sunday. showdown between Real and and perhaps a valuable boost too. said in a statement. Peruvian GM Alcantara, seeded Messi was cheered by fans at Barcelona would very likely psychological boost too Certainly, Barcelona and “Xavi and his team are fourth, posted a 47-move win THE RESULTS the King Abdullah Sport City have been top of the organis- Valencia will resume in La focusing on tomorrow’s over International Master Himal Stadium from the moment he ers’ wishlist. Liga with their rhythm jolted match against Al-Rayyan, Gusain while GM Aleksej Crystal Palace 1 jogged out to warm up, yet The draw kept the clubs apart Including the two other high- and confidence knocked. and we know that a club Aleksandrov, the eighth-seed, (Ayew 54) Atletico were the ones celebrat- in the semis and a new four- est-placed finishers in La Liga After seven games unbeaten, with the size and profes- had to bring out his best to Arsenal 1 ing at the end of Thursday’s team format ensured Real and all-but ensures entry for Valencia were outplayed in sionalism of Barcelona tame India’s Niranjan (Aubameyang 12) semi-final in the competition Atletico were able to partici- Barcelona and Real Madrid their 3-1 semi-final defeat by will take to official chan- Navalgund in 70 moves. that has been expanded and pate at all, given they would every year but, as this competi- Real while Barca’s late collapse nels to speak of such mat- GM Karthikeyan Murali, the third Sheffield United 1 controversially shipped to a not have qualified for the tradi- tion has shown, there is no against Atletico brings doubts ters,” he added. He joined seed, was held to a draw by (McBurnie 53) different continent, to a coun- tional two-legged showdown guarantee of progress. around coach Ernesto Al Sadd as a player in 2015 Saptarshi Roy. Second-seed West Ham 0 try with a long-condemned between league champions and “The Super Cup will be decid- Valverde rushing back to the before being appointed Pavel Ponkratov (Russia) was record on human rights. winners of the Copa del Rey. ed by its guests,” read Catalan surface. — AFP coach last July. — AFP held to his second draw when Indonesia’s Theolifus Taher Yoseph held his own in a long- drawn game. — PTI BAGAN SET TO KHELO INDIA | YOUTH GAMES ARROWS TO Odisha enjoy home comfort MERGE WITH ATK Bhubaneswar, Jan. 11: Gymnasts continue Odisha FC toppled TO PLAY IN ISL HOST TRAU Mumbai City FC 2-0 to Kolkata, Jan. 11: make it three wins out of Kolkata giants Mohun three at the Kalinga Bagan are all set to merge gold rush on Day 2 IN I-LEAGUE Stadium here on with ATK in their bid to Saturday. play in the country’s top Guwahati, Jan. 11: ● As many as seven Vasco: All India Football After a barren first-half, tier Indian Super League Maharashtra’s Asmi meet records were Federation’s developmental goals from Aridane during the 2020-21 season. Ankush Badade and Uttar side Indian Arrows will host Santana (48’) and Xisco While both Mohun Pradesh’s Jatin Kumar bettered on the TRAU FC in the I-League here Hernandez (74’) were Bagan as well as ATK Kanojia joined Tripura’s opening day of on Sunday. The Arrows, after enough for Josep brass remained non-com- Priyanka Dasgupta as athletics competition six games, find themselves Gombau’s men to floor mittal, there remains a quadruple gold medal win- at the Khelo India rooted to the bottom of the Mumbai City who fell to strong possibility that an ners at the gymnastics standings. However, the young their second consecutive announcement might be competition of the Khelo Youth Games Arrows have shown signs of defeat in the Hero Indian on cards by the end of India Youth Games 2020, resilience, giving every team a Super League. this week. here on Saturday. five gold medals in the run for their money until the The three points have “There is no confirma- As many as seven meet under-17 rhythmic gym- final whistle. taken Odisha’s tally to 18 tion as of now but we records were bettered on nastics competition. Despite falling short against points from 12 matches. It always have been in talks the opening day of athlet- Athletics action got Mohun Bagan in their previous sees Odisha surge into for future tie-ups. When ics competition. Madhya under way on Saturday game, Shanmugam Venkatesh, the top-four at the something concrete devel- Pradesh made a mark, and immediately stole the head coach, Indian Arrows expense of Mumbai who ops we will come out with picking up three gold while limelight as four meet reflected on the positives. are two points adrift. an announcement,” Gujarat claimed three of records were bettered. “Mohun Bagan had a difficult The game got off to a Mohun Bagan senior offi- the eight gold medals at Madhya Pradesh’s Arjun time against us and it was not slow and cautious start cial Debasish Dutta said. stake in the judo competi- Waskale won the boys an easy outing at all. Our boys with both teams gauging ATK co-owner Utsav tion at the Sports Under-17 3000m race while fought neck-to-neck until the each other. The first Parekh too remained non- Authority of India Centre and Vivek Kumar led a final whistle and the experience chance of the match fell commital of the develop- in Paltan Bazar. medals’ sweep in the boys will surely bear fruits for us in for the visitors in the 14th Odisha FC’s Xisco Hernandez (left) vies for the ball with Rowllin Borges of Mumbai ment and said the organ- In the battle for suprema- Under-17 javelin throw, to the upcoming matches,” he minute when Amine City in their ISL match on Saturday. siers, Football Sports cy among the 36 States and pocket seven of the 18 said. Weighing in on their Chermiti fed Modou Development Limited, are Union Territories, medals at stake in the Sunday opponents, he added, Sougou down the right There were a couple of The Spaniard got past on Sunday. ATK, two-time looking into this. Maharashtra topped the morning session. “TRAU, in their last match, side of the box. But no close calls at both ends as Mato Grgic and found champions, and Kerala “Last we heard East charts with seven gold and The breath-taking finish found the taste of victory and Mumbai player could the half wound down. Santana with a cutback Blasters, two-time run- Bengal will joining ATK eight silver among 27 of the boys Under-21 5000m facing them now would be real- turn his dangerous ball Serge Kevyn’s blocked from the byline. The ners-up, have some histo- and now it’s Mohun medals in all. With six gold witnessed a close contest- ly challenging. across the box. shot fell for Sougou on the striker was left with the ry between them in the Bagan. Let’s wait and among their 12 medals, with defending champion “They are improving constantly Odisha continued to edge of the box. But his simple job of turning it in ISL. On both occasions watch, FSDL are looking Uttar Pradesh occupied the Ajeet Kumar winning by and we have to be at the top of enjoy possession and snapshot flew just wide in at the far post. that ATK won the title, it into the matter.” second spot while Delhi the slimmest margin our game to get some points.” threatened from wide the 44th minute. At the With confidence surg- was the side from Kochi There was no comments were third with a total of against a determined Sunil TRAU, on the other hand, lifted areas. A corner in the other end, a blocked cross ing through, Odisha kept that they vanquished in from ISL promoters 12 medals, including five Dawar. themselves off the foot of the 19th minute from Xisco from Xisco fell for troubling the Mumbai the final. FSDL. As per the Indian gold. The photo finish camera league standings following their sparked pandemonium in Nandhakumar inside the defence and Xisco and However, Kerala are football roadmap, the ISL Kanojia won the Parallel had to be consulted before maiden victory over city rivals the Mumbai box, with box. He worked some Santana both saw shots unbeaten in the last five will become the top tier Bars and gold after win- Ajeet Yadav was declared Neroca. Another stat to be Pratik Chaudhuri clear- space for himself and on goal blocked away by matches against ATK and league of the country and ning the boys under-17 winner by a 100 of a second taken into account is that the ing the ball away after a pulled the trigger, but the desperate Mumbai the home team will want there’s a key recommen- artistic gymnastics and the with a timing of 14:39.99s, a Tiddim Road outfit have been bit of pinball in the box. shot was straight at defenders. to turn the tables this dation by the AFC is to Floor Exercises and new meet record. unbeaten for three games now, Odisha kept peppering Mumbai custodian time, especially given open a pathway for two I- Horizontal Bars titles. Uttarakhand broke into with their last defeat dating the Mumbai box with Amrinder Singh. ATK FACE BLASTERS that Kerala defeated them League clubs’ entry into Badade’s loss in the Clubs the medals chart with back to almost a month ago, crosses and corners, but Odisha took a deserved In Kolkata, ATK are set to 2-1 in the reverse fixture the ISL by the end of the final to Maharashtra team- Ankita’s gold in the girls when they lost to Kolkata apart from several half- lead three minutes into lock horns with Kerala in Kochi in the opening 2020-21 season, subject to mate Shreya Pravin Under-21 5000m with a new giants East Bengal on chances, they could not the second half after bril- Blasters in what should game of the season. the criteria being ful- Bhangale meant that she meet record time of December 14. — PTI force an opening. liant work from Xisco. be an electric ISL clash at — Agencies filled. — PTI was denied a sweep of the 16:38.75. — PTI