Ishmeet Singh cremated at Ludhiana, given State Funeral

Music Sensation and Star Voice of India 2007 winner Ishmeet Singh, was cremated at Ludhiana with state honours. Thousands of people have gathered at the cremation ground, where Ishmeet's last rites were performed. Ishmeet (19) was the only son of his parents. His father Gurprinder Singh Sodhi lit the pyre. Wreaths were laid on the body on behalf of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

Ishmeet's mother Amritpal Kaur, relatives, family members, fans and common people were present during the funeral. Ishmeet died of drowning in a swimming pool at a Maldives hotel on Tuesday. The Punjab government has ordered an inquiry into his mysterious death. The government has also decided to set up an Institute of Excellence for Performing Arts, which will be named after Ishmeet Singh.

Home Loan gets costlier, as ICICI, HDFC hike Lending Rates

Barely two days after the RBI hiked the repo rate and CRR, the leading private banks HDFC and ICICI have hiked their lending rated by 0.75 per cent. That means, consumers will have to pay much more to get home loans from these banks. The HDFC customers will now have to pay a minimum of 11.75 per cent interest on home loans. The auto loans and personal loans from HDFC Bank have also gone up.

The ICICI Bank too raised its main lending rates by 75 basis points. According to an ICICI Bank statement, the corporate lending rate will rise to 17.25 percent and retail rate to 14.25. The deposit rate will also go up by 75-100 basis points. Other PSU Banks such as Bank of Rajasthan, Punjab National Bank, Axis Bank and Jammu & Kashmir Bank have also raised their interest rates.

Prakash and Mandakini Amte receive Ramon Magsaysay Award

Noted social activist Baba Amte's son Prakash Amte and his wife Mandakini Amte won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for their contribution to improving the lives of tribals through medical care and education. Both Prakash and Mandakini are philanthropist doctors. The couple has been selected for the Community Leadership category of Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Prakash and Mandakini run a school and a hospital at Hemalkasa village in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region. They worked for the welfare of the Madia Gond tribals. Late Baba Amte had also received the award public service in 1985. Prakash Amte said that he was humbled by the this honour. He dedicated the award to his team who always worked for the social welfare and upliftment of poor tribals.

Another Child dies in Asaram Bapu's Chhindwara Ashram

After Ahmedabad, it's the turn of Chhindwara now. Another 5-year child died under mysterious circumstances in Asaram Bapu's Chhindwara Ashra. The dead body was found in a bathroom. The body was trapped inside a bucket. This is the second death in Asaram Bapu's Chhindwara Ashram in the last three days. The police is investigating the matter.

Inflation surges to 11.98 per cent

The inflation rose again. It touched 11.98 per cent for the week ending July 19. During the previous week, it was 11.89 per cent. The rise in inflation has been attributed to the increase in food, vegetable and manufacturing products. The RBI has recently hiked the repo rate and CRR in order to bring down the rising inflation. The impact could be seen within 2-3 weeks.

Postmortem Report: Ishmeet died of Drowning

The postmortem conducted on Ishmeet Singh ruled out any foul play in his death. The interim report said that Ishmeet died of drowning and suffocation. Samples have been sent for viscera test in Patiala. The viscera report will divulge more details. Ishmeet's funeral will be held in Ludhiana at 4 PM.

Ishmeet Singh to be given State Funeral, Family allege Murder

The untimely death of Star Voice of India winner Ishmeet Singh, has taken a dramatic turn, as his family has alleged that Ishmeet was murdered and thrown to the swimming pool. According to his uncle, there are scratches on his face and his head was hit by a hard object.

Ishmeet's family has demanded a proper inquiry into this incident and said that they would register an FIR soon. The Punjab government has decided to launch an inquiry into the mysterious death of Ishmeet Singh. Ishmeet's postmortem report is likely to shed more lights on this matter.

Ishmeet's body reaches New Delhi, Father demands probe into Son's death

Breaking News! Star Voice of India winner Ishmeet Singh's dead body, which was brought to Bangalore in the afternon, reached New Delhi. The body was taken to Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. The Punjab government has arranged a special plane to fly Ishmeet's dead body to Ludhiana. It will be taken to a Ludhiana hospital for postmortem. He will be cremated tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Ishmeet's father has demanded a probe into his son's mysterious death. It is surprising that Ishmeet, who did not swimming, was allowed to go inside deep water in the swimming pool. Also, it is not clear how a life guard was not available at the swimming pool of the five-star hotel, where Ishmeet Singh was drowned. An independent inquiry into Ishmeet's death may unravel the mystery.

Three more Live Bombs found in Surat, Modi announces reward on Terrorists' Heads

There is no respite for people of Surat, as three more live bombs found today. The bombs were found in Varachha area. Yesterday, 18 live bombs were found in the city. The bombs have been defused by the bomb disposal squad.

The primary investigations suggested that all bombs found in Surat had micro chip. The chips were not formatted properly. That could be reason why the bombs did not go off. Otherwise, they could have devastating effect. Meanwhile, Gujarat CM Narendra Modi has announced a reward of Rs. 51 lakh to anyone who will provide vital information regarding the Gujarat blasts.

Cash-for-Vote Scandal: 22 MPs may get disqualified

The "Cash-for-Vote" scandal is all set to claim the heads of 22 Lok Sabha MPs, if Speaker Somnath Chatterjee decide against them. According to reports, the LS Speaker has received applications for disqualification of 22 MPs for cross-voting in the trust vote moved by the UPA government, defying the party whip.

The Speaker has already formed a seven-member committee to look into the charges made by 3 BJP MPs. The MPs had alleged that they had been bribed by the Samajwadi Party and the Congress to vote in favour of the government. They even showed the cash allegedly given to them inside the house while the trust vote debate was on.

SBI, Reliance Capital, ICICI Prudential and HSBC to manage EPF

In a significant decision, the government has appointed State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Prudential, Reliance Capital and HSBC to manage EPF (Employees' Pension Fund), which is the largest pension fund of the country. The above organizations will manage the EPF from September onwards.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) had invited bids from state-run and private fund managers to manage the EPF, which has assets of more than $36.6 billion. Out of the 22 bids received, it had selected 5 banks. The latest decision ended SBI's monopoly over the management of EPF.

Jagmohan Dalmiya elected CAB President

Breaking News! Former BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya made a come back into Indian cricket, by winning the CAB elections. Dalmiya beat incumbent Prasun Mukherjee to become the President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Dalmiya won by a margin of 12 votes. Dalmiya's win came as a major shock for BCCI President Sharad Pawar, as Dalmiya could try to stage a come back into BCCI during next year's elections.

Star Voice of India 2007 Winner, Ishmeet Singh died of drowning in Maldives

Breaking News! Ishmeet Singh, winner of Star Voice of India 2007, died of drowning in Maldives. He had gone to Maldives this morning to participate in a music show on August 1. Ishmeet was from Ludhiana. According to reports, Ishmeet drowned in a swimming pool while having fun with his friends.

Ishmeet Singh won many hearts in India and abroad for his great singing skills. After being crowned the winner of Star Voice of India on November 24, 2007, he was handed over the trophy by legendary Lata Mangeshkar. The entire country plunged into grief and sadness at Ishmeet's untimely death.

Surat under Terror Attack, 18 Live Bombs recovered today

Breaking News! Another live bomb has been recovered near Patel Smriti Bhavan in Surat. With this, total number of live bombs found today went up to 18. People across Surat and Gujarat are in complete shock and panic with the regular recovery of live bombs for the third consecutive day. It is surprising how the terrorists could plant such a large number of bombs in a single day. Had these bombs gone off, Surat would not have remained the same city any more. Fortunately, not a single bomb went off. Security personnel must get kudos for this.

Most bombs were found in Varaccha and Kapodara areas. Two bombs were found in Bhavani circle. Three bombs were recovered in Gajera area. All bombs were wrapped in green plastic packets. They were attached to timer devices. The bomb disposal squad had a tough time to locate the live bombs and defuse them. Security personnel were seen moving from one place to another in search of live bombs. Ironically, no arrest has been made so far.

12 Live Bombs found in Surat today

Breaking News! nine more live bombs recovered in Surat. With this, total number of live bombs recovered today reached 12. All live bombs were found in the Varachha area in Surat City. Two bombs were found on Varachha bridge. The bombs have been defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad.

Two other suspected packets, which were recovered earlier, were not bombs. The police and security agencies are looking for more possible live bombs in the various parts of the Surat City.

RBI hikes Repo Rate and CRR

Breaking News! The Reserve Bank of India has hiked the repo rate by 0.50 percent from 8.50% to 9%. Similarly, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) has been hiked by 0.25 percent from 8.75% to 9%. The new rates will be effective from August 30.

According to RBI sources, the decision was taken to bring down the inflation rate to 5 percent. Currently, it is at 11.89%. Since the RBI has increased the repo rate, the interest rates for home, car and personal loans are likely to go up.

Another live bomb found hanging from a tree in Surat

Breaking News! It seems that terrorists have planted bombs randomly everywhere in Surat. Just half an hour after the bomb disposal squad defused two live bombs in Surat this morning, another live bomb was found in the Labheshwar area in Surat. The bomb was found hanging from a tree. The bomb disposal squad immediately rushed to the spot and defused the bomb.

Two more Live Bombs recovered in Surat, defused by Bomb Disposal Squad

Breaking News! For the third consecutive day, Surat has come under shock and panic, as two live bombs found in the city. The first bomb was found in front of Labheshwar Police Station in Varaccha area. Another bomb was recovered in Santosh Nagar. The bomb disposal squad reached the spots and defused both live bombs.

Pakistan Army cross LoC in Kupwara, 1 Indian, 4 Pakistani Soldiers killed

Breaking News! At least 15 Pakistani soldiers crossed LoC in Kupwara and killed an Indian jawan. The jawan belonged to 22 Rajput Rifles. Their attack was sudden and took the Indian Army by surprise. The incident occurred in Nowgaon sector.

Heavy exchange of fire has been reported between Indian and Pakistani soldiers from the border. According to latest reports, four Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory fire from Indian soldiers. The Indian Army has called for a flag meeting and ceasefire to recover the body of Indian soldier.

PM Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi visit Ahmedabad

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi visited terror-hit Ahmedabad today and met the injured in hospitals. They also interacted with people, who lost their kins in the serial bomb blasts. Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil also visited Ahmedabad.

PM Dr. Manmohan Singh condemned the blasts in strongest words and praised people of Gujarat for showing resilience. He was accompanied by Gujarat CM Narendra Modi. The PM has increased the compensation amount. He announced a compensation of Rs. 3.5 lakh for the kins of each dead and Rs. 50,000 each for the injured.

Breaking News! Another Live Bomb diffused in Surat

Breaking News! Another live bomb was found near a transformer in Varachha area in Surat. The bomb disposal squad immediately rushed to the spot and diffused the bomb. Yesterday, a Wagon R car laden with explosives was found in the same area.

The police have intensified the combing operations across Gujarat after the latest development. Panic gripped people across Surat and other parts of Gujarat.

Abdul Halim sent to 14-day poilce custody, Fresh Leads found in Ahmedabad Serial Blasts

Abdul Halim, who was arrested in connection with the serial blasts in Ahemdabad, which claimed over 50 lives, has been sent to police custody till August 10. According to police sources, Abdul Halim is a former member of SIMI. The explosives-laden Wagon R cars, which were recovered in Surat, were stolen from Navi Mumbai. Also, the cycles used in the blasts were rented, not purchases. The police is looking for people who helped the terrorists to rent the cars.

It is believed that SIMI has changed its name and has come up with a new name called 'Indian Mujahideen'. It was confirmed by the Karnataka Home Minister and DGP. Abdul Halim, who was arrested by the police, was also wanted in connection with Godhra Riots.

United Nations condemn Serial Bomb Blasts in India

The UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon condemned the recent serial bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad that claimed more than 50 lives and injured over 200 people. "No cause or grievance can justify terrorist acts of this kind", he said. He also assured people of India every possible help in their fight against terrorism.

Ban sent his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the Indian government. The US also condemned the blasts and sent condolence messages to the families of the victims. White House National Security Council spokesperson Gordon Johndroe said, "We stand with the Indian people as they continue to confront terrorism". Both UN and US appealed for calm and restraint in the wake of such provocation.

Istanbul Bomb Blasts kill 15 People

Breaking News! Twin bomb blasts at a shopping center in Istanbul (Turkey), killed at least 15 people and wounded around 140. The blast occurred late on Sunday. The bomb blasts occurred ahead of a court case over banning the governing party, which has sent Turkey into political turmoil.

No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Istanbul governor Muammer Guler admitted that it was a terror attack. According to latest reports, the death toll could go up, as 15 - 20 injured are in critical conditions. Police is investigating the blasts with help of forensic experts.

Two Wagon R Cars laden with explosives found in Surat

Breaking News! Another Wagon R car laden with explosives, was found in Varaccha area in Surat. The police seized the car and special squads have been rushed in to examine the explosives. Earlier in the afternoon, another Wagon R car loaded with explosives, was seized in Poona village in Surat.

The latest developments have created panic in Surat and other parts of Gujarat. The two other cars, which were used in the serial blasts outside Ahmedabad hospitals were also of Wagon R brand. Registration numbers of all these cars are found to be fake.

Human Bomb suspected in Ahmedabad Serial Blasts

The Ahmedabad police and security agencies are heading for a major breakthrough in the serial blasts that killed more than 45 people yesterday. According to investigating officials, a dead body was found outside the civil hospital, Ahmedabad, which was blown to pieces by a bomb. The body could not be identified. The police suspect that it could be a suicide bomber and is working in that direction to get further leads.

Breaking News! Live Bomb found in Surat, diffused by Bomb Disposal Squad

Breaking News! After Ahmedabad, it's the turn of Surat now. According to latest reports, a live bomb has been found near Nupur Hospital in the Citylite area of Surat. The bomb disposal squad immediately rushed to the spot and diffused the bomb.

The area was sealed by the police. The Surat Police has launched a combing operation to search for other possible live bombs. The Surat Police Commissioner has urged people of Surat to stay indoors today. All movie halls across Surat have been shut down.

Breaking News! Gujarat Govt. puts blast death toll at 45, 162 injured

Breaking News! The Gujarat Health Minister confirmed that over 45 have been confirmed dead so far in the serial blasts that rocked Ahmedabad yesterday. According to the Minister, over 162 people have been injured and they are being treated in various hospitals.

According to police sources, bombs were planted on cycles, car and in a CNG bus. The car bomb blast outside the civil hospital in Ahmedabad, claimed the lives of 23 people. The Gujarat government is working closely with the central government and other intelligence agencies to get further leads in the blast probe.

Breaking News! Two Live Bombs diffused in Ahmedabad

Breaking News! Barely 14 hours after the serial blasts rocked Ahmedabad, killing 45 people, two live bombs were found in garbage dumps in Ramol and Hatkeshwar in the city. The bomb disposal squad diffused the bombs after two hours' hard work.

The security personnel have been looking for other possible live bombs across the city. It was not clear when the bombs were planted in the garbage dump and why they did not go off. The police is investigating the matter.

India under Terror Attack: Does Indian Mujahideen REALLY exist?

--By Sagar Satapathy, Editor-in-Chief

A newly formed group called Indian Mujahideen, which had claimed responsibility for the serial blasts in Jaipur, sent an email to over 20 media organizations including leading news channels just five minutes before Ahmedabad serial blasts. They warned that they were going to carry out the blasts in Ahmedabad within 5 minutes and dared everyone to stop it. Nothing could be done and within five minutes, serial blasts occurred in various parts of Ahmedabad. At least 16 blasts took place in 13 places, killing 45 people and injuring over 100.

Here, the question is does Indian Mujahideen really exist? The little known group claim that they want to avenge the killing of Muslims in Gujarat and elsewhere in India. There is no doubt that terrorists have gone hi-tech, as they have been regularly using Internet to exchange messages with all. During the Jaipur blasts, the email was traced to a cyber cafe in Ghaziabad. This time, the ATS sources said that email was sent from Sanpada in Mumbai.

The security agencies are not willing to believe the existence of any group called Indian Mujahideen. They believe that blasts could be the handiwork of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) or HUJI. Even they don't rule out SIMI's involvement. According to intelligence sources, the above terrorist organizations are using fake names to divert the attention of world community and prove before the world that only Indian-based terror groups are responsible for terror attacks in India. This is due to continued pressure of Pakistan and other foreign-based militant groups from Western world.

An in-depth investigation into this matter should unravel the mystery behind the recent serial blasts in India. It is essential to know who is carrying out these attacks, or else it won't be possible to destroy their network. It's an irony that security agencies have not yet reached a conclusion even after over two months of Jaipur serial blasts.

Cash-for-Vote Scam: LS Speaker forms Seven-member Committee

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee set up a seven-member committee to investigate the cash-for-vote scandal. The decision was taken after three BJP MPs filed a formal complaint to the Speaker that Samajwadi Party functionaries bribed them to vote for the UPA government during the trust vote. They named SP leader Amar Singh and Congress leader Ahmed Patel in their complaint.

The committee would be headed by C. Kishore Chandra Dev, who also heads the house privileges committee. The committee will submit its report by August 11.

Ahmedabad Serial Blast: Modi talks tough, as 45 confirmed dead

Breaking News! Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that 45 people have been killed so far in the serial blasts that rocked Ahmedabad in the evening today. According to the CM, there were 16 blasts in total. His own constituency Mani Nagar witnessed three blasts. Narendra Modi talked tough and vowed to put Gujarat on the path of growth and progress while dealing with terrorists with an iron hand.

Narendra Modi did not indulge in blame game and requested the centre and public to work with Gujarat government. Modi also said that India was under attack from the terrorists and there should be strong mechanism to deal with this menace. He said that "it was a war against India". Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 5 lakh for each dead and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. He also assured that state government will bear all medical expenses of the injured.

BJP-ruled States under Terror Attack, Will it be Madhya Pradesh next?

While we can say that India is under terror attack, the impression is received that BJP-ruled states in the country are being targeted by terrorist organizations. The first serial blasts occurred at Rajasthan's capital Jaipur, which is ruled by the BJP. Next target was Bangalore, capital of Karnatak, which is the first Southern state to be ruled by the BJP. Today's attack in Narendra Modi's Gujarat strengthened the belief that BJP-ruled states are under attack from the terrorists.

The Islamic fundamentalists groups have been targeting BJP leaders for sometimes now. They want to avenge the Babri Demolition in 1992 and Gujarat Riots in 2002. Today, the militants carried out three blasts in Gujarat CM Narendra Modi's constituency, Mani Nagar. Other areas that came under attack were Sarkhej, home of Gujarat Home Minister Amit Shah and Bapu Nagar, home of staunch Hindu fundamentalist Praveen Togadia. The message is loud and clear. We need to read it.

After Rajasthan, Karnataka and Gujarat, will be the turn of Madhya Pradesh, which is also ruled by the BJP? Bhopal and Indore are two such sensitive areas, which could be targeted by the terrorists. It is high time both centre and state government work in tandem to prevent any such incident, which might trigger widespread destruction and chaos.

Ahmedabad Serial Blasts: 16 blasts reported, Death toll reaches 29

Breaking News! Contrary to the initial reports that confirmed seven blasts in Ahmedabad, the latest reports confirmed 16 blasts in the city with more blasts reported from Sarkhej, Sarangpur, Narol, Amraiwadi, Hatkeshwar and some other areas.

Mani Nagar, which is CM Narendra Modi's constituency, is worst affected, as two blasts reported from that area. Two blasts occurred LG Hospital and Civil Hospital, while the injured were being rushed for treatment. According to latest reports, two 5-kg LPG cylinders were planted inside Wagon R cars to trigger the blasts at the Trauma Centre in Civil Hospital and in LG Hospital.

Official sources put the death toll at 29, but it could rise further, as most of the injured are in critical conditions. The Gujarat police has been on high alert. Over 100 people are reportedly injured. RAF personnel have been called in to maintain law and order. The Central government has alerted all Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Lucknow, Bhopal and Indore. The PM, President and other leaders have condemned the serial blasts in Ahmedabad. The PMO has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 1 lakh each for the dead and Rs. 50,000 each for the injured.

Serial Blasts rock Ahmedabad; Two killed, 27 injured

Breaking News! A day after eight blasts rocked Bangalore, killing three people, six serial blasts rocked Ahmedabad. The blasts occurred moments ago within a span of 15 minutes. The blasts occurred at Maninagar Chowk, Sardar Patel Hira Bazar (Diamond Market), Saranpur Bridge, Bapunagar, Hasanpur and Isanpur. The injured have been rushed to hospital. According to initial reports, the blasts were of low intensity. At least two people are reportedly killed and more than 25 are injured. One of the blasts took place inside a bus.

According to India TV, an email sent by Indian Mujahideen warned that they were going to carry out the bomb blasts within five minutes and dared the authorities to stop it if they can. The India TV authorities immediately informed the security agencies, but the blasts could not be prevented because of lack of time. The email was sent to several news agencies. The email sent to CNN-IBN read as "The Indian Mujahideen strikes back! Wait for five minutes and feel the terror of death." The blasts were triggered by timer devices and bombs were planted inside tiffin boxes on cycles. Further details are awaited.

Latest Update: http://www.breakingnewsonline.net/2008/07/ahmedabad-serial-blasts-13-blasts.html

CID Raid on Asaram Bapu's Ashram, 8 people Held

Four teams of Gujarat CID Crime Branch raided the Ashram of Asaram Bapu in Ahmedabad and detained eight people in connection with the assault on journalists. The police also seized wood sticks and a car from the ashram. The search operation continued for more than two hours. Out of the 20 people accused of vandalism, 12 people are absconding.

Samajwadi Party expels six MPs, files defamation case against Advani and 3 BJP MPs

The Trust Vote sought by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh not only shocked the entire nation, it also took a heavy toll on the MPs. While the opposition parties expelled 24 MPs in total, the Samajwadi Party went on to expel six MPs who defied party whip and switched sides with Mayawati's BSP. The expelled MPs included Afzal Ansari, Ateeq Ahmad, S.P. Singh Baghel, Munawwar Hasan, Rajnarayan Budholiya and Jai Prakash Rawat.

The Samajwadi Party also filed a defamation case against BJP leader LK Advani and the three BJP MPs who took SP Leader Amar Singh's name in the cash-for-vote scam. Former Corporator Kishori Lal Yadav filed the suit in a court in Allahabad.

Terror Attack: Serial Blasts rock Bangalore, One killed

Breaking News! Terrorists attacked the IT hub of India - Bangalore. Just around the lunch time, seven serial blasts rocked Bangalore, killing a woman and injuring over 15 people. According to latest reports, death toll reached two and blast actually occurred at eight places.

The first blast occurred at 1.30 PM and within a span of 12 minutes, two other blasts took place. All eight blasts took place within a span of 60 minutes. Blasts occurred at Nayandhahalli, Adugudi, Kormangala, Langford town, Hosur Road, Madivala, and Mysore Road. According to Intelligence sources, LeT and SIMI are behind the blasts.

The police have cordoned off the area. Bomb squads have reached the blast sites and injured have been rushed to the hospital. The IB team has also reached the blast sites. Telephone lines in the city have been jammed. According to police sources, the blasts were of low intensity and gelatin sticks were used in the blast. The Bangalore Police Commissioner has urged people to maintain calm and not to be panic. The PM and other leaders have condemned the attack. The PMO has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 1 lakh each for the dead.

Cash-for-Vote: BJP MPs to file Formal Complaint with LS Speaker

The "cash-for-vote" scam has taken a dramatic turn with LS Speaker Somnath Chatterjee asking the BJP MPs to lodge a formal complaint. The MPs Ashok Argal, Faggan Singh Kulaste and Mahavir Bhagora will file a complaint with the Speaker later today. They have alleged that Samajwadi Party functionaries had offered bribe to them for cross-voting during the trust vote.

During the trust motion debate, the MPs showed cash worth Rs. 1 crore inside the house, which was allegedly given to them by Samajwadi Party. The MPs have taken the names of SP leaders Amar Singh, Rewati Raman Singh and Congress leader Ahmed Patel. CNN-IBN, which made a sting operation during the money transfer, decided not to telecast the tape, but handed it over to the LS Speaker for further investigation. The video tapes have been kept in safe custody of the Lok Sabha Secretary-General.

Trust Vote Impact: Rebel MPs come under Fire

While the whole world knows what "motivated" the MPs to defy party whip and vote in favour of the government, they talk about their conscience call. After the BJD expelled its member Harihar Swain from the party, the TDP expelled two of its MPs who voted for the UPA. BJP took the drastic step of expelling 8 MPs from the party. Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, who defied the party and did not resign from his post, was expelled from the CPM.

A day after, Shiv Sena expelled rebel MP Tukaram Renge Patil from the party. Shiromani Akali Dal expelled Sukhdev Singh Libra, who abstained from voting, defying party whip. Vaiko's MDMK expelled L Ganesan and Gengee N Ramachandran and asked the Speaker to disqualify them from Lok Sabha. JD(U) too expelled Ram Swarop Prasad for voting in favour of UPA and P P Koya for remaining absent during the trust vote.

With the exception of LS Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, who was expelled for wrong reasons, 17 MPs have been expelled so far for supporting the UPA government, defying party whips. It exposed the government before the public and strengthened the belief that UPA government indulged in undemocratic activities to win the support of 17 MPs. The number itself says everything.

Meanwhile, the BJP MP Chandrabhan Singh, whose house was attacked by BJP youth activists after he voted for the UPA government, has filed an FIR against BJP leaders L K Advani, Rajnath Singh and Shivraj Chauhan. He alleged that BJP