Sunidhi Chauhan to tie the knot again

Singer Sunidhi Chauhan has decided to get married to music director Hitesh Sonik. 

Though the 28-year-old Delhi-based singer was first married to director and choreographer Bobby Khan in 2002, they got divorced in a year’s time. Now, a decade later, Sunidhi will be again take the plunge. 

“It is true. I’m getting married soon,” she reportedly confirmed.

Sunidhi, who is one of the top singers of the country, has been dating Hitesh since a year, just after they met during work. The singer refuses to give any other details about her awaited wedding.

Hitesh Sonik has composed music for Pyaar Ka Panchnama, My Friend Pinto and Stanley Ka Dabba.

Singer Sunidhi Chauhan

MANDATE 2012: PUNJAB

“I have got a blueprint to tackle State’s problems” 

The SAD-BJP combine made history by winning the Assembly polls beating the anti-incumbency sentiment that prevailed in the state. Now, Parkash Singh Badal is all set to be sworn in for a historic fifth term as Chief Minister. In a exclusive interview he spoke on the reasons for the victory and his plans for the state. 

What are the factors that resulted in this historic win for your party in Punjab?
This time there was nothing anybody could say against us because our agenda was mainly on two things. One is complete communal harmony and peace and the other is development in the State. Everybody knows that communal harmony in Punjab is excellent. Besides, every sector has seen development. I told everybody to see our records, what we have done; we do not simply give statements. To meet the shortage of power, the thermal plants are moving ahead with great speed. We are spending money on health, education and roads and everybody saw the development. They believe that what we are doing is right.
What was your strategy to win the elections?

I have no hunger to be the CM. It is the party's decision as I was not even keen to contest the elections. Because I have seen so much in my life, so I thought now I should give a chance to someone else...The party is my priority — whatever it wants I will do.

Well we focussed on the role of Congress and the misrule of Congress in the country, where India is not safe from external aggression or internal law and order problems. What the Congress has done to remove poverty. Also, I am in politics since the last 60 years, I know the pulse of the people. One thing is there that they believe me that what I say, I stick to that. And secondly, people know my life, my struggle. I have great regard for Sardar Amarinder Singh. I am not in favour of vendetta politics and blame game or like that. But people do not like that a leader’s personal life to be in such a bad way.
Did the split in your family have any impact?
Everybody said Badal is facing a great challenge from his brothers. I have great respect for my two brothers. But see the results — Gurdas forfeited his security. And the other lost by a big margin.
Sonia Gandhi says it was the Manpreet factor that was responsible for the loss of the Congress…
No, I don’t agree. They are saying it just to blame somebody rather than themselves — they lost because of the Congress policies. The very day Manpreet announced his decision to break away, I told him he was committing a Himalayan political blunder and suicide.
What was the role Sukhbir played in winning the elections?
His performance was exceptional. Now the elections are different. Now we talk of election planning and management. It is more important than giving speeches. Sukhbir worked so hard in planning and management.

We will focus on all-round development...you can say infrastructure development, power, roads, education and health. In cities people need sewerage, water supply, roads, electricity and other facilities and in rural areas there are separate problems.

His critics say it was money power that worked?
That’s propaganda. The Congress spent more money than we did. But, it didn’t work for them.
In Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav is to be the Chief Minister. Why doesn’t your party make Sukhbir the Chief Minister?
It is the party that has decided to make me the CM. Actually, I have no hunger to be the CM. It is the party's decision as I was not even keen to fight the elections. Because I have seen so much in my life, so I thought now I should give a chance to someone else. But both the parties, the SAD and BJP, with full force said that we want to fight this election under your leadership. The party is my priority — whatever it wants I will do.
This is going to be your fifth term as Chief Minister — no one has done that before in Punjab — would you want to stay your full term?
One is not sure of the next day… So it is God’s will. I always depend on almighty God. I do not want to comment on this. I am always loyal to the party.
What kind of look would you like your cabinet to have?
I would give the best look for the cabinet. I have two criteria for choosing. I always go on merit and for those who can deliver.
What would be the focus in your fifth term?
All-round development in every field. I know the problems that Punjab is facing. The only thing is that the Centre is not cooperating with us. Keeping in view the fact that Punjab is a border state, they should have helped us. (But) They are not giving us justice. As for our industries, it is not really our fault; in other states like J&K, Himachal they have given so many concessions that we could not keep our industries here.
What would be the new things you want to do in your new term?
One is general development, you can say infrastructure development, power, roads, education and health...in cities people need sewerage, water supply, roads, electricity and other facilities and in rural areas there are separate problems. I have got a blueprint to solve the problems of the State.
Do you see the rise of the third front and the possibility of a mid-term poll coming and any possibility of the Congress not completing the full term at the Centre?
The present day scenario has made things difficult for the Congress. Its leaders are demoralised, frustrated; they are not sure to get the help of their colleagues. Whether they will be able to manage these things or not it is something that remains to be seen.

I think it is the beginning of the end for the UPA. It had depended on Rahul Gandhi but he has failed miserably in UP. What next? Whenever the Congress faces defeat, its leaders always fight with each other.

Would you push for a third front?
Whatever the BJP wants, we will do. I do not want to change horses now. We would see the return of the regional parties. The main reason is because despite having a federal system, the Central government has usurped power and made it a unitary form (of government). We want independence — but not to make an independent country. We want independence in terms of planning and expenditure. The Centre dictates from Delhi — do this or we will remove your grant or take away your money. They should give priority to the states.
Do you think this is the beginning of the end for the UPA?
I think so. It had depended on Rahul Gandhi but he has failed miserably in Uttar Pradesh. What next? Whenever the Congress faces defeat, its leaders always fight with each other. 
Courtesy: Tribune

UP set to get youngest CM

Mulayam heir Akhilesh Yadav, 38, to take over reins on March 15

Lucknow, March 10
Decks were cleared today for the youngest Chief Minister of the most populous state to take oath of office on Thursday (March 15). Akhilesh Yadav (38), who scripted Samajwadi party’s spectacular electoral victory in Uttar Pradesh, was today unanimously elected the leader of the SP Legislature Party.
There were two explanations offered for fixing March 15 as the day for the swearing-in ceremony. While one was that it was an auspicious day according to the Hindu calendar, the other explanation was that the date was fixed to get saturation media coverage by positioning the event between the rail budget on March 14 and general budget on March 15.
A large and unruly crowd outside the venue of the meeting this morning, underscored the challenges facing the young leader. Although the CM designate vowed to crack down on unruly elements within the party, the large posse of policemen were passive onlookers even when indiscriminate use of celebratory crackers caused a stampede.
While the official stamp was a mere formality, Samajwadi party national president Mulayam Singh Yadav was keen to make it appear like the collective decision of the newly elected SP’s legislative party.
According to sources the senior Yadav used the two intervening days to settle misgivings in a section of the party, which was somewhat reluctant to work under a leader so young.
Mulayum Singh Yadav?s brother and Leader of the Opposition Shivpal Yadav and the so-called Muslim face of the Samajwadi party Mohammad Azam Khan were persuaded to accept Akhilesh?s leadership. In separate meetings with them late last night ‘Netaji’ reportedly convinced one to propose Akhilesh’s name and the other to second it.
Later, the two ‘senior’ leaders also accompanied Akhilesh Yadav to the Raj Bhawan, where Akhilesh as leader of the largest party in the 16th Vidhan Sabha, formally staked his claim to form the next government.
Addressing a crowded press conference minutes after being elected, a beaming Akhilesh said his top priority after assuming office would be maintenance of law and order in the state.
He reiterated his party’s commitment to fulfil each and every point of the party manifesto.
He also underlined that his government would not indulge in any politics of vengeance.” I want to repeat that nothing would happen to the statues.,” he said.

Land Registry clerk Surjeet Kaur Chana jailed 4 years for fraud

Surjit K. Chana has collapsed in court after she was jailed for helping a criminal gang make millions of pounds by effectively stealing people's homes.

Surjeet Chana, 64, was among a trio of crooked officials - which also included a solicitor and a bank manager - recruited by the gang to fool developers into buying the properties at knock-down prices.

Chana, a clerk, worked in customer services at the Land Registry headquarters and supplied title deeds and owners' signatures so they could be forged.

Miss McKendrick is still so traumatised by thetheft of her home that she can’t make up her mind if she wants it back, or would rather have compensation.

Martin Brunt, Life of Crime blog

Police found £38,000 hidden in the loft of her home in south London and she was sentenced to three years and nine months behind bars.

The trio have been convicted of fraud and money-laundering offences at Southwark Crown Court.

Chana collapsed in the dock as she was sentenced. The judge told her she had committed a serious breach of trust as a Land Registry clerk.

Chana's solicitor Henry Oghoetuoma said: "Mrs Chana is deeply disappointed by the verdict of the jury in this matter and continues to vigorously protest her innocence."

Solicitor Charles Spiropoulos, 48, carried out the conveyancing and collected money from the illegal house sales. He was jailed for four years.

His solicitor Cyrus Mansouri said: "Mr Spiropoulos is innocent and the only evidence against him was circumstantial.

They (the gang) corrupted three officials, whose roles were crucial in making the fraud work.

Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Benton

"He was simply asked to do conveyancing on four of the properties and after checking the passports of the sellers that's all he did. He has no idea there was anything illegal and we are appealing his conviction."

A 42-year-old Barclays bank manager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, let the gang move its huge profits in and out of accounts without reporting it to money-laundering investigators as he should have done.

He was also sentenced to four years in prison.

In an extraordinary conspiracy, the gang identified homes that were neglected or abandoned, their owners dead or in care.

Then they put up an official-looking board in the garden, with the name of a bogus security firm and a mobile phone number, inviting calls from the house's owners.

If no one called they boarded it up, changed the locks and went ahead and sold the property. They made at least £3.8m, but it may have been much more.

At times conspirators removed £100,000 cash in holdalls from his branch of Barclays in Purley, south London.

Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Benton, of Scotland Yard's Economic and Specialist Crime Command, said: "They were targeting often old and vulnerable people and literally stealing their homes, as well as flooding London streets with dangerous drugs.

"And they corrupted three officials, whose roles were crucial in making the fraud work."

The gang, which was jailed for a total of 24 years and six months, sold at least seven homes, usually in quick sales to unsuspecting developers who later discovered they were not the real owners.

Anne McKendrick's Croydon home was targeted by the gang after she moved out because she had been traumatised by a burglary.

Told that it was later sold for £140,000, she said: "I've lost my past, much of my identity and reason for existing."

Freda Gallacher inherited a Wimbledon house and found it had been sold for £190,000, leaving her "very confused and in total shock".

The gang leaders were cocaine traffickers James Arthur, 34, and another man who cannot be named for legal reasons. They are already serving long sentences for their drugs offences.

They began to launder their drugs money through their barbers shop in Whyteleafe, Surrey, but when profits soared they began the property scam.

The gang was originally investigated for drugs by Scotland Yard's elite Special Projects Team, but evidence of the house fraud soon emerged.

The gang leader was overheard boasting to one associate: "I am caning the life out of this. No house is safe with me about."

Nick Zoricic Crash Video from World Cup 2012 Prompts Safety Debate

LOS ANGELES – The Nick Zoricic crash video from the World Cup 2012 today is prompting debate about the skicross barrier safety. Nick Zoricic aka Nik Zoricic (photos below) died today at the World Cup2012 after crashing into the skicross’ barrier. World Cup officials have yet to comment to news about the conditions of the barriers at the time of Zoricic’s death. Nik is the son of renowned alpine ski coach Bebe Zoricic.

Nick Zoricic cause of death was confirmed to news moments ago as severe neurotrauma. Video from the World Cup skicross race showed the Canadian racer jumping off an incline. As reflected in the crash videocurrently on youtube, Zoricic missed a pillar featuring advertising and then landed into fencing. While officials have yet to comment to news, the spot of Zoricic’s impact appears to be, not just the fencing material, but also its support post. The fencing appears to have been constructed with a support post every few feet, the material of the post still unknown.

Canadian ski cross racer dies in crash

GENEVA - Canadian Nik Zoricic died from head injuries after crashing in a World Cup skicross event at Grindelwald on Saturday.

The Toronto skier died at 12.35 p.m. Swiss time as a result of "severe neurotrauma," the International Ski Federation (FIS) said in a statement.

The 29-year-old Zoricic went wide over the final jump and landed directly into safety nets lining the side of the course. Television pictures showed Zoricic tumbling through the nets as his skis and poles were thrown clear.

"Nik Zoricic fell heavily just before the finish in the round of eight, crashing directly into the safety netting and thereafter lying motionless," the FIS said. "The medical care from team doctors and Air Glacier followed immediately. Despite reanimation, Zoricic died at 12.35 as a result of severe neurotrauma.

"The organizing committee, FIS and Swiss Ski express their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Nik Zoricic and the Canadian Ski Team.''

The Canadian team said Zoricic was pronounced dead at a hospital in Interlaken, where he had been airflifted from the course by helicopter.

"Our thoughts are first and foremost with Nik's parents and his family," Alpine Canada president Max Gartner said in a statement. "Nik was a very talented young ski racer and a great athlete who was much loved by his teammates and fellow competitors."

On its website in describing skicross, Alpine Canada says, ''It's been called NASCAR on skis.

"And winter sport’s answer to a roller derby. However you describe it, you can't claim ski cross — or skier-X, as it’s also known — is boring.''

Skicross is a sport Canadian athletes have excelled in, with Ashleigh McIvor of Whistler, B.C., capturing the Olympic gold medal in it at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

And when McIvor heard rumours the International Olympic Committee was considering the inclusion of skicross for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, she wrote an essay for her University of British Columbia English class arguing it should be added.

In the essay, she compared skicross to BMX racing, which was about to make its debut at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

The IOC made it official in November 2006, granting skicross entry to the Vancouver Games. The success and popularity of snowboard cross, which debuted at the 2006 Torino Olympics, was a major factor in the decision.

Organizers abandoned Saturday's World Cup events for men and women, and the scheduled World Cup final races at the same venue Sunday.

Grindelwald has been a venue on the skicross World Cup circuit since 2005. The Swiss village beneath the Eiger and Jungfrau mountain peaks was hosting a meeting for the fifth straight year.

"We are all very sad. It is unbelievable for us all," said Christoph Egger, president of the race organizing committee. " We are an experienced organizer but, nevertheless, skicross is a sport where four racers fight to win a race. In these circumstances there is a risk to fall or risk of injury, and since today we know there is a risk for death."

Egger said it was a "surprise" to see Zoricic's line of flight off the jump, though "we put the fences there because you have to protect the racers for the finish area."

Race organizers will work with FIS and the Swiss ski federation to analyze the accident and course security.

Egger said that "normal process" also requires an accident investigation by legal officers from the canton (state) of Bern.

Zoricic, a member of the Craigleith Ski Club in Ontario, has raced on the World Cup circuit for more than three years and was competing in his 36th event Saturday. He placed eighth in the 2011 world championships at Deer Valley, Utah.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Craigleith Ski Club said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of our friend Nik Zoricic as a result of a tragic ski accident during a race in Europe. Our heart felt sympathies to the Zoricic family.''

Canadian Alpine racer Kelly VanderBeek wrote on Twitter that she grew up skiing with Zoricic and his father.

"I'm a mess, so I can only imagine how his family is. I'm so very sorry. Sending Love," she wrote.

"I can't believe this tragic news. Nik Zoricic has died? I'm sick to my stomach," former Canadian skier Brian Stemmle wrote on Twitter.

Zoricic is the second Canadian freestyle team member to die in a skiing accident this year.

In January, Winter X Games champion Sarah Burke died from her injuries nine days after crashing during halfpipe training in Park City, Utah. The resident of Squamish, B.C., was also 29.

American skier Ted Ligety also posted a message of condolence for Zoricic on Twitter soon after winning an Alpine World Cup giant slalom race in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia.

"Skiing is a great sport that gives but it also takes, sad day to lose Nik Zoricic, you'll be missed bud," Ligety wrote.

Cong's new CM in Uttarakhand in a day or two: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Mar 10, 2012, 18:43 IST

Dehradun - With many claimants stalling the choice of chief ministership in Uttarakhand, the ball was today back in the court of AICC chief Sonia Gandhi to take a call as the party observers wrapped up their consultations with Congress and independent MLAs on the leadership issue.

Deputed by the party high command, Congress General Secretaries Ghulam Nabi Azad and Chaudhary Birendra Singh, incharge of Congress affairs in the state, held separate talks with each of the party's 32 newly-elected MLAs here.

The two leaders also met two of the three independent MLAs Mantri Prasad Naithani and Dinesh Dhanai--both Congress rebels--as well as the lone Uttarakhand Kranti Dal legislator Pritam Singh Panwar.

Harish Durgapal, an independent and another Congress rebel from Lal Kuan, was not present due to marriage of his son in Kumaon region.

"We held discussions with the newly-elected MLAs. Now, we will brief party President Sonia Gandhi on the views of these MLAs", said Azad adding the new leader would be choosen in a day or two.

Later, Azad and Chaudhary returned to New Delhi.

Leader of the opposition Harak Singh Rawat, Union Minister Harish Rawat, PCC chief Yashpal Arya and senior party leaders Vijaya Bahuguna and Indira Hirdesh are among the contenders for the CM's post.

What has complicated the Congress' task of choosing the CLP leader is the conflicting choices of the three independents whose support is crucial for the party's formation of the government.

While Dhanai has openly rooted for Bahuguna as CM, Naithani is on record as backing Satpal Maharaj while Durgapal is backing Hirdesh.

In the 70-member House, Congress has 32 MLAs - four short of majority--and the party needs the support of three Independents and one MLA from UKD(P) to reach the magic figure of 36.

Birendra Singh said "we will take the views of all the MLAs and elect new CLP leader very soon."

Congress stakes claim to form government in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: Governor Margaret Alva says Congress has the required number and she will invite it for government formation when it elects its leader.

The Congress on Friday said it would form the government in Uttarakhand with the support of three independents and a regional party member, ending days of uncertainty after a hung verdict in the hill state.

Congress chief Yashpal Arya told reporters that he has letters of support from all the three independent members and the lone lawmaker from the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal-Panwar (UKD-P), Pritam Singh Panwar.

Dinesh Dhanai, one of the independents, confirmed his support to the Congress.

Uncertainty had engulfed government formation in the state following the election results Tuesday, with no party crossing the halfway mark of 35 members in the state assembly.

The Congress emerged as the single largest party with 32 members followed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with 31. The BJP, which ruled the state in the last five years, had also maintained that it would try to retain power.

But with four more legislators backing it, the Congress has 36 members supporting it in the 70-member assembly.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) got three seats but has so far kept its cards close to its chest on whether or not to support the Congress.

However, the BSP said it was in talks with both the Congress and the BJP before taking a final decision on extending support to either of the two.

"We are in contact with both BJP as well as Congress," said BSP leader Surajmal, known only by his first name.

Surajmal said party chief Mayawati would decide the issue of being part of the new government or remaining in the opposition. "Whatever direction comes from Mayawatiji, we will follow."

Congress leader Arya said the decision regarding leader of the Congress Legislative Party would be taken by the party national leadership in New Delhi.

 Uttarakhand BJP refuses to give up battle 

Suspense over the Chief Minister candidate continues in Uttarakhand. After a day-long deliberation, the BJP legislature party in Uttarakhand authorised the party high command to take final call on CM candidate, party leader Rajnath Singh told the media.

But he refused to disclose how the party plans to prove majority on the floor of the House in case they got an invitation to form the Government.

Similarly, the Congress too kept people on the tenterhooks before starting the legislature party meeting on Wednesday evening at the residence of State Congress president Yashpal Arya. The party authorised its high command Sonia Gandhi to take the final call on who should lead the party in the State.

However, with Congress having more MLAs in its kitty than the BJP, the Congress expected an invitation to form the Government. Sonia' statement came after AICC general secretary incharge for the State Chowdhary Birender Singh reportedly presented two independent MLAs — Dinesh Dhanai and Harish Kumar Durgapal before her. The third independent MLA Mantri Prasad Naithani was a Minister in the Narayan Dutt Tewari-led Congress Government and he is expected to support the party.

On the other hand, the BJP high command on Wednesday sent a four-member team of observers, comprising Uttarakhand BJP Assembly election incharge Rajnath Singh, party general

secretary Ananth Kumar, election assistant incharge Dharmendra Pradhan and Uttarakhand BJP incharge Thawar Chand Gehlot, to Dehradun for introspection over the poor show.

During the meeting, party observers discussed the name of former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Speaker Harbans Kapur.

However, majority of party legislatures expressed lack of confidence in both two leaders.

Later they convened a meeting of BJP MLAs at party State head office. Outgoing Chief Minister Maj Gen Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri also attended the meet. Later Gen Khanduri submitted his resignation to Governor Margaret Alva.

Sources further said BJP had made two Chief Ministers from Garhwal division in between 2007-12 so party may appoint leader of legislature party this time from Kumaon division. In this process Almora MLA Ajay Bhatt, who was Health Minister between 2000 and 2002, may be appointed as Leader of Opposition if party fails to get invitation from the Governor to form the Government.

Source said that another prominent leader from Kumaon was impressing upon party legislatures to raise his name in front of party observers. He even claimed proximity to Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (Progressive) MLA Preetam Singh Panwar and claimed that he would prove his majority on floor if the BJP gave him a chance. Party insiders also claimed that a senior leader even offered that if party would project him as Chief Minister candidate then he may procure support of independent and BSP MLAs 'with his own efforts'. However, Central party leaders outrightly rejected his proposal.

Uttarakhand Assembly Elections 2012

Elections 2012