INDIAN ELECTION: Modi is bookies’ top bet for PM

14 May 2014

Mumbai (IANS): BJP leader Narendra Modi continues to attract huge bets and has emerged as the top contender for the next prime minister.

Just two days before the results of the Lok Sabha elections are announced, the odds on Modi stand at just two paise, while Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi trails way behind at Rs.35 – a steep fall from the Rs.10 last week.

Priyanka Vadra Gandhi, who campaigned for her mother Sonia Gandhi and brother Rahul Gandhi without contesting the polls, continues to be highly popular at Re.1 – far above her brother.

Other likely contenders like Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mamata Banerjee have slid and command between Rs.45-Rs.55, while Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal is a distant contender at Rs.60.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance has also improved its tally on the number of seats it is expected to bag.

For a tally of 220 seats, the figure quoted is 30 paise, for 230 seats it is 40 paise and for the magic figure – the simple majority of 272 – the rate is Re.1.

Last week, the odds for the NDA getting around 230 seats were Re.1, an improvement as the election recorded unprecedented voter turnout of more than 66 percent.

In contrast, the bookies anticipate that the Congress may be reduced to a double-digit presence in parliament, partly due to the anti-incumbency factor and largely owing to the aggressive campaign by Modi.

However, the Left Front and other regional parties together may grab the rest of the seats, pointing to the resurgence of a strong Third Front and the possibility of new permutations and combinations.

According to sources, an estimated betting worth over Rs.12,000 crore has taken place in Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad as well as in Pakistan and Dubai where the elections were keenly watched by expatriates.

Among other highlights, the NDA is expected to perform exceedingly well in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Simultaneously, other non-United Progressive Alliance parties would also enhance their performance based on regional sentiments and local preferences, overtaking the two main contenders and gaining importance during the process of government formation, bookies hope.

However, betting is illegal in India and security agencies are closely monitoring the developments.

INDIAN ELECTION: BJP confident of Modi becoming PM, hold flurry of meetings

14 May 2014

New Delhi / Ahmedabad (IANS): BJP president Rajnath Singh Wednesday said Narendra Modi will “definitely” be the next prime minister, as top party leaders held a string of meetings two days ahead of vote count.

Rajnath Singh and former party president Nitin Gadkari met party leader Sushma Swaraj, while prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s close aide Amit Shah met Arun Jaitley in the national capital Wednesday morning.

Later in the day, Rajnath Singh, Gadkari and Jaitley flew to Gandhinagar to meet prime ministerial candidate Modi.

Rajnath Singh said it was to discuss the “campaign experiences”.

“It is definite that Modi will become the prime minister,” Rajnath Singh told reporters in Gandhinagar.

The meetings took place amid speculations over the role party veteran L.K. Advani will get in the government to be formed.

Rajnath Singh said a decision in this regard will be taken by top party leaders, but did not make it clear if Advani will be a part of the decision making process.

The BJP appears confident of victory in the 10-phase staggered general election that began April 7 and ended May 12. The millions of votes will be counted Friday.

“There will be a meeting of the party, all senior leaders will be there and a decision will be taken,” the BJP president said.

Gadkari earlier said Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Advani “are our founder members, our most senior leaders. The party’s parliamentary board will take an appropriate decision at an appropriate time (about Advani)”.

“The guidance of Advaniji is very important,” he added.

Sushma Swaraj on her part described the meetings with Rajnath Singh and Gadkari as “courtesy meet”.

“It is true they had come to meet me but it was purely a courtesy meet. Before the declaration of election results, all of us wanted to meet each other,” Sushma Swaraj said.

Most exit polls have predicted a victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in the Lok Sabha election.

Asked if talks were being held with BJP’s allies over government formation, Gadkari said: “There are no talks … yet. We have not discussed anything and have not even thought about it.”

He said the party was “confident of (securing) a majority” in the Lok Sabha and those who want to support it were “welcome”.

A party leader, who did not want to be named, said they were expecting Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and AIADMK to come in the alliance later.

The BJP leader also said that NDA would be more or less like what it used to be during the Vajpayee government.

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik remained non-committal on supporting a BJP-led central government, but party leader Pravat Tripathi indicated conditional support may be given.

“No talks at all. We have not discussed anything. We have not thought of it yet. Let us wait till the results,” Patnaik said.

Tripathy, however, said: “Keeping in view the opinion of the whole country and the state’s interest, there should be no problem in providing conditional support to NDA to form government at the centre.”

Indira Talwani becomes first South Asian judge in Massachusetts

13 May 2014

Washington (IANS): Indian American lawyer Indira Talwani has become the first Asian American federal judge in Massachusetts and the second female judge of South Asian descent nationwide with her confirmation by the US Senate.

The Senate confirmed her May 8 by 94-0 votes to fill a vacancy on the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Daughter of immigrants from India and Germany, Talwani, 53, received a bachelor of arts degree, cum laude, in 1982, from Harvard College.

She received a juris doctorate in 1988 from University of California Berkeley School of Law, graduating Order of the Coif.

After graduating from law school, Talwani served as law clerk to Judge Stanley Weigel of the US District Court for the Northern District of California.

She has worked in private practice at Segal Roitman, LLP since 1999, and has been a partner at the firm since 2003.

She has previously practised at the law firm of Altshuler Berzon LLP, where she was also a partner.

“She has the support of her home state senators, Senator (Elizabeth) Warren and Senator (Edward) Markey,” Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy noted putting her nomination to vote before the Senate.

The Judiciary Committee had reported her favourably to the full Senate by voice vote Feb 6.

“Talwani has an impressive track record as a litigator, having represented clients in matters” before the Massachusetts courts, the federal courts of appeals and the US Supreme Court, Warren said introducing Talwani at her Senate confirmation hearing.

Talwani has broad credentials and wide litigation experience and has developed expertise in legal issues that relate to employment, she said.

Clubhouse Charities collects food for Seva Food Bank

13 May 2014

MISSISSAUGA: As tens of thousands of Canadians have gathered over the past two weekends to celebrate Vaisakhi, Peel-based charity, Clubhouse Charities, has lead an effort to collect an abundance of food donations for Seva Food Bank.

During the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May, the Sikh community across the GTA held two Khalsa Day processions. The first was held in downtown Toronto and the second from Malton to Rexdale. As in previous years, hundreds of volunteers cooked and served free food of all types to attendees. To ensure that the leftover food wasn’t wasted, Clubhouse Charities collected all food left over from the parade food stalls and donated it to Seva Food Bank.

Jag Nijjar is the co-founder of Clubhouse Charities, an organization that raises money for Sick Kids Hospital through events such as sports tournaments and other fundraisers. Nijjar and his dedicated team of volunteers which included support from Action Auto Collision and AZ Roofers spent hours collecting all the leftover food from various food tents and stalls along the procession but also picking up and compressing the garbage.

“Over the last few years we have learned about the hardships of being able to collect much needed items for those who rely on organizations like Seva Food Bank,” said co-founder of Clubhouse Charities Jag Nijjar. It’s our team’s pleasure to be able to support such a noble cause.”

Seva Food Bank received thousands of bottles of water, loaves of bread, fresh fruits, juice cartons and bags of milk. This food will be provided to clients at both locations and also shared with the Mississauga Food Bank network. “We are very thankful to Clubhouse Charities for their tireless efforts to serve the community,” remarked Seva Food Bank board member Harbaljit Singh Kahlon. “For the second straight year, Jag and his team have made a tremendous contribution to Seva and our clients.”

Launched in 2010, the Seva Food Bank provides safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate food to low-income families living in Mississauga through their Wolfedale Road and Slough Street (Malton) locations. It is an initiative of Sikhs Serving Canada, a registered charitable not-for-profit organization.

Yasmin Virani brings India to Toronto during South Asian Month

13 May 2014

TORONTO: After the successful run of her first one-woman show, Yasmin Virani, returns to the stage with her second play, Umrao Yasmin, A New Beginning – a tale of faith, love and artistry, inspired by the legendary Bollywood film, Umrao Jaan.

In her new play, the actress opens up about her life – changing trip to India and will be celebrating the launch of her new company, Tpark Entertainment, by serving appetizers and dinner before the show and dessert afterwards. The name is based on a predominantly South Asian neighbourhood in Toronto called Thorncliffe Park.

“If it wasn’t for Thorncliffe, I don’t think I would have been as ambitious as I was in my teens. I was able to fly because I knew I had a place to come back home to where people were like me – not this, but not entirely that either. My vision for Tpark is to create a platform where Hollywood and Bollywood meet – to tell great stories that are not only universal, but that reflect us. Children who are born and raised here, but have roots elsewhere and to do so with expertise and excellence,” says Virani.

Umrao Yasmin, A New Beginning, plays during South Asian month at Dancemakers Studio, in Toronto, on May 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 and includes appetizers, dinner and dessert. For more information, please visit: www.yasminvirani.com.

CBSA charges two South Asians and others for unauthorized employment of foreign nationals in Ontario

13 May 2014

THE Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has charged three individuals, including two South Asians, and three companies for the unauthorized employment of foreign nationals.

On April 8, following a three-month investigation, members of the CBSA’s Criminal Investigation Division charged three individuals and three Ontario corporations with four counts of unauthorized employment of foreign nationals. It is alleged that the accused employed a number of foreign nationals who were not authorized to work in Canada.

The accused are:

* Kumar Gautam, 31 of Brampton

* Nancy Gautam, 29 of Brampton

* Shane Burrows, 29 of Etobicoke

* Logan Moving & Storage Inc.

* Shane’s Moving & Storage Inc.

* 2370080 Ontario Inc. operating as EBS Transport

The accused are scheduled to appear at Old City Hall court on May 27.

“The CBSA is committed to supporting the employment of those authorized to work here in Canada and ensuring that employers abide by our laws,” said Goran Vragovic, Regional Director General of CBSA, Greater Toronto Area Region

To report immigration fraud in Canada, call the Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1‑888-502-9060. All information is treated as confidential.

Whitecaps host Toronto FC on Wednesday in Amway Canadian Championship semifinal second leg

13 May 2014

‘Caps look for important victory as they trail 2-1 heading into decisive match

VANCOUVER – Facing a must win match, Vancouver Whitecaps FC host Toronto FC in the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semifinals on Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT at BC Place – TV: SNET ONE, RADIO: TEAM 1410, teamradio.ca. Tickets remain available for the match at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

Whitecaps FC also announced on Tuesday that the May 24 match against Seattle Sounders FC has now sold out. Fans can still gain access to this match by purchasing prorated season tickets starting from $257, which include an exclusive 40th anniversary scarf valued at $30. Fans are encouraged to act now as availability is limited.

“Our support this season has been nothing short of fantastic,” said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. “Tomorrow’s game against our bitter Canadian rivals is setting up to be very exciting. We look forward to another electric atmosphere at BC Place to help drive the team to an important win.”

This will be the first Wednesday home match of the year for Whitecaps FC and, barring a change in the weather forecast, the roof will be open at BC Place for the first time this year.

This will be the final match to #BuckUp for Mental Health, as donations will be accepted at section 213. Fans also have until Saturday to fundraise and win one of five fantastic prizes, including a 90-minute appearance from head coach Carl Robinson and a ‘Caps player of your choice.

The ‘Caps come into the match on the back of a strong performance on Saturday in a 1-0 road win against Columbus Crew. Erik Hurtado scored his first goal for the club on a terrific left-footed strike into the top corner, a nominee for MLS Goal of the Week.

Whitecaps FC will enter Wednesday’s second leg trailing 2-1 after last week’s first leg at BMO Field. Both English international striker Jermain Defoe and United States national team midfielder Michael Bradley scored for the home side, but Kekuta Manneh responded with a late goal in added time that could prove vital as the ‘Caps look to overturn the deficit at BC Place on Wednesday. Vancouver must win in order to advance to the final and play for the Voyageurs Cup.

Toronto have travelled to Vancouver with all three of their Designated Players: Bradley, Defoe, and Brazilian striker Gilberto.

Montreal Impact will host FC Edmonton in Wednesday’s other semifinal series, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet ONE. FC Edmonton enter the match with a 2-1 lead after a first leg victory at home.

Should they advance to the final, Whitecaps FC would have an additional home match at BC Place in either the first or second leg. If the ‘Caps were to face Montreal, they would host the first leg on Tuesday, May 27. If Vancouver were to play FC Edmonton, they would host the second leg on Wednesday, June 4.

UPDATED: Murder in Cloverdale, police looking for white suspect, stolen SUV found, victim identified

13 May 2014

JUST before midnight on Monday the Surrey RCMP responded to a 911 call of a male having been shot in the 17400 block of 57 Avenue in Surrey. A male was transported to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. No other persons were injured. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken conduct of the investigation. Although the investigation is in the early stages this shooting does not appear to be a random act and not gang or organized crime-related, police say.

“IHIT and the Surrey RCMP are working together to determine the motive for this homicide including the possibility of it being domestic related.” said Sgt. Adam MacIntosh of IHIT.

Later, IHIT announced that their investigation was progressing and they believed this homicide is related to an ongoing domestic dispute. At this time IHIT said they would like to issue a public warning and also seek the public’s assistance in locating a suspect connected with the investigation. They said they were taking the extraordinary steps in releasing a photo of 33 year old, Barry McQuarrie (see photo) who can be arrested currently on a series of unrelated warrants.

He has not been charged in connection with the ongoing Surrey homicide investigation.

On Tuesday just before midnight the Surrey RCMP and Surrey Fire Department were called to an industrial complex at 192 Street and 28 Avenue in Surrey for a vehicle on fire. The fire was extinguished and identified as the outstanding stolen 2010 Kia Borrego that investigators have been looking for.

The victim of Tuesday’s homicide was identified on Wednesday as, 32-year-old Gregory Quesnelle, originally from Southern Ontario. Quesnelle has a criminal record.

If you see McQuarrie you are asked to call 9-1-1. Do not approach the vehicle or McQuarrie who should be considered armed and dangerous.

IHIT is asking anyone who has information regarding this homicide to please call the IHIT Tipline at 1-877-551-4448 or by email at [email protected]. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip on their website at Solvecrime.ca.

Obama looks forward to working with new Indian government

12 May 2014

Washington (IANS): As exit polls suggested that the Narendra Modi- led Bharatiya Janata Party was set to win the Indian election, President Barack Obama said the US looked forward to “working closely” with India’s next administration.

“I congratulate the people of India on concluding their national elections” he said in a statement Monday without any reference to the polls or likelihood of Modi, whom Washington has shunned for years for his alleged role in 2002 Gujarat riots, becoming the prime minister.

“India has set an example for the world in holding the largest democratic election in history, a vibrant demonstration of our shared values of diversity and freedom,” Obama said.

“The United States and India have developed a strong friendship and comprehensive partnership over the last two decades, which has made our citizens safer and more prosperous and which has enhanced our ability to work together to solve global challenges,” he said.

“We look forward to the formation of a new government once election results are announced and to working closely with India’s next administration to make the coming years equally transformative,” Obama said.

Earlier, State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki also signalled that the US “looked forward to working with the next leader” of India even as she declined to comment on the issue of US visa for Modi, whose business visa was revoked in 2005.

“As you know, we don’t take positions in domestic politics in India or anywhere else,” she said when asked if Modi has the support of the US.

“As this has been election season in a large, pluralistic, multiparty democracy, it’s not a surprise that it’s going to take some time to, obviously, process the voting and we look forward to working with the next leader,” Psaki said.

Parrying the visa issue she said: “As you know, we don’t speak to visa acceptances, applications, et cetera. So I don’t have anything for you on that.”

Asked if the US viewed a successful election in India and successful relations with India as a counterweight to the Chinese, the spokesperson said: “We view our relationship with India as one that’s vitally important for economic, strategic reasons, and one that we look forward to continuing to grow in the future.”

“India continues to play a critical role in advancing prosperity, democracy, and stability across the Indo-Pacific region,” she stated earlier.

“Whether we’re working together to educate the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs, or combating global challenges like climate change and violent extremism, the US-India partnership is essential to securing a brighter future for both of our peoples,” Psaki said.

“We look forward to working with the leaders chosen by the Indian people to advance this important partnership and to set an ambitious agenda,” she said.

Psaki also congratulated “the people of India on their participation in the largest-ever free and fair democratic election in human history.”

“Over 500 million eligible voters peacefully went to the polls over the last six weeks, often in remote or challenging locations,” she noted.

“These elections are an inspiring example of the power of the democratic process in action, and the United States, like so many others around the world, has great admiration and respect for the vibrancy, diversity, and resilience of India’s democracy,” Psaki said.

INDIA: 2014 election sees highest-ever voter turnout

12 May 2014

New Delhi (IANS): The 2014 general election saw an all-India voter turnout of 66.38 percent, the highest-ever in Indian polls, with 15 states and union territories registering their highest-ever polling percentages, the Election Commission said Monday.

“The voting percentage for the whole nation this time was 66.38 percent, which is the highest- ever in history,” Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi said at a press conference here.

The percentage was likely to increase marginally later, he added.

Overall, 32 states and united territories increased their voter turnouts compared to 2009, said the poll panel’s Director General Akshay Rout.

“Goa registered the highest increase in voter turnout compared to 2009 with 21.59 percent more votes polled. It was followed by Gujarat and Rajasthan where 15.41 percent and 14.62 more votes were polled than in 2009,” he said.

Rout added that the states/UTs where more than 80 percent votes were polled were Lakshwadeep (86.79 percent), Nagaland (88.57 percent), Tripura (82.34 percent), Puduchhery (82.18 percent), Manipur (80.14 percent), and West Bengal (82.34 percent).

In India, the previous highest voter turnout – 64 percent – across the country was recorded in 1984. The turnout this time is considerably higher than 2009, which saw a 58.19 percent turnout nationally.