National agenda meet today, no post yet for Vajpayee
The Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies would meet today to finalise the national agenda for governance by a BJP-led coalition where AIADMK representatives can raise issues they would like the government to focus on especially regarding Tamil Nadu. No breakthrough has been made in the deadlock with AIADMK over the letters of support from that party and its allies to a Vajpayee-led coalition.
LDF to introduce law for speedy clearance of investors' proposals
Renewing its commitment to a policy of vigorous economic growth, industrial promotion and decentralisation, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala yesterday promised legislation for speedy clearance of investors' proposals and an export promotion council to promote rubber-based industries and export of natural rubber, apart from welfare measures for those outside the mainstream of economic growth.
Karunanidhi's balm for BJP
The Bharatiay Janata Party found an unexpected support in its trouble with Jayalalitha. It came from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi, who charged that Jayalalitha was trying to cheat the people by claiming that she had put conditions for extending support to the BJP government at the Centre only in the interest of welfare of Tamil Nadu.
Vajpayee for granting more power to states
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s prime ministerial nominee Atal Behari Vajpayee said that the states should be granted more powers to enable them to act on their own without having to depend on the centre in various crucial matters. Vajpayee said the state governments had to await the centre's decision in several important matters thereby delaying the implementation of programmes meant for welfare of the people.
Keshubhai adds 28 more to his ministry
The 10-day-old Keshubhai Patel Ministry in Gujarat was expanded with induction of 28 members, who were sworn in at a simple ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. The ministers, including 11 of Cabinet rank, 13 Ministers of State and four Deputy Ministers, were administered the oath of office and secrecy by State Governor Krishnapal Singh.
AGP promises to stand by Mahanta
The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) Legislature Party has thwarted a dissidents' bid to corner the leadership for the party's debacle in the just-concluded Lok Sabha elections in the state. The meeting resolved to "work for the people" and strengthen the party's present leadership negating a move by some senior ministers for removing the party president and Legislative Party leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta.
