CHRONOLOGY
Chronology of the Month
16 October - 15 November, 1997
NATIONAL ISSUES
Congress-United Front: *Kesri reiterates continuance of support to UF (19 Oct). Congress, though unhappy with non- imposition of President's rule in UP, reassures P.M. Gujral (23 Oct). Rules out mid-term poll and reassures support (7 Nov).
*Kesri foresees national secular alliance against BJP (25 Oct). Kesri launches campaign against BJP and targets BJP-RSS combine as power hungry and unprincipled, in public meetings in Sonepat (26 Oct), Bangalore (7 Nov), Calcutta (12 Nov). Kesri hints at Congress joining UF if invited (5 Nov) but backs out because neither other Congress leaders nor UF welcome idea (6 Nov).
Congress: *Disturbed by mass defection of legislators in UP, finalises plan to flex muscles and boost sagging morale of its MP's by joining UF government after forcing ouster of DMK on basis of Jain Commission's leaked interim report indicting, inter alia, pro-LTTE role of DMK leader Karunanidhi and his government. Kesri warns UF government of "serious implications", of withdrawal of support, if report not tabled on first day of Winter Session of Parliament with ATM (12 Nov). Confers with Sonia Gandhi. Congress WC formally demands ouster of DMK (14 Nov). Gujral offers to resign rather than expel DMK (14 Nov).
UP Developments: *BSP-BJP relations deteriorate on reversal by CM Kalyan Singh of various actions taken by ex-CM Mayawati. BSP Ministers shun cabinet meeting (18 Oct). BSP formally withdraws support. Congress and UF demand dismissal but Governor Bhandari asks Kalyan Singh to prove majority in Assembly on 21 Oct (19 Oct). Many Congress and BSP MLA's defect (20 Oct). Despite floor violence. Kalyan Singh wins majority vote with cross voting by 22 Congress and 12 BSP MLAs. Bhandari advises dissolution; Central Government advises President (21 Oct). President Narayanan asks Cabinet to reconsider. Central Government backtracks (22 Nov). *UP Speaker ignores defection though BSP presses for disqualification. L.S. Speaker Sangma supports criminal action against MLAs for violence on the floor and asks UP speaker to act in accordance with law (29 Oct). *93-member Ministry including all defectors, sworn in (27 Oct). UF and Congress both condemn BJP for engineering and rewarding mass defection (28 Oct). Vajpayee defends defection as 'political compulsion'.
Gujarat Situation: *Congress withdraws support from Vaghela Government (20 Oct) but supports Government led by successor Dilip Parikh who wins vote of confidence (13 Nov).
Congress(I): *Congress(I) organises Mushaira in honour of Bahadur Shah Zafar and lauds Muslim role in freedom movement (24 Oct)
UF: *CPI Minister Chaturanan Mishra offers to quit but relents after PM's clarification (17 Oct). *W.B. CM Basu criticises Gujral and Chidambaram for UF Government's failures; rules out sharing power with Congress (8 Nov)
BJP: *National leadership acts to re-enact UP drama at Centre. Advani calls it "exercise in realpolitician, sees UF in crisis and opportunity to reinstall BJP led or supported government. Sounds Narasimha Rao who declines (5 Nov). *Advani-Vajpayee tussle for ultimate leadership continues, G.S. Govindacharya censured for remarks against Vajpayee.
JD: *Sharad Yadav rules out merger with Laloo Pd. Yadav's RJD (14 Nov). Both sides in Bihar claim support of rank and file and of other's MLAs.
Samata Party: *Expels G.S. Anand Mohan (23 Oct). At rally in Patna reiterates alliance with BJP (25 Oct)
BSP: * Facing defection, Mayawati hints at reconciliation with Congress and SP (23 Oct). Kanshi Ram tests water in Bihar, meets Laloo; rejects RJD as ally (25 Oct). Mayawati considers pact with SP and Congress likely (28 Oct). Ram denounces BJP as "epitome of corruption".
SP: *Mulayam Singh decides to woo Sadhus and Sants to counter BJP (17 Oct). Addresses Kshatriya Maha Sammelan and demands repeal of Atrocities Act (1981). Hints at secular alliance, inclusive of BSP and Congress, to defeat BJP (19 Oct) but G.S. Amar Singh rules out tie-up with BSP (26 Oct). Holds protest demonstration in Lucknow, Bombay and other places against TADA; 74 workers injured in Lucknow clash with police (10 Nov)
BKKP: *President Ajit Singh stresses unity of all JD splinters; sees Laloo (29 Oct).
Reservation: *Mulayam Singh demands 10% reservation in education for high castes (19 Oct) *Seminar in New Delhi wants reservation to continue, with other deprived groups covered and contradictions and flaws removed. Jethmalani, Shahabuddin, Barnala and Sathe participate (19 Oct). *Paswan takes up with P.M. withdrawal of orders relating to relaxation of standard for promotion under reservation for SC/ST (5 Nov).
Scams: Bihar - A.H. Scam: *Bihar Governor Kidwai delays authorisation to prosecute Laloo Yadav in second case beyond 90 days. BJP sees nexus between Gujral, Kidwai and Kesri (27 Oct). CBI files chargesheet without authorisation (28 Oct). S.C. sets aside Patna H.C.'s order against CBI Director for initiating disciplinary action against Addl. Director Biswas (6 Nov). CBI Court rejects Laloo's bail petition (12 Nov). Declares Sajal Chakravarty, IAS, absconder (13 Nov).
Assam - LOC Scam: *CBI completes investigation in LOC case, finds prima facie case against C.M. Mahanta (3 Nov). H.C. directs CBI to submit final report by 8 Dec (10 Nov). Union Govt. - Housing Scam: *Government asks to President to authorise prosecution of ex-Ministers Sheila Kaul and P.K. Thungon (17 Oct).
JMM Case: *Petition to prosecute Kesri filed (5 Nov).
Bofors Case: *Law Ministry recommends prosecution of ex- Defence Secretary Bhatnagar (24 Oct). *Congress reportedly perturbed by imminent arrival of final documents from Switzerland.
Hawala: *H.C. admits CBI appeal against withdrawal of case against several accused. Issues notice (21 Oct). Case deferred, pending S.C.'s ruling on admissibility of diaries as evidence (10 Nov)
Constitution and Law: *UF Convener Naidu supports Presidential system (28 Oct). *Kanchi Shankaracharya calls for removal of 'secular' from Constitution (10 Nov). *S.C. declares 'bandhs' illegal (12 Nov).
Nuclear Option: *P.M. Gujral disclaims desire to manufacture nuclear weapons (13 Nov).
Judiciary: *Concerted move to raise charges of misconduct against Justice M.M. Punchhi, seniormost SC judge, by a private committee and appointment of in-house Committee by C.J. Verma opposed by S.C. Bar Association (10 Nov).
BABARI MASJID:
Babari Masjid Movement: *Both AIBMAC and BMMCC react positively to Imam of Haram Sharif's advice on surrender of Babari Masjid, if destruction of Hindu temple standing on the site is historical fact but both want judicial determination (15 Nov). *Following BMMCC's appeals for low-key observance of demolition anniversary and avoidance of public rallies and demonstration. A local Muslim group in Faizabad – Ayodhya threatens to begin reconstruction of Babari Masjid, if VHP is permitted to organise Kar Sevak's Rally in Ayodhya and Majlis Bachao Tehrik, Hyderabad, calls for total bandh and public rally (30 Oct).
Political Parties: *Mulayam Singh warns BJP-VHP against any disturbance in Ayodhya, Varanasi or Mathura (17 Oct). *Chaturanan Mishra urges BJP to give up Mandir-Majid agenda (27 Oct). *CPI (ML) warns BJP against turning Kashi into another Ayodhya (27 Oct). *P.M. calls demolition "an unpatriotic act" (7 Nov).
VHP: *Singhal rejects any compromise on Ayodhya (19 Oct). *'Shahid Diwas' for 'martyrs' of 30 Oct and 2 Nov., 1990 passes unnoticed in Ayodhya (3 Nov). But VHP plans Kar Sevaks' Sammelan, preceded by Chaurasi Kosi Parikarma, to honour the demolishers, from 5-14 December. Shahabuddin cautions Home Minister Gupta against attempt by VHP to begin construction of Mandir. C.M. Kalyan Singh assures security and law and order (11 Nov). *UP BJP reiterates stand to build Ram Temple on Babari Masjid site (15 Nov).
Judicial Development: *CBI Court adjourns hearing of criminal case for 21 Nov; 34 accused appear in person; 15 through counsels (17 Oct).
KASHMIR SITUATION
Insurgency: *Bomb blast in Srinagar bus; 3 killed, 30 hurt (24 Oct); 5 security personnel killed in army encounter with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in Jammu region (24 Oct). Car bomb detected and defused near AG's office in Srinagar (1 Nov). More bomb blasts in Srinagar (31 Oct and 1 Nov). Grenade attack on police (6 Nov). Security personnel killed (9 Nov). 3 Harkat militants killed (15 Nov).
Political Development: *PM hints at waiving anti-insurgency loan to state at International Conference on Investment in Kashmir (19 Oct). *State Autonomy Committee consults eminent personalities in New Delhi, Shahabuddin tenders evidence (6-8 Nov). ABVP opposes grant of more autonomy (15 Nov). *CM Abdullah rules out talks with secessionists (10 Nov). *President Narayanan addresses Convocation of Kashmir University and hails restoration of normalcy (15 Nov). *APHC's call for general strike on PM's and President's visit fails to evoke response (19 Oct & 15 Nov). *Jamaat-e-Islami, JK proposes negotiation among all parties for settlement (22 Oct). *Shabbir Shah arrested to foil protests march on UN Day (24 Oct). *Total strike in Valley marks anniversary of landing of Indian troops in 1947. APHC leaders arrested (27 Oct). *Arrest of Yasin Malik and other JKLF leaders leads to protest demonstrations in Srinagar (5 Nov). Other APHC leaders including Umar Farooq put under house arrest (6 Nov). *Umar Farooq finds political will lacking in government; rejects framework of Indian Constitution (13 Nov).
Indo-Pakistan Relations: *150 militants reported to have entered Kashmir in October (16 Oct). *Harkat-ul-Ansar, Pakistan, claims 10,000 activists in J&K (23 Oct). *Human chains formed in POK as well as Pakistan on even of PMs meeting in Edin Burgh (24 Oct). Meeting fails to break stalemate (24 Oct). *Pakistan shells border areas in Jammu (5 Nov). *Foreign Secretaries resume talks but fail to make progress or break stalemate on handling Kashmir (27 Oct). Pakistan rules out early resumption of talks (8 Nov).
Foreign Reaction: *UK: P.M. Blair rules out mediatory role (24 Oct) but F.M. Cook affirms 'legitimate interest' (29 Oct). *USA: State Dept. rejects 'self-determination' as panacea for Kashmir (12 Nov). US expert Embree charges both India and Pakistan with lack of realism (28 Oct). *India decides not to permit discussion on Kashmir during US Secretary of State's visit (15 Nov).
OTHER MATTERS OF CONCERN
Communal Violence: *Communal violence in Katra Bazar, Gonda; 75 injured; many rendered homeless. BJP MLA involved (31 Oct - 2 Nov). Shahabuddin demands prosecution (7 Nov). *Bombay H.C. admits petition to reopen Bombay riots (1992-93) cases closed by Bombay police.
State Violence: *S.C. rules "mens rea" essential even in TADA prosecutions (8 Nov).
Education: *A.I. Deeni Talimi Council protests against inclusion of Sanskrit as compulsory and Hinduisation of School culture in primary schools (20 Oct)
AMU: *2 Students rusticated for involvement in fracas (21 Oct)
Urdu: *UNI Urdu Service stopped but resumed under protest (20 Oct).
Reservation: *Welfare Minister Ramoowalia proposes higher representation of minorities in para-military forces (18 Oct). JUH UP demands reservation for Muslims (26 Oct). Manipur Muslims demand reservation.
Haj: *Maharashtra Minorities Front calls for CBI inquiry in Haj Committee affairs (26 Oct)
Offensive Writings: *IUML President Banatwala demands withdrawal of ban on Dr. A. Moghni's "Aurangzeb" (28 Oct). *MP CM Digvijay Singh demands ban on Gopal Godse's "Gandhi's Murder and After" (26 Oct).
Shia-Sunni Conflict: *Abdullah Bukhari threatens to launch Jail Bharo movement, if Azadari not allowed (17 Oct).
Personal Law: *P&H H.C. Orders alimony to Muslim divorcees (25 Oct). *P&H H.C. rules that personal law is not a fundamental right and social laws apply equally to all, irrespective of religion (11 Nov)
Wakf: *Delhi H.C. admits petition for constitution of Wakf *Sikhs demand exemption of Sikh women from wearing helmets. *Catholic priest Thomas beheaded in Bihar (28 Oct). *Bihar Government agrees to CBI inquiry in case of Catholic priest Chintadas; bail granted (12 Nov).
Pan-Hinduism: *VHP's Virat Hindu Sammelan inaugurated in Haridwar by King of Nepal, hailed as 'King of all Hindus of the world'. MP CM Digvijay Singh attends; apart from Shankaracharyas and VHP leaders (20 Oct). Shahabuddin objects to foreign sovereign's presence (31 Oct)
Indo-Pakistan Relations: *Indian Government preparing dossier on Pakistan's involvement in international terrorism.
Minorities in Other States: *US appoints a special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues (1 Nov). *Pakistan: Former CEC advises abolition of separate electorate for religious minorities (12 Nov). *Russia: Christians protest against film 'The Last Temptation of Christ' (11 Nov).
Muslim World: *Afghanistan: USA accuses Pakistan and Saudi Arabia of prolonging civil war (24 Oct). *Pakistan: Ex-P.M. Benazir Bhutto accused of transferring money from Swiss accounts before sealing (24 Oct). SC suspends anti-defection law (29 Oct). *Chechnya: Declared Islamic Republic (6 Nov) *Libya: UN Security Council renews sanctions (8 Nov).
Commemoration: *Mysore University to establish chair for research on Tipu Sultan (11 Nov). *Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti begins in Ajmer Sharif (1 Nov).
Obituary: *Senior Muslim Leader Muzaffar Hussain Kachhochhvi, ex-MP, 80, passes away in Lucknow (11 Nov) Mourned by many Muslim leaders and organisations.
