NATIONAL POLITICS
Sangh Parivar: B.IP: *National Executive meets in Bhubaneswar to chalk out electoral strategy. President Advani's speech and Political Resolution avoid controversial issues, Babari Masjid Dispute, Article 370, Uniform Civil Code etc. Promises tickets to religious minorities (19 Dec). Vajpayee vows against religious discrimination (20 Dec). Seeks to enlarge vote base and opts for alliances (21 Dec). G.S. denies diffusion of Hindutva ideology (25 Dec). Advani reiterates consensus approach to reassure Muslims (31 Dec) assures allies participation in coalition government on basis of common programme (7 Jan).
*BJP bags 25 out of 38 seats in election to UP Council (13 Jan). *BJP announces over 205 candidates with only 1 Muslim (12 Jan). Advani to contest. *Vajpayee claims over 200 seats for BJP and 35 more for allies - far short of magic figure of 272 (15 Jan).
*Some Congress ex-MPs join BJP including Aslam Sher Khan, R. Kumaramanagalam, D.S. Bhuria, some leave BJP to join Congress/SP (26 Dec). Ram Dhan joins BJP (12 Jan).
*BJP-Samata agree to 32-22 division in Bihar but without joint campaign (11 June). Fernandes emphasizes ideological differences on key issues.
*BJP ties up with AIADMK to find foothold in Tamil Nadu (17 Dec).
*On expulsion from Congress, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamul Congress negotiates with BJP for alliance in W. Bengal (22 Dec).
*BJP and R.K. Hegde's Lok Shakti decide to share seats in Karnataka (8 Jan).
*BJP and AIADMK enter into electoral agreement for Tamil Nadu
*BJP leaders engage in constant double speak on Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura and on Personal law. One denies Mathura and Kashi are on agenda; another reiterates resolve to change all personal laws and to construct Ram Mandir on Babari Masjid site.
*BJP's overtures to Muslims make little impact. After initial opening, Ahmad Bukhari and Javed Habib fall silent. Shahabuddin calls upon secular voters not to be misled by BJP's agents. Advani wants 'direct talks' with Muslims, Vajpayee asks Muslims to change mindset (8 Jan) asks Muslims not to fear BJP (10 Jan).
RSS: *Advises BJP not to replace RSS men in front organisations on eve of election; expresses concern at motive and quality of new entrants (4 Jan). Holds regional conclaves to guide BJP's poll campaign (7 Jan);
Chief supports BJP's endeavour to seek power (10 Jan); defends BJP against charge of changing ideology (12 Jan). Sees election as opportunity to transform society (13 Jan).
Congress: *Kesri calls on secular forces to close ranks to defeat BJP (22 Dec). Campaign Committee plans to expose BJP (23 Dec). Calls on BJP to clarify stand on Babari Masjid and Article 370. Calls on Muslims to help Congress (28 Dec). Scindia flays BJP and repeats apology for demolition (12 Jan). Responds to Muslim organisation conciave. *Congress decides to have state level alliance. Fails to rope in Jayalalitha and Hegde. But negotiates with RJD (Laloo) in Bihar, RJP (Vaghela) Gujarat, BSP in Punjab and MP, JD and RPI in Maharashtra, TUJS in Tripura and S.P. in UP. IUML agreed to remain in UDF in Kerala.
*Mamata Banerjee in W. Bengal and J.N. Mishra in Bihar quit Congress.
*Sonia Gandhi decides to campaign for Congress (29 Dec). Launches campaign in Sriperumbadur (11 Jan). Denies plan to take over party presidency.
CPM: *Decides to participate in UF-LF Government after election (22 Dec). Identifies BJP as 'greater danger' than Congress (22 Dec). G.S. Surjeet criticises UP Government for failure on many fronts and sees possibility of post-poll understanding with Congress (8 Jan).
Janata Parivar: UD: *Plans to contest 120-150 seats, meets strong resistance from SP in UP as well as in other states. Deve Gowda denies possibility of coalition with Congress; JD organises Dalit Rally in Lucknow to flex muscles at SP (5 Jan). Paswan speaks of adjustment with Congress but Deve Gowda denies softness towards Congress (12 Jan). *JD nominates Gujral for Jalandhar, despite open Akali sponsorship with BJP's acquiescence (11 Jan)
SP: *Several Yadav leaders in UP from Congress, BSP and BJP join SP (27 Dec). Ex-M.P's D.P. Yadav , R.K. Rai, Rana Veer Singh, join SP (2 Jan). Mulayam rules out alliance or understanding with Congress (19 Dec).
Agrees to extend support to Congress in Maharashtra (29 Dec). Agrees to support Congress in States where it is in direct fight with BJP (28 Dec). Welcome Sonia Gandhi's decision (29 Dec). Concedes possibility of seeking Congress support to keep BJP out of power (13 Jan)
*Agrees to support Congress in States where it is in direct fight with BJP (28 Dec). Welcome Sonia Gandhi's decision (29 Dec). Concedes possibility of seeking Congress support to keep BJP out of power (13 Jan). Agrees to support Congress in States where it is in direct fight with BJP (28 Dec). Welcome Sonia Gandhi's decision (29 Dec). Concedes possibility of seeking Congress support to keep BJP out of power (13 Jan). *In a bid to obtain national party status for SP launches campaign in Bihar, Orissa, Maharashtra and Rajasthan (21 Dec). *Rules out alliance with BSP in UP (28 Dec).
*Declares himself in race for PM-ship (29 Dec). *SP to contest all UP seats though it gets only 11 out of 38 seats in UP Council (13 Jan). Criticises Deve Gowda (7 Jan).
Release first list, without consulting JD or UF (15 Jan). Mulayam criticises Gujral for accepting AD help for Jalandhar (7 Jan).
BKKP: *President Ajit Singh rules out negotiation with BJP for adjustment in UP (29 Dec), later opens negotiation (10 Jan).
ID: *Seeks reconciliation with Laloo Pd. Yadav; unable to pay price (21 Dec). Orissa JD splits and major faction called BJD negotiates with BJP
RJD: *Laloo attacks BJP and seeks common front with Congress (26 Dec). Declares JD dead; tries to float new Secular Front and fails (28 Dec); reiterates pact with Congress to defeat BJP (13 Jan).
*Forms Jan Morcha, with SJP (Chandra Shekhar), BSP (Kanshi Ram) and JMM (Soren) (5 Jan). Invites RJP (Vaghela), GNLF (Ghising), Ajit Singh (BKKP) and LS (Hegde), Congress(I) refuses to join Morcha (25 Dec). UF dismisses JM as 'conglomeration of non-existent parties (6 Jan).
*3 RJD Ministers finally quit Gujral Government (9 Jan).
*RJD issues manifesto (15 Jan).
SJP: *Chandra Shekhar flays BJP and Congress stability plank (4 Jan).
BSP: *EX-C.M. Mayawati rejects any alliance or adjustment in UP, wants to fight all 85 seats (17 Dec). Though Kanshi Ram admits that SP-BSP together can wipe out BJP (22 Dec). Ilyas Azmi and 3 other ex-MP's quit (25 Dec). Criticises Laloo for advocating tie-up in UP (27 Dec). Rules out patch-up with SP (27 Dec). Kanshi calls BJP 'devil No.1' (3 Jan).
IUML: *Forms Muslim Front (MJM) with AIMIM (AP) and AIMM (UP). and AIMM (UP).
Election: *Denies franchise to over 3.5 lakh minority voters in Assam (5 Jan). Shahabuddin protests. AASU urges further deletion (10 Jan).
*EC rejects Shiv Sena's fake election (24 Dec).
*EC asks States not to change OBC lists (18 Dec).
*Government raises L.S. expense ceiling to 15 lakhs (31 Dec).
*EC decides not to recognise splinter groups except after contesting one election (24 Dec)
*Announces programme in 4 phases on 16 February to 7 March with counting on 8 March.
*BJP gives top priority to delimitation of constituencies (13 Jan) and to amendment of Constitution to prevent frequent election (14 Jan).
Judiciary: *Despite controversy, President decides on advice of C.J.I. to appoint Justice M.M. Punchhi as next Chicf Justice.
*SC gives free hand to CBI to prosecute officials (18 Dec). Scams - AH: *CBI records appeal against bail to Laloo (16 Dec). Director CBI overrules. *J.N. Mishra permitted by SC to visit Bihar.
Urea: *Former P.M. Narasimha Rao's relative chargesheeted (26 Dec).
Noida Land: *Mrs. Advani listed as illegal allottee by CBI. Advani denies it (13 Jan).
Medical Admission Scam: *CBI files chargesheet against ex-Tripura CM Majumdar and ex-Union Minister Rasheed Masud (11 Jan).
KASHMIR SITUATION
Political Development: *C.M. Farooq Abdullah continues NC's association with UF (23 Dec).
*Ex-C.M. G.M. Shah to align his Awami N.C. with BJP. Supports trifurcation of state (29 Dec).
*Prominent J&K leaders including Shabbir Shah join APHC in asking for tripartite talks (29 Dec). APHC decide to boycott L.S. poll.
Heritage: *700 year old historic shrine of Hazrat Ali Hamdani gutted in Tral; State government orders inquiry (17 Dec).
Insurgency: *Low level of violence registered except several bomb blasts in Srinagar and other places in the Valley
*Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba admits loss of 350 of its Pakistani fighters (12 Jan).
Indo-Pakistan Talks: *Pakistan makes proposals to resolve procedural difficulties (18 Dec).
*Pak F.M. Gauhar Ayub considers Kashmir as core issue and holds India responsible (27 Dec). *Pakistan charges India with stalling talks (1 Jan). *Pakistan P.M. Sharif hopes to revive talks (5 Jan).
Foreign Reaction: *OIC Summit adopts Resolution in support of Pakistan stand, asks India to receive OIC Special Mission. India condemns it as intervention in internal affairs (10 Dec). Hurriyat leaders invited as True Representatives of People of Kashmir not permitted by GOI to attend.
BABARI MASJID AND RELATED QUESTIONS
Judicial Proceedings: *Liberhan Commission examines Pramahans Ram Chander Das (6 Jan).
VHP: *Maintains that it shall keep Mathura Idgah and Varanasi Masjid on its agenda, even if BJP requests it to drop them (16 Dec). Rejects any idea of compromise (19 Dec). Appeals to voters to elect a 'pro-Hindu Government'. VHP adopts 'Hindu' agenda including construction of temples in Ayodhya, Mathura and Varanasi on Masjid sites (25 Dec). VHP denies dilution of stand on Ayodhya (26 Dec). Asks Muslims to give up claim on Kashi and Mathura or be ready to face 'Ayodhya-like' humiliation (29 Dec).
*S.P. UP demands arrest of Singhal for inciting communal frenzy (30 Dec).
B.IP: *BJP's double speak on Masjid issue become apparent. *Advani places Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura on the BJP agenda (26 Dec). Denies it (27 Dec). BJP clarifies that Kashmir and Mathura are not poll issues but reiterates commitment to construct Ram Temple on Babari Masjid site (29 Dec). Promises to remove impediments by legislation (29 Dec). Katiyar wants Muslims to be taken into confidence before construction (2 Jan). Uma Bharati reiterates BJP's commitment on Ayodhya and threatens Muslims (8 Jan).
*BJP leaders falsely attribute to Imam of Haram, Mecca, that he advised Muslims to surrender Babari Masjid.
Shahabuddin clarifies to Vajpayee
Thackeray Proposal: *S.S. leader Thackeray proposes construction of national monument on Babari Masjid site with Mandir and Masjid on other plots in Ayodhya (9 Dec). Vajpayee considers it one of several suggestions to resolve dispute. Singhal criticises it as creative of confusion and dissatisfaction. BJP dissociates itself from proposal (9 Dec). Thackeray reiterates proposal (13 Jan).
UF advises BJP to accept Thackeray proposal. So does George Fernandes (11 Jan)
*BMMCC considers it a starting point for fresh consideration of all issues by all concerned. Asks Thackeray to spell out nature of monument (see statement)(14 Jan)
OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST TO MUSLIMS
Muslim Organisations: *A.I. Milli Council asks Muslims not to be deceived by BJP's liberal and tolerant mask (8 Jan)
*Jamiat-ul-Ulema-i-Hind reacts strongly to BJP's stand on uniform civil code (4 Jan).
*Shahi Imam's Council reiterates Muslim demands (17 Dec). Naib Imam asks Muslims not to vote for parties which seek support by frightening Muslims of BJP. Speech reported as soft and generally supportive of BJP (26 Dec). Shahabuddin reacts strongly (See statement) *Qaumi Mushawarat Committee and Islamic Council of India agree to negotiate with BJP (29 Dec). Shahabuddin denounces main movers as BJP's agents (2 Jan).
*Majlis-e-Ulema-Hind advises Muslims not to waste their votes but support a secular party.
*JIH advises Muslim to vote for winning secular candidates.
*AIMMM appeals to all secular forces to defeat communal and fascist forces (7 Jan).
Haj: *Case filed against Haj Committee in MRTPC, notice issued (27 Dec).
*Haj Committee holds Conference, Chairman Salamatullah accuses E.I., Riyadh and CGI, Jeddah, of mismanagement and non-cooperation. MOS stresses need for new Act.
Shia-Sunni Dispute: *International Conference of Shia Ulema demands removal of ban on Muharram procession in Lucknow, non-interference in Muslim personal law, better management of wakfs and reservation for Muslims in public employment.
Reservation: *National Unity Campaign demands reservation for minorities in public employment and legislatures (12 Dec) *Rajasthan Government withdraws circular on 'creamy layer' (1 Jan).
Terrorism: *Repeated bomb blasts occur in Delhi, latest, close to police headquarters; finger point at organised Kashmiri or Sikh terrorists.
*Bomb blast in Chennai owned by Islamic Defence Force (10 Jan).
Urdu: *Ghalib Institute and Ghalib Academy observe 200th birth anniversary of Ghalib (27 Dec) firing kills 6 (16 Dec). Congress leaders Scindia and Azad seek CM's resignation (17 Dec). Abdullah Bukhari visits Jaipur, meets CM, praises BJP (25 Dec). CM assures fencing of all graveyards (27 Dec). Curfew lifted (27 Dec).
Communal Violence: *Civil Judge, Delhi, awards compensation to Sikh shopkeeper for loss of goods of trade in 1984 riots (17 Dec). 2 more sentenced to death for 1984 riots (23 Dec).
*Clash in Kanpur over construction of wall of Masjid; 4 injured, police fires to disperse mob (9 Jan)
*Clash in Mundgod (Karnataka) over graveyard (22 Dec).
Human Rights: *NHRC awards compensation for custodial death of Muslim youth due to 'contributory negligence' of police (4 Jan).
Education: *Delhi Assembly passes bill for take-over of Tibbia College founded by Hakim Ajmal Khan (1 Jan).
*AMU teachers on token protest strike against maladministration (15 Jan).
*UP Government introduces compulsory worship of Bharat Mata and singing of Vande Mataram etc. in all primary schools (2 Jan). Muslim leaders protest. Shahabuddin advises joint action by all Muslim organisations.
Other Minorities: *Sikhs observe birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh (4 Jan). *World Sikh Council, formed in 1995, appoints ex S.C. Judge Kuldip Singh as President. *Delhi Government considers ban on book by Sikh Youth leader on 1984 Massacre. *Unauthorised Gurudwara on public land in Ghaziabad demolished (7 Jan).
*Vice President Krishan Kant hails Jain's contribution to India and services to humanity (31 Dec).
*Jamnagar Christians reclaim church graveyard in army Cantonment (22 Dec).
*Church accuses Bihar Government of dithering on CBI probe in Dumka incident. Upset over killing of priests in Bihar (22 Dec).
Muslim World: Pakistan: *SC removes C.J. SA Shah (23 Dec). P.M. Sharif's nominee Rafiq Tarar, a former SC Judge, elected President.
*24 Shias mowed down in Lahore graveyard (11 Jan). Shias hold protest demonstration. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claims responsibility (12 Jan).
*Official Iftar parties banned by P.M. Sharif (14 Jan).
UK: *UK Action Committee on Islamic Affairs participates in Islamic Summit as invitee; protests against BBC film on Holy Prophet.
Algeria: *Massive and frequent massacres in Algeria cause worldwide concern. UN SG, EU and OIC condemn massacre. UN & EU offer to send observers to study situation. Algeria government refuses (11 Jan).
Obituary: *Rasool Ahmed Siddiqui, ex-Minister M.P., 50, passes away (24 Dec). *Scholar Kabir Kausar, 74, passes away in Delhi (29 Dec), *Nurul Islam, ex-MP (LS) from Dhubri, Assam, 67, passes away (31 Dec).
*Mohd. Ahmad, 98, National League leader, passes away in Delhi (8 lan)
