Temple movement was ‘to counter’
vote bank 
New Delhi, January 29
The Home Minister, Mr L.K. Advani today said that the BJP had joined the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple movement in 1989 after finding that other political parties were supporting the stand of the Babri Masjid Action Committee on the disputed structure for “vote-bank politics”.

Beating Retreat enthrals Delhi An orchestra plays during the Beating the Retreat ceremony which marks the end of the annual Republic Day celebrations in front of South and North Block buildings in New Delhi on Tuesday.  — Reuters photo

Contempt plea against Badal
New Delhi, January 29
A contempt of court petition has been filed against Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in the Supreme Court, accusing him of making public statements to “defy the court order” on the SYL canal issue.

EC warns states going to polls
Don’t waive loans to individuals, firms
New Delhi, January 29
The Election Commission has asked all states going to the Assembly elections, not to violate the Model Code of Conduct and specifically directed them not to “write off” loans advanced to individuals, companies and firms as it will be violation under the code.

FACTORS AT PLAY
Caste, disenchantment weigh heavy
Jalandhar, January 29
Delay in fulfilment of the long-standing promise of waiving octroi, infighting in parties, especially in the SAD-BJP combine and its arch rival Congress, and leanings of Dalit and urban voters are the major factors which can affect the poll prospects of parties and their candidates in fray in the Doaba region.

SP (Vigilance) told to execute non-bailable warrants Corruption case against Rajinder Kaur Bhattal Bathinda, January 29 The case pertaining to the issuance of non-bailable warrants against former Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal in a corruption case took a new turn last evening when the Special Judge asked the SP (Vigilance), Bathinda, to execute the same personally.