Congress twists PM 'last' rejig to plug discontent - Daily Pioneer

MSRDC, RInfra in deadlock over taking charge of sea link - Daily News & Analysis

With the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) being firm on its stand of Reliance Infrastructure-led consortium taking over the sea link without any demands, the deadlock between the two continued till Thursday.

The corporation will have its board meeting on Friday, which may see some efforts from the government’s side to resolve the issue.

MSRDC vice-chairman and MD Bipin Shrimali on Thursday said that the Reliance Infrastructure and Hyundai consortium will have to take over the sea link on or before July 3. “As per the concession agreement, they have to pay the cost of Bandra-Worli Sea Link — Rs1,634 crore — and take over the tolling rights. Also, there is no question about the financial credibility of MSRDC since we will be paying them Rs464 crore per year for the next three years as viability gap of the project. The first instalment will be paid by MSRDC within three months of the consortium taking over the sea link,” he said.

However, sources close to the development have revealed that it is unlikely that the consortium will take over the sea link by July 3. “The concession agreement signed between RInfra and MSRDC says that the ‘equity support shall be paid to the concessioner by Government of Maharashtra (GoM) through MSRDC’. It is now clear that the GoM has refused to give the money, which means if in future if they are any issues related to funds, GoM will easily save its skin. The state support agreement also needs to be signed. Also, if we have to take over the sea link, a GR on toll notification also has to be issued,” said a source from the consortium.

An official statement issued by RInfra spokesperson, in response to the demands made by MSRDC on Thursday, said, “We are keen to take over the sea link. However, we await certain obligations to be complied with by MSRDC and GoM.” The statement added that R-infra has achieved financial closure for the project.

“We have submitted our requests in writing for completion of these activities. We have sought 15 days from MSRDC to take over,” the statement added.

Schoolboy among 3 dead as eviction drive turns violent in Assam - Daily News & Analysis

Three persons, including a school boy, were killed and over 50 injured when police opened fire to control a mob that ran riot on the streets of Guwahati to protest an eviction drive by the government.

The incident occurred when 10,000 to 15,000 people led by Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti leader Akhil Gogoi went on the rampage near the state secretariat. The protesters torched at least a dozen government-run buses and private cars.

The protesters were demanding an end to the evictions of squatters from bamboo huts built into the hills around the city. Other demands included rehabilitation of the evicted persons and land pattas.

The mob comprising many evicted from the hills around the citycongregated at Dispur which is in the heart of Guwahati to stage a sit-in-demonstration in protest against the drive.

But, soon they turned violent damaging and torching vehicles. Police fired teargas shells and baton charged, besides firing in the air to disperse the mob. The mob retaliated by pelting stones.

Amidst this melee was caught nine-year-old Ruhul Ali. Ali was standing somewhere near the ground zero and was killed in firing.

However, police said they had fired blank shots. The other two deceased are Biren Kalita and Siba Kumar Sarma, official sources said. Kalita succumbed to injuries in hospital.
Official sources said over 50 persons, including policemen and journalists, were injured.

The senior superintendent of police and a deputy superintendent of police were among the injured. The condition of some of the injured was critical. The authorities have ordered an enquiry.

BJP issues ultimatum for Munde to clarify stand - Daily News & Analysis

According to sources, BJP has issued an ultimatum to sulking BJP leader Gopinath Munde, asking him to clarify his stand. Munde is scheduled to hold a press conference at 3pm. Reports of his joining the Congress are going strong.

Earlier this morning, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj announced that she was going to meet with the rebelling leader at 3pm.