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Chhattisgarh massacre: Shocking details emerge!

Last updated on: May 31, 2013 19:22 IST
Female Naxalite fighters pose with the bow and arrow at a rally in Kolkata. Inset: Mahendra Karma

Political games continue in Chhattisgarh...

A report card makes a Union minister happy...

A politician uses age to his advantage...

All this, and more, in this week's Dilli Gupshup...

Gruesome details are slowly emerging about the infamous Chhattisgarh massacre.

Minutes after the Naxals captured Mahendra Karma, they apparently hurriedly convened a kangaroo court where the Congress leader was 'tried'.

A 'chargesheet' was read out, spelling out the "Bastar Tiger's" alleged crimes rising out of Salwa Judum; Karma was one of the leading organisers of the movement.

He was also accused, among other things, of 'oppressing' tribal rights.

Karma, who had been the minister of commerce and industry in the Ajit Jogi government (the Congress formed the newly-minted state's first government in 2000 and retained power till 2004), was then asked for his final wish.

The Naxals' intent was clear as they also asked him if he wanted to wear fresh clothes and eat a 'last meal' of his choice.

A Naxal was asked to rush to his vehicle and bring Karma's 'tiffin box'.

Even as the farcical 'trial' continued, some woman Naxalites reportedly lost their patience and shot Karma.

As a wounded Karma fell, he was repeatedly attacked with knives. He would be stabbed 78 times.

But Karma apparently remained defiant and silent till his last breath.

Please click on NEXT to why it's politics as usual in Chhattisgarh...

Politics as usual in Chhattisgarh

Last updated on: May 31, 2013 19:22 IST
Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi (left) and Union Minister of State Charan Das Mahant are battling for leadership in the state.

Even the recent massacre in Chhattisgarh has not been able to unite the Congress bigwigs in the state.

Many Congress leaders willingly point fingers at former chief minister Ajit Jogi, who escaped unscathed in the attack, and others in the convoy who did not share a similar fate.

Mahendra Karma and Nand Kumar Patel lost their lives. Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister V C Shukla, who was severely injured, is in intensive care at Gurgaon's Medanta Hospital and remains critical.

An upset Jogi even felt compelled to issue a clarification.

All of this, claim Congress insiders, is the result of the ongoing tussle over the leadership of the party in the state.

While Jogi has emerged as the front-runner and a 10, Janpath favourite, Union Minister of State Charan Das Mahant is an aspirant too. The latter has the support of many bigwigs including Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh and AICC treasurer Motilal Vora.

It remains to be seen how this 'no-holds-barred' power tussle will impact the Congress in assembly polls scheduled to be held in November 2013.

Please click on NEXT to find out Union Minister V Narayanswamy is a happy man...

How a report card made a Union minister happy!

Last updated on: May 31, 2013 19:22 IST
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V Narayanswamy

Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V Narayanswamy cannot wipe the smile off his face these days.

The member of Parliament from Puducherry has his reasons -- his photograph figures prominently in the United Progressive Alliance's fourth year report card.

The only other leaders whose photographs can be found on the report card are Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

No wonder Narayanswamy is thrilled; he is finally in the big league.

Please click on NEXT why this politician is not happy about his age...

Age won't stop Anurag Thakur

Last updated on: May 31, 2013 19:22 IST
Anurag Thakur heads the BJP Yuva Morcha in Himachal Pradesh once again.

Anurag Thakur is back as head of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Himachal Pradesh.

But the cricket administrator-cum-politician is reportedly too old for the post.

But Thakur, who is 38, has the support of senior BJP leaders in this matter. The fact that he is the son of former state BJP chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal clearly helps.

A buoyed Thakur is, however, using the age bar to keep certain people out of his executive committee.

Though Thakur's old associates are less than pleased, no one in the BJP is paying heed to their complaints.

Please click on NEXT to find out who is happy about IPL's spot-fixing scandal...


How spot-fixing saved a cop!

Last updated on: May 31, 2013 19:22 IST
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde wanted to replace Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar.

If there is one man who is thrilled about the IPL's spot fixing scandal, it is Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar.

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, it is believed, was keen to replace Kumar but the IPL spot-fixing controversy has sealed his hands.

Kumar reportedly used his political network well and made the investigation a prestige issue between the Delhi police and the Mumbai police.

As a result, the issue of his removal issue has now become history!