Sheela Bhatt

Stories by Sheela Bhatt

Black money and a sloppy government probe

Black money and a sloppy government probe

Rediff.com   11 Mar 2011

"Does that mean the Enforcement Directorate mislead Supreme court? It seems so. This is very serious. I am surprised to know about the judgment," said apex court's topnotch lawyer Harish Salve reacting to a Mumbai court's rejection to the plea by the ED seeking remand of Hasan Ali Khan for his custodial interrogation in a money laundering case.

Mamata vs Congress: Who will blink first?

Mamata vs Congress: Who will blink first?

Rediff.com   10 Mar 2011

'Mamata needs the Congress more than the Congress needs the alliance,' says a Congress leader. 'If the Trinamool and Congress fight the election together, a party survey claims the Trinamool will get around 165 out of 294 seats, but without us, the Trinamool could get somewhere around 130. It will be a few seats less than a majority.'

Indian NSA Menon meets Iranian President

Indian NSA Menon meets Iranian President

Rediff.com   8 Mar 2011

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran and India need to help spread justice in the world as the duo share humane perspectives on international affairs. Ahmadinejad spoke in a meeting with India's National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon on Monday in Tehran.

Pranab puts Cong-DMK alliance back on track

Pranab puts Cong-DMK alliance back on track

Rediff.com   7 Mar 2011

The Congress-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam alliance is back on track, with the re-opening of communication channels between the two parties. Sources said the Congress is set to agree to contest 60 seats, which was the DMK's final offer after three rounds of hard bargaining.

'India not to aid military intervention in Libya'

'India not to aid military intervention in Libya'

Rediff.com   3 Mar 2011

A senior minister in United Progressive Alliance government and an influential Congress leader told rediff.com that, "India will never be party to any military intervention in any part of the Middle East or in any of the Gulf countries."

Libya bound warships are only escorts, says Ravi

Libya bound warships are only escorts, says Ravi

Rediff.com   25 Feb 2011

Vyalar Ravi, minister for Civil Aviation and overseas Indians told rediff.com that the Indian Navy's warships are going to Libya only to escort the hired ships that would be bringing back Indian citizens being evacuated from the troubled country.

Godhra: 'Let no family suffer like we have'

Godhra: 'Let no family suffer like we have'

Rediff.com   22 Feb 2011

"I don't have any words to describe our plight in the last nine years. My Ammi (mother) says if Islam allows suicide she would like to end her life," says Saeed Omerjee, son of Maulvi Omerjee, one of the main accused in the Godhra train burning case.

'Godhra judgement should pass by peacefully'

'Godhra judgement should pass by peacefully'

Rediff.com   22 Feb 2011

"The mood of the nation is sober. If we can take the Ayodhya judgment in our stride, we can very well pass through the Godhra judgment peacefully. I am very confident." says Kamal Farooqui, member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

Sonia's letter that made Advani apologise

Sonia's letter that made Advani apologise

Rediff.com   19 Feb 2011

Bharatiya Janata Party patriarch Lal Krishna Advani's letter apologising Congress President Sonia Gandhi for naming her family in the party task force's report on illegal Swiss bank accounts has set tongues wagging in the political circles. So what did Sonia say to Advani that he made him regret his remarks? This is the text of the letter the Congress President wrote to Advani dated February 15.

'Anil Ambani left CBI HQ in a huff'

'Anil Ambani left CBI HQ in a huff'

Rediff.com   18 Feb 2011

The entire CBI investigation is veering around how, when, why and under which terms and conditions Shahid Balwa became a frontman for A Raja!

Godhra case verdict postponed to Feb 22

Godhra case verdict postponed to Feb 22

Rediff.com   17 Feb 2011

The Godhra case is related to burning of Sabramati Express's compartment C-6 at Godhra on February 27, 2002 in which 59 people were burnt alive.

What Anil Ambani's appearance at the CBI HQ means

What Anil Ambani's appearance at the CBI HQ means

Rediff.com   17 Feb 2011

Ambani remained at the CBI headquarters for nearly two hours in connection with the agency's investigation into the 2G scam. The media was told he went to the CBI HQ because the Bureau had sought clarification on certain documents relating to Swan Telecom -- one of the companies allegedly involved in the 2G scam. But couldn't one of his company directors have gone instead to explain?

Bogged down by scams, PM to face media on Feb 16

Bogged down by scams, PM to face media on Feb 16

Rediff.com   15 Feb 2011

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is ready to catch the bull by the horn

'The revolution in Egypt is good for India'

'The revolution in Egypt is good for India'

Rediff.com   11 Feb 2011

"In a long run, the revolution in Egypt is good for India too," said a senior official of government while talking to rediff.com. Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman has declared that "President Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down from the office of President of the Republic and has charged the high council of the armed forces to administer the affairs of the country."

'India needn't worry about Egypt's power-change'

'India needn't worry about Egypt's power-change'

Rediff.com   9 Feb 2011

Indian Ambassador to Egypt Chinmaya Gharekhan, a former special envoy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for West Asia, tells Sheela Bhatt that India should welcome the changes taking place in Egypt and it should not be doubting the Muslim Brotherhood at all.

Are Mumbai's diamond merchants on leaked list?

Are Mumbai's diamond merchants on leaked list?

Rediff.com   4 Feb 2011

Top merchants in Mumbai confirmed that diamond market is stunned by the revelation

'SC pressure resulted in Raja's arrest'

'SC pressure resulted in Raja's arrest'

Rediff.com   2 Feb 2011

Former telecommunication minister A Raja has been arrested because the Central Bureau of Investigation has got some evidence of money changing hands involving the minister, says Prashant Bhushan, lawyer whose public interest petition before Supreme Court in the 2G spectrum scam has led, ultimately, to Raja's arrest.

Godhra judgment to be delivered on February 19

Godhra judgment to be delivered on February 19

Rediff.com   25 Jan 2011

After a wait of nine years, the judgement in the Godhra case is likely to be delivered on February 19.

Reshuffle shows weakness of Congress leadership

Reshuffle shows weakness of Congress leadership

Rediff.com   19 Jan 2011

Sheela Bhatt says the only logical question to be asked after the listless Cabinet reshuffle is: Has Congress President Sonia Gandhi started losing her grip over the political situation?

Godhra judgement likely by month-end

Godhra judgement likely by month-end

Rediff.com   14 Jan 2011

The trial of one of the most controversial legal cases of independent India went on for more than 18 months. Many non-government organisations and accused had objected to the conduct of the trial in Gujarat. Almost, every legal point of the case had been challenged in court.