Could Raj Thackeray be arrested??

Raj Thackeray’s comments have drawn flak from all quarters and the activities of his party over the past two weeks have been condemned by one and all. The MNS activists went on a rampage against north Indians destroying auto rickshaws and other vehicles belonging to the North Indians. Meanwhile, Maharashtra deputy CM R R Patil has informed that Raj could be arrested if sufficient evidence is found against him. But his arrest is sure to increase the agitation among his party workers and they will surely retort with a heavy backlash. The deputy PM though seems to be unmoved and looks to set things right ahead of PM`s visit to the state.

Indian influence in US polls

The three million-strong Indian-American communities is believed to have swung the electoral fortunes of major US Presidential hopefuls, including Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, in the primaries of 'Super Tuesday'.

For Democratic Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, the community has not only played a crucial role in the run-up to the primaries both by way of physical and financial support, but also with their huge concentrations in big and diverse states may have played even a 'swing' role.

The Indian community is present in large numbers and constitutes a sufficient proportion of the population in New York, New Jersey and California. In California, heir voting impact has certainly helped Clinton get this huge state that offered as many as 441 delegates to the national convention. California is the prime state in the polls as it has the largest population.

It is also believed that Barrack Obama`s anti-outsourcing stand has tilted the favours towards Hillary Clinton who is seen to support outsourcing. Obama had announced that he will levy extra taxes from companies who outsource their work that leads to unemployment in the US.

Bill Clinton has been the main source of support and strength for Hillary and has been constantly monitoring the campaign proceedings. It seems Bill finally will get to spend another four years in the most powerful building in the world, the White House.

Sarkozy in India

French President Nicholas Sarkozy has been invited to India as the guest for its Republic Day celebrations. The Indian officials heaved a sigh of relief as he came without her girlfriend Carlo Bruni, as they were unsure whether to treat her as wife of the president or an official. Sarkzoy meanwhile was overwhelmed with India’s red carpet welcome and has asked the prime minister to reciprocate his visit. The French president will preside over the republic day celebrations that will showcase India’s might in the armed forces to the world. Controversial writer Taslima was given the invitation at the behest of the visiting French President, Nicholas Sarkozy, to Paris to award her Prix Simon de Beauvoir, after Indian authorities refused a French proposal to confer the honour on the author in India during Sarkozy's visit. The Prix Simon de Beauvoir is considered one of the best awards for feminist writing the world over.

Politics begins for Bharat Ratna award

he country's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, has been dragged into murky politics with various leaders virtually in a race to nominate their own candidates for the top honour.

Now, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has written to the Prime Minister asking for Bharat Ratna for her mentor and Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram, who died in 2006.

Earlier, BJP leader LK Advani had written to PM asking for Bharat Ratna for former PM AB Vajpayee.

CPM veteran Jyoti Basu's name also started doing the rounds for the country's to honour.

But the Left today accused the BJP of playing politics over the award and said it would never accept any government award as a matter of policy.