Kept out of India’s final cricket Test against Australia on Saturday owing to injury, Indian skipper Virat Kohli turned 'water boy' on the field for the day.

The star skipper was seen getting water for his teammates during the match in Dharamsala. The 'water boy' walked down the field from the pavilion to hand over the water bottles to teammates Ravindra Jadega and Ajinkya Rahane during the water break.

"Look at who has got the 'paani' for everybody.12th man Virat Kohli," said former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar.

“This is fantastic. He must be the most expensive drinks man in the world!" former Australian pacer Brett Lee said in the commentary video.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) held its national executive meeting here on Saturday, presided over by party president Akhilesh Yadav, to take stock of the drubbing in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, but SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and younger brother Shivpal Singh Yadav chose to skip it.

According to sources, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav was extended an invitation but he chose not to turn up.

At the meeting, the party took stock of its massive defeat in the just-concluded assembly elections and decided that the results would be dissected threadbare at the district unit level.

Later briefing the media, former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said that elections would be held for various party posts soon and the election of the national president would be completed by September 30 this year. 

Sources told IANS that in the high-level meeting it was discussed and decided that the party spruce up its organizational structure.

It was also decided that the party would undertake a membership drive afresh from April 15. 

Senior leaders of the party turned up at the meeting but the mood was subdued, apparently owing to its defeat at the hustings. 

The SP had 224 members in the 16th assembly but has been reduced to just 47 seats now after the elections held last month.
 

Actress Neha Sharma, who will be seen in a special role in the upcoming film Mubarakan, says working with veteran actor Anil Kapoor is a delight.

"Anil Kapoor is a delight to work with. The one thing that I admire most about him is his warmth… He makes it a point to greet everyone on set and brings this amazing energy on set and you enjoy the work," Neha said. 

The 29-year-old actress says she also shares the same passion for fitness as Anil, who is also starring in Mubarakan.

"It's amazing every time I bump into him training at the gym or swimming," she said. 

Asked about her role in the film, Neha said: "I have a special appearance in the film. It's an interesting part that I play, but it's too early for me to talk about it."

"Mubarakan", which is directed by Anees Bazmi, also stars Ileana D'Cruz, Arjun Kapoor and Athiya Shetty. 

The film is slated to release in July. 

Actress Neha Sharma, who will be seen in a special role in the upcoming film Mubarakan, says working with veteran actor Anil Kapoor is a delight.

"Anil Kapoor is a delight to work with. The one thing that I admire most about him is his warmth… He makes it a point to greet everyone on set and brings this amazing energy on set and you enjoy the work," Neha said. 

The 29-year-old actress says she also shares the same passion for fitness as Anil, who is also starring in Mubarakan.

"It's amazing every time I bump into him training at the gym or swimming," she said. 

Asked about her role in the film, Neha said: "I have a special appearance in the film. It's an interesting part that I play, but it's too early for me to talk about it."

"Mubarakan", which is directed by Anees Bazmi, also stars Ileana D'Cruz, Arjun Kapoor and Athiya Shetty. 

The film is slated to release in July. 

When my older sister who lives in Germany came to Indonesia recently, we gave her the royal treatment. Well, she’s family after all and had not visited in 12 years.

So if a family member hadn’t visited in 47 years, the royal treatment would be quadrupled, right? Well, that’s how long it had been since a Saudi monarch had come to Indonesia. The last time was the visit of King Faisal in 1970, so when King Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came in February the reception was pretty over the top.

Family member? Yes, being Muslims, we are all members of the ummah(community of Muslims), which for some is even more meaningful than being connected by blood. Our qibla (direction Muslims face when praying) is toward Mecca, but more than that, lately Saudi Arabia is our qibla for many things we consider to be part of our Muslim identity.

Arabic-style attire is one example, but more importantly the adoption of a more rigid and literal interpretation of the Quran than the moderate Islam Nusantara (Islam of the archipelago) that Indonesia is famous for.

King Salman is one of the richest world leaders and, boy, did he ever show it! An entourage of 1,500 in eight wide-bodied jets, a few limousines and two gold-plated escalators — because of course, one isn’t enough, right? We lapped it all up and various Indonesian dignitaries and political leaders were falling over themselves to pay obeisance to the custodian of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina that Muslims make pilgrimages to. Well, at least we got the extra haj quota we were hoping for.

So why did he come after all this time, and at the age of 80, when most octogenarians would be ensconced in rocking chairs? Is it simply “the ties of Islam?” In economic terms, the visit to Indonesia did not do much to boost the relationship, which has never been fast and furious in any case.

Since 1980, Saudi Arabia’s investment in Indonesia has been into Indonesian culture and religion, devoting millions of dollars to exporting Salafism, a strict and dogmatic brand of Islam. It has built hundreds of mosques, a huge free university, provided teachers, scholarships and much, much more. Will this now change? Whatever the case, the investments have made an impact.

Despite the ostentatious display of wealth because of falling oil prices, Saudi Arabia is going through a recession.

Hence the ambitious one-month tour, not just to Indonesia, but also to Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, China, the Maldives and Jordan. Obviously, the trips to China and Japan have nothing to do with Islam, but are an attempt to look for partners and investors in the Asia-Pacific region to lessen Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil revenues.

Besides China overtaking the United States as a big net importer of crude oil in 2016, there are also geopolitical considerations. With the uncertainty that comes with the Donald Trump presidency, China can certainly be seen as a counterweight to the US for Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy.

What about terrorism? Yes, that was mentioned too in King Salman’s underwhelming two minute speech at the House of Representatives — which sounded more like the speech of a Miss World contestant — to stand united against global challenges, in particular against the clash of civilisations, terrorism and to work together to achieve world peace.

Funny that: Is decimating Yemen a way to achieve world peace? Yes, Saudi Arabia committed crimes in Yemen as evidenced by the destruction of infrastructure and the killing of thousands of innocent civilians, including children.

Addressing visiting members of the Supreme Revolutionary Council of Yemen, Ali Larijani, the Iranian parliamentary speaker, said, “The scope of destruction is unprecedented in history and this clearly shows that Saudi Arabia is a rogue state in the region.”

As for the clash of civilisations, it’s more like a clash of ignorance, which is the title of the essay that Edward Said wrote to debunk Samuel P. Huntington’s 1993 Foreign Affairs article entitled “The Clash of Civilisations.” The hypothesis is that people’s cultural and religious identities will be the primary source of conflict in the post-Cold War world.

Oh really? Is that why the US and the United Kingdom provide the arms used by Saudi Arabia to crush Yemen? Because, of course, Saudi Arabia is the US’ ally in the Middle East, maybe a bit less so after the US betrayed them by making deals with Iran, Saudi Arabia’s main rival.

But even if King Salman repeatedly listened to Paul Simon’s “Fifty ways to leave your lover,” Saudi Arabia could not break up with the US because it still provides them with the best weaponry and spare parts too.

But, Saudi Arabia is not all it appears to be. It’s not by any means revolutionising, but it is evolutionising, as Ameera alTaweel said.

The 33-year-old drop-dead gorgeous US-educated princess, businesswoman, high-profile women’s advocate and humanitarian philanthropist is the ex-wife of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, 60. He’s one of the more progressive of the thousands of princes of the Saud family and one of richest men in the world, who is planning to give away his US$33 trillion to charity when he dies.

And would you believe that there’s a vegan Saudi prince who wants to veganise the Middle East? Meet Khaled bin Alwaleed (yes, the son of Al-Waleed bin Talal), 38, handsome and a fervent environmentalist who believes “climate change and the unjustified consumption of energy are two of the most serious issues we face today at the macro-level.”

Hope he’s saying this to his gasguzzling compatriots. Yes, Saudia Arabia is the world’s largest oil producer, but also the world’s sixth-largest consumer.

Then there’s Ahmed Qassim al-Ghamdi, formerly an employee of the KSA’s religious police who had a life-altering experience when he turned to the Quran to study the stories of the prophet Muhammad and came up with the conclusion that being Islamic is about being more liberal. No need to close shops for prayers, to cover women up, or to ban women from driving. Unsurprisingly, death-threats dogged him after he made these statements.

Like Indonesia, Saudi Arabia has a demographic bonus: Sixty percent of the population is under 30. Like Ameera and Khaled, they are connected to a globalised world and they will rebel against the strictures of the Islam espoused by their forbearers.

Change in Saudi Arabia seems inevitable, as it is becoming more progressive, climate-conscious and is espousing “Western” notions of rights (which the US under Trump seems to be abandoning), while Islam in Indonesia is becoming more Arabised and conservative. Ironic or what?

(The Jakarta Post)

When my older sister who lives in Germany came to Indonesia recently, we gave her the royal treatment. Well, she’s family after all and had not visited in 12 years.

So if a family member hadn’t visited in 47 years, the royal treatment would be quadrupled, right? Well, that’s how long it had been since a Saudi monarch had come to Indonesia. The last time was the visit of King Faisal in 1970, so when King Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came in February the reception was pretty over the top.

Family member? Yes, being Muslims, we are all members of the ummah(community of Muslims), which for some is even more meaningful than being connected by blood. Our qibla (direction Muslims face when praying) is toward Mecca, but more than that, lately Saudi Arabia is our qibla for many things we consider to be part of our Muslim identity.

Arabic-style attire is one example, but more importantly the adoption of a more rigid and literal interpretation of the Quran than the moderate Islam Nusantara (Islam of the archipelago) that Indonesia is famous for.

King Salman is one of the richest world leaders and, boy, did he ever show it! An entourage of 1,500 in eight wide-bodied jets, a few limousines and two gold-plated escalators — because of course, one isn’t enough, right? We lapped it all up and various Indonesian dignitaries and political leaders were falling over themselves to pay obeisance to the custodian of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina that Muslims make pilgrimages to. Well, at least we got the extra haj quota we were hoping for.

So why did he come after all this time, and at the age of 80, when most octogenarians would be ensconced in rocking chairs? Is it simply “the ties of Islam?” In economic terms, the visit to Indonesia did not do much to boost the relationship, which has never been fast and furious in any case.

Since 1980, Saudi Arabia’s investment in Indonesia has been into Indonesian culture and religion, devoting millions of dollars to exporting Salafism, a strict and dogmatic brand of Islam. It has built hundreds of mosques, a huge free university, provided teachers, scholarships and much, much more. Will this now change? Whatever the case, the investments have made an impact.

Despite the ostentatious display of wealth because of falling oil prices, Saudi Arabia is going through a recession.

Hence the ambitious one-month tour, not just to Indonesia, but also to Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, China, the Maldives and Jordan. Obviously, the trips to China and Japan have nothing to do with Islam, but are an attempt to look for partners and investors in the Asia-Pacific region to lessen Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil revenues.

Besides China overtaking the United States as a big net importer of crude oil in 2016, there are also geopolitical considerations. With the uncertainty that comes with the Donald Trump presidency, China can certainly be seen as a counterweight to the US for Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy.

What about terrorism? Yes, that was mentioned too in King Salman’s underwhelming two minute speech at the House of Representatives — which sounded more like the speech of a Miss World contestant — to stand united against global challenges, in particular against the clash of civilisations, terrorism and to work together to achieve world peace.

Funny that: Is decimating Yemen a way to achieve world peace? Yes, Saudi Arabia committed crimes in Yemen as evidenced by the destruction of infrastructure and the killing of thousands of innocent civilians, including children.

Addressing visiting members of the Supreme Revolutionary Council of Yemen, Ali Larijani, the Iranian parliamentary speaker, said, “The scope of destruction is unprecedented in history and this clearly shows that Saudi Arabia is a rogue state in the region.”

As for the clash of civilisations, it’s more like a clash of ignorance, which is the title of the essay that Edward Said wrote to debunk Samuel P. Huntington’s 1993 Foreign Affairs article entitled “The Clash of Civilisations.” The hypothesis is that people’s cultural and religious identities will be the primary source of conflict in the post-Cold War world.

Oh really? Is that why the US and the United Kingdom provide the arms used by Saudi Arabia to crush Yemen? Because, of course, Saudi Arabia is the US’ ally in the Middle East, maybe a bit less so after the US betrayed them by making deals with Iran, Saudi Arabia’s main rival.

But even if King Salman repeatedly listened to Paul Simon’s “Fifty ways to leave your lover,” Saudi Arabia could not break up with the US because it still provides them with the best weaponry and spare parts too.

But, Saudi Arabia is not all it appears to be. It’s not by any means revolutionising, but it is evolutionising, as Ameera alTaweel said.

The 33-year-old drop-dead gorgeous US-educated princess, businesswoman, high-profile women’s advocate and humanitarian philanthropist is the ex-wife of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, 60. He’s one of the more progressive of the thousands of princes of the Saud family and one of richest men in the world, who is planning to give away his US$33 trillion to charity when he dies.

And would you believe that there’s a vegan Saudi prince who wants to veganise the Middle East? Meet Khaled bin Alwaleed (yes, the son of Al-Waleed bin Talal), 38, handsome and a fervent environmentalist who believes “climate change and the unjustified consumption of energy are two of the most serious issues we face today at the macro-level.”

Hope he’s saying this to his gasguzzling compatriots. Yes, Saudia Arabia is the world’s largest oil producer, but also the world’s sixth-largest consumer.

Then there’s Ahmed Qassim al-Ghamdi, formerly an employee of the KSA’s religious police who had a life-altering experience when he turned to the Quran to study the stories of the prophet Muhammad and came up with the conclusion that being Islamic is about being more liberal. No need to close shops for prayers, to cover women up, or to ban women from driving. Unsurprisingly, death-threats dogged him after he made these statements.

Like Indonesia, Saudi Arabia has a demographic bonus: Sixty percent of the population is under 30. Like Ameera and Khaled, they are connected to a globalised world and they will rebel against the strictures of the Islam espoused by their forbearers.

Change in Saudi Arabia seems inevitable, as it is becoming more progressive, climate-conscious and is espousing “Western” notions of rights (which the US under Trump seems to be abandoning), while Islam in Indonesia is becoming more Arabised and conservative. Ironic or what?

(The Jakarta Post)

The BJP-led Manipur government has decided to set up an anti-corruption cell at the Chief Minister s Secretariat.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh last evening.

Government spokesperson and Cabinet minister Th Bishwajit said, the decision to set up the anti-corruption cell was taken for gathering information on corrupt elements in public service."

A mobile number has been earmarked to enable the people to inform the government about malpractices so as to allow the authorities to take appropriate actions, he said.

Stating that identity of the caller would be kept confidential, he said, "frivolous complaints", however, would invite strict action as per appropriate law, he said.

The Cabinet also decided to discontinue with holding interviews during recruitment of Grade III and Grade IV employees.

The BJP-led Manipur government has decided to set up an anti-corruption cell at the Chief Minister s Secretariat.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh last evening.

Government spokesperson and Cabinet minister Th Bishwajit said, the decision to set up the anti-corruption cell was taken for gathering information on corrupt elements in public service."

A mobile number has been earmarked to enable the people to inform the government about malpractices so as to allow the authorities to take appropriate actions, he said.

Stating that identity of the caller would be kept confidential, he said, "frivolous complaints", however, would invite strict action as per appropriate law, he said.

The Cabinet also decided to discontinue with holding interviews during recruitment of Grade III and Grade IV employees.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit his Gorakhpur constituency on Saturday, first time after assuming office.

He will visit the city for two days and will return on March 26 to Lucknow.

With posters of the priest-politician donning the walls and electricity poles, massive preparations are underway in the city as party members are excited to welcome him.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made and security of the Gorakhnath temple has also been beefed up with metal detectors placed at all the entry points.

After reaching Gorakhpur airport, he is likely to go on a roadshow to Gorakhnath temple, Nandanagar, Mohdipurpur, University Chowrah, Ganesh Chauraha and the MP Inter College grounds.

He will attend a function on Sunday on the occasion of the death anniversary of Yogiraaj Baba Gambhirnath and will address a gathering there.

After becoming the chief minister, the five-time MP from Gorakhpur has taken a series of actions which includes closing of illegal slaughter houses, forming ‘anti-Romeo’ squads and banning consumption of paan masala in offices.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit his Gorakhpur constituency on Saturday, first time after assuming office.

He will visit the city for two days and will return on March 26 to Lucknow.

With posters of the priest-politician donning the walls and electricity poles, massive preparations are underway in the city as party members are excited to welcome him.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made and security of the Gorakhnath temple has also been beefed up with metal detectors placed at all the entry points.

After reaching Gorakhpur airport, he is likely to go on a roadshow to Gorakhnath temple, Nandanagar, Mohdipurpur, University Chowrah, Ganesh Chauraha and the MP Inter College grounds.

He will attend a function on Sunday on the occasion of the death anniversary of Yogiraaj Baba Gambhirnath and will address a gathering there.

After becoming the chief minister, the five-time MP from Gorakhpur has taken a series of actions which includes closing of illegal slaughter houses, forming ‘anti-Romeo’ squads and banning consumption of paan masala in offices.

Director Lakshman on Saturday confirmed that actor Ravi Teja will star in the yet-untitled Telugu remake of his latest Tamil outing Bogan.

"It's true guys. Ravi Teja sir in Telugu remake of Bogan," Lakshman tweeted.

Ravi Teja, who is busy wrapping up Telugu film Touch Chesi Chudu, will reprise Jayam Ravi's role in the remake.

"The script has been locked. Shooting should commence from August. The climax for the Telugu version will be tweaked. Also, it is not sure yet whether Arvind Swami will also be part of the project," a source close to director Lakshman said.

Apparently, a popular leading actor is being considered for Arvind Swami's role for the Telugu version.

Lakshman will direct the Telugu version as well.

Director Lakshman on Saturday confirmed that actor Ravi Teja will star in the yet-untitled Telugu remake of his latest Tamil outing Bogan.

"It's true guys. Ravi Teja sir in Telugu remake of Bogan," Lakshman tweeted.

Ravi Teja, who is busy wrapping up Telugu film Touch Chesi Chudu, will reprise Jayam Ravi's role in the remake.

"The script has been locked. Shooting should commence from August. The climax for the Telugu version will be tweaked. Also, it is not sure yet whether Arvind Swami will also be part of the project," a source close to director Lakshman said.

Apparently, a popular leading actor is being considered for Arvind Swami's role for the Telugu version.

Lakshman will direct the Telugu version as well.

Lipstick Under My Burkha director Alankrita Shrivastava says the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC), which refused to certify her film due to its "lady oriented" content, does not represent a major part of the progressive Indian audience.

"I think CBFC is living in a dark age and they don't represent our progressive Indian audience. I believe they have a very patriarchal mindset. Saying they are stopping the film because it is told from a woman's point of view, is clearly showing how legitimately they are silencing the voice of women in our society," Shrivastava said.

The film premiered at the Tokyo Film Festival, and has been screened at various international film festivals, where it has won awards. The film bagged the Audience Award at the Glasgow Film Festival, and Oxfam Award for Best Film on Gender Equality at the Jio MAMI Film Awards.

So while the film is being celebrated all over, what is stopping the CBFC from certifying the film?

She said: "Their objection is not on sexual content, because they are certifying all the films where women are objectified, those have item songs, those show various parts of women's body in an awful manner and not related to the narrative. They only allow content that caters to satisfy male fantasy."

"There are no nudity and cleavage scenes in the film. It is a story of four women who are trying to find their way out from the set rules of the society with the social barrier; living the air of their fantasy. So I did not think about any such response from CBFC while ideating the film. The film is not titillating at all."

Considering the fact that the digital medium is a wide-reaching platform, when asked if she is planning to release the film online, Shrivastava said: "No. it should be my choice as a filmmaker to choose a medium between digital and theatrical release of my film. Now, if I will release the film online, it will be (due to) a lack of choice, since CBFC is not allowing its theatrical release."

Emphasizing on the importance of film certification, she said that without a CBFC certificate a film cannot be eligible for a National Award, Oscar nomination, television viewing, et al. "The film certification legitimizes the film for mass viewing," she added.

Produced by Prakash Jha, the film Lipstick Under My Burkha features an interesting cast of Ratna Pathak Shah, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aahana Kumra and Plabita Borthakur.

Lipstick Under My Burkha director Alankrita Shrivastava says the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC), which refused to certify her film due to its "lady oriented" content, does not represent a major part of the progressive Indian audience.

"I think CBFC is living in a dark age and they don't represent our progressive Indian audience. I believe they have a very patriarchal mindset. Saying they are stopping the film because it is told from a woman's point of view, is clearly showing how legitimately they are silencing the voice of women in our society," Shrivastava said.

The film premiered at the Tokyo Film Festival, and has been screened at various international film festivals, where it has won awards. The film bagged the Audience Award at the Glasgow Film Festival, and Oxfam Award for Best Film on Gender Equality at the Jio MAMI Film Awards.

So while the film is being celebrated all over, what is stopping the CBFC from certifying the film?

She said: "Their objection is not on sexual content, because they are certifying all the films where women are objectified, those have item songs, those show various parts of women's body in an awful manner and not related to the narrative. They only allow content that caters to satisfy male fantasy."

"There are no nudity and cleavage scenes in the film. It is a story of four women who are trying to find their way out from the set rules of the society with the social barrier; living the air of their fantasy. So I did not think about any such response from CBFC while ideating the film. The film is not titillating at all."

Considering the fact that the digital medium is a wide-reaching platform, when asked if she is planning to release the film online, Shrivastava said: "No. it should be my choice as a filmmaker to choose a medium between digital and theatrical release of my film. Now, if I will release the film online, it will be (due to) a lack of choice, since CBFC is not allowing its theatrical release."

Emphasizing on the importance of film certification, she said that without a CBFC certificate a film cannot be eligible for a National Award, Oscar nomination, television viewing, et al. "The film certification legitimizes the film for mass viewing," she added.

Produced by Prakash Jha, the film Lipstick Under My Burkha features an interesting cast of Ratna Pathak Shah, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aahana Kumra and Plabita Borthakur.

In keeping with the Delhi Election Commission's order ahead of the municipal polls, officials on Friday started plastering over the words "Aam Aadmi" from Delhi government-run schemes on display, and some even went to the extent of covering Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's face, which was not part of the order.

Ahead of the April 23 municipal elections in the national capital, the Delhi Election Commission directed that the government in the capital remove the words "Aam" from all forms of display of its schemes. 

The state poll panel's order came on the memorandum of opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijender Gupta, who had demanded that the words "Aam Aadmi" be removed, as reference to Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The commission, through a letter on Tuesday, directed the Delhi Chief Secretary and all the three city municipal commissioners to remove the word "Aam" from all forms of display, including hoardings, banners, name plates, billboards, in Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics and Aam Aadmi Bypass Express Service or anywhere within the jurisdiction of the Delhi government.

However, on Friday, officials while carrying out the directive to cover the word "Aam" with newspaper also plastered over the next word "Aadmi", on hoardings, billboards and banners of the Delhi government's flagship Mohalla Clinic scheme across the city. 

In the process, the authorities also covered up the photographs of Kejriwal and Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain in several banners and hoardings of Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics.

Elections for the North, East and South Delhi Municipal Corporations are scheduled on April 23 and the results will be announced on April 26.

The model code of conduct is in force from March 14.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is gearing up for intensive campaigning for the civic polls from March 31.

AAP Convenor Kejriwal has planned several public meetings across the city for the municipal polls. 

In keeping with the Delhi Election Commission's order ahead of the municipal polls, officials on Friday started plastering over the words "Aam Aadmi" from Delhi government-run schemes on display, and some even went to the extent of covering Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's face, which was not part of the order.

Ahead of the April 23 municipal elections in the national capital, the Delhi Election Commission directed that the government in the capital remove the words "Aam" from all forms of display of its schemes. 

The state poll panel's order came on the memorandum of opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijender Gupta, who had demanded that the words "Aam Aadmi" be removed, as reference to Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The commission, through a letter on Tuesday, directed the Delhi Chief Secretary and all the three city municipal commissioners to remove the word "Aam" from all forms of display, including hoardings, banners, name plates, billboards, in Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics and Aam Aadmi Bypass Express Service or anywhere within the jurisdiction of the Delhi government.

However, on Friday, officials while carrying out the directive to cover the word "Aam" with newspaper also plastered over the next word "Aadmi", on hoardings, billboards and banners of the Delhi government's flagship Mohalla Clinic scheme across the city. 

In the process, the authorities also covered up the photographs of Kejriwal and Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain in several banners and hoardings of Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics.

Elections for the North, East and South Delhi Municipal Corporations are scheduled on April 23 and the results will be announced on April 26.

The model code of conduct is in force from March 14.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is gearing up for intensive campaigning for the civic polls from March 31.

AAP Convenor Kejriwal has planned several public meetings across the city for the municipal polls. 

 The Tamil remake of last year's Telugu indie hit Pellichoopulu has been titled Pon Ondru Kanden and it will star Vishnu Vishal and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles, a source said.

"The title has been finalised as Pon Ondru Kanden. The shooting will commence from the second half of the year. Vishnu and Tamannaah have been finalised," a source from the film's unit said.

The project will be bankrolled by Gautham Vasudev Menon and directed by Senthil Veerasaamy.

Tamannaah, on signing the project, had told that it has been her long-time desire to work with Gautham Menon.

"I'm a huge fan of Gautham's work, especially how he portrays women in his films. It's my long-time desire to work with him. Nobody understands the romance genre like him and I'm really looking forward to commence work on this project," she said.

The makers are currently in the process of finalising the rest of the cast.