States

What’s in a name, one might say. A lot actually if politicians from Uttaranchal are to be believed. The Uttaranchal Assembly has passed a Bill with majority changing the name of the hill state from Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand. The new name could cost the state crores of rupees but no one seems to be bothered and politicians are just bust taking credit for bringing in the so called necessary change. Meanwhile ... [full story]

Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda has announced has resignation. Munda was slated to face a trial of strength on the floor of the House after three independent legislators and one from the NCP withdrew support to his government. While a disqualification petition was moved against the MLAs who switched loyalties, Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari deferred the decision. The speaker's decision meant that the 4 MLAs were free to vote against Munda in the floor test, thereby firmly shutting the door ... [full story]

A Hindu nationalist-led government in Chhattisgarh said on Monday it will proceed with a plan to impose strict punishment on anyone found guilty of forcing religious conversions. The decision by the government comes despite protests by Christian groups who said such measures undermined basic freedoms. The proposed changes to the include a three-year jail term and a 20,000 rupee ($435) fine for those found guilty of forced religious conversion. It also requires that those ... [full story]