The BJP on Wednesday described as “shocking” the controversy over former Union minister A. Raja allegedly trying to influence a Madras high court judge in a criminal case and wanted former Chief Justice of India, Justice K.G. Balakrishnan to explain his stand on the issue. The party also alleged that CBI raids in 2G spectrum scam

Following concerns being raised over phone tapping in the 2G spectrum controversy, the Centre is considering setting up a telecom security commission consisting of representatives from ministry of home, department of telecommunications and telecom industry to address grievances of telecom service providers, tackle concerns of stakeholders concerned and ensure a follow-up action of its recommendations in connection to electronic surveillance by government agencies.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday partially stayed the Madras high court order suspending advocate R.K. Chandramohan from the chairmanship of Tamil Nadu and Pudducherry Bar Council for allegedly trying to act as middleman on behalf of former commutations minister A. Raja to “influence” a judge in the case of bail of his relatives in June 2009.

The controversy over former communications minister A. Raja’s alleged attempt to influence a Madras high court judge in the case of his two relatives’ bail on Wednesday became murkier with former Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan stating that he had not “suppressed” anything on the issue and there was no reason to act against the former minister.

The theme of the 83rd Congress plenary session being held in the national capital from Saturday will be “125 years of dedication and service”. It will also meet to celebrate the party completing 125 years of its formation.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred the hearing on the petition for removal of the trial judge in Gujarat riots’ Gulberg Society massacre case till the state high court’s Chief Justice take an administrative decision on an application submitted to him for identical relief.

The Congress is clear in its mind about the longevity of coalition experiments. While the party is virtually going it alone in the Hindi heartland, it is depending on alliances in the south, west and even the east. While the party has been leading the UDF in Kerala, it has depending on a Dravadian party in Tamil Nadu for a tactical alliance. It

The Congress is confident that the CBI crackdown in the 2G spectrum scam would not have a bearing on its alliance with the DMK, making it clear that it is committed to taking action against corruption and fighting all types of corruption.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which is trying to regroup and strengthen its presence in India, is planning to target top political leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Tamil Nadu chief minister M, Karunanidhi, home minister P. Chidambaram and home secretary G.K. Pillai, according to fresh intelligence inputs.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited the Tagore International School on Wednesday afternoon to interact with students and talk on Mandarin, Chinese culture and calligraphy.