PM overrules Minister, cuts drug pricesNEW DELHI: In a surprise move, Prime Minister I K Gujral has overruled Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers M Arunachalam and has proposed price reductions in anti-TB drug Rifampicin, anti-ulcer drug Ranitidine and anti-asthma Salbutamol. After Gujral's intervention, the Cabinet decided to rule against Arunachalam's decision last month to prevent a reduction in the administered prices of key pharmaceutical products.
Doubtful voters
GUWAHATI: Assam chief electoral officer today directed all returning officers in the state not to allow the 3.75 lakh `d' (doubtful) category voters to cast vote in the February 16 Lok Sabha election.
The election office here said the CEO, Bhaskar Mushahary's order follows the Supreme Court's refusal to stay the Election Commission's earlier order debarring the `d' voters. The Congress and Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind had challenged the EC's order in the Apex Court which upheld it yesterday.
Thackeray warning
SURAT:Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has cautioned BJP, its alliance partner in Maharashtra, that his party would sever ties with it in the event of any ``misrule'' if the latter came to power at the Centre. Speaking in Silvassa, Thackeray thundered that Sena would not hesitate to throw out the BJP government if ``it followed in the footsteps of Congress and indulged in corrupt practices''.
40 die in plunge
CHANDIGARH: At least 40 people were feared drowned when a minibus carrying a marriage party fell into the Harike canal on Jira-Amritsar road this evening, police said. The origin and destination of the bus, carrying about 45 people, were not yet known, police sources said from Ferozepur.
Collector shifted
BHOPAL: The Election Commission has ordered immediate transfer of the Rewa District Collector in Madhya Pradesh following complaints expressing apprehension about free and fair elections in the parliamentary constituency.
Bihar shoot orders
PATNA: Shoot-at-sight has been orderedin 34 constituencies of Bihar, which will go to polls in the first-phase on Monday, official sources said. State home secretary said district magistrates have been permitted to use shoot orders to thwart any booth capturing .
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
