Jayalalithaa goes, Paneerselvam sworn in
New Delhi: The Supreme Court today ruled that Jayalalithaa has no right to stay on as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, pointing out that the Constitution is well above any mandate or "peoples' will". She was replaced by O Paneerselvam who hails from the same district as Jayalalitha's close associate Sasikala.

Paneerselvam, a political lightweight, represents the Periyakulam constituency and belongs to the same Thevar community and his only claim to fame is his total loyalty to Jayalalitha.

Delivering the judgement, Justice Bharucha, heading the five-member Constitution Bench, said, "We quash and set aside the appointment of Jayalalitha to the post of Chief Minister", ruling that a person convicted of criminal offence and sentenced to more than two years imprisonment cannot be appointed to the post.

This is for the first time ever that the Supreme Court has struck down the appointment of an individual as chief minister.

Ms. Jayalalitha vowed that she would prove herself innocent and become the chief minister again.
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Afghans warn of jehad
Kabul: The US and Taliban today headed for a war with President George W Bush demanding the handing over Osama bin Laden and the Taliban refusing to do this.

A strong contingent of US air force planes and a 14-ship naval taskforce were deployed at strategic locations in preparation of a strike on Afghanistan. Taliban soldiers are being posted on mountain tops overlooking Pakistan's deserted Torkham border posts in a war-like situation.

Pakistan asked the Taliban leadership to realize the gravity of the situation and take "a prompt decision which is in the interest of Afghanistan."

The aircraft carriers USS Carl Vincon and USS Enterprise and their escort vessels are in the vicinity of the Gulf, while a third, USS Theodore Roosevelt, was dispatched to the eastern Mediterranean on Wednesday.

Mr. Bush reiterated that justice will be done against the authors of last week's terror strikes on New York and Washington.

"Tonight we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done," he said.

The US President also warned Americans that they should expect a "lengthy campaign" against global terrorism in the wake of the terrorist attacks. "Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we have seen," he said.

Bush also delivered an ultimatum today to Afghanistan's ruling Taliban to "immediately" turn over Osama bin Laden, prime suspect in last week's terror strikes, or face Washington's wrath.

Afghanistan's ruling Taliban militia categorically rejected the demand for unconditional extradition of Osama bin Laden and said it was prepared to face a protracted war against Washington and its allies.

"If the US is hell bent on attacking Afghanistan on the pretext of Osama, it would be left with no alternative but declare jehad against the US. There is no change in our stand towards Osama. Handing him over to America or forcing him out of the country is an insult to Islam and Shariat," Taliban ambassador to Pakistan Abdul Saleem Zaeef said

In a show of solidarity with the Taliban, thousands of Pakistanis vowed to wage a war on the United States. Muslim parties launched nationwide strikes in Pakistan today. Four people were killed and 11 injured during demonstrations across the country.
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