Tussle Within
As the war drags on, the US discovers the perils of allying with a dictator who wants to appear a statesman abroad and a politician at home.

Battle Weary Wasteland
An exclusive photo feature captures images of Afghan life during unending conflict.

Down and Out
An account of sebi's undoing under D.R. Mehta and the tasks for a new team that will be at the helm in the regulatory body early next year.

NEWSNOTES

RAJNATH SINGH
Uttar Pradesh chief minister, on his plans of a Ram temple in Ayodhya

Q. You were expected to administer a bitter pill to the patient (Uttar Pradesh). But it seems you are prescribing sweets to a diabetes patient. Why?
A. I don't believe that we have any patented medicine that can cure all the problems. I am an ordinary man. I am trying to solve things not as a ruler but as a servant of the people.

Q. There was a breach of security in the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya. This happens only when the BJP is in power...
A. Though we have faith in Lord Ram, we don't want to play politics in his name. We have already initiated action against the person responsible. He was there just for few moments. He didn't go inside the makeshift temple.

Q. Does this mean that the Ram mandir will be constructed at the disputed site?
A. In my personal view, I believe that Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya and the mandir should be constructed there. But we are not in favour of taking the law into our own hands.

Q. If the BJP comes to power with a majority will it build the temple in Ayodhya?
A. The BJP will form the government with a majority in Uttar Pradesh. About the Ram temple, the issue should be resolved through mutual understanding among leaders of the two communities.

Q. UP has produced prime ministers and leaders like Kalyan Singh. What about you?
A. There is no question of taking either of the paths. I am not here as CM for ever. One has to remember that we are only ordinary workers of the party.

-as told to Aaj Tak

MetroScape

Banglore: Pub

Delhi: Furniture Store

Kolkata: Restaurant