Southern states Update; September 9, 2007.

With the countdown to the leadership change having clearly begun, the voices of discord are becoming increasingly apparent. The BJP is increasingly nervous and watching every action/statement of the JDS with caution.
Sandeep Shastri, Coalition Contradictions: Emerging Political Scenario in Karnataka, Mainstream, September 9, 2007.

The BJP’s allies are likely to help the NDA hang on to its current position in Orissa, Punjab and Bihar, but the alliance in Karnataka does not seem to be yielding much dividends for the Lok Sabha elections.
Yogendra Yadav, Rajeeva Karandikar, Sanjay Kumar, No one wants an election now but if there’s one, Left and BJP will lose the most, Indian Express, September 9, 2007.

Police have been blamed for the rising criminal activities of hoodlums in Belgaum. Police department too has been jolted out of its inertia when a wealth of evidences the alert media produced in the aftermath of the rape-and-murder of Sheetal Chougule last month.
Unholy nexus between cops and criminals, New Indian Express, September 9, 2007.

The BJP leadership is apprehensive about the JD (S) ditching its coalition partner in Karnataka. Unwillingly or deliberately, Venkaiah Naidu has expressed his fears that JD(S) might deny the BJP its rightful claim to Chief Ministership under an agreement.
Hari Shankar Vyas, No one ready to contest, The Pioneer, September 9, 2007.

Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Janardhana Reddy and his wife N Rajyalakshmi, the education minister of the state, escaped unhurt while three Congress workers were killed in a Maoist attack in Nellore district.
Maoists down, but certainly not out in Andhra, Sify News, September 7, 2007.

The intelligence wing had alerted the SPs of the districts in August itself to be extra cautious in ensuring security for VIPs. However, the intelligence wing could not identify the Maoists’ target.
Cops foxed again? Times of India, September 8, 2007.

In the global hunt launched to kill and destroy terrorist leaders, sympathisers and recruits, the US and its allies have not only deepened the religious divide but also created a rallying point for Muslims hurt and incensed by real and imaginary humiliations and fears.
Wilson John, Club Extreme, The Pioneer, September 9, 2007.

Also See:
Charul Shah, Petition for Naxal accused, Cybernoon, September 07, 2007.

Madhu Chandra, Salwa Judum - India's Unreported Hidden War, Desicritics, September 09, 2007.

Maldives Referendum, August 20, 2007

In the referendum on Maldives adopting the presidential or the parliamentary system, the known devil--the presidential system won an endorsement from two-thirds of voters.

President declares victory in referendum, calls for national reconciliation, Haveeru Daily, August 19, 2007.

The validity of the referendum was challenged by not just the opposition parties but also some Maldivian citizens as this report shows.

Some views on what makes an election free and fair:
ACE Electoral Knowledge Network, Guiding Principles of Electoral Integrity.
Common Cause, Election Reform Agenda.
Australian Election Commission, What makes an election free and fair?

Postscript: India is going to give the Maldives anti-terror training. On whom will those guns be trained?