Midas Touch of ANIIDCO!

Midas Touch of ANIIDCO!

A glowing tribute to Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Ltd (ANIIDCO), the business arm of A & N Admn on its 26th Foundation Day, which falls on 28 June 2014.

By Zubair Ahmed

On a Monday morning like today, I was waiting at Goal Ghar junction for an auto. Saw one coming from Haddo side, stopped it and asked the driver to take me to ANIIDCO. Without wasting time, he surged ahead and sped his auto and within a few seconds came to a screeching halt at Junglighat. Puzzled, I looked towards the driver. He smiled pointing his finger towards a shop on the left side of the road. Before I could say anything, he said, "Saab, ANIIDCO aa gaya, yahan beedh kam hai."

And that was general knowledge for me. In fact, I wanted to go to ANIIDCO 'corporate' office next to Raj Niwas, But, the auto driver, a very loyal brand ambassador of ANIIDCO knew very well where to take me. And that is ANIIDCO for majority of the Islanders.

Whatever the objective for which ANIIDCO was founded. "Developing and commercially exploiting the natural resources for the balanced and environment friendly development of the territory on sound business principles." One thing is for sure, it's one activity truly reflects its tagline -  Touching the Lives of People!

Nobody in the Islands touch your lives like ANIIDCO do. They even touch the lives of the un-contacted ones! From Diglipur to Campbell Bay, they touch everybody's life including the Jarawas, Great Andamanese, Onges and may be we aren't sure - the Sentinalese too!

Its Midas touch, and whoever had the prospect of being touched by ANIIDCO will vouch, how much their lives have changed. Not just the lives of individuals, it drastically changes the lives of the whole family.

ANIIDCO takes special care of the poor illiterate Islanders. They treat everyone with equal care. They know that the gullible Islanders wont be able to pronounce Champagne (Champaag-nee) and many other premium brands. The self-service liquor shops in a couple of places saves the poor people from embarrassment. They can just pick one without uttering a single word.

All the 13 liquor outlets ANIIDCO operates are very close to the main road making it very convenient for the Islanders to locate it easily and remain in touch always.

ANIIDCO knows its priorities quite well. There was huge demand for a petrol pump at Havelock since a decade, but ANIIDCO realized that more than petrol and diesel, the easiest way to touch the lives of people will be through a self-service liquor shop and they put it in their plan for 2012-13 and achieved the target in no time.

The A&N Admn has always helped ANIIDCO achieve its goals. With changing times, the revisions incorporated in the Excise Policy for the Islands reflect the commitment of the Administration in fulfilling the aspirations of all Islanders. In 2008-2009, the Excise Policy prohibited selling or supply of liquor to any Andamanese or Nicobarese or any other Scheduled Tribes.

How can the Excise Policy of 2010-2013 be same? There has to be some progress. Hence, it was changed into "the licensee will not sell or supply liquor to any 'Aboriginal' Scheduled Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Very conveniently Nicobarese were excluded as they are supposedly mainstreamed and they too need to experience the Midas touch. How can ANIIDCO be unfair to Nicobarese? Although, officially there are no outlets in Nicobar or Kamorta, but they can avail the facilities at the outlets in Port Blair.

The Administration is not bothered whether you get uninterrupted water supply, power supply, internet connection or even fuel. They don't have any provision to penalize anybody if they fail in delivering the above services. But, that is not the case with liquor. As it touches the lives of the majority, in the Excise Policy 2010-13, one can find the following clause:

"The Licensee (ANIIDCO in this case) in Form "C" shall keep three months stock in his warehouse of all the brands approved for sale in the Union Territory of A&N Islands so that uninterrupted supply to the retail vends/outlets can be maintained throughout the licensing year. In case, the licensee fails to maintain the required stock, penal action will be initiated as deemed fit by the Secretary (Excise), A&N Administration."

It would be unfair, if ANIIDCO is just judged by its IMFL division. But the link is very strong. It would make more sense if we have a look into many other trades and businesses they are into.

The total turnover of ANIIDCO in 2012-13 was Rs 207 crores and the profit before taxation was Rs 16.16 crore. Now it would be easy to analyze the whole business of ANIIDCO.

In 2012-13 they made an operating profit of Rs 62.86 lakhs from Steel sales. In POL Division, it made a profit of Rs 1.47 crores. In Tourism Division, it earned a profit of Rs 36.50 lakhs. In Milk Division, the books show a loss of Rs 13.59 Lakhs. In Air ticketing, ANIIDCO made a loss of Rs 1.45 Lakhs. In Credit and Finance Division, it made an operating profit of Rs 4.99 Crores.

And now lets have a look into the profits they earned by selling liquor. In 2012-13, they earned an operating profit of Rs. 12 Crores.  The total income through Liquor Sales was Rs 120.46 Crores and the Expenditure was Rs 108.46 Crores.

Out of operating profit of Rs 16 Crores, ANIIDCO's lion share of profit of Rs 12 Crores came from liquor sales!

Every year, liquor sales is picking up. In 2011, the profit was Rs 8.12 Crores. In 2012, it went up to Rs 11.23 Crores.

And, by touching the lives of people, ANIIDCO could also contribute Rs 54.89 Crores to the Exchequer through Sales Tax, Octroi, Excise Duty, Income Tax and License Fee. What an achievement!

Don't ask about the poor performance of milk division and air ticketing division. If you raise the issue, both divisions might face the same fate as Vegetable and Fruit Division. Better leave it there or they will act like real "corporate."

Whenever ANIIDCO touched the lives of the Islanders, many other agencies were also activated to do their bit. In fact the amount spend from LG Relief Fund, and the expenses borne by GB Pant Hospital and many others on treating those touched by ANIIDCO need not be calculated.

Who cares why the suicide rates, road accidents, domestic violence and broken families have increased in the Islands, when the bottom line is quite encouraging.

More than financial benefit, ANIIDCO needs to be recognized by United Nations for their yeomen service in keeping the population growth in check. And also reducing the lifespan of the Islanders and helping many more to get government employment.

Moreover, they are not sitting idle basking in the glow light of fame. ANIIDCO has proposed to create a fund of 3% for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. The amount of Rs 30.55 Lakhs will be used to promote the sports of sailing. Indeed, the need of the hour!

ANIIDCO, in fact had many projects in its kitty - Undersea Cable Project, Tourism Projects, Shipping etcetera.. etcetera.. But, honchos in the Administration felt that these projects wont be in line with their motto of touching the lives of people. Hence, they are asked to do the one best thing they are capable of doing - Sell Liquor!

Will Urge Govt to Augment Fund for UT: BP Ray

Will Urge Govt to Augment Fund for UT: Bishnu Pada Ray

By Zubair Ahmed

At the foundation laying function of the Indoor stadium,  Bishnu Pada Ray MP praised the efforts of Mariyam Bibi, Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad and Lucas Robert, Director, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs for the achievement of getting the second modern indoor stadium of the Islands in Knappuram.

He also urged that the Islands require cricket and hockey stadiums of international standards.

On the demand for the Andaman College in rural area, the MP said that the proposal to have the college in the rural area is a good idea. About the plan and non-plan fund allocated for the UT, he said that out of Rs 1950 crores, approximately Rs 1076 will be utilized in various sectors and only around Rs 500 crores will be available for developmental works. The fund should be utilized on a priority basis. "Due to the poor condition of rural roads in the last decade, the amount required for maintenance will be around Rs 700 crores and there are many other sectors where fund is required. The review of District Plans are still on," he said.

On the occasion he said that Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as he is the Chairman of Island Development Authority. "I have been pursuing the developmental issues of the Islands with the Prime Minister and will take up the matter of enhancing the plan fund for the UT," he said.

"The UT requires special scheme to overcome this deficit and I am trying hard since last five years to convince the Central Government to augment the plan fund," Bishnu said.

Speaking on the issue of Mediclaim facility for retired government servants and poor Islanders, he said that poor patients are not in a position to afford the costly treatment and have to run around begging for money. "From the time I become the public representative, I have been pursuing this matter, and has come to know that the issue was taken up by the Administration, and even the tendering process had completed. However, the project was shelved for reasons beyond my comprehension," he said. He requested the Administration to give serious thought about the issue.

On the issue of submerged agricultural land of tsunami affected farmers, he said that he had agitated against the Administration and supported the farmers. He blamed the Home Minister in UPA Govt for not accepting the demands of the farmers. He expressed his discontent over lack of an Assembly in the Islands. He further added that the land of the poor farmers were made to surrender. He blamed that Rs 20 crores meant for reconstruction and maintenance of sluice gates and dykes were also not utilized properly.

He also suggested to have Department-wise Advisory Committees in which learned persons, elected members including the Member of Parliament can be members.

Work in Unison to Achieve Overall Development of Isles: LG A K Singh

Foundation Stone Laid for Indoor Stadium

Work in Unison to Achieve Overall Development of Isles: LG A K Singh

By Zubair Ahmed

The Lieutenant Governor A K Singh today laid foundation for a multipurpose indoor stadium with modern amenities at Knappuram village in Wimberly Gunj. The stadium will be constructed at an estimate cost of Rs 4.38 crores. The stadium is an asset for the rural populace of Ferrar Gunj Tehsil.

"I am happy that your demand has been fulfilled as a modern sports facility is coming up in the rural area out of Port Blair. The notion that Port Blair is Andaman and Nicobar Islands need to change," he said. He further added that overall development should touch all areas from Campbell Bay to Diglipur.

"I have taken at least five presentations on the design of the upcoming stadium," he said. "Whatever we do, we need to put our heart into it. Most of the assets created remain unused or under-utilized due to lack of interest in the planning and execution." he added. "I would like the local public including the PRI institutions to supervise the project while construction and ensure that it comes up as per the approved blueprint," he said. "After spending huge amount on such projects, it needs to be ensured that the assets are properly maintained and utilized," LG pointed out.

On sports, he said that the youth of the Islands are highly talented and if better sports facilities are not provided to them, it would be unfair. "Sports can play a major role in the making of good citizens with refined character," he said.

He said that the existing sports culture of the Islands needs to be reviewed by giving adequate attention by putting in place a perfect system. He also highlighted the negativities associated within the sports fraternity in the Islands. "I have already ordered the Secretary Sports to restructure the Islands Sports Council, and bring onboard people associated with sports," he said.

"The Olympic Association and other sports associations are totally defunct without any activities on the ground, which needs to set right," he urged.

Commenting on the issues raised by the Member of Parliament, Lt Governor said that the development of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is only possible if all officers, elected PRI members and Member of Parliament acts in concert in same direction towards progress.

Speaking on the occasion, A K Singh reiterated his commitment towards realizing various projects in the pipeline. In a freewheeling address, the Lieutenant Governor touched various issues and tried to explain the constraints of the Administration.

On the budget of the UT, Lieutenant Governor said that hardly 25% of the amount is actually used for development and he said that everyone is responsible for such state of affairs. "In the Islands, Government is the largest economic facilitator as well as employment generator, but we cannot rely only on the Administration for all our requirements," he said.

"Tsunami was another landmark which changed the psyche of the Islanders, and lots of fund flowed to the Islands, which were spent in a hurry," he said.

On various demands placed by VK Mariyam Bibi, Chairperson, Zilla Parishad, the Lieutenant Governor said that many points needs to be sorted out at lower level instead of expecting the Lieutenant Governor to resolve it. "Many issues like allocation of parking area, streamlining of LPG distribution and Garbage disposal can be sorted out at District level in consultation with Deputy Commissioner and other officers," he said.

"Most of the issues are interpersonal issues which cannot be resolved by just writing petitions and letters and need to be discussed in person. And, this is applicable for everyone including the Secretaries," LG reminded.

On review of preparation of Citizens Charter, LG said that most of the departments are still clueless about it and have prepared bulky dossiers. He said that the Citizen Charter should be small documents with proper guidelines and directions. Based on it, departments have been asked to re-submit it within 15 days.

On the dilapidated state of Children's Park in Wimberly Gunj, the Lieutenant Governor reminded the PRIs to be pro-active in maintaining such assets. He also asked APWD to chalk out a plan to renovate it within a month and hand over it to concerned agency.

On water crisis in Bambooflat area, he said that if the project of Commissariat Nallah Dam had stick to its stipulated timeline, the crisis could have been averted. He also said that Khudirampur Water Project for which foundation stone will be laid in August will bring respite to the people of North Andaman.

"The proposal of a separate Water Division under APWD was also dillydallied for a long time, and now I have asked to go ahead with temporary arrangements on diverted capacity," LG said. He asked Secretary APWD to expedite both the projects by placing it in the list of 100-Day project of NDA Government.

On frequent disruptions in power supply, he said that issues propping due to inclement weather cannot be ruled out, but its the responsibility of the Electricity Department to keep the general public informed about disruptions. He said that he has already ordered an audit of transmission and distribution lines, and directed the authorities to take necessary steps to maintain faulty lines.

On cutting dangerous avenue trees, he asked the public as well as PRIs to keep a tab and inform the authorities to take immediate action.

He reiterated his commitment of commencing the new college from this academic session in a temporary building at Haddo. On the permanent location of Andaman College (ANCOL) in Bambooflat-Wimberly Gunj area, he said that the demand is genuine as it will benefit many rural students who have to travel to Port Blair by taking ferry, the final decision will be taken only after consulting all stakeholders in the LG's Advisory Council Meeting.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the establishment of Medical College will solve the issue of scarcity of specialists in the Islands and better healthcare can be ensured.

On the issue of construction of a bridge between Bambooflat and Chatham, Lieutenant Governor said that the Administration is a bit apprehensive about utilizing plan or non-plan fund for the project as the rough estimate is coming upto Rs 1000 crores, and he said that the Administration will take up the matter with Planning Commission and get it approved and later the matter will be taken up in the meeting of Island Development Authority. Necessary steps will be taken for feasibility study once the project is approved and separate budget is allocated by the Central Government.

On the submerged tsunami farmers issue, LG said that the matter of enhancing the amount of compensation was rejected by Home Ministry, and the matter will be taken up again with the new government at Centre. On construction of dykes and sluice gates, he said that the picture is not clear and it needs to be revisited to get a clear idea what can be done.

Earlier, Lucas Robert, Director, YAS welcomed the gathering and briefed about the indoor stadium project. V K Mariyam Bibi, Chairperson, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman expressed her gratitude to the Administration and also highlighted various burning issues of the area. U N Chaudhary, Directorate of Sports proposed vote of thanks.

Power Interruptions: No Regret!

Power Interruptions:

No Regret!

By Zubair Ahmed

Electricity department never had an enviable record of efficient service, but for a short period. Nagging interruptions of short and long durations, twenty five to thirty times a day says a lot about a department, which is entangled more in litigations and arbitrations rather than efficient power supply to consumers.

There is no shortage in generation. The peak load demand in South Andaman is just touching 38 MW and the generating capacity above 40 MW. The consumers are in perpetual distress though. Nobody knows when the supply would trip and one would be plunged in darkness. The irritating on now, off now keeps on playing hide and seeks with the poor consumers. Whether there is wind, storm, rain or a clear weather, interruptions continue.

There are no explanations. In our country no service provider ever offers an explanation nor extends an apology though. Except of course, Doordarshan in good old days, when it used to say ‘Sorry for interruption’ or ‘Rukawat ke liye khed hai’.

Recently, a series of review meetings were held by the Lieutenant Governor to take stock of the status of various departments. And,  Electricity Department was also one of them. It was heartening to note that various long-term plans are envisioned. Liberating the Islands from diesel-based power generation seems to be the mantra. Ambitious projects like CNG-based power plant, exploration of tidal wave energy, wind energy and solar energy are part of the vision.

As of now, except the 5 MW Solar Plant and the hydel project at Diglipur, the whole territory is energised by diesel gensets operated by the Department, Independent Power Plant and Hired Power Plants.

The total installed capacity of Diesel Generating Power stations run by  Electricity Department in A&N Islands is 63.7 MW. Apart from these, in South Andaman, IPP Surychakra has an installed capacity of 20 MW, but only 3 DG sets generates 15 MW, HPP Sudhir Ready Gensets have 16MW and Bharat Engineering Works has installed capacity of 5 MW.

The two power houses at Chatham and Phoenix Bay have a combined capacity of 23 MW. And the NTPC installed Solar Power Plant in Garacharma has an installed capacity of 5MW, which at optimum level produces 3 MW.

The private players generates 80% of required power in South Andaman. The performance of Dept run power houses are nothing to go gaga about.

The total peak time requirement in South Andaman is 37 MW. Presently, there is no power shortage with surplus power generation in South Andaman, but the situation as far as power supply is concerned is not very good. The Transmission and Distribution Loss is still around 18-19%. Most of the rural areas experience long spells of powerlessness and is plunged into darkness due to poor transmission lines and lack of maintenance.

"As the DG sets at Chatham and Phoenix Bay are very old, the Department will be installing new DG Sets adding 5 MW in six months," said Suresh Kumar Bhandari, Secretary, Power.

The focus of the department might be on increasing generation, but the real problem lies somewhere.

The transmission network in South Andaman is in complete disarray. With a leaf falling on power line in Jirkatang, 18 villages under Bambooflat feeder will be plunged into darkness. A snap in Shoal Bay can bring darkness in Ferrar Gunj and Hope Town.

In fact, the solution doesn't require rocket science, but willpower and a sense of urgency to overcome the crisis, which is lacking. It was decided long back that a sub-station will be set up close to the power house at Bambooflat bifurcating Panel 5 feeder into three feeders, reducing downtime incase of faults.

The Lieutenant Governor, when visited Stewart Gunj on his familiarization tour on 8th August 2013, the matter was brought to his notice by Citizens Forum.

In the presence of the Lieutenant Governor, the senior officials of the department had promised to complete the installation of sub-station by September 2013. The work is still on and without much progress.

"Due to delay in civil works, the project got stuck," said Raveendran, SE in Charge. "However, now the building is ready and installation of panels are on the way and we are expediting the work and it might take another two months," he said.

The line which goes to Ferrar Gunj is most vulnerable and prone to failure most of the time during day and night. The Department doesn't seems to have a solution yet. And the irony is that many villages in between Wimberly Gunj and Ferrar Gunj has to bear the brunt if the line trips anywhere in Mile Tilak or Jirkatang.

"We have been approaching the department at all levels to connect the transformer at Knappuram directly from Wimberly Gunj," said a resident who has been taking up the issue regularly.

"There is acute shortage of manpower, spares and materials to carry out the work,' said Raveendran, who is also Executive Engineer, South Andaman.

Its ghastly that procurement of cables and other materials to carry out the repair and maintenance is the reason behind delay in carrying out the works. The Store is directly under the purview of Superintending Engineer, who is not even aware of the requirements. Even after placing indents, it never gets the attention of the seniors, who are mostly invisible.

The junior staff at various site offices in rural areas have to face the music for no fault of theirs.

The issue of power crisis in Rangat and Mayabunder region is nothing but artificial. Three DG Sets with an installed capacity of 1 MW was hired by the Department from Tractor India. The sets are all shut down for non-payment of dues. The reason that the firm has been penalised for failure in generating the required unit of power per litre.

With the DG sets installed near the Power House at Panighat, near Austin Strait shut down, the whole area is pushed back into darkness. And the Department has literally failed to draw required power from Rangat Power House.

Wherever the Department has engaged private players to generate power, it is on constant dispute and on collision course. And at the same time, the department run power houses have an all time record of sub-optimal performance as well as high cost of generation.

Its high time, the Administration takes serious note of the situation of transmission and distribution and judiciously distribute the costly power generated by Diesel run DG Sets. Or, all the talk about austerity and saving power by consumers doesn't make sense when the Department practically fails in supplying the generated power to the consumers.

Lube Oil Shortage at SPCL: South Andaman Might Face Load Shedding

Lube Oil Shortage at SPCL

South Andaman Might Face Load Shedding

By Zubair Ahmed

Another imminent power crisis is looming large over South Andaman with shortage of lube oil at Suryachakra Power Plant, which operates 3 DG Sets generating 15 MW power. Load shedding might start from next week if the required lube oil is not supplied by the Electricity Department to SPCL by 4th June 2014.

However, South Andaman faced load shedding on a rotational basis for 45 minutes to one hour on 31st May 2014.

"There will be a shortage of 5-7 MW in South Andaman, if all three DG sets will be shut down," said Biji George, DGM, SPCL. "At present we have only 1248 litres of lube oil, which will suffice for another four days, if one DG Set is shut down during peak hours," he added.

"As of now, we are running only one DG set during daytime, when the load is less," said Biji George.

"We are trying to manage the lube oil from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), but they don't have it in stock at Port Blair," Mr Pillai, EE, Power Generation, Electricity Dept told Andaman Chronicle.

Pillai is looking after the charge of Superintending Engineer too as Anand Behari, SE is out of station.

"The lube oil has to be transported from Kolkata, which will take sometime," Pillai said.

When asked why such a scarcity occurred, Pillai said that he is not aware of the reason. However, Andaman Chronicle learnt that the A&N Admn had to pay Rs 2 crores to Indian Oil Corporation, which was delayed due to administrative reasons. The payment was made on 27th of May and it is also learnt that the process will take another 10-15 days for IOC to get fresh stock from mainland.

"We have received only 20 (twenty) barrels of lube oil as against our monthly indent of 50 barrels for the month of May 2014. We have also placed indent for 100 barrels of lube oil for the month of June`2014 on Electricity Department, but instead of the lube oil we have received a communication from Electricity Dept to arrange the lube oil ourselves, which is not possible at the moment," said Biji George.

Electricity Dept in its communication dated 31 May 2014 said that the Dept at present is not having any stock of Lube Oil Mobilgard-412 and it further requested SPCL to make arrangements urgently in order to avoid the stoppage of DG sets and the power crisis.

The letter also mentions that the Department has already placed order on Indian Oil Corporation and they have not yet confirmed the date of delivery. It further says that IOCL is also not having any stock in Port Blair and expected from mainland by 15-20th June 2014.

The Superintending Engineer in the letter has requested SPCL to take immediate action at their level to avoid the crisis. He also says that the Electricity Department may not be held responsible for shut down of DG sets due to shortage of Lube oil at 20MW, IPP, Bambooflat.

Paving way for another blame game, it has to be seen how the crisis is handled by the Administration in the wake of the newly cropped-up issue.

The extra 6MW installed capacity of new Hired Power Plant (HPP) Sudhir Ready Gensets might come handy in the time of crisis. Sudhir Ready Gensets have an installed capacity of 16MW, but have inked a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Administration to supply 10MW.

The row between the Admn and SPCL is folklore now. No Authority, Tribunal or Commission has been able to break the jinx and provide an amiable solution to the problem. Even after 10 years, various issues related with the fixation of tied up funds and completed cost is still awaiting redressal. The ping-pong between different power centres, frequent threats from the IPP and the knee-jerk reactions from the Administration are all contributing to the mess.

The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the department and Suryachakra is alleged to be loaded in favour of the latter and it has been a constant source of irritation in the relation between the two. A detailed analysis of Power Purchase Agreement is long overdue. Since 2003, the Completion Cost has been a matter of dispute. Suryachakra had claimed an amount of Rs 85 crores as the completion cost whereas the Admn did not agree to it. The matter was referred to Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The dispute has been dragging for last ten years without any breakthrough. The cost of the plant was Rs 65 crores and the completion cost as claimed by SPCL was not acceptable to the Admn. SPCL had been claiming the difference amount of about Rs 20 crores plus interest which amounts to more than Rs 100 crores.

As per the PPA, the SPCL had to procure fuel as well as lube oil and store it in its 2000 KL facility at the plant. The first violation happened with the onus of fuel and lube oil supply shifted to the Department. However, at one point the Administration justified it saying that the decision was not wrong as the govt  department has the advantage of buying fuel on subsidized rate. Moreover, it was also accepted that SPCL was not in a financial position to stock fuel for 20 days.

Since 2008, Electricity Dept is providing HSD as well as lube oil to SPCL. But at the time of crisis, it is always seen that the Admn refers to the PPA washing its hands off expecting SPCL to make their own arrangements to procure the fuel.

Its learnt from reliable sources that the Department is trying to mitigate this synthetic crisis by arranging Lube oil from Chatham Power House. Quick steps are also taken to get the fresh consignment from Kolkata.

However, more than technical, the present crisis is an administrative one and everyone was caught unaware. Hopefully, the disaster might be postponed this time but the Administration does not seem to amend its ways.

Nicobar District: Invincible Congress Citadel

Nicobar District:

Invincible Congress Citadel

By Zubair Ahmed

Irrespective of who won the last two elections, or for that case, the last 12 General Elections from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nicobar has voted only for Congress consistently without any remorse.

Bishnu Pada Ray did try to break into the fortified citadel of Congress, by raising the issue of exploitation by EHL and highlighting the plight of a few destitute Nicobari tribals, but, he could not succeed.

To break the jinx, a Nicobari sportswoman was coaxed to contest the elections with covert support from a few political parties, but the elders and leaders of the tribe foiled the attempt by putting enough pressure on her to retract from her plans.

And Nicobar once again proved that they are with Congress, whatever Bishnu Pada Ray say or do. Congress conquered Nicobar Tehsil by securing 9118 and BJP could only manage 541 votes. BJP could only make a mark in two booths - Arong, where a few Congress insiders had revolted against the party and Headquarters, where most of the voters were non-tribals.

B.NO	NICOBAR TEHSIL	INC	BJP	LEAD
327	MUS	871	6	865
328	KINMAI	334	9	325
329	BIG LAPATHI	592	20	572
330	SMALL LAPATHY	616	10	606
331	CHUKCHUCHA	732	19	713
332	TAPOIMING	460	7	453
333	KENYUKA	697	16	681
334	PERKA	611	53	558
335	TAMALOO	868	27	841
336	MALACCA	778	13	765
337	PERKA-HQ	408	197	211
338	TEETOP	324	2	322
339	SAWAI	560	16	544
340	ARONG	492	130	362
341	KIMIOUS	271	5	266
342	KAKANA	504	11	493
		9118	541	8577

In Nancowry Tehsil, Congress got a lead of 3877 votes by securing 4582 votes while BJP got 705 votes. In Milldera booth, BJP had a lead of 50 votes. In Kamorta too, BJP performed well by securing 249 votes.

B. NO	NANCOWRY TEHSIL	INC	BJP	LEAD
343	KUITASUK,CHOWRA	783	3	780
344	BENGALI VILLAGE	194	16	178
345	ENAM	133	2	131
346	MINYUK	144	5	139
347	CHUKMACHI	195	4	191
348	ALURONG	157	4	153
349	KALASI	227	4	223
350	PILPILLOW	192	3	189
351	KAKANA	162	2	160
352	DARING	101	2	99
353	CHANGHUA	86	5	81
354	VIKAS NAGAR	87	3	84
355	CHAMPIN	232	7	225
356	HITUI	104	4	100
357	TAPONG	149	7	142
358	KAMORTA	359	249	110
359	MUNAK	164	2	162
360	CHOTA INAK	158	62	96
361	MEENAKSHI RAMNAGAR	182	9	173
362	MILLDERA	198	248	-50
363	JAPAN TIKREY	308	51	257
364	E-WALL	110	11	99
365	E.B.KATCHAL	157	2	155
		4582	705	3877

Campbell Bay was a surprise for BJP as they had expected a few votes more than the Congress. However, Congress had a lead of 180 votes. BJP secured 1681 votes and Congress got 1861 votes.

Just before the elections, Bishnu Pada Ray had alleged about selective eviction of encroachers in Campbell Bay, which BJP had thought to have struck a chord with the voters there. But, once again Nicobari tribals in a few Islands came to the rescue of Congress.

B.NO.	CAMPBELL BAY TEHSIL	INC	BJP	LEAD
366	AFRA BAY	74	1	73
367	PILLOLOW	69	3	66
368	PILLOBHA	26	4	22
369	PILOPATIA	8	4	4
370	PILOPANJA	56	1	55
371	MAKACHUA	57	1	56
372	CAMPBELL BAY-I	241	205	36
373	CAMPBELL BAY-II	437	243	194
374	CAMPBELL BAY - III	73	146	-73
375	RAJIV NAGAR	101	142	-41
376	CAMPBELL BAY-IV	144	184	-40
377	NEW CHINGAM	1	1	0
378	MAGARNALLAH	30	7	23
379	GOVINDNAGAR-I	102	134	-32
380	GOVINDNAGAR-II	47	61	-14
381	JOGINDER NAGAR	196	301	-105
382	LAXMINAGAR	28	58	-30
383	GANDHI NAGAR	135	140	-5
384	SHASTRI NAGAR	34	40	-6
385	LAWFUL BAY, SHOMPEN HUT	2	2	0
386	LAWFUL BAY	0	3	-3
		1861	1681	180

Despite the solidarity with Congress shown by the Nicobari Tribals in Harminder Bay, Car Nicobar, Nancowry and even Campbell Bay, the party due to its dismal performance in South Andaman could not send its candidate to the Parliament in this elections. Only time will tell, whether Congress could hold its stronghold over the Tribals till next elections.