Fb Trendings

Breaking Bad wins big for its final season.

BY ERIC GOLDMANIt was a huge night for Breaking Bad at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards Monday. The final season of Vince Gilligan's acclaimed series was nearly unstoppable in the drama categories, winning for best series, plus wins for Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul and Anna Gunn - and for Moira Walley-Beckett for her script to the phenomenal "Ozymandias."

HBO may be regretting submitting True Detective in the drama series categories, rather than as a miniseries. While Cary Joji Fukunaga won for directing for his work on the show, there were a lot of people who expected Matthew McConaughey to continue his huge winning streak at both film and TV awards shows the past year, but he lost to Cranston. Fargo meanwhile took home the best miniseries honors, though Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch beat out the stars of Fargo for best actor in a miniseries or TV movie. Steven Moffat and Martin Freeman also picked up Emmys for Sherlock.

On the comedy front, Modern Family continued to dominate in several categories, though it was Louie that won for best writing, while Julia Louis-Dreyfus won for best actress and Jim Parsons for The Big Bang Theory.

Check out several of the highlights below, with the winners marked in RED.

Outstanding Drama Series

True Detective (HBO)

Breaking Bad (AMC) - WINNER

Mad Men (AMC)

House of Cards (Netflix)

Downton Abbey (PBS)

Game of Thrones (HBO)

Outstanding Comedy Series

Silicon Valley (HBO)

Veep (HBO)

Orange is the New Black (Netflix)

Modern Family (ABC) - WINNER

Louie (FX)

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

Outstanding Miniseries

American Horror Story: Coven (FX)

Fargo (FX) - WINNER

The White Queen (Starz)

Bonnie and Clyde (A&E, Lifetime, History)

Treme (HBO)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) - WINNER

Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom)

Jon Hamm (Mad Men)

Woody Harrelson (True Detective)

Matthew McConaughey (True Detective)

Kevin Spacey (House of Cards)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex)

Claire Danes (Homeland)

Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey)

Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife) - WINNER

Kerry Washington (Scandal)

Robin Wright (House of Cards)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) - WINNER

Matt LeBlanc (Episodes)

Don Cheadle (House of Lies)

Louis C.K. (Louie)

William H. Macy (Shameless)

Ricky Gervais (Derek)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Lena Dunham Girls)

Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)

Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep) - WINNER

Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) - WINNER

Jim Carter (Downton Abbey)

Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones)

Josh Charles (The Good Wife)

Mandy Patinkin (Homeland)

Jon Voight (Ray Donovan)

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad) - WINNER

Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey)

Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey)

Lena Headey (Game of Thrones)

Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)

Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)

Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series

Moira Walley-Beckett - Breaking Bad "Ozymandias" - WINNER

Vince Gilligan - Breaking Bad "Felina"

David Benioff and D.B. Weiss - Game of Thrones "The Children"

Beau Willimon - House of Cards "Chapter 14"

Nic Pizzolatto - True Detective "The Secret Fate Of All Of Life"

Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series

David Crane - Episodes "Episode 305"

Louis C.K. - Louie "So Did the Fat Lady" - WINNER

Liz Friedman, Jenji Kohan - Orange is the New Black "I Wasn't Ready"

Alec Berg - Silicon Valley "Optimal Tip-To-Tip Efficiency"

Simon Blackwell, Tony Roche, Armando Iannucci - Veep "Special Relationship"

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

Tim Van Patten - Boardwalk Empire "Farewell Daddy Blues"

Vince Gilligan - Breaking Bad "Felina"

David Evans - Downton Abbey "Episode One"

Neil Marshall - Game of Thrones "The Watchers on the Wall"

Carl Franklin - House of Cards "Chapter 14"

Cary Joji Fukunaga - True Detective "Who Goes There" - WINNER

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series

Iain B. MacDonald - Episodes "Episode Nine"

Paris Barclay - Glee "100"

Louis C.K. - Louie "Elevator, Part 6"

Gail Mancuso - Modern Family "Las Vegas" - WINNER

Jodie Foster - Orange Is the New Black "Lesbian Request Denied"

Mike Judge - Silicon Valley "Minimum Viable Product"

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Tony Hale (Veep)

Andre Braugher (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

Adam Driver (Girls)

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family)

Ty Burrell (Modern Family) - WINNER

Fred Armisen (Portlandia)

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory)

Julie Bowen (Modern Family)

Allison Janney (Mom) - WINNER

Kate Mulgrew (Orange is the New Black)

Kate McKinnon (SNL)

Anna Chlumsky (Veep)

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Chiwetel Ejiofor (Dancing on the Edge)

Martin Freeman (Fargo)

Billy Bob Thornton (Fargo)

Idris Elba (Luther)

Mark Ruffalo (The Normal Heart)

Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) - WINNER

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Jessica Lange (American Horror Story: Coven) - WINNER

Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story: Coven)

Helena Bonham Carter (Burton and Taylor)

Minnie Driver (Return to Zero)

Kristen Wiig (The Spoils of Babylon)

Cicely Tyson (The Trip to Bountiful)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Colin Hanks (Fargo)

Jim Parsons (The Normal Heart)

Joe Mantello (The Normal Heart)

Alfred Molina (The Normal Heart)

Matt Bomer (The Normal Heart)

Martin Freeman (Sherlock) - WINNER

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Frances Conroy (American Horror Story: Coven)

Kathy Bates (American Horror Story: Coven) - WINNER

Angela Bassett (American Horror Story: Coven)

Allison Tolman (Fargo)

Ellen Burstyn (Flowers in the Attic)

Julia Roberts (The Normal Heart) IGN Logo

66TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY WINNERS

Posted by Snow Wide No comments

Breaking Bad wins big for its final season.

Check out several of the highlights below, with the winners marked in RED.

Outstanding Drama Series

True Detective (HBO)

Breaking Bad (AMC) - WINNER

Mad Men (AMC)

House of Cards (Netflix)

Downton Abbey (PBS)

Game of Thrones (HBO)

Outstanding Comedy Series

Silicon Valley (HBO)

Veep (HBO)

Orange is the New Black (Netflix)

Modern Family (ABC) - WINNER

Louie (FX)

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

Outstanding Miniseries

American Horror Story: Coven (FX)

Fargo (FX) - WINNER

The White Queen (Starz)

Bonnie and Clyde (A&E, Lifetime, History)

Treme (HBO)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) - WINNER

Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom)

Jon Hamm (Mad Men)

Woody Harrelson (True Detective)

Matthew McConaughey (True Detective)

Kevin Spacey (House of Cards)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex)

Claire Danes (Homeland)

Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey)

Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife) - WINNER

Kerry Washington (Scandal)

Robin Wright (House of Cards)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) - WINNER

Matt LeBlanc (Episodes)

Don Cheadle (House of Lies)

Louis C.K. (Louie)

William H. Macy (Shameless)

Ricky Gervais (Derek)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Lena Dunham Girls)

Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie)

Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep) - WINNER

Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) - WINNER

Jim Carter (Downton Abbey)

Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones)

Josh Charles (The Good Wife)

Mandy Patinkin (Homeland)

Jon Voight (Ray Donovan)

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad) - WINNER

Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey)

Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey)

Lena Headey (Game of Thrones)

Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)

Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)

Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series

Moira Walley-Beckett - Breaking Bad "Ozymandias" - WINNER

Vince Gilligan - Breaking Bad "Felina"

David Benioff and D.B. Weiss - Game of Thrones "The Children"

Beau Willimon - House of Cards "Chapter 14"

Nic Pizzolatto - True Detective "The Secret Fate Of All Of Life"

Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series

David Crane - Episodes "Episode 305"

Louis C.K. - Louie "So Did the Fat Lady" - WINNER

Liz Friedman, Jenji Kohan - Orange is the New Black "I Wasn't Ready"

Alec Berg - Silicon Valley "Optimal Tip-To-Tip Efficiency"

Simon Blackwell, Tony Roche, Armando Iannucci - Veep "Special Relationship"

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

Tim Van Patten - Boardwalk Empire "Farewell Daddy Blues"

Vince Gilligan - Breaking Bad "Felina"

David Evans - Downton Abbey "Episode One"

Neil Marshall - Game of Thrones "The Watchers on the Wall"

Carl Franklin - House of Cards "Chapter 14"

Cary Joji Fukunaga - True Detective "Who Goes There" - WINNER

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series

Iain B. MacDonald - Episodes "Episode Nine"

Paris Barclay - Glee "100"

Louis C.K. - Louie "Elevator, Part 6"

Gail Mancuso - Modern Family "Las Vegas" - WINNER

Jodie Foster - Orange Is the New Black "Lesbian Request Denied"

Mike Judge - Silicon Valley "Minimum Viable Product"

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Tony Hale (Veep)

Andre Braugher (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

Adam Driver (Girls)

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family)

Ty Burrell (Modern Family) - WINNER

Fred Armisen (Portlandia)

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory)

Julie Bowen (Modern Family)

Allison Janney (Mom) - WINNER

Kate Mulgrew (Orange is the New Black)

Kate McKinnon (SNL)

Anna Chlumsky (Veep)

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Chiwetel Ejiofor (Dancing on the Edge)

Martin Freeman (Fargo)

Billy Bob Thornton (Fargo)

Idris Elba (Luther)

Mark Ruffalo (The Normal Heart)

Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) - WINNER

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Jessica Lange (American Horror Story: Coven) - WINNER

Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story: Coven)

Helena Bonham Carter (Burton and Taylor)

Minnie Driver (Return to Zero)

Kristen Wiig (The Spoils of Babylon)

Cicely Tyson (The Trip to Bountiful)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Colin Hanks (Fargo)

Jim Parsons (The Normal Heart)

Joe Mantello (The Normal Heart)

Alfred Molina (The Normal Heart)

Matt Bomer (The Normal Heart)

Martin Freeman (Sherlock) - WINNER

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie

Frances Conroy (American Horror Story: Coven)

Kathy Bates (American Horror Story: Coven) - WINNER

Angela Bassett (American Horror Story: Coven)

Allison Tolman (Fargo)

Ellen Burstyn (Flowers in the Attic)

Julia Roberts (The Normal Heart) IGN Logo

Canadian-raised writer Moira Walley-Beckett won an Emmy Award on Monday night for writing the gut-wrenching third-to-last episode of "Breaking Bad,'' entitled "Ozymandias.''

"Vince Gilligan, this is your fault,'' an emotional Walley-Beckett said to the "Breaking Bad'' creator as she accepted the award. "Thank you for your mentorship and your mad skills, yo!''

She added: "I share this wholeheartedly with you and my fellow writers.''

Walley-Beckett grew up in Vancouver and trained at the Banff School of Fine Arts. She moved to Los Angeles in her 20s to pursue a career in the entertainment business and found work on camera, gathering acting credits with bit parts on shows including "ER,'' "Chicago Hope,'' "The Practice'' and "NYPD Blue.''

She earned her first writing credit in 2008 on the short-lived legal musical "Eli Stone,'' then joined the "Breaking Bad'' writing staff as a story editor in season 2, working her way up to a full writer-producer role by season 4.

Directed by Rian Johnson — the auteur behind such innovative films as "Looper'' and "Brick'' who was also recently announced as the director of at least one of the forthcoming "Star Wars'' sequels — "Ozymandias'' (the 14th episode in the fifth and final season of "Breaking Bad'') became an instant classic.

A critic at Britain's the Independent mused that it could be the best television episode ever written. Gilligan offered only slightly more reserved praise when he said he considered it the episode the best of his series, a conclusion echoed by Hitfix critic Alan Sepinwall and the Hollywood Reporter.

Said Walley-Beckett during her acceptance speech: "To my brilliant cast of actors, writing for you was pure joy.''

Moira Walley-Beckett, Vancouver Native, Wins Writing Emmy For 'Breaking Bad'

Posted by Snow Wide No comments

Canadian-raised writer Moira Walley-Beckett won an Emmy Award on Monday night for writing the gut-wrenching third-to-last episode of "Breaking Bad,'' entitled "Ozymandias.''

"Vince Gilligan, this is your fault,'' an emotional Walley-Beckett said to the "Breaking Bad'' creator as she accepted the award. "Thank you for your mentorship and your mad skills, yo!''

She added: "I share this wholeheartedly with you and my fellow writers.''

Said Walley-Beckett during her acceptance speech: "To my brilliant cast of actors, writing for you was pure joy.''

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. government says an American held hostage for about two years by an al Qaeda-linked group in Syria has been released.

The Obama administration and the hostage's family identified the man as Peter Theo Curtis of Massachusetts. Curtis, a journalist, had been held since 2012 by Jahbat al-Nusrah, an extremist group fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Play VIDEO

James Foley’s murder ignites debate over terrorist negotiations

Curtis' family said in a statement he been writing under the name "Theo Padnos."

"We are so relieved that Theo is healthy and safe and that he is finally headed home after his ordeal, but we are also deeply saddened by the terrible, unjustified killing last week of his fellow journalist, Jim Foley, at the hands of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, ISIS," Nancy Curtis, Theo's mother said, said in the statement.

U.S. officials expressed relief at Curtis' safe release, which comes just days after another American journalist, James Foley, was executed by militants with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in a video posted on the Internet.

ISIS and al Nusra, though they share some goals, have been at odds at times during the Syrian civil war.

National security adviser Susan Rice said Curtis is now safe outside of Syria.

"We expect he will be reunited with his family shortly," Rice said in a statement. She added, "Just as we celebrate Theo's freedom, we hold in our thoughts and prayers the Americans who remain in captivity in Syria."

Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed Curtis' release after a week filled with "unspeakable tragedy."

"We are all relieved and grateful knowing that Theo Curtis is coming home after so much time held in the clutches of Jabhat Al-Nusrah," he said in a statement. "For two years, this young American has been separated from his family. Finally he is returning home. Theo's mother, whom we've known from Massachusetts and with whom we've worked during this horrific period, simply refused to give up and has worked indefatigably to keep hope alive that this day could be a reality."

"Our thoughts and our faith remain with the Americans still held hostage and with their families," Kerry added, "and we continue to use every diplomatic, intelligence, and military tool at our disposal to find them and bring our fellow citizens home."

Play VIDEO

Obama on ISIS: "Their ideology is bankrupt"

The Obama administration released no details about the circumstances of his abduction or his release.

CBS News' Pamela Falk reports the United Nations said it facilitated the handover of Curtis. He was handed over to U.N. peacekeepers in Al Rafid village, Quneitra, the Golan Heights, at 6:40 p.m. (local time) on Sunday. After receiving a medical check-up, Curtis was handed over to representatives of his government.

Al Jazeera reports the Qatari government mediated between Curtis' captors and U.N. officials.

The news about Curtis was especially welcomed after Foley's gruesome beheading, which dominated much of the week's coverage. President Obama said the world was "appalled" by Foley's killing, and he denounced ISIS, saying the group follows a "bankrupt ideology" and has "no place in the 21st century."

ISIS blamed the killing on the escalating U.S. involvement in the fight against extremists in Iraq and Syria. American warplanes have struck dozens of militant targets in recent weeks in an attempt to neutralize the threat posed by ISIS.

American journalist released from captivity in Syria

Posted by Snow Wide No comments

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. government says an American held hostage for about two years by an al Qaeda-linked group in Syria has been released.

Curtis' family said in a statement he been writing under the name "Theo Padnos."

ISIS and al Nusra, though they share some goals, have been at odds at times during the Syrian civil war.

National security adviser Susan Rice said Curtis is now safe outside of Syria.

Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed Curtis' release after a week filled with "unspeakable tragedy."

The Obama administration released no details about the circumstances of his abduction or his release.

Al Jazeera reports the Qatari government mediated between Curtis' captors and U.N. officials.

Not only did Beyoncé shut down the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night with a 15-plus minute performance for the ages, she also helped slam the lid on those pesky divorce rumors with a family affair moment that made the Beyhive shout and the Internet melt down.

Mid-way through the show-closing set, the camera caught Blue Ivy smiling and singing along to “Drunk In Love” while sitting on Jay Z‘s lap. And as if it wasn’t enough of a Carter Administration moment already, when the epic run through songs from Queen Bey’s self-titled album was over, the whole fam took the stage together for one of the most touching, emotional moments in VMA history.

Related: Bey Made History With Her VMA Costume

Jay came up with Blue Ivy on his hip to present his wife with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, and just the sight of Jigga and Blue made the usually unflappable Bey break out the waterworks. Jay immediately embraced Mrs. Carter and brought her in for a tender hug and kiss on the head as Blue clapped and got a smooch from mommy.

And did we mention the big lip-lock with Jay before he handed over the moonman? Take that, haters! “Yah mommy!” Blue Ivy said, clapping for the shiny trophy (and her moms). “And the recipient of the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award and the greatest living entertainer, Beyoncé,” Jay said as Queen Bey humbly bowed her head and took hold of the Moonman with a smile you couldn’t deny.

“I’m so full,” she said, her voice cracking, as the crowd on the floor of the Forum chanted her name. “I have nothing to say, but I feel so much gratitude. I thank God for this moment,” said added, turning to her family and beaming.

“Boo boo I love you, my beloved I love you,” she said to Blue and Jay. And then, with one more family hug and a nod to the exits, the Carters walked off stage. Together.

Beyonce Silences Divorce Rumors With Tearful Jay Z, Blue Ivy Moment

Posted by Snow Wide No comments

Related: Bey Made History With Her VMA Costume

“Boo boo I love you, my beloved I love you,” she said to Blue and Jay. And then, with one more family hug and a nod to the exits, the Carters walked off stage. Together.

Two matches, and Louis van Gaal is still without a win at Manchester United.

The defense still looked shaky and the attack disjointed as Sunderland nicked a point off the Red Devils and kept them winless through the first two Premier League matches of the year.

Former Manchester City young gun Jack Rodwell scored on his second Sunderland start and cancelled out Juan Mata’s early score to split the spoils.

It was a rough start for Manchester United’s defenders still learning Louis van Gaal’s 3-at-the-back system, as their defenders continually allowed opponents in behind them and made poor passes that were often cut out.

Will Buckley looked bright along the Sunderland flank, and he earned two fouls as United continued to play without their heads.

Despite these, Manchester United picked up the game’s first chance, and they were incisive enough to snatch the game’s first goal. Against the run of play, Antonio Valencia worked a deflected cross on the right flank and it found the end of Juan Mata’s run for the Spaniard to poke home for a lead after 17 minutes.

Sunderland continued to be bright, especially Buckley who ran rampant down the right, and he earned a corner on the half-hour mark. Jack Rodwell headed the corner into the back of the net after losing Tyler Blackett, and Sunderland were level.

There was little else from the first half other than a half-chance that Steven Fletcher whiffed with a bicycle kick, and Chris Smalling was forced off with a hamstring injury.

Manchester United didn’t look any sharper in the second half, and Connor Wickham nearly earned Sunderland the lead five minutes after the break when a beautiful touch scooped the ball over Darren Fletcher’s head before unleashing a volley that cannoned off Tyler Blackett and just evaded the post.

Robin van Persie did have an opportunity in the 61st minute, but his lovely feed from Mata and Fletcher resulted in a heavy touch from the Dutchman as he latched onto the ball.

Just one minute later, Manchester United had a pair of chances, with both van Persie and Ashley Young going to ground in the penalty area. Referee Martin Atkinson waved off both challenges, and booked Young for diving in the process. There was definitely contact on both challenges, but van Persie’s was a good challenge by John O’Shea, and Young anticipated contact with Wes Brown the whole way through.

United thought they had a breakthrough in the 78th minute when substitute Danny Welbeck played a beautiful ball across the pitch to spring open Ashley Young behind the defenders, but Vito Mannone came well out of the box to thwart the attack.

That was about it, as United pressed and pressed and pressed for a goal as time wound down, but Sunderland defended bravely and looked to nick something off the counter. Gus Poyet brought in Jozy Altidore with 13 minutes to go and he looked most dangerous on the break. But it would not be as the sides shared the points.

LINEUPS:

Sunderland: Mannone; Vergini, van Aanholt, Brown, O’Shea; Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell (Jordi Gomez 64′), Buckley (Bridcutt 79′); Wickham, Fletcher (Altidore 77′).

Goals: Rodwell 30′

Manchester United: De Gea; Jones, Smalling (Keane 44′), Blackett; Valencia, Cleverley, Fletcher (Januzaj 63′), Mata, Young; Rooney, Robin van Persie (Welbeck 63′).

Goals: Mata 17′

Sunderland 1-1 Manchester United: Rodwell’s first Sunderland goal thwarts United again

Posted by Snow Wide No comments

Two matches, and Louis van Gaal is still without a win at Manchester United.

The defense still looked shaky and the attack disjointed as Sunderland nicked a point off the Red Devils and kept them winless through the first two Premier League matches of the year.

Former Manchester City young gun Jack Rodwell scored on his second Sunderland start and cancelled out Juan Mata’s early score to split the spoils.

Will Buckley looked bright along the Sunderland flank, and he earned two fouls as United continued to play without their heads.

There was little else from the first half other than a half-chance that Steven Fletcher whiffed with a bicycle kick, and Chris Smalling was forced off with a hamstring injury.

Robin van Persie did have an opportunity in the 61st minute, but his lovely feed from Mata and Fletcher resulted in a heavy touch from the Dutchman as he latched onto the ball.

LINEUPS:

Sunderland: Mannone; Vergini, van Aanholt, Brown, O’Shea; Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell (Jordi Gomez 64′), Buckley (Bridcutt 79′); Wickham, Fletcher (Altidore 77′).

Goals: Rodwell 30′

Manchester United: De Gea; Jones, Smalling (Keane 44′), Blackett; Valencia, Cleverley, Fletcher (Januzaj 63′), Mata, Young; Rooney, Robin van Persie (Welbeck 63′).

Goals: Mata 17′

Sankaranarayanan was among the first batch of governors telephoned by Home Secretary Anil Goswami to put in their papers.

Tweet This

Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan on Sunday resigned from the post hours after he was transferred to Mizoram by the government.

“I sent my resignation today to the President of India…. It is not possible for me to go to Mizoram,” Sankaranarayan said in a press conference here.

“I will return to active politics,” said the 82-year-old veteran Congress leader from Kerala. He was among the UPA-appointed Governors who were asked to resign by the new BJP government. But, he had refused to do so. His tenure ends in 2017.

He said as governors in various states, he never played any politics.

“I was friendly with all political parties, friendly with the BJP also…Shiv Sena…all the political parties. Because I have no politics, because I am the governor,” he said.

The governors are appointed by the President and the President has powers to transfer the governors, he said.

“My feeling is that I have to honour the Constitution–the Magna Carta for governors. I have to abide that, I did that,” he said.

Sankaranarayanan thanked the people of Maharashtra for the support they extended to him during his tenure.

Asked whether the move is part of political vendetta, he said, “That is up to you people to comment about it. Our press people are so shrewd, so capable, so intelligent.”

“I actually supported the Constitution,” he said, adding, “We want the prestige and status of the governors in future also.”

“In a democratic set up, no government is permanent… no post is permanent, that will change. Democracy is bigger than anything, we are one of the biggest democratic countries in the world,” he added.

Sankaranarayanan was among the first batch of governors telephoned by Home Secretary Anil Goswami to put in their papers after change of government at the Centre.

In an apparent bid to ease him out, the government shunted him to Mizoram after he had refused to quit.

A Rashtrapati Bhawan communique issued late last night had said that Sankaranarayanan has been shifted to Mizoram and Gujarat Governor OP Kohli has been asked to discharge his duties.

He has been serving as Governor of Maharashtra since 22 January, 2010. He took oath as Governor of Maharashtra for a second time on May 7, 2012 after the President granted him a fresh term of five.

Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan quits after transfer order