Sunday, November 17, 2024
Home Blog Page 24

‘Congress party is realising the folly of making unreal promises’: PM Modi tears into Congress after Kharge’s comments on poll guarantees

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Congress party is realising the folly of making unreal promises’: PM Modi tears into Congress after Kharge’s comments on poll guarantees

On Friday, November 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress party after its leader, Mallikarjun Kharge, urged the party’s state branches to make only “fiscally achievable” promises.

“The Congress Party is realising the hard way that making unreal promises is easy but implementing them properly is tough or impossible. Campaign after campaign they promise things to the people, which they also know they will never be able to deliver. Now, they stand badly exposed in front of the people!” PM Modi tweeted.

PM Modi stated, “Look at any state where Congress is currently in power—Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana—their development path and financial health are worsening.”

He added, “Their so-called guarantees remain unfulfilled, which is a serious betrayal of the people in these states. The poor, youth, farmers, and women suffer most from this, as they not only miss out on these promised benefits but also see existing programs weakened.”

He further noted that people across the country must remain alert to Congress’s culture of false promises. “Recently, we saw how the people of Haryana rejected their empty promises in favour of a stable, progress-driven, and action-oriented government,” the prime minister concluded.

He added, “There is an increasing awareness across India that voting for Congress means supporting non-governance, poor economic policies, and unmatched corruption. The people of India desire development and progress, not the repeated #FakePromisesOfCongress!”

Kharge advises Congress state units to make only fiscally doable promises

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday criticised the Karnataka government after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar hinted at reconsidering one of the administration’s key guarantees.

“You made certain guarantees. After seeing them, I even mentioned in Maharashtra that Karnataka has five guarantees. Now, you’ve mentioned you might cancel one of them. It seems you don’t all read the newspapers, but I do, so I’m bringing this to your attention,” Kharge remarked during a press conference.

Kharge’s comments referred to Shivakumar’s statement that the government would review the ‘Shakti’ guarantee, a program introduced by the Congress government in Karnataka, which provides free bus rides for women on non-luxury government buses.

Union government designates Darranga near Bhutan border in Assam as authorised Immigration Check Post

ANI
-
0
Union government designates Darranga near Bhutan border in Assam as authorised Immigration Check Post

In a significant development for cross-border travel, the Central government has designated the Darranga land check post in Assam’s Tamulpur district as an official Immigration Check Post.

This designation allows for the entry into and exit from India for all classes of passengers with valid travel documents, following sub-rule (b) of rule 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950. The decision is expected to facilitate smoother immigration processes in the region.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced a notification issued on Friday.

Additionally, effective November 1, 2024, the Chief Immigration Officer of the Bureau of Immigration will serve as the ‘Civil Authority’ for the Darranga Land Immigration Check Post, under the powers conferred by sub-clause (2) of Clause 2 of the Foreigners Order, 1948. This appointment aims to streamline immigration processes and enhance border management in the region.

“In pursuance of sub-rule (b) of rule 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950, the Central Government hereby designates Darranga Land Check Post of Tamulpur District of Assam State as an authorized Immigration Check Post for entry into/exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers,” reads the notification.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (2) of Clause 2 of the Foreigners Order, 1948, the Central Government hereby appoints the Chief Immigration Officer, Bureau of Immigration as the ‘Civil Authority’ for said Order for the Darranga Land Immigration Check Post located at Tamulpur District of Assam State with effect from November 1, 2024,” it further added.

The Darranga land check post plays a crucial role in facilitating cross-border travel between India and neighbouring countries. Historically significant due to its proximity to the international border, the checkpost has been an important transit point for both trade and movement of people.

Assam shares borders with several countries, including Bhutan and Bangladesh, making the Darranga Check Post vital for regional connectivity and economic interactions. The area has seen increased traffic due to trade agreements and cultural exchanges, necessitating the establishment of a formal immigration checkpoint.

The designation of Darranga as an authorized Immigration Check Post is part of the Indian government’s broader strategy to enhance border security, regulate immigration, and improve infrastructure at key transit points. This move is expected to streamline the processing of travellers and promote economic activities in the region, ultimately contributing to the local economy and strengthening ties with neighbouring countries.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Case registered against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant over his “imported maal” remark on Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC

ANI
-
0
Case registered against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant over his “imported maal” remark on Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC

Mumbai’s Nagpada Police Station on Friday registered a case against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant on a complaint by Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC over his “imported maal” remark.

Shiv Sena Party on Friday filed a complaint against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Arvind Sawant in the Nagapada police station for calling party leader Shaina NC “imported maal”, and requested them to register an First Information Report (FIR) in the matter.

This comes after Sawant stoked a controversy calling Shaina “imported maal”. He said, “Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now she has gone to another party. Imported ‘maal’ does not work here, only original ‘maal’ works here.”

The Shiv Sena party emphasised that under the provisions of the Bhartiya Nyay Sahita (Indian Penal Code), this behaviour amounts to an act of outraging a woman’s modesty, in violation of Sections 354 and 509 of the IPC.

“I am writing to file a formal complaint against Arvind Sawant, a sitting Member of Parliament, for his derogatory and highly objectionable remarks directed at Shaina NC, referring to her as a “real maal” (translated as “sexy bomb”). This language, objectifying a woman in a public and influential setting, not only demeans the individual but also sends a deeply disturbing message to society, trivializing the respect and dignity of women,” the letter said.

“Under the provisions of the Bhartiya Nyay Sahita (Indian Penal Code), this behavior amounts to an act of outraging a woman’s modesty, in violation of Sections 354 and 509 of the IPC. By using such terms, Sawant has exhibited a gross disregard for the principles of respect, equality, and decency that are fundamental to our society and legal framework,” it added.

The letter further said that such remarks by a public figure have a broader societal impact, contributing to the perpetuation of gender-based discrimination and disrespect towards women.

“The incident has not only caused immense mental harassment to Mrs. Shaina NC but has also left a significant impact on the collective conscience of women across India. Such objectifying remarks by a public figure have a broader societal impact, contributing to the perpetuation of gender-based discrimination and disrespect towards women,” it said.

“In light of the above, I humbly request your good office to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Arvind Sawant for his offensive statements under Sections 354 and 509 of the IPC for outraging the modesty of a woman,” it added.

Shaina in her letter also requested the police to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action against the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader.

“Investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate legal action against Sawant. Send a strong message to deter public figures from making such statements and to promote a culture of respect and dignity towards women in public discourse. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I trust that your office will act promptly to uphold justice and ensure the protection of women’s dignity in our society,” the letter said.

Earlier, reacting to Sawant’s remark, Shaina NC took a jibe at Arvind Sawant after he called her ‘imported’ maal.

“You cannot respect a woman. You use such words for a capable woman who is in politics. Now you will be ‘behaal’ because you called the woman ‘maal’. Whether I take action or not, the public will make him ‘behaal'”, she said.

Shaina NC further stated that I think this objectification of women is not only their mentality but Congress MLA Amin Patel was present there laughing.

“On one side there is Eknath Shinde’s Ladki Behan Yojana, on the other side there is Prime Minister’s Ujjwala, Mudra Banking, Housing Scheme, where women are empowered. Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, becomes the President and on the other side Mahavinash Aghadi’s Arvind Sawant calls me imported maal”, she added.

The Shiv Sena leader further said, “I think this objectification of women is not only their mentality but Congress MLA Amin Patel was present there laughing.”

“I think this objectification of women is not only their mentality but Congress MLA Amin Patel was present there laughing. You will have to apologize at the Nagpada Police Station. Mahavinash Aghadi which is going to be ‘behaal’ on 20th November,” she said.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

No buyers for crisis-stricken Pakistan International Airlines yet, one bidder offers a low 10 billion PKR

ANI
-
0
No buyers for crisis-stricken Pakistan International Airlines yet, one bidder offers a low 10 billion PKR

The government’s initial attempt to privatise Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faced a significant setback on Thursday, as the only bidder, Blue World City, proposed a mere PKR 10 billion for a 60% stake in the loss-making airline–far below the government’s minimum sale price of PKR 85.03 billion, the Express Tribune reported.

During a publicly televised bidding event, Blue World City, a real estate developer, presented its offer, which accounted for only 12 per cent of the government’s stipulated price.

In dollar terms, the bid equated to approximately USD 36 million, starkly contrasting with the minimum sale price of USD 305 million set by the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation.

Prior to the bid opening, the Privatisation Commission board and the Cabinet Committee convened separately, yet no government ministers attended the ceremony, which was only attended by two federal secretaries.

The Cabinet Committee had approved the minimum sale price following recommendations from the Privatisation Commission board, and despite being invited to match the government’s offer, Blue World City declined to raise its bid.

“We have considered the government price and decided to stand with our best price of PKR 10 billion,” stated Saad Nazir, the owner of Blue World City. The firm was the only one to submit a bid after five other pre-qualified parties withdrew, citing the government’s strict conditions regarding tax liabilities, guaranteed investments, and employee retention, reported the Express Tribune.

The government’s efforts to privatise PIA, which ranks as the fourth-largest loss-making entity in the country, reached a disappointing conclusion as Blue World City was the only firm to participate. The government had anticipated stronger interest, especially after it carved out approximately PKR 625 billion in PIA debt into a separate holding company, leaving PIA with PKR 202 billion in liabilities and about PKR 163 billion in assessed assets.

Seham Raza, Chief Operating Officer of Blue World City, expressed disappointment over the lack of competition. “I wished there would have been healthy competition and feel sad that all other bidders have pulled out,” she remarked.

The government had offered between 51 per cent to 100 per cent stakes in the airline but ultimately decided to sell a 60 per cent share. Additionally, it declined bidders’ requests for reduced duties and tax waivers and required the buyer to inject USD 500 million to USD 700 million into PIA to ensure operational sustainability, the Express Tribune reported.

Privatisation Commission secretary Usman Bajwa highlighted that PIA would not achieve operational sustainability without new investments and resolution of its outstanding liabilities.

The failed attempt to privatise PIA may have broader implications for the government’s overall privatisation strategy as it seeks to address its financial challenges.

Reflection of his mentality, voters will teach him lesson: Shaina NC hits out at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant over his ‘imported maal’ remark

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Reflection of his mentality, voters will teach him lesson: Shaina NC hits out at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant over his ‘imported maal’ remark

Arvind Sawant, the Mumbai South Lok Sabha MP and leader of the Shiv Sena-UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has caused controversy with his derogatory remark concerning the newly inducted Shiv Sena candidate Shaina NC by referring to her as “imported maal” (item). He used the derogatory term because BJP leader Shaina NC has been fielded as a Shiv Sena candidate from Mumbadevi, as part of alliance seat sharing formula.

Notably, several BJP leaders have been given tickets by alliance partners Shic Sena and NCP based on the seat-sharing formula for the Maharashtra assembly elections. As a result of Shaina moving from BJP to Shiv Sena, Arvind Sawant called her ‘imported maal’.

“Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now she has gone to another party. Imported ‘maal’ does not work here, only original ‘maal’ works here,” Arvind Sawant replied when the media asked him about Shaina’s candidature from Shiv Sena as Congress leader and Mumbadevi MLA Amin Patel stood beside him which led to a major controversy in the election-bound state.

Following this, Shaina slammed him for his sexist utterances and declared that the voters of Maharashtra will give him a befitting reply.

Shaina said, “This reflects the mindset of Arvind Sawant and his party. Does he think every woman of Mumbadevi is a maal? On one side there is Eknath Shinde’s Ladki Behan Yojana, on the other side there is the Prime Minister’s Ujjwala, Mudra Banking and Housing Scheme, where women are empowered. Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, becomes the President and on the other side, Mahavinash Aghadi’s Arvind Sawant calls me imported maal.”

Shaina added, “I think this objectification of women is not only their mentality but Congress MLA Amin Patel was present there laughing. He shows no respect for women, using such terms to describe a capable woman in politics. Now, he will face the consequences for calling a woman ‘maal.’ Whether I take further action or not, the public will ensure he faces repercussions. You will have to apologise at the Nagpada Police Station. Mahavinash Aghadi which is going to be ‘behaal’ on 20th November.” She also mentioned, “This is the same Arvind Sawant for whom we had campaigned in 2014 and 2019. Look at his thinking when he calls a woman maal.

Shaina also took to social media to express her disgust over the misogynistic comment and wrote “I am a woman, not a commodity.” Talking to ANI, she said, “You cannot respect a woman. You use such words for a capable woman who is in politics. Now you will be ‘behaal’ because you called the woman ‘maal’. Whether I take action or not, the public will make him ‘behaal'”.

Shiv Sena’s faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently announced Shaina as the party’s candidate for the Mumbadevi constituency in Mumbai ahead of the state assembly elections. She will be contesting against incumbent Congress MLA Amin Patel. The votes will be cast on 20th November in the state and the results will be out on 23rd November.

Notably, a similar row broke out in Jharkahnd when Congress leader and Minister Irfan Ansari made derogatory remarks against Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sita Soren, referring to her as a “rejected maal (goods)” and a “borrowed player” which led to a First Information Report against him in the Jamtara district. The saffron party also complained to the Election Commission through party official Sudhir Srivastava. Sita Soren also voiced her disappointment and demanded an apology from Ansari.

“Congress candidate Irfan Ansari must apologise for the inappropriate language he used for me immediately after his nomination in front of the media. He has previously made personal remarks about me, but this time, he has crossed all boundaries. Mr Irfan, apologise or be prepared for the intense protest. Using such indecent language while holding an esteemed position has instilled fear among women across society,” she stated on X (previously Twitter).

“If you can use such words for me, what must poor and helpless women go through? As long as leaders like you remain in power, women will remain unsafe. The time has come to uproot such people from power. The way you view women is now clear to the public, and the public will respond to this,” she declared. Jharkhand is also scheduled to go to polls on the 13th and 20th of November and the counting will be done on the 23rd of November along with Maharashtra.

Chhattisgarh: Missionaries use auto with saffron flag to enter village to convert people, flee after local youths and Bajrang Dal protest

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Chhattisgarh: Missionaries use auto with saffron flag to enter village to convert people, flee after local youths and Bajrang Dal protest

In a village close to Raipur in Chhattisgarh, locals protested after some missionaries were found using devious tactics to enter villages to promote their conversion camapaigns. The main target of such rampant conversion attempts is the tribal areas, where the unsuspecting people are being tricked into becoming Christians.

Christian preachers reportedly arrived at Raipur’s Pathari hamlet in an autorickshaw with a saffron flag and started distributing pamphlets. Material related to Jesus was disseminated in various residences. Young men from the area and Bajrang Dal workers became active as soon as they learned about the development. They strongly opposed the missionaries after which the latter absconded from there. Rashtriya Bajrang Dal has submitted a memorandum to the collector and demanded strict action against the culprits as well as regarding the attempts of religious conversion across the state.

According to the information, this incident transpired a few days prior when a group of people reached Pathari village in an auto. A saffron flag was fluttering on their auto, due to which people did not object. These missionaries went to houses and preached about the glory of Jesus Christ and handed out pamphlets. The village’s youths came to know about this when they reached their home, however, the missionaries absconded as soon as they sensed resistance from the former. They reported this incident to the local police station, although no named complaint could be lodged against anyone.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party government is planning to introduce a law that will punish those who convert others by coercion, inducement or deceit. According to the legislation, religious conversion must be reported to the District Magistrate first so that its voluntariness can be verified. The judicial system will impose penalties on the offenders in these cases.

Meanwhile, the Bajrang Dal has also objected to a religious program to be held on 1st November. The memorandum stated that the program is being organised by the pastors through “The Indian Pentecostal Church of God 18 Convention” in Hebron Nagar Sasaholi in Tilda. They charged that it was a concealed effort to manipulate people into embracing Christianity. The Hindu outfit has urged the administration not to allow this event. It further warned that they would take action to prevent it if permission was granted.

Indian troops start patrolling the Demchok sector in eastern Ladakh following the India-China disengagement

ANI
-
0
Indian troops start patrolling the Demchok sector in eastern Ladakh following the India-China disengagement

Following disengagement between India and China, Indian troops started patrolling the Demchok sector in eastern Ladakh on Friday.

This development comes after India and China agreed to disengage and start coordinated patrols as per their perception of the Line of Actual Control in the Demchok and Depsang sectors.

Patrolling by Indian troops in the Demchok sector in Eastern Ladakh has started today. Patrolling in the Depsang sector is expected to start soon, Indian Army Sources said. The coordinated patrolling would mean that both sides will know about the schedules of patrols or both sides.

Earlier on Thursday, Armies of both countries exchanged sweets at various border points in the Ladakh sector on the occasion of Diwali.

Indian and Chinese Army exchange of sweets took place at Hot Springs, Karakoram Pass, Daulat Beg Oldi, KongkLa and Chushul-Moldo border meeting point in Ladakh.

Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa welcomed the disengagement between the Indian and Chinese armies along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

“Those of us who live near the border know what war feels like. We desire peace along the border. We welcome the agreement between the two countries, but we want to see it implemented on the ground. Tensions along the border should be reduced through diplomatic means,” said MP Hanifa.

Earlier, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi stressed that restoring trust along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) would be a gradual process to return to the April 2020 status quo. He highlighted the steps of disengagement, de-escalation, and buffer zone management as crucial for easing tensions between the two nations. He further explained that the process would take place in phases, with each step aimed at reducing tensions.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said that it was natural for India and China to have differences as neighbouring countries but the important thing is how to handle and solve these differences.

India and China have recently agreed on patrol arrangements along the LAC at the India-China border. The border standoff began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020, triggered by Chinese military actions. This incident led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Faridabad: Muslim mob attacks Hindu family for bursting firecrackers on Diwali, molests young girl, victim family puts up ‘house for sale’ poster

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Faridabad: Muslim mob attacks Hindu family for bursting firecrackers on Diwali, molests young girl, victim family puts up ‘house for sale’ poster

In Faridabad, Haryana, a Hindu family was reportedly attacked by Muslims over the use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. The incident occurred in the Anandpur locality, where family members, including children and women, were allegedly assaulted by a Muslim mob led by two men, Raj and Ashiq. They also molested the daughter of the family, tore her clothes, and tried to sexually assault her. As a result, the victim family has decided to leave the area, offering to sell their house.

As per reports, the minor son of Durga Prasad was bursting firecrackers outside their house in Subhash Colony. Enraged at this, some Muslims led by Raj and Ashiq from the neighbourhood arrived and asked him to stop bursting firecrackers. This led to an argument with the family, after which the mob attacked them.

They pelted stones and bricks on the house, and family retreated inside and locked the door. But the mob barged into the house by smashing the main door and assaulted the family members. They hit the family members including women with sticks.  Even after this, the mob was not satisfied, and they molested the kid’s elder sister, tore her cloths, touched her inappropriately, and attempted to rape her. They scratched her body with nails, causing injuries.

As per eyewitnesses, around 50-60 people were part of the mob that attacked the Hindu family. They first pelted stones on the house, then entered the house by breaking the door and assaulted the family members.

The entire incident has been captured on CCTV camera in the locality.  In the footage, many people are seen pelting stones at Durga Prasad’s house and trying to break the door. The footage also shows the attack on the woman and children.

The victim family’s daughter lodged a complaint with the police station, and a case has been registered and an investigation started. However, the police refused to make any statement to media.

The family and other Hindus in the area said that such attacks by Muslims on Hindu families in the locality has become a regular affair. Durga Prasad said that they now can’t do Bhajan Kirtan dur to opposition form Muslims. He said that the area has become like Kashmir, and Hindus have become minority. As a result of persistent attacks, many Hindu families have already left the place and settled elsewhere. They say that despite complaints, police have not taken any action on such attacks.

Durga Prasad’s family also has decided to move out, and they have put a signage saying ‘house for sale’ outside their home.

Karnataka: Fears of Waqf board occupying Hindu temples and houses lead to clashes between two sides in Kadakol, several houses vandalised and 5 people injured

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Karnataka: Fears of Waqf board occupying Hindu temples and houses lead to clashes between two sides in Kadakol, several houses vandalised and 5 people injured

Hindus in a village in Karnataka’s Haveri district fear that the Waqf might seize their temples and houses. They charged that some local Muslims submitted a petition to district officials claiming waqf land in the village which led to chaos and stone pelting between the members of the two communities. According to media reports, tension spread in Kadakol village of Haveri district late on 30th October when local Hindus asserted that the Muslims had filed a petition to declare the premises of Lord Hanuman temple, Goddess Durga temple and the land around it as Waqf property. They asked the Muslims about the same which led to the conflict.

The disagreement initially started with a local Muslim leader Mohammad Rafi in the village as the worried Hindus confronted him but it soon escalated to throwing stones and his house was also attacked in the unrest. The Savanur taluk’s Kadakol village is currently peaceful, per the police. Five people have been injured and an individual who was hurt during the violence was transported to Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubballi for treatment and is out of danger now.

A parked motorcycle was also set ablaze on fire and houses were looted. A few vehicles were also vandalized and the window panes of some houses were broken. According to a police officer, the violence started because of concerns that the homes of the Hindus were being listed in account records as Waqf properties.

Superintendent of Police Anshu Kumar and Haveri Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mahantesh rushed to the area and stabilized the situation. Senior officials are camped in the hamlet where tensions persist. According to Anshu Kumar, around 200 police officers and four Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons have been dispatched to the area. Police will take action against those who break the law, he added, informing that 32 persons, mostly Hindus have been taken into custody for interrogation and further investigation. Things are under control but Hindus continue to live in apprehension of the Waqf.

Locals fear that their homes would be listed in the records as Waqf properties, which could result in their eviction. According to them, there has been resistance to updating the Waqf property accounts inside the village panchayat boundaries. They added that ZP CEO Akshay Sridhar issued an order on 27th September in response to Waqf minister BZ Zameer Ahmed’s directive from a 3rd September meeting.

Assistant commissioners and tahsildars have been instructed to “verify all property documents listed by the district waqf board and send a report to the office. This means not all these belong to the board,” said Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mahantesh. On the other hand, Zameer Ahmed is now on the back foot and is blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He referred to the incident as sad and alleged that the saffron party had been deceiving farmers throughout the state and was planning a conspiracy involving waqf holdings.

Zameer Ahmed claimed that he too comes from a farmer’s family and respects their rights. He assured that Waqf wouldn’t take over any farmer’s land. On 4th October Waqf notices were delivered to farmers in Honwad village in Tikota taluk of Vijayapura district. All 1200 acres (1500 acres per some reports) of the land were claimed by the Waqf Board and the dispute is only growing more intense. Waqf has staked a claim on the land of the Haveri district court as well.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the Waqf is attempting to drive people out of their homes. “The Zilla Panchayat CEO of Haveri has passed an order to take over Hanuman Temple and Durgavva Temple. Yesterday Waqf Board members went there to take over the position and naturally people resisted. The police on arrival at the scene lodged an FIR (First Information Report) against the local Hindus who have resided there for over 60-70 years. They want to take over Hanuman Temple,” he highlighted.

The BJP also accused the Congress of promoting the occupation perpetrated by Waqf for Muslim appeasement. Haveri MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai have demanded that Waqf notices sent to farmers should be withdrawn immediately. According to him, the state’s waqf law is being applied wrongly, with agricultural areas being mistakenly designated as waqf properties while ignoring the current revenue laws.

He emphasized that when it comes to land matters, tax law records ought to be regarded as conclusive. “These records are being overlooked in favour of Waqf Tribunal decisions. While previous court interventions protected the affected parties’ rights, currently, a simple application can result in farmland being designated as waqf property, causing distress among farmers,” while talking to the media on 31st October in Shiggaon and even called the Congress government as “irresponsible.” He pointed out that tension in Savanur taluk villages like Kadakol is the result of the state government’s interference with the peaceful coexistence of rural communities. He charged that after taking power, the Congress party had engaged in appeasement measures.

Notably, in a similar instance, the Haveri District Waqf Board claimed ownership over the district’s 19-acre Hindu cemetery in Tadas village of Shiggaon taluk as well as the Haveri District Court buildings, which are situated on 20 acres of property. The new claim was made years after S Abdul Nazeer, a high court judge who also served as the administrative justice of the Haveri district court, intervened to settle the conflicts at the Waqf Tribunal in Belagavi.

Shiv Sena (UBT) complains to EC over Diwali celebrations at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, BJP says Uddhav causing disgrace to Balasaheb’s legacy

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Shiv Sena (UBT) complains to EC over Diwali celebrations at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, BJP says Uddhav causing disgrace to Balasaheb’s legacy

On Thursday, 31st October, the Shiv Sena (UBT) issued a letter to the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), alleging that the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by Raj Thackeray violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by organizing the “Deepotsav” in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Mumbai’s Dadar area of Maharashtra during the ongoing Diwali festival.

The SS-UBT stated that the full Deepotsav expenditures shall be included in the election spending of the MNS nominee from the Mahim constituency, Amit Thackeray, the son of party head Raj Thackeray.

It is crucial to note that the MNS has been celebrating Deepotsav every year, but the Shiv Sena is protesting against the same this year because the MCC is in place owing to the upcoming Assembly elections on November 20th. 

“The model code of conduct is applicable in the entire state. The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation, however, has given its consent to MNS to celebrate Deepotsav at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, which is under the civic body’s jurisdiction. The MNS has displayed the party banners installed gates and put up lanterns in the area. This is a clear violation of the MCC,” SS-UBT Deputy Secretary Sachin Parasnaik said in an official statement issued on Thursday.

Parasnaik noted that Amit Thackeray, the MNS candidate, was present during Deepotsav’s inauguration. He argued that the event’s expenses should be counted as part of Thackeray’s election expenditures for the Mahim assembly seat, which would be in line with established regulations.

Parasnaik further called for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take strict action against officials who allegedly illegally allowed political campaigning in public spaces. The Shiv Sena-UBT has fielded Mahesh Sawant in Mahim, from where Amit Thackeray, Shiv Sena candidate Sada Sarvankar, and others are also contesting.

BJP hits back

The BJP took cognizance of the event and slammed Shiv Sena UBT for approaching the ECI during the Hindu festival. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Park, a historical place in Mumbai a testimony to the legacy of Swargiya Balasaheb Thackeray’s historical speeches on Hindutva. Such a downfall to the legacy being tainted by his own son as UBT has gone to Election Commission complaining over Diwali Celebrations at Shivaji Park Are Hindu Festivals hurting Aurangzeb Fan Club?” the party asked.

MNS also reacted to the SS-UBT’s protest over the Diwali celebration. “We have been holding the Deepotsav here for many years. This has no connection with Amit Thackeray’s campaign. Shiv Sena (UBT) is objecting to a Hindu festival as it has stopped following the Hindu ideology. They must now officially change their religion,” MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said.

Shiv Sena UBT further blatantly cornered the BJP over Hindutva policy. “Using Hindutva for dirty politics is what you do. It is clear that the opposition is not to celebrate ‘Diwali’ but to its political use. But by continuously telling lies and spreading a ‘Fake Narrative’, even now you have shown your ‘Chunavi Hindutva’! You also used Ram Mandir for the election. The temple was inaugurated before it was even completed and Lord Ramchandra was taken to the half-built structure. The result was the same, Shriram also showed you your place. Ayodhya, where Sri Ram lived, became BJP-free! Now Maharashtra will also be ‘BJP free’!” the party said.

Bhushan Gagrani, Mumbai’s district election officer and municipal commissioner, has stated meanwhile that the expenses of the Shivaji Park festival will be considered into election expenditure. 

The Shiv Sena-UBT’s decision to approach the poll panel coincided with the BJP and Shiv Sena supremo and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s decision to provide MahaYuti support to Amit Thackeray in the Mahim constituency.

Sada Sarvankar, the Shiv Sena nominee and sitting MLA has resisted withdrawing his nomination. Sarvankar pleaded with Raj Thackeray “not to do injustice to him but to extend his support” on Wednesday.

1...232425...6,963Page 24 of 6,963

Contact: [email protected]

About us

News and opinion website that brings you reports and narrative from a perspective often ignored or suppressed by the mainstream media of India.

Follow us

© OpIndia.com