Ilma Afroj, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Baddi in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district has gone on a 15-day leave amidst reports of the administration of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reportedly preparing to transfer her soon. The matter transpired after Doon MLA and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Ram Kumar Chaudhary got into a heated argument with the officer. He also initiated a privilege motion from the state assembly against her. She allegedly faced pressure even from her own department due to the intimidation by the government.
This conflict began in August 2024 when authorities issued challans for the vehicles of MLA Ram Kumar Chaudhary’s wife in connection with the illegal mining in Baddi. This drove a wedge between the MLA and the policewoman. He then levelled serious allegations against her in the state assembly and moved a privilege motion against her.
Ilma has been awarded by several organizations for her commendable work in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) area. She gathered these medals and books as cherished keepsakes and set off for Uttar Pradesh. Ilma took on the role of Superintendent of Police in the Baddi Police District on January 27, 2024.
On the other hand, there was also a firing incident in Baddi that was recently discovered. A bulletproof car on Kheda Rajpur Road was shot at many times. Ramkishan, a scrap trader, was the target of the bullets. However, after further investigation, it was revealed that he had orchestrated the entire incident including the firing at him. He disclosed secret information to the accused who had launched the bullets.
Ramkishan was constantly demanding an All India Gun License from the police, but considering his old record, they did not accept his application. He was arrested and a case was launched against him. According to sources, the scrap dealer is close to an influential Congress leader who started to force Ilma Afroz to cover up the matter. The members of the ruling party turned it into an issue and reached Shimla. On the orders of the government, senior police officers called her and addressed the matter but she refused to stop the investigation, per media reports. Afterwards, she was directed to go on a long leave.
Furthermore, the absence of the official from the 15th August program infuriated the MLA. Subsequently, he did not visit her office when the Industry Minister went there. He had also raised questions about her working style and boycotted events where she was present. He even made grave accusations against the woman officer while talking to the media during the assembly session when a notice of breach of privilege was introduced by him. Afterwards, the tippers and JCBs of his family were challaned by her which only escalated the controversy.
Ilma Afroz was preparing for the two-day conference to be held at the Shimla Secretariat on the 7th and 8th of November and went to Shimla on the 6th of November to attend a meeting regarding the same. She met with Congress leaders and officials after which she returned to Baddi, packed her things and went to her home in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh along with her mother. She recently joined the position around ten months ago on 27th January of this year.
Ahead of the Maharashtra elections scheduled on 20th November, netizens on social media shared several videos of deliberate attacks and assaults that took place in the state when Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was in power from 2019 to 2022. Netizens indicated that if MVA returns to power in Maharashtra, a series of targeted attacks and deliberate assaults would continue against people raising their voices against the government.
One of the videos shared online was that of Marathi actress Ketaki Chitale, who was put behind bars for around 40 days after she shared a post against NCP chief Sharad Pawar.
“This video is of Marathi actress Ketaki Chitale being released from jail. 22 FIRs were registered against her. Was arrested like a wanted criminal. Spent over 40 days in jail. And why? For sharing a poem on social media criticizing Sharad Pawar? Is Maharashtra ready for the same again? INDI alliance has the audacity to talk about democracy, FoE etc?” said one of the users.
This video is of Marathi actress Ketaki Chitale being released from jail -22 FIRs were registered against her -Was arrested like a wanted criminal -Spent over 40 days in jail
And why? For sharing a poem on social media criticizing Sharad Pawar
While several users shared the post, some of them also slammed the then-MVA government for disrespecting Chitale’s free speech in the case. “They act all righteous about freedom and rights, but the moment someone calls them out, it’s a whole different story. Just shows how fragile their ego is. If they can’t handle criticism, they should never be in power,” one of the users added.
“Why no one is speaking for free speech in the Ketaki Chitale case? Why does any German shepherd not call it a dictatorship?” another user said.
Marathi Actress Ketaki Chitale was molested by NCP workers in police custody
The videothat is going viral dates back to June 2022, which shows Chitale getting released from the Thane jail. She was arrested on May 15th of that year for sharing a ‘derogatory’ post on Facebook against NCP chief Sharad Pawar. She was also allegedly molested by the NCP workers while she was in Police custody. Claiming that she did not speak about Sharad Pawar in the first place, she then slammed the MVA government for misusing its power against her.
“I did not speak about Sharad Pawar. I was unlawfully picked up from my house without any prior notice, or any statement. I was molested by the NCP workers during the police custody,” she said in an exclusive interview with Times Now.
I was unlawfully picked up from my house without any prior notice, without any statement. I was molested during police custody by NCP workers: Ketaki Chitale, Actor@thenewshour AGENDA @PadmajaJoshipic.twitter.com/JGklSFZUgg
Another video shared by the netizens was that of the Republic TV journalist Arnab Goswami who was attacked by two Congress workers during Uddhav Thackeray tenure as CM. “Not to forget the then MH govt’s witch hunt of Arnab Goswami,” one of the users shared indicating that the state should expect more such attacks in the coming times if the MVA comes to power.
Republic TV’s Arnab Goswami attacked in 2020 by Mumbai Police
On the intervening night of 22nd and 23rd April 2020, after his regular edit call post the 10 pm debate, Arnab Goswami and his wife were driving back home when two bike-borne assailants attacked their car.
The assailants parked their bikes in front of Arnab Goswami’s car in order to get him to stop the car and then attacked him. Arnab Goswami and his wife escaped unhurt. However, the assailants, after attacking the car and trying to break the windows, also threw ink at the car. According to Republic TV, the goons confessed that they were from Congress and the attack took place only 500 meters away from Goswami’s residence.
Further, in a targeted witch-hunt against Goswami, the Mumbai Police under the MVA rule reached his residence and physically manhandled him as they tried to detain him in a 2018 abetment to suicide case that was already closed. A team of Mumbai Police arrested Republic TV chief Arnab Goswami after they physically assaulted and dragged him by grabbing his hair. He was also dragged by his belt by Mumbai Police and beaten up on his spine causing him serious injuries.
Palghar Sadhu lynched in 2020
Apart from this, several brutal incidents, like the mob lynching of Hindu Sadhus in Palghar district, were reported during the rule of the MVA government. On 16th April 2020, two Sadhus associated with the Juna Akhara, 70-year-old Kalpavrishka Giri Maharaj, and 35-year-old Sushil Giri Maharaj, along with their driver 30-year-old Nilesh Telgadewere, were on their way from Mumbai to Gujarat to give Samadhi to another Sadhu.
At Gadakchinchale village, a wild and frenzied crowd of more than 100 people attacked them. The villagers deemed them as thieves and started attacking them. The police claim that their team, which had rushed to the spot to rescue the 70-year-old man, also came under the attack of the violent mob. But later videos emerged which completely debunked the claim of the police, as it was seen that the sadhus were in the custody of the police, but the police personnel handed them over to the mob. The mob then proceeded to beat them to death in front of the policemen.
Later, it was also reported that the killing of the Sadhus may have been intentional and politically motivated. The involvement of Christian Missionary organizations, some local NCP leaders, and leftists was also suspected. However, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Aditya Thackeray categorically downplayed the incident and claimed that the state has never seen any kind of mob lynching incident. In an interview with the Lallantop, Thackrey claimed that the state had never seen any kind of mob lynching case.
Have you ever heard of mob lynching in Maharashtra?
There has never been any mob lynching in our state
He was then criticized by BJP’s Amit Malaviya who posted a video on X appealing people to vote wisely. “Aditya Thackeray can’t seem to remember Palghar lynchings, perhaps because those lynched were saffron-clad sadhus and grandson of Balasaheb Thackeray despises everything Hindu… Maharashtra will never forgive the Maha Vinaash Agadhi,” he said.
Aditya Thackeray can’t seem to remember Palghar lynchings, perhaps because those lynched were saffron clad sadhus and grandson of Balasaheb Thackeray despises everything Hindu…
Massive mismanagement was reported in Maharashtra during the active spread of Coronavirus. The number of recoveries was allegedly misreported by the state to show that the methods being adopted by the state to prevent the spread of the virus were working well.
Further, the coronavirus patients being treated at Mumbai’s Sion Hospital emergency ward were allegedly sharing beds, with two people being allocated to a bed. A rise in the shortage of beds was reported. The patients, many with coronavirus symptoms were also sharing a single oxygen tank. The videos of the patients lying almost on top of each other, sleeping on shared stretchers, or just lying on the floor had also gone viral years back.
Amidst allegations of mismanagement, a marketing campaign was however launched to show how CM Uddhav Thackeray was the best Chief Minister and was handling the pandemic rather effectively. While the suspicions about the PR campaign for Uddhav Thackeray were just about gaining wind, a tweet by actress and model Urvashi Rautela had given fuel to those speculations. Refuting allegations of plagiarism, she said that it was the “same tweet” that was “provided” to “her and Siddharth Malhotra” by the Mumbai Police and hence, “nobody copied anyone”.
‘Modi ji is country’s PM, not BJP’s PM, why is he not campaigning for MVA’: Uddhav Thackeray
Ahead of the Maharashtra elections, Uddhav Thackeray went on a bizarre rant against Prime Minister Modi during a political rally in the Wani district. Thackeray contended that the Prime Minister is the country’s leader and not the BJP’s leader alone and he should have come for political campaigning for the Maha Vikas Aghadi, the alliance that is fighting BJP-led Mahayuti Alliance for the upcoming Maharashtra polls.
“Modi ji is the Prime Minister of India, not the PM of BJP. If he has taken the oath of treating all citizens equally, why is he not here campaigning for the Maha Vikas Aghadi? Are we not Indians?” Thackeray said.
"Modiji is Prime Minister of India, not PM of BJP. If he has taken an oath to treat all as equal, why is he not campaigning for MVA? Are we not Indians?"
Thackeray’s confounding attack against the Prime Minister has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum and has led many to infer that the MVA is indeed lagging in polls as one of its senior leaders attempted to gaslight the public by training guns on PM Modi.
Uddhav Thackeray had earlier slammed the Election Commission officials for checking his bags at the Wani helipad in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district. He released a video in which he could be seen identifying the government identities of the officials and expressing anger over checking his bags. He alleged that the ECI officials had been checking only the bags of the opposition party members and not that of the Mahayuti alliance members.
“Why are only our bags checked? Have you checked Modi’s, Amit Shah’s, Devendra Fadnavis, or Eknath Shinde’s bags?” he asked. To this, the ECI officials stated that the said leaders had not come to the district yet for campaigning. The officials also assured them that their bags would also be checked if they came here.
The 288 legislative assembly seats in Maharashtra will go to the polls in a single phase on November 20th while the counting of votes will take place on November 23rd.
The Organiser Weekly recently went to Sahibganj in Jharkhand’s tribal-dominated Santhal Pargana division to gauge voter sentiment ahead of the assembly elections. The region has been in the news due to the high infiltration of the outside Muslim population, including settlement of illegal Rohingyas and swift demographic change—issues that have also been raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
In a YouTube video uploaded on 12th November titled “Jharkhand | Why People In Santhal’s Sahibganj Will Vote For BJP?” the locals conveyed their views on the aforementioned issues. “We will vote for those who would do good work,” stated Parasnath Ram, a tribal as he shared his problems. “People from Dira have settled here,” and added, “We won’t allow them to enter. It would be very difficult,” when asked about Bangladeshis and reiterated that they cannot come here.
Another person, Soni Lal Kumar Chaudhary declared his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted, “I will vote for the BJP because it is doing a lot of things for me including providing toilets, water tanks, taps in every home and electricity,” When inquired about Chief Minister Hemant Soren who has been in the state for so many years, he responded, “I will not support him because he has not done anything for me. He only works for his caste. He is a Scheduled Tribe and I am an OBC (Other Backward Class).”
He also stated that Hemant Soren was a Christian when questioned. He even discussed the problem of rampant conversion in the area and announced that his vote was for PM Modi irrespective of the candidate. “I will only cast my ballot for lotus.” He added that the party isn’t against any community or religion. It treats them equally and works for their development. “There are no discrepancies or discrimination in his policies due to which I support PM Modi,” he underlined.
Rajwada, a Congress voter for many years and supporter of its alliance with JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) also confirmed that the BJP is going to come to power in the state and the atmosphere is in their favour. “I will vote for Alamgir Alam as Congress as he is from,” he stated and admitted that he is a beneficiary of the policies of the Modi administration including free ration and pension. However, he yet again clarified that he supports Hemant Soren and Alamgir Alam.
A resident named Ram Tehel Singhji also stated that his vote was for the BJP and mentioned, “I will vote for the party even if he didn’t get anything. My sons will vote for Hemant Soren but my wife and I will vote for the BJP.” Another man declared that he would vote for the saffron party and conveyed, “We will earn if we work hard,” when asked what the BJP had done for him. “The election is not one-sided,” he added.
Afterwards, two other people expressed their happiness over the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. “This is a matter of great joy and good fortune. Congress party ruled for seventy years but didn’t take the matter seriously. Lord Ram returned after 500 years because humans were the roadblock. They were not allowing him to come back to his palace. The BJP government broke the proverbial locks and made it possible. Now, a grand temple stands at the place and lakhs of devotees visit and bow their hands there as well as seek the Lord’s blessings. What could possibly be more joyful than this,” one of them stated.
When asked about how Bangladeshis are being settled in the area and new voters are being added, according to news reports and whether it is true he replied, “It has been happening on the ground. It has been happening in Barharwa and Pakur among other regions.” He further charged, “They marry tribal women and stay in the area. Our daughters and lands are in grave danger. We are observing everything but what can we do? We are helpless. We are not the administration. Infiltration is indeed taking place,” in response to the mentioning of Jamai Tola, a locality where infiltrators are residing with the women of the tribal community after marrying them. He accused that these things were transpiring right under Hemant Soren’s nose. “All of them are in this together. They are Hemant Soren’s voters. He gets votes from them,” he added.
A vendor named Dilip Chaudhary stated that he would vote for the BJP. “My entire family, even my father and grandfather have been BJP’s voters. I will also do the same until I am alive. Our footsteps would be followed by the future generations as well. I have nothing to do with the BJP’s work. My only concern is earning for myself. I don’t want anything from PM Modi. God is providing for the necessities of my family with the hard work I am doing. That is all I want. Narendra Modi is the best prime minister. He has been in power for the last three terms and will continue for many more. He should be prime minister for as long as I live, at the very least.”
He also expressed his happiness over Ram Mandir and hoped that the dispute at Kashi and Mathura would also be resolved in favour of the Hindu community. “PM Modi now has to turn them into paradise then tourists who come to India can also visit the places,” Dilip mentioned that he has been running his stall for the last thirty to thirty-five years. Meanwhile, a woman working alongside him voiced similar sentiments and also raised the “Jai Shri Ram” slogan.
The serious problem of Bangladeshi intruders
Jharkhand Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held in two phases from 13th to 20th November and the results will be declared on 23rd November. Meanwhile, the problem of Bangladeshi infiltrators and the protection of tribal land and identity have emerged as major issues in the state and Santhal Pargana has been most affected. The Muslim-dominated regions of Santhal Pargana were visited by an Organizer team where amidst several obstacles, thirty-five Hindu families are fighting to uphold and conserve their customs. There are almost 11,000 Muslim families in the area that surround these Hindu households.
Nevertheless, despite pressure from nearby Muslim families, Hindus celebrated Chhath Puja there. Hindu households have virtually vanished from areas like Mansingha and Rajmahal, while mosques and madrasas have sprung up every few kilometres. The BJP has been voicing concerns about these issues regularly. Numerous obstacles confront the remote Hindu communities in this region. They have abandoned fishing since the Muslim majority in the area forbids them from doing so. “We have been paying tax for years, but things changed after 2014 when we felt that the central government has supported us. This change also brought challenges. Now we are not allowed to go to fishing areas,” unveiled a local man named Dhani Chaudhary.
“Even during weddings, controversies are created due to music. When azan is given or namaz is read, the baraat has to go silent. If this is not done, then the occasion is often spoiled by quarrels and fights with us,” he added. “These newcomers are not the Muslims of our country. Their number is increasing month by month and soon they will spread to Bengal,” feared Rajkumar Chowdhury who is also from the area.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised to crack down on Bangladeshi illegal immigrants entering India. He stated, “If infiltration remains unchecked, illegal immigrants will become the majority in Jharkhand in the coming 25-30 years. Do you want Girdh to be filled with infiltrators? Can Hemant Soren stop it? Will Congress stop this influx of illegal infiltration? How can they do it? These infiltrators happen to be the vote bank of JNM and Congress. If Jharkhand continues to be ruled by them, they will not allow the deportation of illegal immigrants,” on 20th September during his election rallies in Girdh and Sahibganj.
“Change the government once in Jharkhand. I want to assure you that the BJP will drive out Rohingyas and illegal Bangladeshis from Jharkhand, one by one. They are destroying our culture. They are encroaching upon our land. They are engaging in fake marriages with our daughters. And they are killing opportunities for local employment. There is no place for illegal immigrants in Jharkhand,” he declared. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh had launched a “strong protest” afterwards.
On Monday (11th November), thousands of students demonstrated outside the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) Gate number 2 in Prayagraj, asking that the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) preliminary examinations, as well as the Review Officer and Assistant Review Officer (RO/ARO) examinations, be held in one shift. They carried posters and chanted slogans opposing normalisation.
Students began congregating at the UPPSC early in the morning, and by midday, thousands of aspirants including women had marched in the direction of UPPSC Gate No. 2.
The protest against the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) was a week after multiple shifts for a single exam were scheduled. Notably, the RO-ARO preliminary exams will take place in three shifts on December 22 and 23, while the UPPCS PCS preliminary exams will be held in two shifts on 7 and 8 December.
Lakhs of students are expected to take the UPPSC RO/ARO exam, which was originally scheduled for the 29th of January and 2nd of February but was cancelled due to a paper leak and was thus and will now take place in December. Notably, back then, the exam was conducted in a single shift. As per a TOIreport, around 16.52 lakh candidates have registered for the coming RO/ARO exam.
What are the demands of the protesting aspirants?
Before the RO/ARO exam, the Provincial Civil Service (PCS) preliminary examination will be conducted on 7th and 8th December. The protesting candidates are demanding that the RO/ARO preliminary exam date be changed. According to the candidates, scheduling both examinations in the same month will have an impact on their preparation. Thus, the commission should change the date of the RO/ARO exam. The aspirants say that this is the first time that the UPPSC is conducting two major examinations in the same month.
VIDEO | UPPSC PCS Preliminary Exam 2024: Aspirants continue their protest outside the UPPCS headquarters in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
“Our main demand is that PCS and RO/ARO examinations should be conducted on the same day in a single shift. We suspect that if this examination is held on different days, there may be a lack of transparency in the paper, and the possibility of rigging may increase. We believe that conducting the examination on the same day will ensure fairness and equal opportunity,” a protesting student from Mirzapur told TheHindu.
Another protestor said, “We are protesting to express our disagreement with the new rules. We’re waiting for the UPPSC chairman to come and talk with us on the recent changes made for the examination.”
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Aspirants in Prayagraj continue their protest outside the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) office. They are demanding that the PCS and RO/ARO exams be conducted in one day and one shift.
Aspirants in Prayagraj continue their protest outside the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) office on Tuesday (12th November) as well. They are demanding that the PCS and RO/ARO exams be conducted in one day and one shift. Rapid Action Force (RAF) and police personnel were present at the spot.
Our history grows in the shadow of struggles
The world moves in the direction in which youth moves…🔥🔥
Notably, many aspirants are also opposing the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)’s normalisation policy. It must be noted that UPSC normalises marks acquired in subjects such as mathematics to ensure parity among candidates who chose different subjects. The UPPSC claimed that they plan to apply this approach to exams taken on different days, with scores calculated using a percentile system. However, students say that this procedure is complex and may not be fair, particularly when exam difficulty varies drastically.
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: Candidates protested opposing the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)'s normalisation policy, leading authorities to turn the area outside the Commission’s office into a fortified zone. Along with the police force, the Rapid Action Force… pic.twitter.com/xIECsuVO9c
UPPSC responds to criticism over multiple shifts and normalisation policy
Meanwhile, a UPPSC spokesperson issued a statement earlier saying that in order to “ensure the integrity and quality” of examinations, only government or government-funded educational institutes located within a 10-kilometre radius of a bus stop, railway station, or treasury, and with no history of suspicion, controversy, or blacklisting, would be designated as examination centres. This arrangement was created in response to candidates’ requests for “maintaining exam purity and quality,” the statement reads adding that it is “essential to hold exams in multiple shifts” since there are over 500,000 candidates.
The Commission’s spokesperson also added that when exams are held over multiple days or shifts for a single advertisement, the “normalisation process is essential for evaluating the results.” The method is widely used by reputed recruitment boards and commissions across the country, and it is upheld by numerous court decisions. The Supreme Court-appointed Radhakrishnan Committee for the NEET exam also recommended that the exam be conducted in two shifts, as was the police recruitment examination.
Amidst the widespread protests and social media outrage, UPPSC issued another statement assuring the aspirants that the concerns raised by them as well that rules in this regard will be taken care of in the normalisation process. Furthermore, the Commission said that any candidate who wants to give their suggestions in this regard write the same to the Commission. UPPSC said that these student suggestions will be placed before the experts and whatever changes will be made will be done as per the rules.
“In the context of normalisation, the Commission welcomes suggestions from candidates. Anyone with recommendations for improvement or a better system is encouraged to submit them. These suggestions will be reviewed by a committee of eminent experts, ensuring that the necessary purity and quality, in the best interest of the candidates, would be upheld,” UPPSC said.
Politicisation of student protests begins
Mocking the UPPSC’s normalisation policy, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav decided to score political points against the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party government. “Will BJP apply the normalization formula even in the elections being held on different days? Parents today say, we don’t want BJP! when bjp will go then the job will come,” Yadav posted on X. The Samajwadi Party leader has been regularly publishing posts accusing the BJP of being “anti-youth”.
क्या अलग-अलग दिन हो रहे चुनावों में भी भाजपा नॉर्मलाइज़ेशन का फ़ार्मूला लगाएगी।
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also attacked the Uttar Pradesh government and said: “It is unfortunate that lathi charge was done on the students protesting for their demands in Prayagraj. The students raising their voice against the arbitrariness of Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission should be listened to carefully. This is not the first time that the BJP is trying to suppress the voice of the youth in this way. Earlier too, attempts have been made to suppress their voice when they demanded jobs or protested against recruitment scams and paper leaks. Understanding these problems of the youth, the Congress Party had talked about taking concrete initiatives under the Youth Justice Guarantee. Under this, we had made 5 promises including the guarantee of immediate permanent appointment on 30 lakh government posts, freedom from paper leaks and timely recruitment through the job calendar.”
प्रयागराज में अपनी मांगों को लेकर प्रदर्शन कर रहे छात्रों पर लाठी चार्ज किया जाना दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है। उत्तर प्रदेश पब्लिक सर्विस कमिशन की मनमानी के ख़िलाफ़ आवाज़ उठा रहे छात्रों की बातों को ध्यान से सुना जाना चाहिए।
यह पहला मौका नहीं है जब भाजपा युवाओं की आवाज़ को इस तरह से दबाने…
Meanwhile, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya directed the UPPSC officials to quickly address the concerns raised by the protesting students, emphasising that students should be able to spend their precious time on preparation instead of agitation.
यूपी पीसीएस परीक्षा में एक से अधिक दिन की परीक्षा, निजी संस्थानों को केंद्र न बनाने और मानकीकरण प्रक्रिया को लेकर छात्रों की चिंताएं गंभीर और महत्वपूर्ण हैं। छात्रों की मांग है कि परीक्षाएं पूरी तरह निष्पक्ष और पारदर्शी हों, ताकि उनकी मेहनत का सम्मान हो और भविष्य सुरक्षित रहे।…
“The concerns of the students regarding more than one-day examination in UP PCS exam, not making private institutions centres and standardization process are serious and important. The students demand that the examinations should be completely fair and transparent, so that their hard work is respected and their future is secure. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ji, the BJP government has set an example of fair recruitment process by taking strict action against the recruitment mafia since 2017. The government has shown its strong will by giving appointment letters to about 7 lakh youth. All competent officials should listen to the demands of the students sensitively and find a quick solution. Ensure that the precious time of the students is not spent in agitation but in their preparation. The pending cases in the court should also be resolved quickly so that the future of any student does not remain in the dark,” the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh said.
In an important, yet overdue, move towards respecting religious diversity, Air India has decided not to serve Halal meat to non-Muslim passengers. The Halal meals, labelled as ‘Moslem Meal,’ are now available as a dietary preference and will be served only to customers who have opted for them.
Other options on the flight include diabetic meal, gluten-free meal, non-vegetarian meal, vegan meal, Jain meal, Kosher meal, Hindu meal, and more.
The step taken by Air India is a welcome move as it respects religious diversity without imposing particular dietary practices upon unwilling participants. Previously, in Air India flights and, in fact, in most flights, restaurants, and food chains, Halal meat was the default choice, as Hindus and Sikhs often did not enquire about how the meat was prepared. In contrast, Muslims are particular about their dietary choices and prefer not to eat in places where Halal meat is not served.
Upon realising how Halal meat has dominated dietary options and is being imposed on Hindus, Sikhs, and other non-Muslim communities, voices have been raised against the practice. Air India has become one of the first service providers to respect the dietary choices of not only Muslims but all communities.
India is a pluralistic society. It is crucial that religious choices, especially those concerning food, remain precisely that—a choice. The menu now available on Air India’s website has distinct options catering to different communities based on religion and food preferences, such as Jain meal or Hindu meal, as well as vegan meal or fruit meal. The menu seeks to accommodate the cultural and religious dietary preferences of every passenger, which is a welcome move.
However, the core issue remains the implicit expectation that all non-vegetarian food served must be Halal-certified, thus catering exclusively to Islamic dietary laws. The choice provided by Air India should not be limited to Air India but should be extended to all places that serve food. The approach of serving only Halal-certified meat is inherently unfair to Hindus, Sikhs, and other non-Muslim communities who may object to consuming food prepared according to Islamic rules.
Understanding Halal and its religious context
For those who are unaware, Halal, which literally translates to “permissible” in Arabic, refers to food prepared following specific Islamic guidelines. The process of Halal certification includes slaughter practices with distinct religious elements. It primarily involves invoking Allah’s name and a specific method of killing the animal.
Halal is not just a label; it is a religious practice embedded within Islam. For many Hindus and Sikhs, consuming Halal meat is objectionable. Unlike Halal, Hindu dietary requirements do not impose such prescriptive religious rites upon their food sources. Thus, the compulsion to eat Halal meat can be considered particularly insensitive towards non-Muslim communities.
Respecting diverse religious practices
Air India now offers a wide selection of meal types, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to serving India’s diverse passengers. However, it is notable that only Halal and Kosher meals are prepared in kosher-certified and Halal-certified kitchens. The rest of the meals do not undergo such separations in the kitchen. The next step should be to ensure division at kitchen counters where vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian foods are prepared separately, respecting dietary and religious preferences. After all, just as Muslims are entitled to Halal options, Hindus, Sikhs, and others deserve the freedom to eat in a manner that aligns with their beliefs. It is not just about the labels but about respecting everyone’s choice and faith.
Reasserting the rights of the majority
In a secular democracy, the rights of religious minorities are essential. However, this does not mean that the rights of the majority can be overlooked. Hindus have long resisted Halal offerings on religious and cultural grounds. Yet, Halal food has increasingly been normalised without sufficient discussion on its appropriateness with all stakeholders. The silent imposition of Halal on a broader population has resulted in alienating Hindus and Sikhs and disregarding their right to non-Halal food. In a pluralistic society like India, freedom of choice should be available for all communities, regardless of their population size.
The Halal economy and its hidden dangers
The growing “Halal economy” extends far beyond individual dietary choices, involving an entire ecosystem driven by Islamic certification standards. The Halal economy’s expansion impacts industries ranging from food and finance to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, where Halal-certified products are increasingly favoured or required.
This certification process often provides funds to Islamic organisations and businesses, potentially creating an exclusive economic circuit that disadvantages non-Halal producers. Moreover, in countries like India, where the majority population is non-Muslim, the unchecked growth of the Halal economy risks sidelining local businesses that do not or cannot comply with Halal requirements, inadvertently enforcing a religious mandate on diverse populations.
Furthermore, there is evidence that some organisations providing Halal certifications have links to terrorist outfits, raising the possibility that funds collected through certification may be diverted to such organisations.
The way forward – True choice in food
A sensible solution to the Halal economy is simple: ensure the availability of non-Halal meat options alongside Halal options in all public food services. All establishments that serve food must offer non-Halal options so that the dietary preferences of all customers are respected. Dietary preferences are, after all, a choice. They should be defined and implemented as a choice, not as a forced preference. The availability of diverse meals on Air India demonstrates the possibility of respectful accommodation.
The debate over Halal in India reflects a growing awareness that non-Muslims should not be compelled to follow Islamic dietary rules. Air India’s move is a beginning. But the real issue of the silent imposition of Halal on everyone still persists in India’s food sector. A truly inclusive approach would ensure both Halal and non-Halal choices are available, with non-Halal as the default and Halal as an option, allowing passengers to eat according to their beliefs without imposition from religious practices that are not their own.
India prides itself on religious diversity. In such a country, respecting the dietary customs of all religions should be non-negotiable. Businesses that serve food cannot cater exclusively to the dietary choices of Muslims while ignoring those of non-Muslims. Air India’s initiative should spark broader changes across all public institutions, from airlines to schools, hospitals, and even workplaces. Only then will we have a society where individual rights are fully respected, and freedom of choice is genuinely upheld.
In a significant move, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to pick Rep. Mike Waltz as his White House National Security Advisor (NSA). In an exclusive report by the Wall Street Journal, it has been revealed that while Florida Senator Marco Rubio may become Secretary of State, Waltz is seen as Trump’s choice for NSA.
Mike Waltz is known for his firm stance on national security and global defence, bringing a veteran’s perspective to key global issues including Pakistan, China, and NATO. In the past, he has voiced opinions that align closely with Trump’s stand on foreign policy. Waltz has advocated for a more robust US position on global security threats, balancing burdens with allies, and strengthening ties with democratic partners like India.
Mike Waltz on China – confronting an ‘aggressive force’ in the Indo-Pacific
According to Waltz, there is a need to confront China’s increasing influence and authoritarian policies, specifically within the Indo-Pacific region. When he was a member of the House China Task Force, Waltz worked to shape US policy towards a more assertive stance against encroachments by China in regions like Taiwan, the South China Sea, and areas of strategic importance to allies like India and Australia.
In an interview with WION network, Mike Waltz highlighted his stance, stating, “The Chinese Communist Party is a destabilising force across the Indo-Pacific. It’s not just the Chinese people who suffer under this authoritarian regime; it’s also Taiwan, the Philippines, India, the United States, and more. Democracies need to come together to deter this type of aggression.”
Furthermore, he emphasised that the US-India relationship is central to countering China’s influence in the region. In the same interview, he remarked, “The trajectory of the US-India relationship is only getting higher and stronger. We’re working together in various spheres, from defence to energy,” which is vital for stabilising the Indo-Pacific and presenting a unified front against Chinese aggression in the region.
Waltz on Pakistan – condemning the use of terrorism as state policy
Waltz has been outspoken about Pakistan’s continuous support for terrorist organisations. He has warned against the destabilising impact of such policies on South Asia. Waltz has urged Pakistan to abandon any affiliation with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba that threaten both regional and global security. During the interview with WION, he said, “I’ve said to my Pakistani counterparts many times that terrorism cannot be a tool of foreign policy. And whether that’s through Lashkar-e-Taiba or other types of terrorist groups, it’s just unacceptable. And the Pakistani government and the Pakistani military and intelligence services have to move past that, and we will continue to press them to move in the right direction and not use terrorism as an instrument.”
Mike Waltz on NATO – advocating for European burden sharing
Mike Waltz has been a longtime advocate of equitable burden-sharing within NATO and has strongly endorsed Trump’s position that European allies should contribute more substantially to collective defence efforts. In September 2023, he wrote an op-ed for Fox News, where Waltz outlined his stance, stating, “Stopping Russia before it draws NATO, and therefore the US, into war is the right thing to do. But the burden cannot continue to be solely on the shoulders of the American people, especially while Western Europe gets a pass. There must be policy space between Biden’s current strategy of ‘as long as it takes’ and those demanding ‘not another dollar.’”
He also pointed out instances where major European powers, including Germany, fell short of their defence commitments pledged during the 2014 NATO Summit. He wrote, “Germany, the largest economy in Europe and the most pivotal balancer to Russia, pulled back at the last minute from enshrining the two percent annual commitment into law. That needs to change – the administration cannot expect American taxpayers to pay for European security indefinitely.”
Waltz specifically cited the Biden administration’s lack of assertiveness in compelling European allies to uphold their promises. He said, “In the near term, US military aid must be contingent on European burden-sharing and equal European assistance going forward. The US has provided nearly as much military aid to Ukraine – a reported $46.6 billion – as every other nation combined.”
His views reflect Trump’s broader “America First” philosophy, aimed at pushing for a recalibrated NATO where European nations meet their defence commitments so that the US can allocate resources to its borders.
Waltz on Ukraine – ‘The era of blank cheques is over’
Over time, Waltz has been a vocal critic of the US’s unconditional support for Ukraine. He emphasises the need for a clear objective in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In his op-ed, he argued that the era of Ukraine’s blank cheque from Congress is over. He asserted that, while most Americans are sympathetic to Ukraine, there is a need for a clear and achievable American objective. He questioned the Biden administration’s strategy, stating, “The Biden administration has neither explained the American objective in Ukraine nor his strategy to achieve it. Will American military spending continue until Ukraine has pushed Russia back to its prewar boundaries? Its pre-2014 boundaries? Or until the Putin regime collapses? We don’t know because Biden refuses to tell us. ‘As long as it takes’ is a slogan, not a strategy.”
Waltz called for conditional support based on European burden-sharing and stressed that US taxpayers should not be expected to fund the majority of Ukraine’s defence. He said, “As long as Biden refuses to secure our southern border, Americans shouldn’t be asked to continue funding the defence of Ukraine.” His approach reflects a shift towards a more calculated support model that aligns with Trump’s foreign policy preferences.
On strengthening India-US ties
Waltz has often expressed admiration for India as a strategic and democratic ally. He has previously described the relationship between India and the US as “essential” for regional stability. In his interview with WION, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the progress India has made in various sectors, including biotechnology, energy, and defence. Notably, in June 2023, Mike Waltz and Andry Barr introduced a legislation to allow weapon sales to India from the US to be fast-tracked and deepen the US-India defence ties.
Waltz, who participated in India’s Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, said, “It was a beautiful, amazing setting and what a historic setting. I mean the place of India’s first Independence Day speech by Nehru, the first prime minister. But I think what really jumped out at me was to hear Prime Minister Modi’s vision for India to be a fully developed nation by the 100th year anniversary, by 2047. It was very detailed, it was very forceful, very forward-looking. I thought it was a great speech and it was an honour to be there.”
Highlighting India’s “Make in India” policy, he said, “I support it. I think every strong economy and strong democracy wants to be able to defend itself and to be able to make that equipment. But it’s not just the co-production, which I support. It’s also conducting joint exercises, like the Malabar exercise, that’s happening right now in Australia with the Australian, Indian, and the US militaries all working together. So how do we employ that equipment in our training, operations, tactics, and planning together, which I think will help stabilise the Indo-Pacific and serve to deter a very aggressive Chinese Communist Party from many of the bad actions it’s currently taking right now.”
Future role and alignment with Trump’s policies
Waltz’s name being forwarded as NSA signals Trump’s intent to foster alliances with democratic nations while demanding fair contributions from NATO allies and partners. Waltz’s alignment with Trump’s foreign policy positions is evident in his straightforward approach to tackling issues of terrorism, burden-sharing in alliances, and the recalibration of US global commitments.
With Waltz as NSA, the Trump administration is expected to maintain a tough stance on adversaries while prioritising US interests.
On Monday, 11th November, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray slammed the Election Commission officials for checking his bags at the Wani helipad in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district. He released a video in which he could be seen identifying the government identities of the officials and expressing anger over checking his bags. He alleged that the ECI officials had been checking only the bags of the opposition party members and not that of the Mahayuti alliance members.
“Why are only our bags checked? Have you checked Modi’s, Amit Shah’s, Devendra Fadnavis, or Eknath Shinde’s bags?” he asked. To this, the ECI officials stated that the said leaders had not come to the district yet for campaigning. The officials also assured them that their bags would also be checked if they came here.
Further Thackeray expressed anger saying, “Will see. I am releasing this video. But then you’ll have to also send me a video of the bag-checking of the leaders I mentioned. You can check my bags. I’ll cooperate. Also, check my urine pot. See if you can find anything. I’ll later expose you then.”
VIDEO | Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's bags were checked by election officials after he arrived in Yavatmal via helicopter earlier today.
Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged ECI of adopting partiality in acts
The video since then has been making rounds on social media with opposition targeting the ECI officials and the ruling government alleging partial behaviour. Commenting on the event, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also said that the party has no problem if ECI is acting impartially.
“The Election Commission continues to do its work. Whether it’s Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Haryana, or Jammu and Kashmir, you check our belongings, our helicopters, private jets, and cars. You even reach our homes. We have no problem with that. If you are carrying out this work impartially, we have no issues,” he said.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, reacts on the bag checking of Uddhav Thackeray, says, "The Election Commission continues to do its work. Whether it's Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Haryana, or Jammu and Kashmir, you check our belongings, our helicopters, private… pic.twitter.com/4pAYyD87Fd
Thackeray, who stepped down as CM in the year 2022 also brought up the issue while addressing the rally at Wani. He said that the voters also have the right to check the bags of the senior leaders of the ruling alliance. “All these useless things are going on, I don’t consider it as democratic. This can’t be a democracy. In a democracy, no one is big or small. We believe in equal justice for all as per the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar. Those who rule by trampling democracy have decided to defy that Constitution at all levels. Today, Uddhav Thackeray’s luggage was checked by some officials. A similar inspection of traitors’ belongings must be done as well,” he said.
With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in place, poll workers often conduct surprise checks to prevent the transfer of gifts and cash to entice voters. Earlier, bags of NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader Dr Amol Kolhe were also checked. The leader too like Thackeray shot the video of ECI officials and posted on X saying, “The bag was checked again today, the second time during the assembly elections. Shiv Sena party chief Shri. Uddhav Thackeray was also examined. It is accepted that there are rules, but it is not accepted that only the opposition parties have to follow the rules and the ruling party has free rein everywhere. If there is a law, it should be the same for everyone!” he said.
आज पुन्हा बॅग तपासली गेली, विधानसभा निवडणुकीदरम्यान दुसऱ्यांदा तपासणी झाली. आजच शिवसेना पक्षप्रमुख श्री. उध्दव ठाकरे साहेबांचीही तपासणी झाली. नियम असतात हे मान्य आहे, पण नियम फक्त विरोधी पक्षांनाच असतात अन् सत्ताधाऱ्यांना सगळीकडे मोकळं रान असतं हे मान्य नाही. कायदा आहे, तर तो… pic.twitter.com/BK48pCmJel
CM Eknath Shinde’s bags were also checked during the LS election
It is important to note that the bags of CM Eknath Shinde were also checked during the Lok Sabha elections in May this year at Nashik. The video of the incident had gone viral over the internet in which the ECI officials could be seen checking his tow bags full of clothes. Shinde meanwhile could be seen co-operating with the ECI checking.
#WATCH | Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde's luggage was checked by Election Commission officers in Panchavati, Nashik. pic.twitter.com/1v1sBkNe4p
This is notable after the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that Shinde was carrying bags filled with cash to Nashik to gain support for the then-candidate Hemant Godse. Shinde then slammed Raut and said that unlike other people he didn’t have a habit of working secretly. “Some people work secretly. Eknath Shinde works openly,” he said.
In the given case, the video posted by the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray portrayed sheer arrogance towards the ECI officials who were just performing their duty. He alleged the ECI officials of ‘partial’ behavior and almost threatened them saying that he would expose them soon.
As per the final seat-sharing formula of the Mahayuti this time, the BJP is fighting on 148 seats, the Sena on 80, and the NCP on 53 seats. On the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) side, Congress is fighting on 101 seats, Sena (UBT) on 94 seats, and NCP (SP) on 88 seats. The 288 legislative assembly seats will go to the polls in a single phase on November 20th while the counting of votes will take place on November 23rd.
Uddhav Thackeray goes on a bizarre rant, asks PM Modi to campaign for MVA in Maharashtra polls
Uddhav Thackeray on Monday went on a bizarre rant against Prime Minister Modi during a political rally in the Wani district. Thackeray contended that the Prime Minister is the country’s leader and not the BJP’s leader alone and he should have come for political campaigning for the Maha Vikas Aghadi, the alliance that is fighting BJP-led Mahayuti Alliance for the upcoming Maharashtra polls.
“Modi ji is the Prime Minister of India, not the PM of BJP. If he has taken the oath of treating all citizens equally, why is he not here campaigning for the Maha Vikas Aghadi? Are we not Indians?” Thackeray said.
For the first time, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs under Amit Shah has declared grounds for refusing the approval required by the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to receive foreign funding. These include engaging in religious conversions and anti-development activities, maliciously encouraging protests, and having ties to extremist organizations. Director (FCRA) K Sanjayan released an official notification from the ministry on 8th November which was uploaded on an official website on 11th November.
“The Ministry has received representation from some of the associations stating that reasons for denying their application are unclear. The matter has been examined and is decided to disseminate the consolidated reasons for the denial of renewal/registration applications for the benefit of applicant associations. Accordingly, an illustrative list of reasons for denial of renewal/registration applications is tabulated,” it conveyed.
The press release then listed the reasons and stated that the license would not be granted if ” no activity has been carried out by the association or it has become defunct or the claimed activities could not be corroborated during field inquiry or field inquiry has revealed that no reasonable activity for the welfare of society has been undertaken by the association during the last 2-3 years” under section 12(4)(b).
The same shall be denied in line with section 12(4)(e) read with 12(4)(1)(iii) if there is an ongoing criminal prosecution against any office bearer, member, or key functionary, or if any of these individuals has been convicted under any currently enacted laws. The notice informed, “Prosecution for any offence is pending against any office bearer(s)/ member(s)/ key functionary(ies) or any of the office bearer(s)/ member(s)/ key functionary(ies) is/are convicted under any law for the time being in force.”
“Not responding to clarifications sought or the association has not provided the requisite information/document(s) despite the opportunity given. Concealment of facts/information by the association in its application form or the application form is incomplete,” were also presented as the reasons under section 16(2) read with section 12(4)(1)(iii) in case of renewal and 12(1) and (2) read with 12(4)(f) (iii) in case of registration along with section 16(2) read with 16(1) for renewal and section 12(2) for registration.
The appointment of fake members was also included as a reason under section 12(4)(a)(i). It highlighted, “Any of the office bearer(s)/ member(s)/ key functionary(ies) is/are not found at the given address provided by the association in its form FC-3C/FC-3A or field inquiry has revealed that office bearer(s)/ member(s) / key functionary(ies) is/are fictitious / benami / only for namesake,” would lead to the rejection of the license.
“The association does not exist at the given address provided by the association in its form FC-3C/FC-3A,” under section 12(4)(a)(i) was given as another reason. “The certificate of registration of the association has already been cancelled. Therefore, as per section 14(3) of FCRA, 2010, the association is not eligible to accept FC for three years from the date of cancellation,” under section 16 read with section 14(3) was also added in the notification.
“Association has diverted foreign contributions for carrying out anti-development activities or inciting malicious protests. Field inquiry has revealed the likelihood of personal gain by the association or by the office bearers or the likelihood of utilization of FC for undesirable activities. Jon Field inquiry has revealed adverse inputs against the association (e.g., involvement in anti-developmental activities, inciting protests with malicious intentions, linkage with terrorist organisations / anti-national organisations etc.),” according to section 12(4)(a)(vi), 12(4)(f)(ii), 12(4)(f)(iii), section 12(4)(a)(vi) read with section 12(4)(f)(iii) and section 12(4)(a)(vi), 12(4)(f)(ii) read with 12(4)(f)(iii) were stated as more reasons for the refusal.
“Association or its office bearer(s)/ member(s)/ key functionary(ies) having linkage(s) with radical/terrorist entities. Field agency has reported adverse inputs against the association and acceptance of FC is likely to affect social/religious harmony or the association is involved in induced/forceful religious conversion/ proselytization or the association or its office bearers have a linkage with radical organisations.” under section 12(4)(a)(vi), 12(4)(f)(ii), 12(4)(1)(iii) with section 12(4)(a)(vi) and 12(4)(f)(vi) read with 12(4)(f)(iii) were pointed out as the following conditions for the denial of FCRA license by the home ministry.
The release then underlined more reasons under “Exclusive to Renewal applications (Form FC-3C)” and stated, “During the last 05 years the association has not utilized any FC for projects as per aims and objectives of the association. The association has not uploaded the Annual Returns of any of the previous 6 Financial Years (Non-filing of annual returns is a violation of section 18 of FCRA 2010 read with rule 17 of FCRR, 2011),” under section 12(4)(b) and section 12(4)(a)(vii).
The notice then included further grounds under section 12(4)(a)(vii) along with examples. It mentioned, “Association has violated any one or more of the provision(s) of the act or rules. (Some examples of violations are:- (a) Admin expenses of more than 20% (b) discrepancy in annual returns (c) non-compliance of mandatory intimations (d) not utilizing contribution for the purpose for which the contribution has been received (e) not intimated change of office bearer/member/key functionaries as mandated in Rule 17A (f) not uploaded bank statements, income and expenditure account, receipts and payment account and balance sheet along with annual return in Form FC-4 (g) not intimated any change in details such name/address, nature, bank account, the opening of new account as mandated in Rule 17A (h) transferred FC to a bank account which is a non-FCRA account (i) transferred non-FC fund in FCRA account (mixing of FC and non-FC) (j) the association has utilized FC for speculative activities (k) the association has transferred FC to another association in contravention of Section 7 of FCRA, 2010 etc.).”
The ministry under the “Exclusive to Registration applications (Form FC-3A)” headline informed, “Association has not fulfilled the criteria of spending a minimum amount of Rs 15 Lakhs of its core activities for benefits of society during the last three financial years. The association is not in existence for three years,” both keeping with section 12(2) read with Rule 9.
The notice has also informed, “Applications for the grant of registration and renewal received from the applicants are processed under the provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA, 2010 on “the Act”) and/or the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011 (“FCRR, 2011” or “the Rules”). Applications fulfilling the eligibility criteria including the conditions of registration under section 12(4) of the act are granted a certificate of registration. Applications not fulfilling the eligibility criteria including conditions of registration are denied. An E-mail message from the FCRA portal is sent to the E-mail ID of the association whose application is denied, conveying the reason for the denial of application duly mentioning the relevant provision(s) of the act. Applicant associations are also intimated through SMS.”
As of right now, 16,023 NGOs hold FCRA licenses, while 20,711 organizations have had their licenses revoked, according to MHA statistics. Since 2020, the centre has increased its scrutiny of NGOs under the FCRA. At least 335 NGOs and associations that were registered or had been given prior approval under the FCRA were inspected or audited by the MHA’s FCRA unit between 2019 and 2022 to see whether or not they were adhering to the regulations governing foreign funding.
The licences of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) and Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust (RGCT) in 2022 were also cancelled based on breaking the law. In September 2020, the FCRA was revised to prohibit foreign funding for public workers and to require Aadhaar Cards for all NGOs’ office-bearers. Additionally, organizations were prohibited by the modified statute from using more than 20% of foreign contributions for administrative purposes. Previously, the threshold was 50%.
The Congress party in the state of Karnataka is reportedly preparing for another level of ‘minority appeasement’. The Siddaramaiah government is reportedly considering the proposal of empowering the Muslim community by offering them reservations in public contracts.
As per a government official quoted by the Deccan Herald, the Siddaramaiah administration is considering a proposal to give Muslims preference in public contracts for building (civil) projects worth up to Rs 1 crore. If the plan is approved, Karnataka will receive a 47% quota in government bids. Politically, this is viewed as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah‘s attempt to unite the Ahinda (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) community.
Currently, Karnataka has reservations in civil works contracts for SC/STS, 24%, and OBC contractors from Category-1, 4%, and Category-2A, 15%. All of this notably adds up to 43%. The demand to add Muslims to Category-2B with a 4% reservation is being considered, however, the official stated that ‘no decision regarding the same has been taken’ in the case. Notably, the Siddaramaiah government is likely to table a bill in the winter session of the Assembly in this regard.
During his first time in government, Siddaramaiah implemented SC/ST contract reservations, and two OBC categories received the same privilege earlier this year. Besta, Uppara, and Dalit Christians are among the 95 communities classified as Category-1; Category-2A includes Kurubas, Idigas, and 100 other communities.
The government’s decision to expand contract reservation to Categories 1 and 2A is claimed to have irritated other contractors, particularly the Vokkaligas and Lingayats. They are putting pressure on the Karnataka State Contractors Association to hold a meeting and discuss the issue with the administration.
Congress defended reservation for Muslims
It is crucial to note that the BJP ahead of the state polls in the year 2023, had abolished the current 4% reservation (2B category) for Muslims under the OBC quota and transferred them to the 10% pool for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and increased the quota for Lingayats and Vokkaligas by 2% each.
“The Muslims have been shifted from 2A to EWS quota as there is no Constitutional provision for reservation for religious minorities. As per Dr Ambedkar, too reservation is for the caste alone. However, my government has decided to move the minorities to EWS as both the old and new categories have the economic criterion,” Bommai had said.
Notably, Siddharamaiah at that time had criticized the BJP for eliminating the 2A category (which had a 4% quota for Muslims) and allocating it to the Lingayats and Vokkaligas. “It is an effort to breed animosity between the communities,” he had said.
Also, recently, on October 26th, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the 4% quota given to Muslims, saying that the reservation had been in place in the state since 1994. “The Chinnappa Reddy Commission had recommended the 4% reservation (in 1994). The previous BJP government under Basavaraj Bommai had scrapped it,” he said while speaking to media in Bidar.
Promises made by Congress to appease the Muslim community
Interestingly, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls too, the Congress party had issued a promise of awarding public work contracts to people belonging to the ‘minority community’. In its manifesto issued ahead of the elections, the party promised to give a ‘fair share’ of opportunities to minority communities in public work contracts.
“We will ensure that the minorities receive their fair share of opportunities in education, healthcare, public employment, public works contracts, skill development, sports, and cultural activities without discrimination,” it had said.
Apart from that party announced several schemes in its election manifesto to appease the Muslim community. The grand-old party vowed to send Muslim students abroad and increase their scholarships. It hinted at repealing the Triple Talaq Act, allowing personal laws to supersede uniformity and entertain the wearing of non-essential religious clothing in educational institutes under the garb of the Right to Freedom of Religion.
The Congress further promised to appoint more judges, belonging to the Muslim community, to the High Courts and the Supreme Court. It assured to strengthen the ‘autonomy’ of the Commissions for SC, ST, minorities and OBC. The grand-old party also then suggested implementing the draconian Communal Violence Bill, which is aimed at disproportionately targeting the Hindu community.
It is notable here that no official confirmation regarding the reservation in public work contracts has come yet.
The Oxford Union has invited controversial Pakistani-origin ‘activist’ Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur, known for peddling disinformation on Jammu and Kashmir, to debate over the ‘need for independence’ of India’s integral territory. The event is scheduled for Thursday (14th November).
Muzzammil is infamous for parroting the Pakistani narrative on India’s Union territory with active backing from the military establishment and will speak for the motion ‘This House Believes in the Independent State of Kashmir’.
The Oxford Union in its Instagram post alleged, “The continued push for Kashmiri independence has sustained a long-standing struggle, rooted in the region’s quest for self-determination and autonomy. This has led to persistent unrest, human rights concerns, and renewed demand for autonomy among the Kashmiris.“
The ‘student society’ further claimed, “While nuclear-armed neighbours vie for control and geopolitical influence, the desire for peace among the population remains strong. Could an independent Kashmir be the answer to this enduring crisis?”
For the unversed, Muzzammil is the son of London-based ISI agent Ayyub Thakur. The latter had founded both ‘The Justice Foundation’ and ‘World Kashmir Freedom Movement’, which is now being run by Muzzammil.
During his lifetime, Ayyub Thakur was involved in lobbying for Jammu and Kashmir. He also channelled funds from Pakistan’s ISI to Islamic terrorists in the region including £70000 to Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Syed Salahuddin.
Screengrab of the tweet by Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur
In an interview in 2015 for ‘Only Kashmir’ YouTube channel, Muzzammil acknowledged his father’s pro-terrorism stance on Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out how Ayyub Thakur funded terrorism in the region and considered it as ‘Jihad’.
Just like his father, Muzzammil was seen endorsing terrorists after they were neutralised by the Indian security forces. “Final words of smiling Kashmiri shaheeds (martyrs)…A lesson for all of us,’ he tweeted in November 2021.
Interestingly, he was earlier spotted alongside Nitasha Kaul – an anti-India activist who was invited by the Karnataka Congress government in February 2024 but deported after landing in Bengaluru.
Nitasha Kaul has shared the stage with anti-India individuals and organizations. She is well acquainted with ISI agents like Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur, whose father used to bring ISI funds to Kashmir. She attends multiple such anti-India seminars with Muzzammil. (11/13) pic.twitter.com/g502F7F6cg
In May 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir police booked Muzzammil under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for carrying out anti-national activities and threatening an Indian advocate named Syed Zeeshan.
A police spokesperson said, “Thakur, through his social media account and other platforms, is indulging in activities which are prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and unity of India.”
He added, “This apart, a proper complaint was lodged by Advocate Syed Zeeshan before Srinagar Police against Muzzamzil Ayyub Thakur and others. In the complaint, it is alleged by him that Muzzammil Ayyub at the behest of ISI and ISPR is threatening, harassing, carrying out criminal intimidation, besides being involved in cyber-crimes against the complainant.”
Muzzammil had also threatened a Kashmiri woman named Tasleema for exposing Pakistan’s propaganda at the United Nations. His X (formerly Twitter) account has been withheld in India.
Repeating Pakistani talking points on J&K
He had collaborated with the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on several occasions to disseminate Pakistani narrative on the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Post-August 5, 2019, when India illegally annexed occupied Kashmir, turning it from a de facto occupation to a de jure occupation, bifurcating the state and then turning it into a union territory, one of the lies was to bring development to Kashmir, make it prosper. The reality is that India has turned Kashmir into another East India Trading Company, making it open season for Indian businesses and so-called investors to loot, and in the process, destroy even ecology on the way,” Muzzamil said during one of his deranged rants.
In 2020, he was roped in by Turkish state-owned media ‘TRT World’ to spread canards about the situation at ground zero in Jammu and Kashmir.
Muzzammil had previously tried to create global outrage over the ‘Kashmir issue’ at the 52nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and had endorsed an anti-India magazine by the name of ‘Kashmir Inside.’
Poster featuring Muzzammil Ayyub Thakur as guest speaker in anti-India event
In October 2023, Muzzammil was seen pleading with the British government to interfere in India’s internal affairs during a roundtable conference hosted by ‘Tehreek-e-Kashmir’ in the British Parliament.
He also highlighted the importance of narrative-building exercises and public advocacy to tarnish India’s image and further Pakistan’s agenda among the youth. It partly explains what led to his thrashing during an anti-India event in London on 9th August 2024.
