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Uttar Pradesh: Crowd consisting Islamists pelt stones at police during Muzzafarnagar by-polls

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On Wednesday, 20th November, massive chaos erupted during voting in the Meerapur constituency of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh where a crowd clashed with the state police in Kakrauli, pelting them with stones. The situation escalated to the point where officers who were attacked by the miscreants resorted to disperse the crowd by using a pistol. The SSP has since arrived at the scene with additional forces to manage the tense situation.

As per the reports, the incident is believed to have happened when Muslims in huge numbers reached the spot to cast their votes. The Police then began controlling the crowd, checking the IDs of all the voters in line and asking them to follow the due procedure and discipline. Following this the crowd began pelting stones at the police after which the latter resorted to using a pistol to disperse the crowd.

After creating a ruckus, the crowd consisting of Muslims later allegedly began playing victim claiming that they were being harassed by the state police. SP candidate Sumbul Rana meanwhile alleged that the police ‘obstructed’ the voting process by scrutinizing voters’ IDs and allegedly harassing them. Similar unrest was reported in Sisamau, Kanpur, where Muslim voters alleged that the police were checking their IDs but then barring them from voting. SP candidate Naseem Solanki accused the police of using force and preventing people from casting their votes.

Similarly, AIMIM candidate Arshad Rana raised serious concerns, while Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Mithlesh Pal filed a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing former MP Kadir Rana of facilitating fraudulent voting. Rana further expressed frustration, stating, “There are significant issues here. Our supporters are being denied the right to vote, and the administration is not offering any assistance. Police are actively stopping voters.”

Muzaffarnagar SSP Abhishek Singh meanwhile denied the claims and said that the clashes were stopped by the Police. “During the Meerapur assembly by-election, there was a clash between two parties near village Kakaroli of police station area Kakaroli. Police reached the spot immediately and removed everyone using force. Peace is maintained at the spot and voting is going on in a free and fair manner,” he said.

Voting for nine Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh began at 7 a.m. on November 20 under tight security measures. Following intense campaigning and slogan-shouting by leaders from various political parties, the electioneering for these polls concluded on Monday evening. The constituencies where polling is taking place include Katehari in Ambedkar Nagar, Karhal in Mainpuri, Meerapur in Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, Majhawan in Mirzapur, Sisamau in Kanpur, Khair in Aligarh, Phulpur in Prayagraj, and Kundarki in Moradabad.

The results of the Uttar Pradesh by-polls, along with those for 15 Assembly seats in Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand, will be announced on November 23.

Uttar Pradesh: Body of Dalit girl found in a sack, family says she was killed by SP goons for supporting BJP

On 20th November, the body of a young Dalit woman was recovered in a sack near the Kanjara River bridge in Karhal, Mainpuri district, Uttar Pradesh. The family of the deceased has alleged that it was a politically motivated murder and accused a person named Prashant Yadav of the crime.

The victim’s family has further alleged that the deceased was raped before being killed. The victim had expressed her intention to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Karhal bypolls, which allegedly enraged Prashant. As per reports, he threatened the woman with dire consequences if she voted for the BJP and not the Samajwadi Party.

The family stated that she was threatened on 19th November. On the same day, she was seen being taken away on a bike by two suspects. On 20th November, her naked body was found stuffed in a sack. The police were informed about the incident, and an investigation into the matter has been initiated. Upon arriving at the scene, the police took possession of the body and sent it for a post-mortem examination.

Speaking to the media, the mother of the victim said, “Yesterday, my daughter told Prashant that she does not fear anyone and will vote for Kamal [the political symbol of the BJP].” She asserted that her daughter was strangled to death for suggesting that she would vote for the BJP in the bypolls.

The victim’s father said that three days prior to voting, they were planning to go to Kota. However, an SP leader asked them to leave only after voting and urged them to vote for the cycle (SP’s symbol). His daughter told the leader that she would vote for the BJP, after which the leader and his associates threatened the young girl.

He further alleged that when they went to Bablu and Prashant’s house to inquire about their daughter, both of them denied any knowledge. However, he alleged to have seen his daughter’s slippers at Prashant’s house. Later, they found her body in a sack near the Kajra River.

BJP leaders have demanded strict action in the murder case. Speaking to the media, BJP’s candidate Anujesh accused the SP of killing the Dalit girl. BJP IT Cell chief shared the videos of the victim’s parents and wrote, “The misdeeds of the red-capped goons are once again in front of everyone. The red-capped goons of Akhilesh Yadav, who gave the slogan of PDA, brutally murdered a Dalit girl in Karhal. Akhilesh Yadav should keep the goons of his party under control, otherwise there is the law and administration.”

BJP state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary said that a daughter, who had benefited from the public welfare schemes of the BJP government, was brutally murdered by SP leader Prashant Yadav and his companions. He added that the entire state is witnessing the mayhem caused by those wearing red caps.

In a social media post, he said, “The people of the state have kept them far away from power because of their hooliganism and bullying.”

In a press conference, he stated, “These are people of the mafia rule. The Samajwadi Party is pressurising people across the state to vote for SP by making fake identity cards. SP is nervous due to the fear of defeat.”

Mainpuri Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinod Kumar stated that on 19th November, they received a complaint that a 23-year-old woman had gone missing. The next day (20th November), her dead body was recovered. The parents of the victim filed a complaint against two individuals, Prashant Yadav and Mohan Katheria alleging that they killed the woman for favouring BJP in bypolls. An FIR has been registered based on the complaint, and both of them have been arrested by the police. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Bypolls took place in Karhal on 20th November after the seat was vacated following Akhilesh Yadav’s victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The seat has been considered a stronghold of the Samajwadi Party since 1993. Tej Pratap Yadav, nephew of Akhilesh Yadav, is the SP’s candidate from the seat. On the other hand, Anujesh Yadav, the uncle-in-law of Tej Pratap Yadav, is the BJP’s candidate. Yadavs comprise 1.4 lakh voters in the constituency, while Muslims and Dalits make up 15,000 and 40,000 voters, respectively.

Uttar Pradesh: ATS busts conspiracy to circulate fake currency during Mahakumbh, arrests Suleman and Idris, hunt on for mastermind Zakir

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police has exposed a conspiracy to circulate fake currency in Mahakumbh which is going to take place in Prayagraj. This shocking development transpired after the arrest of Mohammad Suleman Ansari and Idris who were nabbed from Sarnath in Varanasi on 19th November with counterfeit currency valued at Rs 1.97 lakh.

The authorities are now looking for their partner Zakir who is reportedly the kingpin of the racket. He used to hand over the fraudulent notes to Suleman and Idris, and they distributed the bogus money in various parts of Uttar Pradesh. Zakir is a resident of Malda in West Bengal. During interrogation, it was revealed that he received the fake Indian currency from Bangladesh.

Suleman and Idris are residents of Vaishali district of Bihar. Suleman used to make punctures in Malda where he came in contact with Zakir. The former was also caught by Bihar Police with fake notes worth Rs 2 lakh, after which he was imprisoned in Hajipur jail for about 6 months.

After the arrest of Suleman and Idris, Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) Inspector Bharat Bhushan Tiwari registered a case in Sarnath police station. OpIndia has a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) according to which ATS had received information regarding the smuggling of these notes in Uttar Pradesh.

On 19th November, ATS learned that a group of individuals had disembarked from a Varanasi train with a consignment of forged currency from West Bengal. The police began looking for the suspects. On the Faridpur bypass, two individuals were observed standing with backpacks. Both of them fled when they spotted the cops.

Following their capture, one of them identified himself as Muhammad Suleman Ansari (67) during questioning. He was found to have a mobile phone, PAN card, cash, and a train ticket. The other accused identified himself as Idris. Railway ticket and mobile phone were also recovered from him.

Bundles of fake 500 rupee notes were recovered from them during the search. According to both of them, two days ago, the accused left Vaishali for Malda. Zakir supplied them the money totaling almost two lakh rupees. They used to receive real notes worth thirty thousand rupees for counterfeit ones worth one lakh.

The accused admitted during questioning that they returned to West Bengal in different vehicles after acquiring the forged notes which were intended to be utilized in Varanasi. The remaining notes were then to be employed for the Mahakumbh Mela, which is scheduled for January of the following year at Prayagraj. Both of them had also made small purchases and bought tea with the false notes before being nabbed.

Ranting Gola, the troll who abuses BJP in all videos gets in trouble after video targeting Abu Azmi goes viral, comes up with an excuse that questions her conduct

On the 19th of November, a video of Modi-BJP detractor Shamita Yadav aka “Ranting Gola”, ‘ranting’ against Abu Azmi, the Samajwadi Party MLA from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar in Maharastra, went viral on social media. However, soon after, Shamita Yadav published a video claiming that her ranting video against Abu Azmi was based on a script and only for trial and she had not shared it anywhere.

In the viral video, Shamita Yadav said that despite being a three-term MLA Abu Azmi has failed to raise the issue of rampant illegal drugs sales in Govandi.

“Since the last 15 years, there has been an increase in drugs problem in Govandi but there is one more thing common in the last 15 years, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi. In the last 15 years he has not even written a single letter to the police to take action against drugs abuse. You have only one job, if you can’t even do that, why don’t you just leave the chair,” she said.

Furthermore, Yadav accused Abu Azmi of either making money from the drug business or himself running the nexus and said, “In a place where young people are being killed due to drugs, from 2009 to 2021, you (Abu Azmi) have got only 2 cases registered in the NDPC [it is Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, or simply NDPS Act]. You are either getting your Kharcha Paani or you are running this drugs business. You Nithallay [useless] MLA, in your Govandi, the average age of people in Govandi is just 36 years. Entire Mumbai’s bio-medical waste is burnt here, the smoke of SMS company has made it difficult to breathe, and a maximum number of TB patients in Mumbai are from here. So in the next batch of biomedical waste, get your shame also set ablaze.”

The “Ranting Gola” went on to slam the Samajwadi Party leader for allegedly muzzling the voices of those criticising him by filing false cases against them. “[You are] on top in Gundagardi, crime and if some social activist speaks up against you, then you file bogus cases against them. At least stop encroaching on the library. A leech-like yourself has not even spared the soil of graveyard. Why is there, not a single college or hospital constructed, did you shove all the official funds in your backside,” Yadav said and concluded her ‘rant’ with an appeal to the people of Govandi to vote for themselves and their issues instead of voting to make a candidate win.

As the video went viral on social media in no time, Shamita Yadav quickly published a video giving ‘clarification’ that the content of her rant against Abu Azmi was merely a “script provided to her” and that she had not verified the script. In addition, she said that it was made as a trial video and was not meant to be publicly released.

“Everyone must have seen that a video of mine against Abu Asim Azmi is going viral. I just want to clarify that this video is not verified by me. I was only given a script and was asked for a trial recording. This video was never made for public release. That is why you all must have noticed that this video was not uploaded by me on any of my social media handles. So I just want to tell you all that it is only a script and a trial recording and should be taken as that only. This video neither contains my personal viewpoints nor information verified by me…” Yadav said.

Given that Shamita Yadav is notorious for her annoying haranguing against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP-RSS and its supporters, her rant against the Samajwadi Party MLA came as a surprise for many on social media. However, as Shamita Yadav aka Ranting Gola published a ‘clarification’ video over her rant against Abu Azmi, many raised questions about her conduct and questioned if her ‘rant’ videos, often seen as political activism, are actually just ‘scripts that she reads from?’

Popular X user “The Hawk Eye” shared the viral video and said: “This is liberal’s darling, you-go-gal, more-pawa-to-u @therantinggola. Paw paw ne paise bhi ni diye aur @abuasimazmi se pangey alag.”

Another X user “Raja Babu” said: “When you don’t get money after promoting a movie”.

One X user named Mikku said: “This krantikari social activist used to label BJP leaders as ‘gundas’ but a single call from Abu Azmi made her realize who the real ‘gunda’ is. In this video you hear her saying “You file fake cases against activists opposing you” and she’s now apologizing for the same video.”

Meanwhile, “Incognito” said: “Ranting Gola is crying because her “scripted” video about Abu Azmi which was not meant for “public release” is now going viral. Lagta hai payment ruk gai.”

Although, “Ranting Gola” issued a ‘clarification’ that it was a script and that she was asked to make a trial recording, she did not elaborate on who provided her with the script or sought a trial recording. Was it her team? Or someone, possibly Abu Azmi’s political opponents wanted Shamita Yadav to make a video targeting Abu Azmi for money? While the real reason for Yadav’s backtracking on her rant against the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar MLA remains best known to her, it is obvious to speculate that the supporters of Abu Azmi may have criticised her, or maybe she did not receive the desired payment for the video in question.

Also, it raises the question of whether Shamita Yadav has turned ‘ranting’ into her full-fledged profession since her own admission in the ‘clarification’ video suggests that she is provided with scripts on various topics by someone else, that script is prepared by someone else and she ‘verifies’ the facts of the script perhaps only after receiving payment? Or maybe it is all a warp and weft of lies to escape threats and trolling from the Samajwadi Party leader and even avoid chances of having false cases filed against her by Azmi, as she claimed in her ‘scripted’ video that Abu Azmi files bogus cases against his critics to silence them.

Apart from the hilarity of this episode, it is evident that ranting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi is easier and safer in India than criticising any anti-BJP politician. Much like numerous other left-liberal ‘influencers’, “Ranting Gola” has also earned popularity within the Islamo-leftist ecosystem by slandering PM Modi and selectively targeting the BJP without facing any legal consequences or threats. However, one single video criticising the Samajwadi Party leader who is not even in a ruling government anywhere, forced her to issue ‘clarification’ distancing herself from her own comments and passing it off as ‘script’. This incident raises questions if most of the videos of Ranting Gola if not all, are purely propaganda ‘rants’ funded by certain individuals or political outfits against their nemesis.

Survey of Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: Muslims protest as court-ordered survey conducted

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On 19th November, a court-ordered survey was conducted at Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. As information about the court orders reached local Muslims, they gathered around Jama Masjid and started protesting against it. According to media reports, religious slogans were raised during the protest.

The Advocate Commissioner, who arrived for the survey hours after the court directed it, was accompanied by a heavy police force. Additional police forces were deployed, given the tense situation in the area, to maintain law and order. The police dispersed the crowd, and the survey was conducted peacefully for around two hours.

While the Muslim side has claimed that nothing incriminating was found during the survey, the findings will be examined by the court during the next hearing on 24th November.

Notably, the controversy around Sambhal’s Jama Masjid is not new. Once the survey was ordered, the region became communally charged. The market in the area was abruptly shut down.

Approximately four months ago, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had conducted a detailed survey of the mosque without triggering such tensions. However, the court’s directions to appoint a Court Commissioner and orders to submit a report by 29th November heightened concerns within the Muslim community. Several Muslim shopkeepers closed their businesses and rushed to Jama Masjid, while members of the Hindu community also closed their shops and returned home, due to the tense atmosphere.

The administration issued appeals for peace and communal harmony, urging locals not to believe in rumours or provocative messages circulating on social media. The police warned of strict action against individuals spreading misinformation that could lead to communal tension. Furthermore, appeals were made from the mosque itself to maintain peace. Although tensions flared during prayer time, Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Vishnoi managed the crowd, averting any potential law and order situation.

Additional police forces were deployed by SP Vishnoi from six police stations, including Sambhal Kotwali, Nakhasa, Hayatnagar, Kailadevi, Hazrat Nagar Gadhi, and Asmoli, to manage the situation. The atmosphere remained tense during the survey, and the police remained vigilant throughout.

Court Commissioner Ramesh Chandra Raghav, accompanied by District Magistrate Dr Rajendra Pensia, SP Krishna Kumar Vishnoi, SDM Vandana Mishra, and other officials, completed the two-hour survey. As they exited Jama Masjid in Sambhal, the situation stabilised.

Petitioner claims signs of temple, invokes religious prophecy

In his petition, Vishnu Shankar Jain asserted that the site showed signs of its Hindu origin. He cited carvings and symbols that indicated the presence of a Hindu temple. He also highlighted the significance of Sambhal in Hindu belief, as it is the prophesied birthplace of Kalki Avatar, an incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu, who will take birth towards the end of the Kaliyug.

The court, in its order, instructed the submission of a detailed report supported by photography and videography of the site. The findings will be reviewed by the court on 29th November 2024 to decide the next course of action. Meanwhile, an additional police force has been deployed in the area to ensure peace.

Outrage on Vinod Tawde, silence ‘bitcoin scam’ allegations against Supriya Sule: Is Rajdeep Sardesai repaying Sharad Pawar’s favour to his father Dilip Sardesai?

The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections are underway. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vinod Tawde has been accused by the opposition of giving money to people, however, he dismissed the claims later. Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule, leader of The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)- Sharad Pawar faction which is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has also been charged with embezzling Bitcoin scam funds.

Meanwhile, India Today ‘journalist’ Rajdeep Sardesai has once again taken a biased stance over the two issues. Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) members in Palghar, Maharashtra, accused BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde on 19th November of distributing money to voters. Afterward, Rajdeep Sardesai made several tweets regarding the issue which is a matter of investigation, and kept highlighting the issue.

“Huge: A day before Maharashtra goes to polls, major controversy. BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde trapped and gheraoed by a BVA MLA in a hotel in Virar, accused of having a Rs 5 crores cash bag with a diary of people to whom money given is reportedly mentioned. BJP and BVA activists clash. Money power in this Maharashtra election is worst kept secret. How can elections be free and fair if votes are ‘bought’? Will Election Commission of India investigate, act or stay quiet once again,” he stated in a tweet.

He then made another tweet about the three First Information Reports (FIRs) submitted in “cash for votes” issue at Tulinj police station. He wrote, “BJP candidate named in two FIRs. Vinod Tawde named in one FIR. BVA also named in one FIR. Total cash found 9 lakhs 53 thousand 900 rupees. 9,53,900 total cash seized by election officials.” The FIRs are filed over “illegal campaigning under 48 hours before voting, cash seized and illegal press conference by both sides.”

Downplaying the allegations against Supriya Sule he remarked. “Criminal and defamation case after purported audio clip of her claiming to seek Bitcoin funds for election campaign goes viral. Interesting that allegation was made by BJP within hours of the cash for votes allegations involving its senior leader Vinod Tawde became the big story. Even more intriguingly, the person who made the allegations had spent several months in jail. Maharashtra political drama needs an OTT serial to expose all the muck.”

Rajdeep Sardesai was providing up-to-date information on Vinod Tawde. Now, anyone can argue that Rajdeep Sardesai is a journalist, so what’s wrong if he’s tweeting over the matter? However, there is a problem. While Vinod Tawde was accused, Sharad Pawar’s MP daughter Supriya Sule was also accused of using the money from the bitcoin scam in the assembly elections and the BJP also raised the issue. However, Rajdeep Sardesai did not tweet even once about the allegations against her. The one who accused her is a retired IPS officer. An audio of a conversation has also surfaced, with some alleging that the voice is Sule’s. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also confirmed that he recognized the voice of his cousin Supriya Sule and it was her on the audio clip.

Rajdeep Sardesai while amplifying the allegations against Tawde, actively downplayed the allegations against Sule. A popular handle on X named ‘Eminent Intellectual’ asked if the cause behind the bias is the bond between Sharad Pawar and Rajdeep Sardesai’s father, Dilip Sardesai. The journalist is still repaying Sharad Pawar for a favor he did for his father, the handle suggested.

The handle named Eminent Intellectual on social media site X has revealed that in October 1993, Dilip Sardesai, the cricketer was arrested on charges of money laundering. Sharad Pawar was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra at that time. Eventually, this case completely disappeared. Maybe this explains why Rajdeep Sardesai still feels grateful to Sharad Pawar. On 20th October 1993, it was announced that Dilip Sardesai and Jayant Vittaldas, a businessman from Pune, had been detained in connection with a money laundering case involving 6.89 million US dollars (about Rs 58 crore in today’s currency) and placed in judicial custody until 29th October. The arrest took place after the Income Tax raid at Vittaldas’ place.

However, no one knows what happened later. With Sharad Pawar’s grace, Dilip Sardesai reportedly emerged unscathed. Maybe this explains why Rajdeep Sardesai continues to benefit from Sharad Pawar’s generosity and is paying him back by not tweeting on the allegations against his daughter.

Madras High Court stops Madras Music Academy from adding MS Subalakshmi’s name to the Sangita Kalanidhi award to controversial personality TM Krishna

On Tuesday (19th November), the Madras High Court restrained the Music Academy from presenting the Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subulakshmi award to Leftist activist TM Krishna.

In an interim order, Justice G Jayachandran stated that the Madras Music Academy can present the ‘Sangita Kalanidhi’ award to TM Krishna, but the name of legendary artist MS Subulakshmi shall not be added to it.

Srinivasan, the grandson of MS Subbulakshmi, and her legal heir, had moved the High Court challenging the Music Academy’s decision to award controversial artist TM Krishna in his grandmother’s name. Music Academy’s plea against Srinivasan’s petition has been dismissed by the court.

Notably, MS Subbulakshmi, the legendary Carnatic singer, said in her will in 1997 that no memorials, foundations, or trusts be established in her name. The court determined that Srinivasan, as the will’s beneficiary, had the locus standi to contest the presentation of the award.

“The best way to honour a departed soul is to honour and respect her wish and not to disrespect her. If any person is really having reverence and regard to MS Subbulakshmi, after knowing her desire and mandate, should not continue to give awards in her name,” Justice G Jayachandran’s order noted.

Musicians pulled out of Madras Music Academy’s annual conference 2024 after the Academy conferred the Award to TM Krishna

The Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subulakshmi award has been started to honour the Madras Music Academy each year. A number of singers and artists have objected to the Academy choosing controversial artist TM Krishna for this year’s award.

Earlier this year, several musicians, including the Trichur brothers and Dushyanth Sridhar, have pulled out of Madras Music Academy’s annual December conference to protest the Sangita Kalanidhi award to Krishna, who they allege has “glorified Periyar” and vilified the Carnatic music community.

The artists are miffed with the Chennai-based academy’s decision to bestow the honour, considered the Oscar equivalent in Carnatic music, on the 48-year-old vocalist. Krishna was picked to preside over the 98th annual conference and concerts of the Madras Music Academy later this year in December. 

Renowned Indian classical duo Ranjani and Gayatri said their participation in this year’s conference under TM Krishna’s presidency would constitute a “moral violation.” They accused TM Krishna of insulting the most respected icons like Tyagaraja and MS Subbulakshmi. The musicians further alleged that Krishna’s actions have “tried to spread a sense of shame in being a carnatic musician” and has been exhibited through his “consistent denigration of spirituality in music.” 

Subsequently, the sibling duo of Srikrishna Mohan and Ramkumar Mohan, otherwise known as the Trichur Brothers said participating in the year-end festival conference hosted by the Academy will make them “outright hypocrites in our own eyes.”

Further, three-time Grammy Award winner Indian music composer Ricky Kej condemned N Murali, the chief of the Madras Music Academy for writing an attacking letter against Carnatic musician sisters Ranjani and Gayatri.

TM Krishna and his controversial antecedents

TM Krishna, full name Thodur Madabusi Krishna, is an Indian Carnatic vocalist, author, and self-styled liberal social activist. Born on 22nd January 1976, in Chennai, India, Krishna has gained widespread recognition for his excellence in Carnatic music, a classical music tradition of India. He is the grandnephew of former Indian finance minister TT Krishnamachari, who was among the founders of the Madras Music Academy.

Apart from his musical pursuits, TM Krishna is also known for his self-styled social activism and advocacy for various causes which he considers attention-worthy. This includes caste issues, gender equality, and the democratisation of the arts. In the guise of addressing these issues, he had been a vocal critic of Hinduism and a staunch supporter of the Periyarite thoughts.

In his attempt to be vocal about the need to break down barriers in classical music and make it more accessible to people from all backgrounds, he often resorted to making various statements against particular castes and communities especially the Brahmins by quoting EVR Periyar. For those unversed, Periyar had a long history of spreading hate against Hindu deities including breaking Murthis to Ravana leela.

In March 2023, TM Krishna released a song in honour of Periyar to commemorate 100 years of his “anti-caste” movement. The post shared by TM Krishna was reshared by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin as well. Unsurprisingly, Tamil Nadu CM had come out in support of TM Krishna when the renowned musicians protested against Madras Music Academy over conferring the Sangitha Kalanidhi Award to TM Krishna.

TM Krishna has closely worked with Tamil writer Perumal Murugan, who has misrepresented Hindu temple festivals of yore in order to cast aspersions on the character of Indian men and women.

On Diwali last year, TM Krishna took to X to express his support for Palestinians saying that he found it difficult to celebrate the festival of lights at such a time.

“Difficult to celebrate the festival of lights when for people of Palestine lights indicate incoming death. Support for the Palestinians is support for all those who have been marginalised. In prayer for peace and a return of humanity,”

“Support for the Palestinians is support for all those who have been marginalised,” he wrote along with a photo of himself.

In an op-ed on 14th January 2024, TM Krishna trained guns at Infosys founder N Narayan Murthy and Sudha Murthy for endorsing longer work hours by likening their views to “Brahminism” followed by an unending rant.

In another casteist op-ed on 11th February 2024, he began by writing that the Indian classical dance form Bharatanatyam has been appropriated by Brahmins leading to its alteration and erosion.

TM Krishna, despite being a Carnatic vocalist himself, has said that Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam are not superior to other art forms. “Carnatic music is just like gaana, cinema music, or rock and roll,” he said in an interview in January.

In 2022, he performed in an event marking the Gujarat riots titled “Gujarat 2002-2002. Memories of Struggle.” He performed an “Urdu bhajan” at the event.

In an atrocious and misleading op-ed in September 2020, TM Krishna declared that Guru-Shishya parampara in Indian arts is abusive and should be abolished. He used the case of sexual abuse allegations against the Gundecha brothers to demonise the entire tenet of the Guru-Shishya tradition which has given India great artists and performers.

In 2018, irked by the outrage from Hindu connoisseurs of the arts for performing Christian hymns in Carnatic, TM Krishna vowed that he would sing one song on Allah and Jesus every month. The same year, admitted that he feels no empathy when RSS members are killed by communists or Islamists in places like Kerala. Trying to give context to his barbarian and bloodthirsty beliefs, Krishna had funnily blamed the Modi government for making him inhuman. “They (BJP and allies) have made the rest of us crass and inhuman to the extent that we are unable to empathise when an RSS member is killed,”

Most importantly, in the context of the current petition, on 24th November 2017, he said that MS Subbulakshmi was celebrated only because of her upper caste. He had said, “Earlier in her career, Subbulakshmi’s music had incredible freeness in spirit but later it was imbued with a certain sorrow that was mesmerising in itself. Her music was what it was because of the sorrow in her.”

PM Modi meets Acharya Jonas Masetti in Brazil and lauds his passion towards Vedanta and Bhagavad Gita

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On 17th November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Brazil for the G20 Summit, and in addition to his hectic schedule of meetings with many heads of state, he also had an interesting encounter with Acharya Jonas Masetti whom he lauded for his passion towards Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita.

Notably, PM Modi also talked about Masetti in a segment of his popular show “Mann Ki Baat,” in 2020.

The Prime Minister remarked, “His team presented glimpses of the Ramayan in Sanskrit. It is commendable how Indian culture is making an impact all over the world,” while posting glimpses of his meeting with Masetti and his team on social media.

The Ramayana was performed by the students of Masetti’s Vishwa Vidya Gurukulam, a Brazilian organisation dedicated to promoting Vedanta and Sanskrit. He had also welcomed PM Modi by reciting “Sanskrit Mantras.”

Acharya Jonas Masetti is originally from Brazil. He is also called “Vishvanath” and is known for teaching Vedanta and Bhagavad Gita across the world. He is a mechanical engineer by profession. He obtained the title of Acharya while studying Vedanta in Coimbatore under Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s tutelage. He established the Vishwa Vidhya Organisation, the first Gurukulam situated in the Petropolis hills close to Rio de Janeiro. Pequena Tribo (small tribe), his “social project” works to aid underprivileged kids. He stated, “The aim is to impart spiritual teachings through sports. Currently, we have more than 40 children and we plan to expand once the project gets mature and validated.”

He rose to fame in India after PM Modi recognized his contributions during an episode of his program “Mann Ki Baat” and stated, “Some people came to India in search of them and stayed here for life. While some returned to their countries as cultural ambassadors of India,” while referring to the profoundness of Indian culture.

Renowned for his humanitarian endeavors, Masetti is committed to promoting better cooperation between Brasilia and New Delhi in order to disseminate Vedic knowledge in the West. “India holds a special place in my heart. Its culture, traditions, teachings, and rich history have profoundly influenced my perspective on life. My life’s purpose is now to spread the same wisdom and enlighten the world through the teachings of Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita,” he stated.

Masetti, who has been to India numerous times, discussed his spiritual development, views on religion, and Indian culture when he visited the country last year. During an interview with The Indian Express he informed, “My first time in India was in 2005. I stayed for six months and it changed my life. I discovered a sense of belonging and could understand the culture from the society’s perspective. After that, I was certain of my path in life. I began studying Sanskrit, Mantras, and Puja alongside Vedanta which was already going on.”

He added, “My second visit in 2008 was to undertake a residential course with Swami Dayananda in the forest of Tamil Nadu. That was where I received my knowledge; My self-doubts were resolved. It was a rebirth for me. I became a simple and happy person. I found a new purpose for spreading the Vedic teachings in the West.”

He was also pleased that PM Modi had mentioned him in his program and expressed, “Being foreigners, there is a lot of resistance. Those who choose to go on this path (of spirituality) lack a sense of belonging. For us, it was very special because we felt that we were accepted. It was a reason for a lot of joy for us (being talked about in Mann Ki Baat),” during an interview with Jagran.

Masetti was born into a modest Rio de Janeiro household. He mentioned, “We were raised in the slums. My family struggled a lot. Priority for my mother was the education of her children. I was a survivor, and I believe it was my good karma to receive a good education.” He was able to graduate from one of Brazil’s best colleges with a degree in mechanical engineering. Later in his life, he had different therapies and spiritual sadhanas to move past his childhood trauma.

He confessed his dissatisfaction with life before his transition despite having everything that stoked his drive to pursue more and discover himself. He looked to India and Vedanata for solutions to his concerns after realizing that Western society was unable to provide him with better answers. He unveiled, “Well, I had everything that a Western society needs to have. I had family, friends and money. I used to go to parties but I was not feeling fulfilled. Also, the people I knew (the company managers and the big names) had a lot of trouble. People in the West take pills to sleep. They have a lot of stress. I thought this doesn’t make sense.”

He added, “I felt what the Western ideology was proposing to me wasn’t going to give me fulfilment. I started searching for answers and that’s how I came across yoga and Vedanta. It became a necessity when I realised that Western ideology and way of life could not lead me to happiness and peace. So I started searching and ended up in yoga and Vedanta.

“I had it all, success, wealth, recognition, but it wasn’t the life I truly wanted. I would often meet elites in my profession, and while they were nice people, their lifestyle wasn’t what I aspired to have. I wasn’t religious at that time, but that night, I asked for guidance from the universe. The next day, I woke up with the thought of doing yoga. My yoga guru was also a Vedanta teacher, and that’s how it all began,” he disclosed in another interview with Times Now.

Masetti admitted that he was having a crisis since he was unable to find happiness and he didn’t see other people happy, so he had to search widely. He added, “Actually, I didn’t choose Hinduism. When I chose Vedanta, I saw it as a means of knowledge and a tool for knowing myself. This was the main goal. In the course, I got to learn about Indian culture and temples. I realised I belonged to that. It was not like I chose it in the first place. My students are from all the religions. However, many of them became vegetarians and Hindus.”

He studied yoga and vedanta for ten years in Brazil and informed, “It (Vedic studies) was a slow movement in Brazil but it was happening. I decided to come to India and spent over four years at Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Coimbatore. It was not easy because I had a life back home in Brazil, but it has been the best decision of my life.” He studied Advaita Vedanta and Sanskrit over these four years.

He established the Vishva Vidya Organization in Rio de Janeiro after his return to Brazil. He then began educating people in Brazil and other Western nations about Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita. Swami Sakshatkrtananda, the guru of Acharya Masetti, was among many who were taken aback by the popularity of Vedanta in Brazil. He was astounded by their fervor for this ancient knowledge. “When my Guru came to Brazil, he commented that, ‘it seems like so many Indians have taken birth in Brazil’. Brazilians do not view Vedanta as a religious or cultural shift; it’s a pursuit of personal harmony,” he revealed. According to him, Indian and Brazilian civilizations are intertwined.

Masetti also shared what drew him to the Bhagavad Gita and highlighted that one doesn’t need to follow Sanatan Dharma to practice yoga, mantras or meditation. He stated that the vedic tradition offers a wealth of resources for human welfare without requiring anyone to adhere to any specific faith. “In the West, they have yoga, mantras and meditation. You don’t have to be a Hindu to practice such things. When you go to an ayurveda doctor, he doesn’t ask about your religion before treating you. Same way, the Vedanta teacher is not asked where you belong. My understanding is that Vedic tradition has so many tools for the well-being of humanity. The religion a person takes is his choice.”

“Every knowledge contained in Vedas couldn’t be reached through scientific experiences. Maybe you can prove some points. Everything that you receive from Vedas does not contradict science but they are not scientific,” he mentioned and added, “Science has its basis in Vedas but Vedas don’t have their basis in science. Science needs Vedas,” regarding the assertions that the basis of many scientific discoveries was Vedas. 

He also raised the horrific acts that Christians committed in the name of their faith, pointing out that although it could be claimed that all religions are the same, the people who follow them are not. He underlined, “I think the point is understanding prophets and sacred teachings. If you look at what Christianity has done in neuro in medieval times, it’s horrible. I am sure it has nothing to do with the teachings of Christ. Whatever is good for human beings is common. We can say all religions are the same but it’s not like the people following these religions are the same.”

He brought up his own research and experiences with the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta. He provided an insight of his acute comprehension and conveyed, “Of course, Vedanta has two basic teachings running together. One is Karma Yoga, the way of living ‘dharmik’ life and this is how you can stabilise your mind and emotions. There is always a self-understanding of the whole process. This is something that you can verify all the time. The second subject is Aatma Gyanam, the understanding of the self. It cannot be objectified. You can see your mind, body and the external world but you cannot see the witness. For this witness, you need a Pramaana. You get this certainty from the nature of self.”

The only thing that matters, he declared with delight, is that he was happier than he was before and added, “For me a good day of prayer and going to the temple is better than going to the beach, so I do that.”

Masetti highlighted, “Western ideology cannot bring you happiness. But the Indian culture, if you go beyond religion, and go for knowledge of the Vedas, all the cues are there for a person to become, mature, and peaceful. If you want to rule over western ideology, you need to embrace the Vedic culture. Comfort and happiness are two different things and I need to understand the difference. If I don’t see the difference, my mind will get attached to the materialistic world. Spiritual path has to be a part of life and not viewed as something that one picks up after retirement.”

He also talked about the westernization of young Indians and stressed, “Nowadays, the Indian youth is charmed by Western ideology, but I must say it is very shallow. It cannot bring happiness, peace, or a sense of adequacy. So I would say that for Indian youth, Vedas aren’t just a secret weapon for your own well-being but for success in life as well.”

“In Brazil, we have students from different religions who have become Hindus of their own choice. Ayurveda, astrology, asanas, and Vedanta are all tools for humanity. They are a means to live a happier and meaningful life. When the person is interested in healing, in happiness, in a better life; they should be open to receiving knowledge independently of the source. With Brazil being such a multicultural country, the people in general have an open heart. They are open to diverse cultures,” he stated.

He also talked about his initiative in his home country and stated, “We are doing everything on our own. All our classes are based on the contribution model. We have volunteers among our students. That’s how we have been run. I don’t want it to be a giant organisation. I am alone doing this. The next step would be to bring new teachers who could spread this knowledge.”

He then addressed the problem of a miserable life and dilemmea over specific issues. He mentioned, “In Brazil, we have a school called Chhatralya. That is for students who live in poor areas. Currently, there are 40 students who are receiving spiritual teachings. We think that spirituality comes naturally but it’s not true. You have to put hard work in that direction. My message to youths is that they are very charmed by the Western culture. I must say there is no fulfilment there.”

He declared, “I don’t claim to be superior or different than anyone else. I present myself as a human being who is keen on sharing the knowledge of Vedas and of course, helping others. I believe that human life is short and precious and following the teachings of Bhagavad Gita makes it worthwhile. Moreover, the essence of Vedas can only be passed to people who are sincere.”

PM Modi visits Guyana, first Indian PM to do so after 56 years, here’s how Modi’s Guyana visit matters for India’s energy security

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On Wednesday, 20th November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Guyana, and became the first Indian prime minister to visit Guyana in 56 years.

PM Modi was greeted warmly at the airport by President Irfan Ali and more than a dozen cabinet ministers, in an unprecedented gesture. The President of Guyana hugged and exchanged pleasantries at the arrival of PM Modi and the latter was greeted ceremoniously in Georgetown, Guyana, by a guard of honor.

During his visit, PM Modi has plans to address a special session of Guyana’s Parliament. He will also attend the second India-CARICOM Summit, which will bring together leaders from Caribbean partner countries. 

In a press briefing ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to Guyana, the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that PM Modi’s visit took place at the request of Guyanese President Mohammad Irfaan Ali. 

“Recently, there has been an uptick in high-level contacts between India and Guyana. President Irfaan Ali himself was a chief guest at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January 2023,” Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said. 

“We have had a longstanding developmental partnership with Guyana, and this is in the fields of health, connectivity, and renewable power. The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) built an ocean-going ferry, which we supplied to Guyana last year. We also supplied two HAL 228 aircraft under a line of credit to Guyana this year. Solar lighting for about 30,000 indigenous communities has been provided to 30,000 households. So far, we have 800 ITEC alumni from Guyana who have studied in India. We hope to partner with them in a number of fields, including in hydrocarbons, but also in areas of healthcare, education, and defense,” he added.

Energy Security: India’s priority during the visit to Guyana

Notably, as per reports, energy security will be Modi’s main priority during his three-day visit to Guyana, which has emerged as India’s key partner in the Caribbean. Guyana is a rapidly expanding nation as a result of the discovery of oil and gas reserves. India’s engagement with the country aims not only to improve energy security for India but also to increase Guyana’s stature among Global South nations and the Caribbean area.

India notably is also drawing on Guyana’s unique past. Nearly 40% of the country’s population is of Indian heritage, including President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, whose forefathers were carried to the Caribbean region as indentured laborers by the British in the middle of the nineteenth century. Many even today, continue to uphold the cultural and religious traditions of their ancestors, who were brought to Guyana between 1838 and 1917 as indentured laborers to fill the workforce gap on plantations following the abolition of slavery.

India’s visit to Guyana after 56 years

Before PM Modi, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had visited the region in the year 1968. Following this, President Ali visited India in the year 2023 after which Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo visited India the same year. Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips also paid a visit to India in February, followed by visits by ministers and military personnel. However, this time, PM Modi is set to hold delegation-level talks with Ali, address the Indian community, and address a special session at Guyana’s parliament.

The Indian community earlier expressed happiness over the arrival of the Indian Prime Minister. Raising the slogans praising Modi, the Indian said that they were excited and eagerly waiting to see PM Modi.

As per the reports, Guyana is experiencing annual economic growth exceeding 40% due to its booming oil and gas sector, making the country a key destination for traders and investors. Amid this surge in interest, India has deepened its engagement with Guyana, leveraging the strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations. Both countries are optimistic about forging mutually beneficial agreements.

Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, highlighted that a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would mark a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations. “Both countries can, through their cooperation, develop greater synergies in a variety of areas, including energy, agriculture, technology, and security. Already, we have strong bilateral ties, but with PM Modi’s visit, it is expected that the relations between Guyana and India will be taken to a level that will see enhanced benefits for both countries,” he was quoted as saying.

Scott MacDonald, an economist and Caribbean Policy Consortium scholar further opined that Modi’s visit aims to raise India’s global foreign policy profile while also tapping into the region’s developing energy complex. Guyana is rapidly emerging as a prominent player in the oil industry and is poised for continued growth in both oil and natural gas production. At the same time, India, allegedly grappling with a power generation deficit, relies heavily on imported energy. Neighboring Suriname is also on the brink of its transformation in oil and gas production. For India, the southern energy hub comprising Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and potentially Grenada holds significant geopolitical importance.

India and Guyana’s Strengthened Energy Collaboration

In recent years, energy collaboration between India and Guyana has strengthened, as evidenced by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) purchasing 1 million barrels of crude oil from Guyana, alongside another 1 million barrels acquired by a consortium led by HPCL-Mittal Energy. Additionally, state-owned ONGC Videsh and Oil India Limited (OIL) have shown interest in exploring opportunities in Guyana’s expanding oil and gas sector, the outlet noted.

India’s engagement with Guyana’s energy industry is part of its broader strategy to diversify energy sources, reducing dependence on the Middle East, which faces potential supply disruptions, and addressing scrutiny over oil imports from Russia. Guyana and neighboring Caribbean nations provide a reliable and stable alternative.

India also views Guyana as a strategic entry point to the Caribbean region. During his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with leaders from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional organization comprising 15 member states, at the Caricom-India Summit on Thursday. Co-chaired by Modi and Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, the summit aims to deepen bilateral partnerships.

CARICOM has indicated that the discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in key areas, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture and food security, health and pharmaceuticals, and technology and innovation.

Apart from all this, Modi is also scheduled to participate in a floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Georgetown, installed in 1969 to mark the centenary of Gandhi’s birth. Additionally, Modi will visit the Indian Arrival Monument, which commemorates the arrival of the first ship carrying Indian indentured laborers to the Caribbean.

Survey conducted at Sambhal’s Jama Masjid over temple claim, court cites petition on historical significance, demolition by Babar

On the night of 19th November, a survey was initiated at the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, hours after the Civil Court of Sambhal directed the same. The directive came in response to a petition suggesting that the mosque was originally the Hari Har Mandir, a Hindu temple, partially demolished in 1529 by Mughal invader Babar. The petition was filed by Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain. In his petition, Jain argued that the site holds religious importance for Hindus and demanded an Advocate Commissioner’s survey of the premises.

Following the court’s directive, the survey was carried out under the supervision of the Advocate Commissioner, with security provided by the Sambhal district administration. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia stated that the survey was completed, and the report would be submitted by the Advocate Commissioner to the court.

He said, “We ensured security for the survey. The Advocate Commissioner has completed the proceedings and will file a report in court. Any further action will be determined by the court.”

Petitioner claims signs of temple, invokes religious prophecy

In his petition, Jain asserted that the site showed signs of its Hindu origin. He cited carvings and symbols that indicated the presence of a Hindu temple. He also highlighted the significance of Sambhal in Hindu belief, as it is the prophesied birthplace of Kalki Avatar, an incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu, who will take birth towards the end of the Kaliyug.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Today the Hon’ble Civil Court Sambhal, on my petition, has directed a survey by the Advocate Commissioner in the alleged Jami Masjid in Sambhal, which was known as Hari Har Mandir. Babur partly demolished this place in 1529. It is believed that Kalki Avatar is to happen at Sambhal.”

Opposition from Samajwadi Party MP

Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq criticised the court order, referencing the Supreme Court’s 1991 directive to maintain the religious status quo as of 1947. Barq claimed that the Jama Masjid was a historical mosque and should remain recognised as such. He said, “This mosque has always been a mosque. Changing its status violates established law and disrupts communal harmony.”

Court to deliberate on findings

The court, in its order, instructed the submission of a detailed report supported by photography and videography of the site. The findings will be reviewed by the court on 29th November 2024 to decide the next course of action. Meanwhile, an additional police force has been deployed in the area to ensure peace.