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Amid economic struggles in China, police freezes assets of several private business owners, demands money for releasing funds

ANI
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Amid economic struggles in China, police freezes assets of several private business owners, demands money for releasing funds

Posts circulating on social media reveal that police across China have been targeting private business owners, freezing assets, and demanding money in return for releasing funds as per a report in the Voice of America.

Zhang Ke (not the real identity), a man hiding from police in Guangzhou since September, says he has done nothing wrong but is evading authorities to avoid extortion.

His ordeal began in July when all of his bank accounts were frozen by the Nanle County Public Security Bureau in Henan province. The reason: Zhang’s sports lottery distributor business, which he ran by offering clients a way to gamble remotely. In exchange for lifting the freeze, police demanded USD 55,000 — nearly the entirety of Zhang’s earnings, Voice of America (VOA) reported.

According to Zhang, he is far from alone. Nearly 10,000 incidents of asset freezes have been reported in just Guangzhou province, with many businesses, like Zhang’s, left vulnerable to such extortion.

Zhang’s business, which involves gambling on behalf of clients through social media platforms, operates in a grey area of Chinese law. While the sale of physical lottery tickets is regulated, the sale of sports lottery tickets online is prohibited.

However, Zhang’s company does not distribute physical tickets, making the law’s interpretation subjective and open to exploitation. Zhang believes the legal ambiguity allows cross-provincial police officers to exploit business owners for profit. “The lack of clarity and standards for interpretation provides these cross-provincial police officers an opportunity to incriminate tens of thousands of store owners,” Zhang explained.

The practice of what internet users are calling “offshore fishing” has become a widespread issue. Police from one province are seizing assets from businesses in other provinces, often transferring money directly into personal accounts, reported VOA.

“The police asked them for money and the money was then transferred to the policemen’s personal accounts, not to the public security bureau’s corporate accounts,” Zhang added.

Experts point to the country’s economic downturn as a driving factor behind this rise in unlawful enforcement.

Teng Biao, a professor at Hunter College, explained that local governments, once reliant on land sales for revenue, have been turning to “offshore fishing” as a means to fill their coffers. “The local governments used to rely on selling land for financial resources. But the economic downturn and crippled property market stripped them of that option,” he said as per the report by VOA.

Many business owners, including Zhang, have been forced to pay these illegal fines to avoid arrest. “If you don’t give the police money, you’re going to be locked up,” he said.

Zhang now believes his only option is to leave China altogether. “I don’t want to live in this land of China anymore; it’s disgusting,” he stated. 

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

Rahul Gandhi wrote an article to convince people that he is not ‘anti-business’, but ‘anti-monopoly’: Here is how he is fooling everyone

Ganesh R
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Rahul Gandhi wrote an article to convince people that he is not ‘anti-business’, but ‘anti-monopoly’: Here is how he is fooling everyone

Rahul Gandhi has recently written an article for a newspaper about his “new deal” for Indian business and also a video about how he is not “anti-business” but only anti-monopoly”.

While this may seem like a positive development, given his vitriolic attacks on Indian businesses especially ones engaged in infrastructure and other businesses with long cycles, there are more than enough reasons to be sceptical.

Let us go into the details. 

First, the article for Indian Express. Astute observers like Padmaja have alleged that the article is plagiarised from Edmund Burke’s paper for Cambridge, enhanced with some AI masala.

There were several high-profile reactions to the allegation as well.

In any case, it is quite likely ghost-written by some Palazzo serf. After all, the Crown Prince has in the past been photographed copying a simple obituary message from his mobile phone! His intellectual power is the stuff of WhatsApp jokes and memes.

Let us set aside the plagiarism part – frankly, I have not read the Burke article and I cannot confirm. In any case, what matters is what he is saying. Ghostwriting is also not uncommon among political leaders, let us skip that too. To be fair, he won’t be the first or only one and it is OK as leaders use aides and experts to write stuff. In a way that is better than spouting his own nonsense. 

I’m not even going into the issue of an entitled dynast from a family that monopolised power and privilege and wants to continue to do so in perpetuity, using a corrupt feudal ecosystem of media coolies, talking like a saint about monopoly. Let’s give him a free pass on that.

The gist of that article is that he links East India Company’s colonial loot with modern monopolies and offers us a “new deal” for “progressive” businesses. Bizarrely he lists Bajaj Auto among the companies that have “innovated” and “played by rules” in contrast with the “monopolies”. Ask your father or grandpa who had to wait years for a scooter that didn’t change much for years when Bajaj was the only game in town during the dynasty era! Small mercy he did not list Ambassador Car or Hindustan Motors, guess he too is clever enough to know they are out of business since the competition arrived.

The article was followed by a media campaign by the usual serfs to sell the article and its alleged author as some revolutionary that has come to clean up the Indian economy. It is amazing to watch the low bar the Darbari media ecosystem sets for the shehzada. Presumably, they think he is a dimwit so even putting out this article is a great sign of intellectual maturity and sagacity. 

Rajdeep Sardesai immediately declared it a “model” and wanted a debate with the Modi model! Is writing an article, plagiarised or otherwise, for a newspaper or portal a “model”?!

Shall we debate the “Ganesh model” then?! Rajdeep had no guts to question why that “model” was not implemented in states ruled by Congress or the nation when it had ample time to do so. After all, not just Bajaj and Ambassador, numerous other monopolies flourished in the dynastic loot era in a mutually convenient neta-babu-lala ecosystem. More on that later.

As if that article were not revolutionary enough he followed up with a short video on X where he declared he is not anti-business.

Now let us get to the meat of this article! Is this a sign of big change? Should we be fooled again?

Good news first – the very fact that he writes such articles and posts such videos is a sign of progress. He has not bothered all these years while spewing venom against businesses that takes us right back to the Nehru-Indira era of socialism. Clearly someone with brains is telling him – enough is enough and he should present himself as a PM role aspirant not some Maoist NGO activist. Small though the mercy is, it is to be welcomed.

After all, we know that Nehru-Indira socialism was just a facade for rent-seeking politicians, corrupt babus and crooked businessmen to continue to enjoy monopoly, producing the same product for decades without innovation, preventing entry of newcomers and imports. It was justified with grandiose statements of ideology and subaltern politics. Corrupt leftist academia/media ecosystem, in exchange for table scraps of loot, favours and gigs, sang praise of this system while the rest of India withered away or ran abroad. We saw countries like Indonesia or Malaysia that did not have this burden race ahead.

Even Modi Sarkar couldn’t completely take down this edifice of babudom because it is so well entrenched in years of dynastic loot rule. Every step forward he takes, he must face the entire ecosystem hollering blue murder, planting articles in the media. Like Congress forced to use ‘soft Hindutva’, Modi has also been forced to use ‘soft reforms’.

But there are more than enough reasons to be sceptical about this change if it is indeed one. Like his embrace of OBC politics and his sudden love for the constitution (or a red book with blank pages), this too could be a too-clever-by-half trick simply to get back to power again in Delhi so damaadshri can get back to his good old days. 

  1. He has not repudiated the neta-babu-lala ecosystem that Congress empowered, which resulted in exploitative monopolies and miserable products and services for consumers. He tried to go back to the colonial era to seek contrast when something much more recent was readily available. 
  2. He has not disassociated himself from the JNU Maoist cabal that has infested his inner circle nor has he reduced the role of Jairam Ramesh and other practically-commie advisors and sycophants. 
  3. Needless to say, he has not withdrawn from the INDI alliance that includes the CPM and other fringe left parties.
  4. He has not denounced or distanced from the Soros ecosystem that funds fringe left and other destructive outfits.
  5. He has not instructed his serfs like Jairam Iyengar to stop attacking Indian businesses trying to gain foothold abroad – instead they are attacking them non-stop. On the contrary, Macron, Biden, Xi or any other leader supports, even actively lobbies for their country’s business. 
  6. No one believes the “oh we are only opposed to big business exploitation” story – petty traders or factory owners can’t set up ports or railways abroad.  ALL business is for profit & therefore exploitative in leftist jargon. Boeing, Hitachi, Rafale, Adani, Huawei, Thales, Airbus – you name it, they are all the same and work for maximising profits. They get support from their governments. Not sabotage.
  7. His own CMs are ignoring his vitriolic rhetoric and signing up for deals and even photo-ops with the very same moneybags he is demonising. Rahul is simply trying to make a virtue out of a humiliating reality.
  8. His assurance in the article that even the monopolists shouldn’t be “in fear” seems like a pitch for donation or buying him off. After all that’s how Indian politics worked long before Modi or BJP.
  9. Yet another push factor is that the old class war tactics and pitting Indians against Indian business is no longer a saleable. It worked for Indira G but not now. People, whether they are employed or jobless, have come to realise that investments bring jobs. And private businesses, not Soros or NGOs invest. They are not fooled by anti-business rhetoric of corrupt dynasts they suspect are on the rolls of the same moneybags. 
  10. Again, dimwit shehzada belatedly realises he is stuck in rut of the 1950s and his voters have moved on. Let us not make a virtue of it.

So what will convince me and in my opinion, others like me that want to see India move away from decades of socialism and sloth, find it’s place in the world? 

  1. I want Rahul and Congress to completely rid themselves of Aiyars, Jairams and other JNU Maoist ideological waste that Deng flushed away – tell them to go join the CPM where at least they are honest about their plank and ideology. 
  2. I want Rahul to apologise for his past track record and that of his granny’s and stop demonising Indian business. He is free to point out specific charges of corruption but only if he has evidence – not empty words and rhetoric. 
  3. I want Rahul to speak on economic matters from the right – take on Nirmala Sitharaman and her MCA/IT babus and challenge them to de-regulate, simplify and reduce the burden of compliance, be it on GST, IT, Corporate laws or whatever.
  4. I want Rahul to speak about nonsensical rules and taxes like TCS – I want him to question why it took 11 years to get rid of angel tax terror and ask when the rest of the monstrosities will go.
  5. I want him to stand up for Indians facing up to babudom in their daily lives as businesses or individuals. Babudom, that is a direct product of 50 years of his family rule. I want him to DEMAND, not OPPOSE, outside talent in bureaucracy and government. Stop the hypocrisy – MMS was one, so was Rajan!  One is Khatri Sikh the other Tambram. Best way to help OBC and Dalits is create an economy that’s firing on all cylinders using best available talent. 
  6. I want Rahul to instruct his CMs to cooperate on GST reform – not just talk one thing in public and another in council meetings. Did any suggest simplified unitary rate that her talks loose about, put it to vote? We are not fools.
  7. I want to see Rahul attacking Modi for NOT doing enough to help our businesses conquer distant markets – not the reverse.
  8. I want Rahul’s advisors not to waste time ghostwriting articles, plagiarised or not. Instead draft a simple, beautiful IT Act or Companies Act and dare the Modi sarkar to pass it! Introduce the bill – you have enough talent and expertise. Then demand credit, you will get it!

Do this and more along these lines, Rahulji, you will have more of the young, educated, aspirational class of Indians supporting you. If not you are only left with sycophants like Rajdeeps, Sharmas, Banerjees and Pandey’s trying to sing songs. 

If I have not said this before, let me end this by saying it again – we are not fools. We have seen thru your nautankis and empty words. Three times. 

Odisha horror: Samir Mansoor befriends Hindu girl through online game, rapes her in hotel, pressures her to convert to Islam; arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Odisha horror: Samir Mansoor befriends Hindu girl through online game, rapes her in hotel, pressures her to convert to Islam; arrested

On 8th November, a woman filed a case in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, accusing a man named Samir Mansoor of Love Jihad. In her complaint, she said that Mansoor had been pressuring her to convert to Islam for a long time. When she refused, Mansoor beat her. The accused, who hails from Bihar, has been arrested by the police.

According to media reports, the complaint was filed by the victim at Bhubaneswar Women’s Police Station. The victim is originally from the Kujang Police Station area of Jagatsinghpur district. On Friday, 8th November, she approached the police to file the complaint in which she stated that she got in touch with Mansoor while playing an online game named “Free Fire” in 2022. When she initially interacted with Mansoor, he concealed his religion. Over time, the two grew closer.

After a few days, Mansoor started to manipulate her. In March 2024, Mansoor came to Odisha to meet the victim. He took her to a hotel room where he raped her. During that time, he also recorded videos of the act. Later, he started pressuring the victim to convert to Islam and marry him.

When the woman discovered that Mansoor was a Muslim, she started to distance herself from him and refused to convert to Islam. Angered by her refusal, Mansoor started blackmailing her with obscene photos and videos. He threatened to upload them to porn sites. The woman further said that he extorted Rs 5,00,000 from the victim’s family using these threats.

The victim further mentioned in the complaint that Mansoor is originally from Champaran, Bihar, and works as an electrician in Jammu and Kashmir. When he started blackmailing her family, the victim went into depression. In her complaint, she has demanded strict action against Samir Mansoor. Based on her complaint, the police have initiated an investigation into the matter.

Speaking to the media, Bhubaneswar Assistant Commissioner of Police, Subhanarayan Mruduli, said that a case has been filed against Samir Mansoor under Sections 376(1), 385, 386, 294, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the IT Act. He further added that the police have arrested Mansoor and further investigation into the matter is underway.

The rise and fall of DY Chandrachud as a ‘liberal hero’: Hit pieces by Caravan and Indira Jaising, ‘liberal’ whining and a scathing counter by the outgoing CJI

OpIndia Staff
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The rise and fall of DY Chandrachud as a ‘liberal hero’: Hit pieces by Caravan and Indira Jaising, ‘liberal’ whining and a scathing counter by the outgoing CJI

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, who retires on Sunday (10th November), has been the ‘blue-eyed hero’ of the left-liberal ecosystem since at least 2017.

Unable to ensure a democratic ouster of the Modi government despite relentless propaganda, the ecosystem had been harping on the Judiciary to engage in ‘activism’ and do the work of the clueless Opposition.

Given the overwhelming support for the incumbent government among the public, left-liberals had been hoping to exploit the judgments of the Supreme Court to their advantage and paint a ‘doomsday image’ of the state of affairs in India.

In that sense, the cabal had high hopes from various CJIs including DY Chandrachud. Those hopes were dashed sometimes when the apex court would find merits in the arguments presented by the government, prompting the left-liberals to cry ‘democracy in danger.’

On other occasions, the Supreme Court lived up to their expectations, reprimanded the Modi government and thus reposed their faith in democracy (which was otherwise ‘endangered’ until then due to unfavourable and inconvenient verdicts).

In that sense, DY Chandrachud had a promising start since his elevation as a Judge to the apex court in May 2016.

The peak of left-liberal fandom

Within a year into his tenure, he appealed to the hearts and minds of the left-liberal ecosystem by upholding ‘privacy’ as a fundamental right (K.S. Puttaswamy v Union of India).

In the following year, DY Chandrachud wrote verdicts that catapulted him to the stature of a ‘messiah’ within the cabal.

He upheld the validity of the marriage of Akhila Ashokan (converted to Hadiya) to Shafin Jahan, which the girl’s father Ashokan K.M claimed to be a case of deceitful conversion and grooming. The left-liberal coterie hailed DY Chandrachud for upholding the ‘right to choose one’s partner.’

He also ruled in favour of the Delhi government in 2018, emphasising that the centrally appointed Lieutenant Governor cannot act ‘independently’ and is bound by the Delhi Chief Minister’s advice.

In the same year, he upheld the decriminalisation of homosexuality (Navtej Johar v Union of India) and adultery (Joseph Shine v Union of India), called for protecting fundamental rights in the Bhima Koregaon case and penned a scathing dissenting verdict on the Aadhar Act.

“Passing of the Aadhaar bill as money bill when it does not qualify as a money bill is a fraud on the Constitution. It violates the Basic Structure,” DY Chandrachud had opined.

Although his minority verdict had no bearing on the constitutionality of the Parliament-approved legislation, he became an instant hit for standing up to the Modi government.

In 2019, DY Chandrachud ruled in favour of women’s entry (those between menarche and menopause) into the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha temple, thereby undoing 1000 years of tradition and culture. It was hailed as a decisive moment in India’s history of ‘women empowerment’.

He was elevated to the post of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on 9th November 2022. A year later, CJI ruled in favour of the Delhi government and held that the State and not the Lieutenant Governor had the ultimate control over the  ‘administrative services’.

This verdict also drew praise from the left-liberal nexus until the Modi government issued an ordinance and nullified it in its entirety. Dy Chandrachud also attempted to legalise same-sex marriages in India but it was in vain.

The Chief Justice of India became a true darling of the ecosystem when a Bench led by him declared the electoral bond scheme as ‘unconstitutional’ (Association for Democratic Reforms vs Union of India).

This was perhaps the zenith of DY Chandrachud’s fandom in the left-liberal coterie. He was hailed as the ‘saviour’ of Indian democracy against the ‘fascist’ BJP govt, even though almost all major political parties benefitted from them.

The vocal ecosystem was hopeful that the CJI would resort to activism, play the role of the Opposition and give verdicts favourable to their political dispensation.

The beginning of character assassination

Whenever their sinister ambitions remained unfulfilled, the left-liberals would resort to character assassination of judges, attribute motives to their verdicts and cry hoarse about the state of Indian democracy.

Even the blue-eyed liberal hero in the form of DY Chandrachud had to face their wrath. In 2018, he was villainised for not giving into conspiracy theories of ‘murder’ and ‘foul play’ in the death of Justice Loya, as raked up by the cabal.

The outgoing Chief Justice of India was part of the 5-Judge Bench that unanimously ruled in favour of the Hindu side in the Ram Janmabhoomi verdict.

For those who have been questioning the existence of Lord Ram and denying Hindus the right to reclaim their temple destroyed by Islamic invaders, the 2019 verdict was certainly a jolt. It was thus obvious that the ecosystem would demonise him in some form or other.

DY Chandrachud was also targeted for upholding the abrogation of Article 370 and not letting tensions in Kashmir simmer indefinitely. For those who have consistently benefitted from conflict in Kashmir, peace and territorial integrity certainly meant ‘bad business.’

As such, seperatist rhetorics, casting aspersions on the integrity of the Supreme Court became the new ‘normal.’

The ecosystem employed pressure tactics, and social media intimidation in the hopes of coercing the apex court into granting bail to Delhi riot accused Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. However, their plans failed to materialise.

They saw ‘hope’ in Indian democracy when Alt News co-founder and fake news peddler, Mohammed Zubair was granted bail by the Supreme Court. The same people alleged a ‘danger’ to democracy when the apex court gave bail to journalist Arnab Goswami.

The mental gymnastics of the left-liberals did not end here.

DY Chandrachud was explicitly targeted for not assigning crucial cases to Judges of their liking, entrusting the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to investigate dubious claims made by ‘Hindenburg Research’ about the Adani Group and reopening the doors of the Gyanvapi mosque and exposing the tyranny of Islamic invaders.

Hit piece by Indira Jaising

Senior advocate Indira Jaising, who served as additional solicitor general during the Congress govt, has written a vicious piece targeting DY Chandrachud. The article published in The Leaflet made several borderline, contemptuous comments about the outgoing CJI.

At the very onset, Indira Jaising claimed that DY Chandrachud subscribed to ‘Hindu right-wing ideology’ and did not stop alleged violence against minorities and human rights defenders.

She claimed that the outgoing CJI ‘consciously abandoned’ his commitment to the values of the Indian Constitution. Indira Jaising continued on the path of more word salad, making outlandish conclusions about the establishment of ‘de facto Hindu State’ under the CJI’s watch.

She reiterated the usual talking points about the now-shut Justice Loya case and cast aspersions on the integrity of Justices MR Shah and Bela Trivedi to the extent of painting them as pro-Modi.

Indira Jaising accused DY Chandrachud of assigning them important cases and thus ‘ensuring’ a favourable verdict for the Modi government.

“Under the watch of Chief Justice of India Chandrachud, the country saw judges of various high courts and the Supreme Court delay bail hearings and deny bail to human rights defenders,” the senior advocate made sweeping claims albeit without evidence.

She thereafter resorted to blatant guilt-tripping for not granting bail to Chief Ministers arrested over corruption. Indira Jaising made false assertions that Article 370 was abrogated through ‘unlawful means’ and cried foul over the completely legal visit of PM Modi to the residence of DY Chandrachud on Ganesh Chaturthi.

The former UPA-era additional solicitor general resorted to caste baiting, accusing the outgoing CJI of choosing a ‘savarna woman’ as the mrable lady of justice and ensuring 1/3 of all Supreme Court judges are ‘Brahmins.’

Indira Jaising concluded her atrocious rant by implying that DY Chandrachud is somehow devoid of constitutional morality.

Hit piece published by The Caravan

On 1st November, the leftist propaganda magazine ‘The Caravan‘ published a long piece (equivalent to 44 pages of a PDF), essentially raking up the same issues targeting the outgoing CJI DY Chandrachud.

Unlike the diatribe of Indira Jaising, The Caravan article relied primarily on anonymous sources to reach the same conclusion. To lend credence to the elaborate ‘character sketch’ of the outgoing CJI, 2 alleged Supreme Court judges and their supposed comments were also incorporated.

The piece began with claims of DY Chandrachud allegedly not entertaining politicians during the 150th anniversary of the Allahabad High Court in 2016 but taking a U-turn in 2024 by allowing PM Modi to visit his official residence during Ganesh Chathurthi.

The objective was to suggest a breach of constitutional principles, diluting the long-drawn lines of the Judiciary and the Executive.

The only thing that was breached that evening was the convention, set up by the ecosystem, to intimidate Hindus in positions of power from exercising their Right to Religion.

The liberal heartburn was evident, given that the two powerful men in their respective spheres were united in their devotion to Lord Ganesha. Just recently, DY Chandrachud was targeted for acknowledging that he sought spiritual guidance from the Almightly prior to the Ram Janmabhoomi verdict.

The article by The Caravan then followed the usual course of fearmongering, aimed at creating mass hysteria, by suggesting India’s plunge into theocracy (Hindu Rashtra). The whitewashing of Islamists such as Umar Khalid as ‘activists’ followed soon after.

The piece went on to highlight how the left-liberal ecosystem expected former CJIs and outgoing DY Chandrachud to toe their line but was let down by their verdicts (most of which have already been discussed).

One of them included asking all govt institutions (including madrasas) to unfurl the Indian tricolour on Independence Day. “The order came at a time when India was grappling with jingoism, following Modi’s election victory, and Muslims were regularly being questioned about their loyalty to the nation,” the article read.

The Caravan alluded that DY Chandrachud facilitated judgments in favour of the Centre by handling cases to ‘pro-Modi’ Judges.

The leftist propaganda magazine further suggested that the outgoing CJI got an easy entry to the Supreme Court owing to nepotism and engaged in ‘bench-fixing’ by handling important cases to judges, not aligned with its ideology.

The article highlighted the writer’s prolonged meltdown over the handling of the Justice Loya case, the Ram Janmabhoomi verdict of 2019 and the decision to kick open the Gyanvapi mosque to the Archaeological Survey of India.

“Despite the early hope, several judges and lawyers expressed becoming “extremely disappointed” with Chandrachud’s leadership. They described a failed balancing act in which Chandrachud tried to live up to his progressive image while avoiding moves that would upset the government,” the article claimed.

The Caravan accused DY Chandrachud of succumbing to government pressure during the appointment of Judges to the apex court as well as the High Courts, thereby not inducting many of those that align with the political antecedents of the leftist rag.

It villainised other Judges for not granting bail to Islamists in the anti-Hindu Delhi riot case and those accused of conspiring against the nation.

“This will also be part of his legacy—a mismatch between his stated ideals and how he allowed state persecution to persist,” The Caravan causally mocked the outgoing CJI.

DY Chandrachud also had to face the ire of the leftist propaganda magazine for not safeguarding the Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray in Maharastra.

He was also demonised for supposedly leaving loopholes in the 2023 verdict that gave powers to the Delhi government instead of the Lieutenant Governor over ‘administrative services’ and ‘allowing’ the Centre to overrule it through Parliamentary legislation.

The article concluded with more virtue signalling and hints to the upcoming CJI – Be prepared to tow our line or get your character assassinated by the might of our pen.

Scathing counter by outgoing CJI

A week before his retirement, DY Chandrachud gave a 100-minute interview to The Indian Express and silenced the propagandists who were cherry-picking his judgments and notoriously attributing motives to them.

On being confronted by two 2 equally left-liberal ‘journalists’ about not granting bail to Umar Khalid and Bhima Koregaon rioters, the outgoing CJI stated, “For the one or two cases, which you did mention, I can tell you at least a dozen cases, sensitive cases, somebody will call them politically sensitive cases…where we’ve dealt with those cases and bail has been granted.”

“When a judge applies their mind to the record, what emerges from the record may be very different from what is portrayed in the media on the merits of that particular case. And the bench of the court which deals with that case and decides, in your example as to whether to grant bail or not,” he added.

DY Chandrachud emphasised, “So ultimately, the judge has to apply their mind to the record of that particular case. Whether they are right, whether they are wrong, is something for everybody else to critique. But the judge looks at the record and then decides what to do.”

“I have always said that I’ve granted bail from A to Z, from Arnab to Zubair. So, that’s my philosophy,” he jokingly added.

He also talked about the concept of the ‘independence of the Judiciary.’ The outgoing CJI had highlighted, “Independence of the judiciary, even now, means independence from the government. But that’s not the only thing in terms of judicial independence.”

“Our society has changed since the 1950s or 1970s, particularly after 1990, when the market reforms took over. And particularly with the advent of social media, you see the growth of interest groups, pressure groups, and groups which are trying to use electronic media to sort of put pressure on the court to arrive at certain outcomes,” he stated.

DY Chandrachud raised alarms, “What you increasingly find is that a lot of segments of these groups say that if you decide in my favour, you are independent. If you don’t decide in my favour, you are not independent.”

“And that’s what I have an objection to. To be independent, a judge must have the independence to decide what their conscience tells them. Of course, a conscience which is guided by law and the Constitution. When you decide electoral bonds, oh, you’re very independent. But if a verdict goes in favour of the government, then you’re not independent. That’s not my definition of independence,” the outgoing CJI shut down the likes of The Caravan.

DY Chandrachud concluded, “Well, in cases which have to go in against the government, we decide against the government.But if the law requires a case to be decided in favour of the government, and I’m not just talking about, you know, the big ticket cases, but a taxation case, a service case, you have to decide in accordance with the law.”

Amid debate over demography change in poll-bound Jharkhand, 35 Hindu families surrounded by 11,000 Muslim families face challenges of existence in Santhal Pargana

OpIndia Staff
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Amid debate over demography change in poll-bound Jharkhand, 35 Hindu families surrounded by 11,000 Muslim families face challenges of existence in Santhal Pargana

Jharkhand Assembly Elections are just over a week away. Amid the contrasting political narratives of the ruling party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a lot of traction has been gained in the state. One point raised by the BJP in the campaign is the influx of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and the change in demography in the state. Amid this, a team of Organizer visited so-called Muslim-dominated areas like Santhal Pargana, where 35 Hindu families are struggling to uphold tradition amid the challenges they face, surrounded by over 11,000 Muslim families in the area.

This region, with its deep-rooted tribal history and districts such as Sahibganj, Dumka, and Pakur, has become a focal point of the electoral battle, with both parties pushing divergent priorities. The ruling party, JMM, is promoting welfare schemes such as monthly aid of Rs 2,500 for women and a higher Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers. On the other hand, the BJP’s campaign underscores issues of tribal identity (Adivasi Asmita) and highlights concerns about illegal immigration, alleging that unchecked settlements are altering the region’s demographics. JMM, however, has dismissed the concerns of demographic change, claiming that the BJP is fear-mongering.

However, Organizer’s report tells a different story. When the team reached Santhal Pargana, the Hindu families were demonstrating their resolve to celebrate Chhath Puja despite pressure from the Muslim families in the area. In villages like Mansingha and Rajmahal, Hindu families have almost disappeared. Every few kilometres, there are mosques and madrasas, giving the landscape a completely non-Indian feel. These are the areas where concerns raised by the BJP resonate strongly. The isolated Hindu community in this region often finds itself wrestling with a host of challenges, including restricted fishing rights and imposed ‘taxes’ on their agricultural yield by the local Muslim majority.

Speaking to Organizer, a long-time resident of the area, Dhani Choudhary, said, “We’ve faced these taxes for years. But things shifted after 2014 when we felt supported by the central government to resist. The change brought its own challenges; now, we face threats for venturing into deeper fishing areas.” Another villager, Ashok Choudhary, spoke about celebrating festivals under pressure. “Even during weddings, music is a point of contention. Our baraats have to be silent when prayers are held, and incidents of aggression often mar the joy,” he said.

The Hindu community’s experience highlights important issues during Jharkhand’s election period. As JMM and BJP compete for power, their different promises—JMM’s focus on social welfare and BJP’s emphasis on cultural and demographic security—directly impact these communities. While some may support JMM’s welfare schemes, BJP’s focus on cultural identity and demographic concerns resonates with many Hindus in border areas like Santhal Pargana.

Another resident, Rajkumar Choudhary, expressed fears about the rapid demographic shift. He said, “These newcomers aren’t the Muslims of our land. Month by month, their numbers swell, and soon, they will move beyond, expanding into Bengal.” Amid the demographic change, Chhath Puja has become more than just a celebration; it is a statement of resilience.

‘No well for Hindus’

Similar sentiments were expressed by Hindus who spoke to journalist Aditi Tyagi, who visited Madhupur for ground reporting during the elections. Speaking to an old Hindu resident of the area, Aditi was shocked to learn that Hindus cannot even access wells. When Aditi asked the old man about the main election issues for the residents, he got a lump in his throat and said, “The main issue is getting a well. When we went to local minister Hafizul Ansari four months ago to ask for a well, he refused to provide any support, saying Hindus won’t get anything.” He added that the Muslim community receives all the facilities, but Hindus get nothing. Pointing to his field, he said, “If we had the well, there would have been water, and we could have grown vegetables.”

Durga Visarjan not allowed

Another Hindu resident told Aditi about his ordeal, explaining how Hindus were not allowed to take out the Durga Visarjan procession during Navratri. He said, “Our idol immersion procession was stopped during Durga Puja… during this Durga Puja… pressure is maintained from the police station to every department.” He also alleged that there were attempts to set the house of a Hindu man, Pradeep Modi, on fire. He further alleged that Hafizul Ansari kept pressure on the local administration not to allow Hindus to celebrate festivals and hold events. He said, “They don’t allow us to play DJ during azaan or take out processions through Muslim-dominated areas… wherever Hindus become a minority, they [Muslims] pressurise them.”

Stone pelting on Hindus in Gopinathpur

In another video, Hindu women shared their ordeal of how Muslims pelted stones at them in Gopinathpur in June this year. An old man standing nearby said, “There were over 10,000 of them. The police could not control them. They had to fire shots in the air to disperse the mob. It was only because of the police that we were saved that day.” The Hindu woman said, “They still attack us. They enter our homes.”

Stone pelting on Hindus in Gopinathpur In another video, Hindu women shared their ordeal of how Muslims pelted stones at them in Gopinathpur in June this year. An old man standing nearby said, “There were over 10,000 of them. The police could not control them. They had to fire shots in the air to disperse the mob. It was only because of the police that we were saved that day.” The Hindu woman said, “They still attack us. They enter our homes.”

The situation in Jharkhand where Hindus are in minority is full of the complexities surrounding upcoming elections. The demographic and cultural tensions run deep in these areas. The experiences shared by the Hindu community illustrate the daily struggles they face to preserve their traditions amidst mounting challenges.

Maharashtra polls: Ulema Board extends conditional support to MVA candidates, demands ban on RSS, ₹1,000 crore for Waqf, 10% reservation for Muslims and more

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra polls: Ulema Board extends conditional support to MVA candidates, demands ban on RSS, ₹1,000 crore for Waqf, 10% reservation for Muslims and more

On Friday, 8th November, ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled in Maharashtra on 20th November, the All India Ulema Board extended its support to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance led by the Congress party. The Board has stated that it will support the MVA candidates from Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Congress in the upcoming elections to form the government. However, this support is not unconditional.

In the official letter issued to the party heads, the Ulema Board has imposed several pro-Muslim conditions and has urged the MVA heads to fulfil those in exchange for Muslim support amid the elections. One of those is the ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha (RSS). Here are the nine crucial conditions imposed on the MVA by the Ulema Board among the 17 total:

  1. The Ulema Board has urged the MVA to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill and seek its repeal.
  2. The Ulema Board has requested the Maharashtra government allocate Rs 1,000 crores to the Maharashtra Waqf Board.
  3. The Ulema Board advocates for legislation in the Maharashtra Assembly to remove encroachments from Waqf properties.
  4. The Board is calling for a 10% reservation for Muslims in Maharashtra.
  5. The Ulema Board demands that educated Muslims receive preference in police recruitment within the state.
  6. The Ulema Board seeks a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) upon the formation of the MVA government.
  7. The Board calls for the immediate imprisonment of BJP leader Nitesh Rane and Ramgiri Maharaj and the release of Salman Azheri, who has faced legal action over controversial statements.
  8. The Board has asked the state to implement law against anyone who speaks against Mohammed Prophet.
  9. The Board also wants the state to pay Rs 15000 per month to Maulana and Imams of the Masjids operating in the state.

It is believed that the NCP leader Sharad Pawar has taken cognizance of the conditions and expressed gratitude for the Ulema support. He has issued a letter to the Ulema Board expressing the importance of the Board’s support.

It is crucial to note that around 180 ‘NGOs’ are working on the ground to mobilize Muslim votes in support of the MVA in the state elections. The said ‘NGOs’ are working specifically among the Muslim community to raise ‘awareness’ and increase the community’s voter turnout against the BJP, the strategy that helped the MVA led by Congress during the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

As per the reports, in predominantly Muslim areas such as Shivaji Nagar, Mumbadevi, Byculla, and Malegaon Central, voter turnout during the Lok Sabha election was significantly higher than in nearby assembly segments. This increase has been attributed to heightened ‘awareness’ and concerns within the Muslim community, with targeted efforts over the past year.

The Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh (MMSS), collaborating with over 180 NGOs, has been actively working within Muslim communities to boost voter enrollment. The group has organized meetings and informational sessions for Muslim voters across the state, urging them to vote for the MVA alliance led by the Congress under the guise of spreading ‘vote awareness’.

“These efforts resulted in a voter turnout exceeding 60% in the Lok Sabha election about 15% higher than previous averages. We encourage Muslims to support secular candidates and vote in line with constitutional values. Our collaboration with other organizations and religious leaders has produced a stronger response. Over 200 meetings have been conducted statewide, contributing to the increase in turnout,” stated Fakir Mehmood Thakur, the organization’s leader.

Thakur also highlighted that concerns among Muslim voters regarding central government policies, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), contributed to the high voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections. He added that these issues remain relevant in the ongoing state elections.

Also, a study by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) on 5th November has also revealed that the Muslims and illegal immigrants in Mumbai are changing the demography of the region and influencing politics by voting for specific political parties. The study, conducted by TISS pro-vice-chancellor Shankar Das and assistant professor Souvik Mondal, also claimed that illegal immigrants are influencing the city’s socio-economy by taking low-skilled employment, resulting in pay suppression and annoyance among locals.

“Some political entities are alleged to use illegal immigrants for vote-bank politics, which can disrupt the democratic process. Claims of voter registration manipulation, where undocumented immigrants allegedly obtain fake voter IDs, raise concerns about electoral fairness and the integrity of India’s democratic system,” the study alleged. 

OpIndia had after the Lok Sabha elections concluded in May-June 2024 reported that the Muslims had mobilized in the state of Maharashtra to specifically defeat the BJP. Islamists had issued fatwas, raised Islamic flags in MVA rallies, and urged voters to vote for Shiv Sena (UBT), INC and NCP (Sharad Pawar). This time also several NGOs under the roof of Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh are urging Muslim voters to vote against BJP, practicing ‘vote jihad’, the conspiracy downplayed by leftist Islamists and its supporters.

The 288 legislative assembly seats will go to the polls in a single phase on November 20 while the counting of votes will take place on November 23.

Bihar: Chhath Puja Ghat vandalised in Purnia, Tajimul and 5 minors arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar: Chhath Puja Ghat vandalised in Purnia, Tajimul and 5 minors arrested

Six persons have been arrested in connection with the vandalism of a Chhath Puja ghat in Purnia on 7th November. Baisi police in Purnia district arrested 6 persons including 5 minors for the vandalism that took place at the Chhath Puja ghat in Mala village in Bihar’s Seemanchal region on Thursday.

A total of 6 persons have been booked in the case. One arrested accused has been identified as Tajimul, while the rest 5 are minors so their identities have not been disclosed. Baisi SDPO Aditya Kumar said that based on the complaints of the villagers, a case has been registered against them.

The incident took place on Thursday late night, where the entire ghat prepared for Chhath puja was vandalised by the miscreants. Videos of the incident showed puja items scattered across the ground after the vandalism, with some puja items thrown into water.

Locals said that after worshippers left the ghat after offering Arghya Puja to the setting sun on Thursday evening, some Muslims arrived late in the night and vandalised the puja ghat. They removed the banana plants used for the puja, broke the banana leaves, and threw away the flowers and other puja items. This led to massive anger among Hindus, who gathered at the ghat and launched a protest.

A police team reached the spot soon after getting information of the incident. Purnia DM Kundan Kumar and SP Kartikeya Sharma talked to the angry devotees and managed to calm them down.

The police also helped the villagers in redecorating the ghat for puja, and the Chhath Puja continued normally on Friday amid tight security. At present the situation in the area is calm.

Acting promptly, police identified 6 persons for the vandalism, and arrested them. The one adult among them is 45 year old Tajimul, while the rest 5 are minors.

A statement issued by Purnia Police said, “Yesterday on 07.11.2024, the Chhath Ghat built on the river bank in Mala village under Baisi police station was damaged by some anti-social elements. In relation to this incident, as per the orders of the Superintendent of Police, the Baisi police station took immediate action and identified and arrested the anti-social elements who damaged the Chhath Ghat. Further action is being taken. The Chhath Ghat has been redecorated and Chhath festival is being celebrated peacefully.”

After it was revealed that an adult and 5 minor Muslims vandalised the Hindu religious place, Purnia MP Pappy Yadav said that the incident should not be linked to religion. He claimed that some minor children have done such a childish act, and it should be linked to religion or caste. He added that all the accused have been arrested, and there should not be any politics on it, referring to protests against the incident by some BJP leaders.

‘We love Jammu and Kashmir, they love Article 370’: PM Modi slams Congress over Article 370 resolution, says no power in the world can restore it

ANI
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‘We love Jammu and Kashmir, they love Article 370’: PM Modi slams Congress over Article 370 resolution, says no power in the world can restore it

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted that democracy has strengthened in Jammu and Kashmir and said terrorism has been curbed there since Article 370 was removed.

PM Modi also hit out at the ruling National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, without taking names and said, “…We love Jammu and Kashmir, they love Article 370. Since Article 370 was removed from Jammu and Kashmir, terrorism has been curbed there. Was the tricolour hoisted in Lal Chowk or not? Did people celebrate Diwali in Lal Chowk or not? Democracy has strengthened there,” PM Modi said at a rally in Maharashtra’s Nanded.

The remarks of PM Modi came days after a resolution was passed in the Legislative Assembly demanding to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. The resolution was opposed by the BJP which has 29 legislators in the assembly.

PM Modi also said that Pakistan was mobilising the opinion around the world in favour of the restoration of Article 370 and said that now Congress has pushed Pakistan’s agenda inside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, referring to the resolution on Article 370.

“For the first time after 75 years of independence, Dalits got their rights. But who was troubled by this? Pakistan was the most troubled and second was Congress. Till now, Pakistan was roaming the whole world and demanding the restoration of Article 370. No one was listening to it. But now Congress has carried out Pakistan’s agenda inside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly…,” PM Modi added.

PM Modi asked, “Can we forgive such a Congress? Will you punish such a Congress or not? Will you defeat them in this election or not? Will you teach them a lesson or not?”

The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies set for November 23.

In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena 56, and the Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, the Shiv Sena 63, and the Congress 42.

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

Democrats in turmoil: Blame game erupts in the party after Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump, many accuse President Biden of leaving the race too late

OpIndia Staff
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Democrats in turmoil: Blame game erupts in the party after Kamala Harris lost to Donald Trump, many accuse President Biden of leaving the race too late

Following the much-anticipated victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 US Presidential Elections, the Democratic Party, which will soon be out of power, is now facing a wave of internal disputes. The defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris to Trump has prompted a round of finger-pointing. Key figures and factions within the party are eagerly blaming each other for the loss, avoiding accountability. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi became the focal point in the storm as she openly expressed regret over President Joe Biden’s prolonged participation in the race. According to Pelosi, Biden’s delayed exit from the race could have contributed to Harris’s defeat.

Pelosi’s ‘what-if’ moment – The impact of Biden’s late exit

Nancy Pelosi is known for not mincing words. Speaking to The New York Times, she suggested that the Democrats might have performed much better had Biden bowed out of the race sooner. She stated, “Had the president gotten out sooner, there may have been other candidates in the race.” Reports suggest that she is not the only one attributing the defeat to Biden’s late exit, as it left Harris with limited options and momentum to build a strong campaign.

Pelosi reportedly spearheaded efforts earlier in the year to push Biden aside following a dismal debate performance against Trump. However, it took several months for Biden to step down, which eventually occurred at the end of July. He endorsed Harris as his successor without a primary process to bolster her standing. Pelosi remarked, “The anticipation was that, if the president were to step aside, there would be an open primary. But we don’t know that. That didn’t happen. We live with what happened.”

Harris’s aides speak out: A campaign boxed in by Biden’s shadow

Harris’s aides were also among those pointing fingers at Biden. They argued that Harris’s campaign was constrained with Biden as a looming figure. Politico quoted an unnamed aide of Harris who bluntly blamed Biden for the loss, stating, “Joe Biden is the singular reason Kamala Harris and Democrats lost tonight.” This assessment reflected the frustration among campaign managers who struggled to establish a distinct identity for Harris separate from Biden’s administration.

The endorsement by Biden, while supportive, proved to be a double-edged sword as Harris’s campaign was perceived as a continuation of Biden’s, rather than the fresh approach voters were seeking. Biden’s administration was marred by numerous negatives, which Harris’s campaigners and supporters believed cast a shadow over her chances.

Contrary to this stance, a former Biden aide rebuffed the notion and posed a sharp question: “How did you spend $1 billion and not win?” This highlighted the internal questioning within the Democrats regarding mismanaged resources and failure to connect with key voting blocs, despite substantial funding and endorsements.

Moderates and progressives clash – Ideological rifts widen

The ideological differences within the party have also become apparent. Moderate Democrats were quick to argue that the party’s leftward tilt was a significant factor in the loss. Congressman Tom Suozzi criticised the campaign’s focus on political correctness, asserting that it allowed Republicans to exploit attack lines involving “anarchy on college campuses, defund the police, biological boys playing in girls’ sports, and a general attack on traditional values.”

Congressman Ritchie Torres echoed similar sentiments, going further by blaming the “far left” for promoting policies that alienated key voting demographics, including Latino, Black, Asian, and Jewish communities. He cited movements like “Defund the Police” and divisive slogans such as “From the River to the Sea” (used in pro-Palestine protests) as examples that shifted public perception negatively for the party.

Bernie Sanders weighs in – Working-class voters left behind

Independent Senator Bernie Sanders also shared his views, accusing the Democratic leadership of abandoning working people. In a statement, he said, “While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. And they’re right.” His comments pointed to a deeper divide within the party concerning its priorities and messaging. Sanders was sceptical that the party would learn from its defeat, predicting that the leadership’s attachment to the status quo would prevent any significant change.

Although Sanders is an independent senator, he is close to the Democratic Party and aligns with the party on most issues.

A fractured party and uncertain future

The Democratic Party is now facing fractures and fissures following the defeat, exposing deep-seated ideological rifts among its members. The Harris campaign failed to unify the party, and strategic missteps reportedly contributed to the defeat. Moreover, infighting left the party facing an outcome that few anticipated.

While some leaders are calling for introspection and unity, the question remains whether the party will truly confront its internal conflicts or continue rehearsing for the next round of blame.

Rajasthan: Ibrahim Khan rapes, murders 16-year-old Hindu tribal girl in Nagaur, throws her into well, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: Ibrahim Khan rapes, murders 16-year-old Hindu tribal girl in Nagaur, throws her into well, arrested

A dreadful case of rape and murder has come to the fore from Nagaur district of Rajasthan. A married Muslim individual identified as Ibrahim Khan has been charged with raping and murdering a 16-year-old Hindu minor girl belonging to the Dalit community. The police took cognizance of the event and arrested the accused after the family of the girl filed a police complaint at the Panchu police station. 

As per the reports, the accused after the arrest was interrogated. During the interrogation, he confirmed that he murdered the minor girl and threw her dead body in the well. The local administration, SDRF, and the authorities at the Panchu police station conducted searches on the location spotted by the accused. Notably, the dead body of the girl was recovered after 72 hours of thorough investigation. 

The incident is believed to have come to the fore after the family members of the Hindu minor girl residing in the Shyamsar village filed a missing person complaint. They suspected Ibrahim Khan after which the police detained the latter for interrogation. He meanwhile confessed that he committed the crime on 2nd November.

The family of the victim knew the accused who resided in their neighbouring area in Shyamsar. The accused Khan during the interrogation revealed that he had a love interest in the minor and that he left his home on 2nd November with the girl. The duo reached the nearby Sathiya region where the accused instilled the idea of marriage into the mind of the girl. The girl then began forcing the accused to get married, however, the latter refused after which he brutally raped her before murdering her. He then threw her dead body into the well in Sathiya region.

While a report by Amar Ujala stated that the accused had developed a love interest in the girl, a report by Aaj Tak claimed that the family of the girl had forced the boy to get married to their daughter, following which he got fed up and murdered the girl. OpIndia couldn’t independently verify these claims.

Notably, the accused was already married. As per the police, the accused identified as Khan raped the girl, murdered her, and then threw her in the well. He confessed to the crime and took the police to the location where he had thrown the girl. The dead body of the girl was recovered. Further details will be updated once the postmortem of the girl’s body is done.

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