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Inflation and Unrest: The deepening crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir as locals seek ‘Azaadi’ from tyrannical Pakistan government

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Inflation and Unrest: The deepening crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir as locals seek ‘Azaadi’ from tyrannical Pakistan government

On Saturday, 11th May, videos surfaced on social media from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) where protesting civilians were seen pelting stones at the security personnel. Reportedly, the residents of PoJK are protesting over inflation and anti-PoJK policies of the Pakistani government. The rising prices of electricity prices and withdrawal of subsidies over wheat have forced the residents of the region to come out on the streets in protest. Severe taxes and lack of basic amenities have led to widespread protests in the occupied territory where the locals turned violent. The recent events have exposed the harsh realities of the Pakistani administration in the territory occupied from India.

Economic strain and policy failures

Pakistan is under a lot of economic pressure in recent times. Nearly empty treasury, political instability, and ever-rising foreign loans have put the hostile neighbour’s government under scrutiny. Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged Pakistan to bring “strong cost-side reforms” to restore the viability of the country’s energy sector. IMF urged Pakistan to end power subsidies given to the energy sector in the upcoming financial year 2024-25 budget. However, the pressure on the public is already visible with the rising power prices. For instance, the current price per unit under 100 units is Rs 22 per unit and it rises to Rs 65 per unit if someone uses over 700 units per billing cycle.

The hike in various tariff brackets has fueled discontent among the masses. Furthermore, The central government’s removal of subsidies on wheat and the rampant corruption in the bureaucracy has only added to the hardships faced by the people. Reportedly, electricity generated in the PoJK area is also being diverted to other bigger cities in Pakistan which has further angered the locals.

Suppression of dissent

Responding the to atrocities of the Pakistani government, the locals came out on the streets. However, the Pakistani government decided to curb the protests using force rather than dialogue. Several units of Pakistani rangers and local police were deployed to disperse the protests and stop them at the budding stage. Contrary to what the ruthless rulers anticipated, the protests turned violent and videos showed how security agencies were pushed back. Rangers were seen using AK-47s on the civilians leading to the death of at least two protesters which exposed the human rights violations in the region.

As per reports, Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee announced a march to protest against the govenrment’s policies. However, over 70 activists linked to the committee were arrested by the security agencies. Pakistani rangers did not spare the children as well. Some of the tear gas shells reportedly fell inside a school leading to injuries to the female students studying there.

The fight for identity and rights

Several leaders in the PoJK have become the voice of the distressed public. Shaukat Nawaz Mir has emerged from the turmoil advocating for the rights and identity of the people of PoJK. In a statement, he said, “Put any tag on us, but as long as God is with us, you cannot harm us. Let us live in peace. If you raid people’s houses again and arrest them, there will be no peace. I am saying this openly. I appeal to everyone to save your region, save your identity. If your identity remains intact, everything will be possible; otherwise, nothing could be achieved. I have faith in all of you that you will fight this long battle and achieve success. The battle has to be fought with peace and by saving ourselves. It will be difficult to fight if you don’t stay grounded.”

Comparison with Kashmir on India’s side

Contrasting the situation in PoJK with that of the Jammu and Kashmir on India’s side reveals a stark difference. Since Article 370 was revoked in August 2019, the UT of Jammu and Kashmir has grown exponentially. With systematic public and private investment, implementation of national schemes and strategic policies for the region, Jammu and Kashmir has seen progress like never before. Lower inflation rates, consistent subsidies, and better infrastructure show how India is ensuring the stability and growth of the region. The impact of India’s efforts will be seen in regional politics as well in the coming years highlighting the importance of strategic governance models that curb terror activities and promote the development of the region leading to peace and prosperity.

The ongoing crisis in PoJK is a testament to the failures of the Pakistani government to address the aspirations and needs of the people of the region. There is a stark difference between how the Indian government and the Pakistani government deal with the dissent in the region. It shows how strategic policies are important for peace and stability which is not possible for the Pakistani government to provide anytime soon because of its economic and political instability.

The international community must recognise and address the plight of the people of PoJK and ensure that their voices are lost in the shadows of the impotence of the Pakistani government.

Maa Maati Manush slogan has become ‘Mullah Madarsa Mafia’: Amit Shah hits out at appeasement politics of Mamata Banerjee

OpIndia Staff
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Maa Maati Manush slogan has become ‘Mullah Madarsa Mafia’: Amit Shah hits out at appeasement politics of Mamata Banerjee

On Saturday, May 11, Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah hit out at TMC supremo and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the appeaesment politics being followed in Bengal. Addressing a political rally in Birbhum, Amit Shah said that TMC’s election promise of ‘Maa Maati Manush’ has become ‘Mullahs Madarsa Mafia’ in the state.

The Home Minister said that due to appeasement politics, Mullahs in the state are being encouraged, Madarsas are recieving all the public money, and Mafia is being given a free run to loot people in the state.

Amit Shah also talked about the problem of illegal infiltration from Bangladesh to Bengal, and asked the gathered crowd whether it should be stopped or not. He further asked whether the oppressed minorities who have come to India should be given citizenship or not (referring to CAA).

The Home Minister said that Mamata Banerjee welcomes illegal immigrants because they are her vote bank, but has a problem if oppressed minorities are given Indian citizenship. Amit Shah also highlighted that opposition leaders didn’t come for Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha because they were concerned about offending their vote bank of illegal immigrants.

Lok Sabha elections in Bengal are taking place in all 7 phases, with the next round set to take place on May 13.

BCCI announces major changes in domestic cricket season, gap between matches increased, Ranji Trophy to have 2 phases

ANI
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BCCI announces major changes in domestic cricket season, gap between matches increased, Ranji Trophy to have 2 phases

The upcoming domestic cricket season 2024-25 season will feature an increased gap between matches in order to allow sufficient recovery time for players and ensure peak performances throughout the season and the prestigious Ranji Trophy will be played in two phases.

The domestic season 2024-25 dates, though yet to be announced officially by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will witness some new reforms, which are subject to approval by BCCI’s Apex Council.

“The season will kick off with the Duleep Trophy tournament, featuring four teams selected by national selectors. Following this, the Irani Cup tournament will take place. After these, two tournaments will be held, the first five league games (per team) of the Ranji Trophy, followed by the T20 competition, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the 50-over tournament, Vijay Hazare Trophy. The season will conclude with the remaining two league games of the Ranji trophy and knockout stages,” said the statement from board’s secretary Jay Shah.

Also, in the CK Nayadu Trophy, a domestic-level under-23 state tournament, a new point system will be introduced to make sure performances get more balanced.

“This includes awarding points for batting and bowling performances in the first innings, in addition to points for the first innings lead or outright win,” said Shah.

“A review will be conducted at the end of the season to assess the effectiveness of the new points system, with a decision on whether to implement it in the Ranji Trophy for the following season,” added the statement.

Also, the toss will no longer take place in CK Nayadu Trophy games, instead, the visiting games will be given a right to decide if they want to bat or bowl first.

Also, all Women’s Interzonal tournaments, including one-day, T20, and Multiday formats, will have teams selected by the national selectors.

Lastly, in order to make sure players get full game time, careful consideration has been given to scheduling matches to minimise the impact of weather disruptions.

These recommendations have been given by a working group set up to bring reforms in domestic cricket, consisting of India men’s head coach Rahul Dravid, National Cricket Academy chief VVS Laxman, men’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar and former India pacer Abey Kuruvilla, the BCCI general manager – domestic cricket. They need the approval of the BCCI Apex Council for implementation.

“The recommendations of the working group will be implemented in domestic cricket, subject to approval by the Apex Council,” Shah said.

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

‘Crown prince’s party will secure even fewer seats than his age’: PM Modi takes a swipe at Rahul Gandhi and Congress

OpIndia Staff
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‘Crown prince’s party will secure even fewer seats than his age’: PM Modi takes a swipe at Rahul Gandhi and Congress

In Jharkhand’s Chatra, PM Narendra Modi directed his remarks at former Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that he would secure fewer seats than his age. Modi, while canvassing for NDA candidate Kalicharan Singh, referenced a statement from a senior figure in the INDIA bloc indicating their acknowledgement of impending defeat.

Taking a swipe at the opposition, Modi remarked, “The regional parties within the opposition coalition seem so disheartened that they are contemplating dissolution after June 4th. Following the completion of polling across three phases, they have conceded that neither the Congress nor its allies will secure enough seats to qualify as the opposition party in Parliament. Their predicament is evident; the electorate has imparted such a resounding lesson that even amalgamating, they struggle to establish themselves as an opposition force.”

Modi asserted that BJP is poised not only to secure over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections but also to establish governments in states holding simultaneous Assembly elections.

“The crown prince and his party will garner fewer seats than his age in these Lok Sabha polls,” reiterated the Prime Minister. “The 2024 elections transcend mere governance formation; they are about nation-building… a crusade to safeguard the country from plunderers and cheats,” he emphasized.

“Everyone is aware of whom this nation needs safeguarding from. You’ve witnessed the discovery of mountains of currency notes among JMM and Congress leaders,” he concluded.

Uttar Pradesh: Afaq seduces a Hindu woman in the name of a job and marriage, forces her to embrace Islam, abandons her after the birth of their daughter

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Afaq seduces a Hindu woman in the name of a job and marriage, forces her to embrace Islam, abandons her after the birth of their daughter

A shocking case of sexual exploitation and forced conversion has come to light in the Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh. Afaq, a resident of the Mohabbatpur Painesa area went to Mumbai four to five years ago where he met a young Hindu woman named Sunita from Bharat Nagar. He introduced himself and the two started talking on the phone and their relationship grew intimate over time. He pretended to be friends with her and continued the charade for a few days before proposing to her which she accepted and their bond developed further. He then established a physical relationship with her.

Afterwards, he took her into confidence and claimed that he would secure her a job at the glass factory in Hardoi. She fell into his trap for the sake of a better future as he showed her big dreams and brought her to Hardoi from Mumbai and stayed there for some time. Meanwhile, she became pregnant and underwent an abortion. He lured her under the pretext of marriage and impregnated her again. The woman gave birth to a girl and the pair lived together for four years along with the child. However, he did not marry the woman and returned to his native village two to three months ago without telling her.

She waited for a few days and tried to contact him on the phone but to no avail. She eventually understood that he had left her and absconded after which she also arrived in Kaushambi and lodged a complaint at the Painesa police station as well as demanded stringent measures against him. Her daughter is now 3-years-old.

She asserted that he had been pressuring her to convert to Islam after the birth of their baby. The victim noted in her complaint that she recently learned that he was going to wed another woman and hence immediately rushed to Kaushambi from Mumbai. The matter is now under investigation. She complained that the authorities had not filed a First Information Report (FIR) and she has been wandering from door to door with her child in pursuit of justice. She has been visiting the police station for the past two months to plead for justice.

According to the police station in-charge Jagdish, the police station has received an application from higher officials. The investigation is being conducted by the area in-charge inspector and woman constable. He assured that strict legal action would be taken against the culprit on the basis of facts and merits uncovered after the inquiry.

Actor Kareena Kapoor served notice for using ‘Bible’ in the title of her pregnancy memoir

OpIndia Staff
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Actor Kareena Kapoor served notice for using ‘Bible’ in the title of her pregnancy memoir

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan made waves in 2021 with the release of her debut book, ‘Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Pregnancy Bible’, chronicling her journey through pregnancy while offering valuable insights for expecting mothers. The book received widespread acclaim, resonating deeply with numerous pregnant women and new mothers, and serving as a beacon of inspiration.

However, recent developments suggest that the book’s title might land it in hot water. According to a recent report from NDTV, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to Kareena Kapoor Khan in response to a petition challenging the title of her memoir.

The petition, filed by advocate Christopher Anthony, raises concerns about the use of the word “bible” in the title, contending that it could be seen as disrespectful to the Christian community. Anthony’s petition seeks legal action against both Kareena Kapoor Khan and the book’s sellers, urging a ban on its sale.

Alleging that the title ‘Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Pregnancy Bible’ exploits the term “bible” for publicity, Anthony, a social worker from Jabalpur, argues that such a comparison diminishes the sanctity of the Christian Bible, a revered text worldwide.

The notice has also been served to the book’s sellers, marking a significant legal challenge for the publication.

Kareen Kapoor Khan had been in hot water concerning pregnancy book in the past as well

The book had landed in trouble earlier too. In 2021, a complaint was filed against Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan over the title of her book. A Christian group took a strong objection to the title ‘Pregnancy Bible’, for containing the name of the holy book, and filed a complaint against the actor turned author at a police station in Beed in Maharashtra.

The complaint was filed by Alpha Omega Christian Mahasangh, a Christian group, alleging that the title of the book hurts the religious sentiment of the Christians. Ashish Shinde, the president of Alpha Omega Christian Mahasangh, submitted the complaint at Shivaji Nagar Police Station in Beed, seeking action against the author on blasphemy charges.

Shinde said that as the holy word ‘Bible’ has been used in the book, it has hurt the religious sentiments of Christians. He has filed the complaint seeking the registration of a case against the authors under IPC section 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage reli­gious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or reli­gious beliefs).

West Bengal: Bomb blast outside BJP leader’s house in East Midnapore, 4 live bombs recovered by police, probe underway

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: Bomb blast outside BJP leader’s house in East Midnapore, 4 live bombs recovered by police, probe underway

A bomb blast was reported on Saturday (11th May) at the residence of BJP panchayat Pradhan in West Bengal. As per reports, the blast took place in Haludbari village that falls under Khejuri 2 block in East Midnapore district. As per Republic TV citing sources, six bombs were planted at the residence of the BJP leader. Two bombs exploded while the Police recovered four active bombs on Saturday.

Additionally, the miscreants also torched the motorcycle parked outside the house of BJP panchayat Pradhan, Nitai Mondal.

After receiving the information, a police team from Khejuri police station rushed to the blast site in the early hours of Saturday. The Police are currently conducting a thorough search and heightened security in the region. They are also analysing the CCTV footage to nab the culprits. 

Speaking with Republic TV, son of BJP Pradhan Nitai Mondal, Satyajit Mondal said that last night at around 12:40 AM at our terrace, we heard a bomb blast. We were awake, we heard a few people. We did not go out. We knew someone lit the bike and car, he added. 

He further stated that while he didn’t know who carried out the bomb blast at their residence, the culprits very well knew about his father and the placement of CCTV cameras. 

(Video Courtesy – Republic TV)

Satyajit said, “I called my mother, she was worried. The police officials arrived soon after that. We can’t say who did it specifically. I am guessing whoever did this, they knew my father well. Outsiders won’t know much about my house, where there are cameras and all. We mostly are involved in our studies, and we don’t indulge in politics.” 

The state has been marred by unabated strings of political violence, killings, and bomb blasts. In many cases, minors have suffered grave injuries including deaths after they mistakenly picked up bombs as toys. 

Similarly, in several cases, ‘cottage industries’ making such bombs, or houses storing such bombs explode due to various accidents, leading to several getting injured or dead. On 16th April 2024, bombs hidden at a house in Murshidabad exploded due to intense heat, prompting Congress and TMC to blame each other.

Days later on 26th April 2024, CBI recovered a large cache of arms and crude bombs in Sandeshkhali village in North 24 Parganas district of the State. A team of the National Security Guard (NSG) was brought in after the discovery of the arms, armaments, and explosives in Sandeshkhali. As per reports, foreign weapons as well as crude bombs were recovered from the house of a man named Abu Taleb in Sandeshkhali. 

‘Modi ji will remain PM and complete his third term’: Amit Shah snubs Arvind Kejriwal’s claim that Modi will retire after turning 75 and Shah will be the PM

OpIndia Staff
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‘Modi ji will remain PM and complete his third term’: Amit Shah snubs Arvind Kejriwal’s claim that Modi will retire after turning 75 and Shah will be the PM

Union Hom Minister Amit Shah slammed Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for claiming that if BJP comes to power, Shah will become the Prime Minister of India by next year. The AAP leader had alleged that PM Modi will take retirement on 17th September next year when he turns 75 years of age. Hitting back at Kejriwal, Shah emphasised that there was no reason for the I.N.D.I. Alliance leaders to be happy when PM Modi turns 75, as he would continue to be the Prime Minister. He schooled Kejriwal about the constitution of the saffron party and categorically noted that there is no such provision in BJP’s constitution. 

Addressing a Press conference in Telangana, Shah hit back at Kejriwal’s statement and said, “I want to tell Arvind Kejriwal and company that you have nothing to be happy about Modiji turning 75. It’s not written in BJP’s constitution anywhere that he can’t be the prime minister. He will be the prime minister and complete his term. There is no confusion in the party.” 

Speaking with ANI, the Union Home Minister emphasised that after coming back to power for the third time, PM Modi will not only complete his third term till 2029 but also he will lead the party in the coming elections. Shah also rubbished Kejriwal’s allegations as attempts to spread lies and misinformation. 

Home Minister Shah said,  “The people of this country, be it from East, West, North, South or Northeast, they are standing with Modi. All the leaders of the INDI alliance know that we are going to cross 400 seats and Modi ji will become the PM of this country for the third time, that is why they are spreading this type of misconception. I want to clarify that there is no such provision in BJP’s constitution and Modi ji will lead the country till 2029 and Modi ji will also lead the coming elections. There is no good news for the I.N.D.I. alliance…They cannot win elections by spreading such lies…”

It is pertinent to note that the AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal addressed a gathering on Saturday (11th May) after coming out of jail. A day earlier, the Supreme Court of India had granted Delhi CM conditional interim bail for ‘campaigning’ in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. 

Addressing a gathering of his supporters, Kejriwal alleged, “..These people ask the I.N.D.I. alliance who will be their Prime Minister. I ask BJP who will be your Prime Minister? PM Modi is turning 75, on 17th September. He made a rule that leaders in the party would retire after 75 years…LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan, and Yashwant Sinha were retired and now PM Modi is going to retire on 17th September…If their government is formed, they will first dispose of Yogi Adityanath and then make Amit Shah the Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is asking for votes for Amit Shah. Will Amit Shah fulfil Modi’s guarantee?…”

BJP says AAP leader under the ‘effect of alcohol’ to allege such things

Meanwhile, BJP also launched a scathing attack on Arvind Kejriwal for his ‘Amit Shah to be next PM’ claim. Addressing a press conference, BJP National Spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said that Kejriwal is under the ‘effect of alcohol‘ that (is why) he is saying such things.

Trivedi said, “We would like to say one thing, whether it was the effect of his alcohol or the place he had gone to. One thing came out of his mouth correctly. He said that PM Modi would become the Prime Minister, and after that, so and so would be made the Prime Minister. For this, I want to thank him for accepting today that Narendra Modi is going to become the Prime Minister of India again. Sometimes a person does not have complete control after drinking alcohol, and then the right thing comes out. Not only this, he also started telling the succession plan who would remain after PM Modi.”

It is pertinent to note that there are many BJP leaders who are currently above the age of 75 years and are actively involved in the party’s functioning and electoral politics. 

‘I’m Singaporean, not Chinese’: Debate erupts after Singaporean national of Chinese ethnicity objects to being called ‘Chinese’ amid Sam Pitroda’s racist ‘Indians in East look like Chinese’ remark

OpIndia Staff
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‘I’m Singaporean, not Chinese’: Debate erupts after Singaporean national of Chinese ethnicity objects to being called ‘Chinese’ amid Sam Pitroda’s racist ‘Indians in East look like Chinese’ remark

Amidst Sam Pitroda’s racist remarks that Indians in the East look like Chinese, a heated debate erupted this week in Singapore regarding ethnicity and nationality. Notably, Singaporean nationals of Chinese ethnicity have registered strong protests against being labelled as Chinese. Expressing their distaste, most Singaporean nationals have stressed that they are Singaporean, not Chinese.  

Singapore’s population of 4 million consists of individuals of various ethnicities, with 74% being of Chinese descent, followed by 13% Malays, and 9% Indians. The remaining 3% comprises other ethnic groups, including Eurasians. Additionally, the island republic is also the only country outside of Northeast Asia where over three-quarters of the population is ethnically Chinese.

The recent debate over ethnicity/race and nationality began after a TikTok video went viral on the internet. The 36-second video was uploaded by a user who implied that he came from China. In the video, he expressed shock at discovering that Singaporeans were reluctant to be regarded as “compatriots” with the Chinese. He alleged that citizens of the Chinese-majority nation (Singapore) might have “forgotten their culture”.

In the clip, the TikTok user named, “The Singaporean Son” recalled how a Singaporean Chinese national reacted to being called a “compatriot”. The TikTok user narrated the interaction saying, “Little did I know, the Singaporean’s face turned black. ‘Since when are we compatriots? I’m Singaporean, not Chinese’, the individual replied. I was stunned after that. Thereafter, I stopped saying such stuff.”

The video was also uploaded on Instagram.

The video sparked outrage among Singaporeans and it soon with more than 1,600 comments and 143,000 views in the three days since it was uploaded. 

One online user noted, “Singaporean Chinese admit they are Chinese. They just hate [for] people to think they are from China.” 

Slamming Chinese nationals, another user commented, “Chinese nationals travelling and visiting places no doubt created a bad image for themselves, such as: talking loudly, [having] no manners and bad habits.” While some defended the TikTok user arguing that Singaporeans who were ethnically Chinese did share the same ethnic ancestry as mainlanders (Chinese citizens living in the mainland as China allege Taiwan to be its own part).

This comes shortly after another TikTok video of a man, believed to be a Chinese tourist in Singapore, went viral on the internet. In the viral video, the Chinese user criticised Singaporeans for not being able to speak Mandarin and complained about the lack of Chinese signs on trains in the country. It sparked an outrage on social media with Singaporean nationals pointing out that their official language is English, not Mandarin, the official language of China.

Singapore is not a part of China, Ethnicity/Culture is different from Nationality

Leong Chan-Hoong is a senior fellow for social cohesion research at the Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. According to him, this conversation on nationality and ethnicity in Singapore is not new as it had emerged from a common confusion of Singapore being “part of China” which it is not.

He said, “For a long time, Singapore has been confused as being a part of China, and that comes mainly from Europe and North American societies … That primarily is because the two share a significant similarity in heritage and Singapore being a majority-Chinese country, so there is that tendency to perceive it as an allegiance.” 

Leong added that countries working with Singapore need to know that it is a sovereign state, and “not one where we are part of a larger political alliance”. 

He further stated, “Singapore’s Chinese values or heritage is also different from that of [China] because Singaporeans have a more distinctive multicultural contour and we live in Southeast Asia – a multicultural area – and it is a lot more inclusive, given to our regional exposure to different races and groups.”

A senior minister of state in Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sim Ann said in parliament last April that cultural ties between Singapore’s Chinese community and Beijing had undoubtedly enriched bilateral relations. However, she added that should not be the only way to view relations between both sides.

She said, “But to interpret Singapore-China relations from the cultural perspective may result in a skewed view or misunderstandings. Those who are not equipped with a deep understanding of Singapore might find it hard to hoist in this point.” 

She added, “Singaporeans are citizens of an independent country, but may also identify culturally with being ethnically Chinese, Malay, Indian or others. National identity and cultural identity are two different matters.”

An interaction between two seemingly Singaporean-Chinese/Taiwanese of Chinese ancestry on X revealed similar discontent among people of Chinese origin for being forcibly “clubbed” with Chinese nationals against the fact that they prefer to be identified by their nationality. 

Furthermore, in March 2024, TikTok Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Singaporean Chew Shou Zi was grilled on his nationality and links to the Communist Party of China (CPC) during a hearing before US lawmakers. The video clips of the exchange went viral, drawing outrage from Singaporeans. However, Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas later defended his questioning of Chew’s ties with the CCP. 

Singapore established diplomatic relations with China in October 1990, only after Indonesia had done so. This move was aimed at preventing its Southeast Asian neighbours from seeing Singapore as a ‘Third China’. 

However, in India, Congress leader, close aide and adviser of Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda had garnered widespread criticism for liking Indians in the East with Chinese, West with Arabs, and North with White people and South Indians as Africans even when majority of Indians in this region, or in remaining part (Central), are not descendants of Chinese, Arabs, African or White Europeans or Americans.

‘One day after President Murmu’s visit to Ram Mandir, a Congress leader says they would purify it with Gangajal’: PM Modi slams Nana Patole

ANI
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‘One day after President Murmu’s visit to Ram Mandir, a Congress leader says they would purify it with Gangajal’: PM Modi slams Nana Patole

After Maharashtra Congress, chief Nana Patole stirred controversy with his remarks that the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir will be purified when the INDIA bloc comes to power at the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asked people whether such leaders have the right to be in Indian politics.

“Our President, Droupadi Murmu, visited Ram Mandir in Ayodhya a few days back, offered prayers and sought blessings from Ramlalla for the welfare of the country… One day after her visit, one of the biggest leaders of the Congress party said we would do the purification of the Ram Temple with Gangajal. Do such people have the right to be in Indian politics? I want the Congress party which insulted President Droupadi Murmu ji should have its deposits forfeited on all the seats. This is an insult to the country, tribal society and mothers and sisters,’ PM Modi claimed, addressing a rally in Bargarh.

The Prime Minister further claimed that Congress wants to change the Constitution.

“Congress wants to change the Constitution. They want to take the reservation rights of SCs, STs and OBCs and give them to their vote bank. But the guardian of the Indian Constitution is an Adivasi woman… Your Prime Minister is from the OBC community. I assure you nobody will take away your rights!” he added.

“‘Shehzada’ who is dancing nowadays keeping the Constitution on his forehead… When the Manmohan Singh’s cabinet took a decision, the ‘Shehzada’ called a press conference and tore apart that decision into pieces. Those pieces were not of paper but of the Constitution,” he asserted.

Launching a scathing attack on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, PM Modi said that the BJD government is indifferent to people’s plights despite being CM for 24 years, adding that the Odisha government isn’t run by the elected people anymore but it has been outsourced to other people.

“The government in the state isn’t run by the elected people anymore but it has been outsourced to other people… I have already declared, June 4 is the expiry date of the BJD government,” he said.

The Prime Minister further asserted that in 25 years, one entire generation will grow up and start their new lives.

“In 25 years, one entire generation grows up and starts off their new lives. But, BJD has failed to lift Odisha from poverty in 25 years. There’s anger against BJD leaders among people in Odisha. You all know how the BJD government has failed to do developmental work in Odisha. Who is running the BJD government? There is a ‘Super CM’ in BJD who is not elected by the people. BJD has outsourced the CM position to someone who is not even aware of the cultural values of Odisha,” he said.

Nana Patole triggered a political storm with his controversial statement that the Shankaryacharyas would be purifying the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir following religious protocols when the Congress-led INDIA bloc comes to power at the Centre.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole had said, “We are going to purify Ram Mandir in Ayodhya after INDIA Alliance comes to power. Shankaracharyas were opposing this (Pran Pratishtha), all four Shankaracharyas will purify the Ram Mandir. Ram Darbar will be established in that place. It is not Lord Ram’s idol there, but the child form of Ram Lalla. Narendra Modi has acted against protocol in Ram Temple construction. We will do it through rectifications and religion.”

The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya’s historic temple was held on January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the Vedic rituals, led by a group of priests.

The state of Odisha will hold Assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections in four phases from May 13 to June 1, with vote counting scheduled for June 4.

In the 2019 Assembly election, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) won 112 out of 146 seats, while Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) won 23 seats and Congress won 9.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) won the majority of seats in the state, while the BJP and the Congress brought up the rear.

The BJD won 12 seats, the BJP finished a close second at 8, and the Congress bagged just a lone seat.

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

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