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Noida Film City: Firm backed by Akshay Kumar among final four bidders for the development, Boney Kapoor and T-Series also in the race

OpIndia Staff
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Noida Film City: Firm backed by Akshay Kumar among final four bidders for the development, Boney Kapoor and T-Series also in the race

On 27th January (Saturday), officials said that firms backed by actor Akshay Kumar, producer Boney Kapoor, and T-Series have qualified among the final four bidders as prospective developers for the International Film City near the upcoming Noida Airport. 

The final four bidders are namely – 

  1. Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited (T-Series)
  2. Supersonic Technobuild Private Limited (Maddock Films, Cape of Good Films LLP, and others) – It is also backed by Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.   
  3. Bayview Projects LLP (backed by Boney Kapoor and others)
  4. 4 Lions Films Private Limited (backed by filmmaker K C Bokadia and others)

Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) said that four companies made a presentation for the project and they have been found technically qualified for the final stage of the selection process, which is a financial bid. The interested parties made their presentations for the greenfield project to the officials of the Uttar Pradesh government.

According to the Authority, in the presentation, special emphasis was given on points like vision, concept, timeline, highlights regarding the development of the Film City Project by the companies.

Notably, representing Bayview Projects LLP, Boney Kapoor, the company’s designated partner, along with Ashish Bhutani (CEO of Bhutani Infra) and others, delivered the presentation. Akshay Kumar represented M/s Supersonic Technobuild Private Limited, KC Bokadia attended from 04 Lions Films Private Limited, and Vinay Kumar Mittal represented T-Series in the meeting.

(Image Source – Indian Express)

The Authority stated that the financial bid for the Film City project will be opened at around 2:30 PM on 30th January in the YEIDA office.

The program was headed by UP Industrial and Infrastructure Development Commissioner Manoj Kumar Singh. Additionally, Principal Secretary and Chairman of Yamuna Expressway Authority Anil Sagar, Director Information Shishir Singh, Yamuna Expressway Authority CEO Arun Vir Singh, and project’s OSD Shailendra Bhatia were also present at the Yamuna Expressway Authority office in Greater Noida, officials said. 

The officer said, “The project is being developed on public-private partnership (PPP) model. The company offering the highest revenue share to the state government will be selected as the developer for the greenfield project.”  

Bhatia is also the Additional CEO of the local Yamuna Expressway Authority. He said after the financial bid is opened, the proposal of the selected concessionaire would be sent to the state government for approval. 

The official added, “Once that approval is received, land would be allotted to the concessionaire after due formalities and work for the project’s construction begin.” 

The proposed film city will be located in YEIDA Sector-21, close to the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar. It is one of the flagship projects of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

In Phase 1 of the project, a total of 230 acres will be developed, comprising 75 acres (33%) for commercial purposes and 155 acres (67%) for industrial use. The Authority initiated a global e-tender on September 29 for the development of the film city on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) basis.

The bid was floated for the third time for the development of the Film City after two previous attempts failed to attract investors. The bid floated on 30th September 2023 set 5th January 2024 as the deadline.

AAP to contest all 90 assembly seats in Haryana against I.N.D.I. Alliance partner Congress, Arvind Kejriwal announces in Jind

OpIndia Staff
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AAP to contest all 90 assembly seats in Haryana against I.N.D.I. Alliance partner Congress, Arvind Kejriwal announces in Jind

On 28th January (Sunday), Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National convener Arvind Kejriwal announced that his party would contest all 90 assembly seats in Haryana on its own. However, the AAP Supremo added that his party would fight as part of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc in the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. According to his announcement, AAP will fight against its I.N.D.I. Alliance partner Congress months after the General election, alluding that the alliance could unravel a few months after the Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing the party’s ‘Badlaav Jansabha’ event in Jind, Kejriwal said, “Today people only have trust in one party, which is AAP. On one side, they see Punjab, and on the other, our government in Delhi. Today, Haryana is seeking a big change. In Delhi and Punjab, people made this big change earlier and now they are happy.” 

He added that the AAP would contest all the 90 assembly seats in Haryana on its own, but the Lok Sabha polls would be fought as part of the INDIA bloc.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was also present at the event when Kejriwal made the above announcement. 

Notably, the Lok Sabha polls are due in April-May this year whereas Haryana Assembly elections would be held later this year. The Delhi CM’s announcement comes as a major setback for Congress as AAP candidates would also contest against their I.N.D.I. alliance partner Congress and hamper its chances against the ruling party BJP which is in government in alliance with JJP. 

Meanwhile claiming victimhood of BJP’s might, Kejriwal said that he is not scared of going to jail. He alleged that “they (BJP) have used all its might to arrest him”. 

He added, “They have left the Income Tax Department, the CBI, the ED, and the Delhi Police after me. I am not scared of going to jail.” Kejriwal further claimed, “I belong to Haryana and I want to tell them that do not try to scare a ‘Haryanawala’. I am the son of Haryana.” 

Addressing the event, he fumed that it seems like the country’s biggest terrorist is Kejriwal adding that he is “kattar imaandaar” and “kattar desh bhakt”. 

Claiming that he is a devout Hanuman and Ram Bhakt, he said, “I am Lord Ram’s and Lord Hanuman’s follower. With inspiration from ‘Ram Rajya’, we are running our administration in Delhi and Punjab. We are not here for power, but to serve.” 

Earlier, the I.N.D.I. alliance partner AAP had given a major setback to Congress after Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announced that his party would contest alone on all 13 seats in Punjab in the Lok Sabha elections. 

Nitish Kumar becomes Bihar CM for the ninth time, 8 others take oath as cabinet ministers, BJP’s Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha are Dy CMs

OpIndia Staff
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Nitish Kumar becomes Bihar CM for the ninth time, 8 others take oath as cabinet ministers, BJP’s Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha are Dy CMs

On Sunday (28th January), Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar at the Raj Bhavan, marking a historic ninth time he has assumed this role. Earlier today, Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar, submitting his resignation letter to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan. His decision to step down was announced during the morning legislative meeting of the Janata Dal (United). BJP leader and Bihar state president of BJP Samrat Choudhary and the erstwhile Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly, Vijay Sinha also took oath. They are likely to be made the deputy chief minister of the state.

Apart from the CM, around 8 leaders with 3 each from JDU and BJP, 1 from Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and 1 Independent sworn in as Ministers in the new government today in the presence of the Governor. In addition to Nitish Kumar, leaders of the Janata Dal (United), namely Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, and Shrawon Kumar, assumed their roles as cabinet ministers by taking the oath of office and secrecy.

Cabinet ministerial positions were also sworn in by BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary, Dr Prem Kumar, and Vijay Sinha, as well as Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) president Dr Santosh Kumar Suman and Independent MLA Sumit Kumar Singh.

Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha have been made the new Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar.

The 18-month ruling coalition between Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress came to an end on 28th January when CM Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation to the Governor.

Nitish Kumar reportedly sought time to meet Governor Rajendra Viswanath Alerkar earlier this morning at 10.30 AM after holding a meeting with party MLAs at 10 AM. From the meeting, he went to the Raj Bhavan marking the breakdown of Maha Gathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in the state only months before the Lok Sabha poll. 

The 243-member Bihar Assembly is composed of 45 members of JD(U). With the BJP and HAM(S) in support, the NDA’s total will now stand at 127, five seats above the necessary halfway point of 122 to establish a majority in the house. Furthermore, Sumit Kumar Singh, an independent lawmaker who currently serves as a cabinet minister in the Nitish-led administration, supports the JD(U) and his support will bring the number to 128.

Andra Pradesh: Man presumed ‘dead’ after a burnt body was found in his agriculture field calls family several hours later, here’s what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Andra Pradesh: Man presumed ‘dead’ after a burnt body was found in his agriculture field calls family several hours later, here’s what happened

In a strange turn of events, the family of a man who was presumed dead after a charred body was found under suspicious circumstances in his agricultural field and sent for postmortem by the police received a call from him hours later.

The strange incident came to light from Veerampalem, in Rangampet mandal of East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh on Friday (26th January), Times of India reported. 

According to reports, a man’s charred ‘body’ was found in an agricultural field in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district under mysterious circumstances. The agriculture field belonged to Ketamalla Pusaiah, a grain trader. The locals also found his footwear near the charred body which led them to presume that someone had murdered Pusaiah and it was his charred body. 

Later, the police reached the spot and sent the remains of the dead body for postmortem. However, hours later, Pusaiah’s family received a phone call from him and he disclosed the entire incident that transpired on that day. It was then realised that it was a case of mistaken identity and the charred body was of somebody else.

Regarding the incident, Rangampet police station sub-inspector P Vijay Kumar said villagers found a completely burnt body lying near an electricity transformer in an agriculture field belonging to Ketamalla Pusaiah, a grain trader, on Friday morning. Pusaiah’s footwear was also found near the body, which led the villagers to believe that someone had murdered the grain trader, the report added.

Subsequently, the villagers immediately informed his relatives. They also called the police who reached the spot and sent the body to the hospital for autopsy. 

Meanwhile, when the postmortem of the charred body was being conducted, Pusaiah’s relatives received a phone call from an unknown number and the caller turned out to be Pusaiah. 

Over the phone, he revealed that he was alive and asked his relatives to pick him up from the spot. When the relatives reached the spot given by Pusaiah, he narrated his ordeal. 

According to him, he saw three unidentified youths pouring petrol on a body and setting it on fire on his farm on Thursday night. When he tried to stop them, they assaulted him, dropped his footwear near the burning body, and took him somewhere in an auto, he added.

He said that he lost consciousness because of the assault. Later when he regained consciousness, he found himself lying in an agricultural field near Pidimgoyya which is in Rajamahendravaram rural mandal. Subsequently, he took help from a passerby and called his family from the stranger’s phone. 

After registering a case, Police launched an investigation into the matter. However, the identity of the charred body is yet to be known.

Mann Ki Baat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoes unity and progress, talks about nurturing spirit of ‘Dev se Desh’ with Lord Ram’s inspiring legacy

OpIndia Staff
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Mann Ki Baat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoes unity and progress, talks about nurturing spirit of ‘Dev se Desh’ with Lord Ram’s inspiring legacy

In the first episode of Mann Ki Baat for the year 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on 28th January, marking the 109th episode of his radio show. Reflecting on the recent Republic Day celebrations and the completion of 75 years of the Constitution and the Supreme Court, PM Modi emphasised the significance of these milestones in strengthening India’s democracy.

The Prime Minister recalled the festivities surrounding the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, highlighting the unity and devotion that the event generated among millions of Indians. He connected the principles of Prabhu Ram’s rule to the foundation of the Indian Constitution, reiterating the theme of ‘Dev se Desh’ and ‘Ram se Rashtra’ mentioned during his address in Ayodhya on 22nd January.

“Lord Ram brought the whole country together”

PM Modi said, “Friends, the occasion of Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya seems to have bound around a common thread, crores of people of the country together. Everyone’s feelings are unanimous, and everyone’s devotion is in unison. Ram is in everyone’s words, Ram is in everyone’s heart. During this period, many people of the country sang Ram Bhajans dedicating them at the feet of Shri Ram. On the evening of the 22nd of January, the entire country lit Ram Jyoti and celebrated Diwali. During this time, the country saw the power of togetherness, which is also a major basis for our resolves of a developed India.”

Prime Minister added, “I had requested the people of the country to run a cleanliness campaign from Makar Sankranti to the 22nd of January. I felt good that lakhs of people joined with devotion and cleaned religious places in their area. Many people have sent me pictures and videos related to this – this sentiment should not diminish, and this campaign should not stop. This power of collectivity will take our country to new heights of success.”

The Republic Day Parade of 2024

The Republic Day parade on January 26 drew particular attention, with PM Modi expressing pride in the significant representation of the Women Power. He lauded the remarkable coordination and achievements of women contingents from Central Security Forces and Delhi Police, underlining the crucial role women play in various fields, including defence.

Highlighting the achievements of female athletes, PM Modi applauded the 13 women honoured with the Arjuna Award during the recent ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He underscored the resilience of these athletes who overcame physical and economic challenges to bring glory to the nation.

PM Modi also shed light on the remarkable contributions of women in self-help groups, exemplifying the growing impact of women-led development in the country. He shared inspiring stories of women producing bio-fertilisers and pesticides, demonstrating the transformative power of collective efforts.

People’s Padma Awards

Turning his attention to the recently announced Padma Awards, PM Modi celebrated the accomplishments of individuals making a difference at the grassroots level. He highlighted the diverse range of contributions, from providing ambulance services to promoting nature conservation and preventing drug addiction. The Prime Minister acknowledged the changing dynamics of the Padma Awards system, now becoming the People’s Padma, with an increase in nominations indicating growing respect for the awards.

PM Modi said, “A lot of curiosity across the country to know about the life journey of these inspiring people has been noticed. Away from media headlines, away from the front pages of newspapers, these people have been engaged in social service without any limelight. We have hardly seen or heard anything about these people earlier, but now I am happy that after the announcement of the Padma Awards, people such as these are being discussed everywhere; people are eager to know more and more about them.”

PM Modi added, “Most of these Padma Award recipients are doing unique work in their respective fields. Like, somebody is providing an ambulance service, while another is arranging a roof over the head for the destitute. Some are engaged in nature conservation efforts by planting thousands of trees. There is also one, who has worked for the conservation of more than 650 varieties of rice. There is one as well who is spreading awareness in society for the prevention of drug and alcohol addiction. Many people are engaged in connecting people with Self Help Groups, especially the Nari Shakti campaign. Countrymen are also very happy about the fact that 30 of those who received the honour are women. These women are taking the society and the country forward through their work at the grassroots level.”

PM Modi also discussed Organ Donation

In a significant announcement, PM Modi addressed the importance of organ donation, praising the families who honoured the last wishes of their loved ones. He commended organisations working towards organ donation awareness and registration, noting the positive impact on saving lives.

He said, “In recent years, there have been more than a thousand people in the country who donated their organs after their death. This decision is not easy, but this decision is a saver of multiple lives. I would also appreciate those families who respected the last wishes of their near and dear ones. Today, many organisations in the country are also making very inspiring efforts in this direction. Some organisations are making people aware of organ donation, some organisations are helping in registering the people willing to donate organs. Due to such efforts, a positive environment is being created in the country towards organ donation and people’s lives are also being saved.”

Standardisation and Codification of Data by AYUSH

PM Modi shared a groundbreaking achievement in the field of traditional medicine, announcing the codification of data and terminology related to Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicine. The collaboration with the World Health Organisation is expected to standardise medical practices, enabling better understanding and research.

He said, “I am happy to share that the Ministry of AYUSH has categorized the data and terminology related to Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine, with the help of the World Health Organisation as well. Through the efforts of both, the terminology related to disease and treatment in Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha medicine has been codified. With the help of this coding, all doctors will now write the same language on their prescriptions or slips. One advantage of this would be that if you go to another doctor with that slip, the doctor will get complete information about it from just that slip. That slip will help one in knowing one’s illness, treatment, what medicines one has been taking, for how long the treatment has been going on, and what things one is allergic to. Another benefit of this will accrue to those people, who are associated with research work. Scientists from other countries will also get complete information about the disease, medicines and their effects.”

Recognising the contributions of individuals in preserving traditional medicine, PM Modi mentioned Padma Awardees Yanung Jamoh Lego and Vaidyaraj Hemchand Manjhi, showcasing their role in preserving Ayurveda and herbal medicine.

A decade of Mann Ki Baat and the power of Radio

The Prime Minister expressed joy in the decade-long connection with the citizens through ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and highlighted the power of radio in connecting the nation. He shared a unique initiative from Chhattisgarh, ‘Hamar Hathi – Hamar Goth,’ illustrating how radio can play a vital role in disseminating information about the movement of elephant herds, contributing to their conservation.

National Voters Day

As the nation observed National Voters Day on January 25, PM Modi commended the efforts of the Election Commission in ensuring democratic values. He encouraged first-time voters to register online and emphasised the transformative potential of every vote.

PM Modi said, “My dear countrymen, on this very 25th of January we all have celebrated National Voters Day. This is an important day for our glorious democratic traditions. Today there are approximately 96 crore voters in the country. Do you know how big this figure is? This is almost three times more than the total population of America. This is about one and a half times more than the total population of the entire Europe. “

Narendra Modi further said, “If we refer to polling stations, their number in the country today is around 10.5 lakh. To enable every citizen of India to exercise their democratic rights, our Election Commission sets up polling booths even at places where there is only one voter. I would like to commend the Election Commission, which has made relentless efforts to strengthen democratic values in the country.”

He added, “Friends, today it is a matter of enthusiasm for the country that while the voting percentage is decreasing in many countries of the world, the voting percentage in India is increasing. In 1951-52, when elections were held for the first time in the country, only about 45 per cent of the voters cast their votes. Today this figure has increased significantly. Not only has the number of voters increased in the country, but turnout has also increased. The government has also made amendments to the law so that our young voters can get more registration opportunities. I am also happy to notice that many efforts are being made at the community level to increase awareness among voters. At some places, people go door to door and tell voters about voting.”

Remembering Lala Lajpat Rai and Field Marshal KM Cariappa

On the occasion of Lala Lajpat Rai’s birth anniversary, PM Modi paid tribute to the freedom fighter and visionary leader who played a crucial role in India’s economic development. He also remembered Field Marshal KM Cariappa for his bravery and contributions to strengthening the Indian army.

The Prime Minister concluded Mann Ki Baat by highlighting India’s progress in sports, mentioning recent events like the Khelo India Youth Games and the Beach Games in Diu. He encouraged the youth to actively participate in sports, stressing its positive impact on the nation’s sporting prowess.

PM Modi shared the success of the ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ initiative, now in its 7th edition, aimed at alleviating exam-related stress among students. He noted the increasing participation, with over 2.25 crore students registering this year, demonstrating the program’s growing impact on education-related discussions. As PM Modi concluded the episode, he expressed his anticipation for the continued progress of the country through collective and individual efforts, promising to return with more insights in February.

Just wait for a few days: Himanta Biswa Samra reiterates that Rahul Gandhi uses ‘body double’, vows to expose name

OpIndia Staff
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Just wait for a few days: Himanta Biswa Samra reiterates that Rahul Gandhi uses ‘body double’, vows to expose name

On Saturday (27th January), the Assam Chief Minister reiterated that Congress scion Rahul Gandhi has been using a ‘body double’ during his ongoing ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.’

While speaking about the matter, he said, “I don’t just say things. The duplicate’s name, and how it was done — I will share all details. Just wait for a few days”

“I will be in Dibrugarh tomorrow (Sunday), and I will also be out of Guwahati the next day. Once I am back in Guwahati, I will give the name and address of the duplicate,” Sarma emphasised.

Earlier on Thursday (25th January), the Assam Chief Minister accused Rahul Gandhi of using a ‘body double’ during his Assam leg (18th-25th January) of ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.’

“Rahul Gandhi has been using a ‘body double’ on his bus journeys. This means that the person sitting at the front of the bus and looking at people probably is not Rahul Gandhi at all,” he was heard saying during a press conference.

It must be mentioned that Congress party workers in Assam clashed with the state police after Rahaul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was stopped from entering Guwahati city. 

Himanta Biswa Sarma cited the unruly behaviour, and vandalism of the Congress workers and asked the police to file an FIR against Rahul Gandhi. He accused the Congress scion of disrupting traffic movement and creating a law and order situation in the capital city.

In response, Congress claimed that the Assam government was using BJP workers to disrupt Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra. Congress workers in various states have been carrying out protests against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to display their support for Rahul Gandhi.

UP: Two-year-old child brutally attacked by stray dogs in Barabanki during Republic Day celebrations, over 40 wounds on his body

Shraddha Pandey
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UP: Two-year-old child brutally attacked by stray dogs in Barabanki during Republic Day celebrations, over 40 wounds on his body

In an appalling incident in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, the two-year-old son of a police constable, Gaurav Tiwari, was bitten by 4 to 5 stray dogs during Republic Day celebrations on January 26th near Police Line. The stray dogs dragged Atharva and continued to bite and injure him until his father and other police officers heard his loud cries. When the policemen arrived, they chased the dogs away, rescuing the two-year-old.

Subsequently, the victim was rushed to a district hospital, however, considering his serious condition, the boy was referred to Lucknow.

According to reports, Head Constable Gaurav Tiwari and his family reside in the police lines of the ANTF police station area. On January 26, Gaurav Tiwari came to show his two-year-old son Atharva the Republic Day celebrations. After he arrived at the police station with his child, he went inside for some work. Just thereafter, Atharva stepped out of the police station, playing, and was attacked by five furious dogs. The dogs dragged the young child to the bushes. Head Constable Gaurav began looking for him when his son was not seen nearby.

Then Gaurav heard the dogs barking and his son screaming. Gaurav arrived at the location where the sounds were coming from, accompanied by a few police officers. He noticed that the dogs were brutally biting Atharva. The victim was taken to a district hospital where the doctors provided first aid and referred Atharva to the Trauma Centre at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow. Currently, the boy is undergoing treatment at KGMU Trauma Centre.

According to reports, the brutal dog assault caused over 40 wounds to the victim. Meanwhile, the families of police officers living in Barabanki Police Lines are concerned since stray dogs wander freely in the area and often attack the local residents.

Karnataka: Police pull down Hanuman flag fluttering at 108 feet in Mandya after complaint by some people, protesting villagers lathi-charged

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Police pull down Hanuman flag fluttering at 108 feet in Mandya after complaint by some people, protesting villagers lathi-charged

Protest over the removal of the Hanuman flag by police on 27th January night in Karnataka’s Mandya district has led to major tension in the area. Last week, youngsters of Keragodu village erected a 108-foot pole and hoisted a saffron flag bearing the image of Lord Hanuman near a Ram temple with permission from the village Panchayat. However, some villagers did not like this and complained about the matter.

The people insisted that they had raised the flag in concert with one another, but the authorities refused to listen to them. A protest broke out when the village panchayat took down the flag. The police employed lathi-charge to drive the locals out after they continued to resist. Hindus had been gathering there since the previous evening and on 28th January the environment grew more intense.

The residents charged that certain individuals were attempting to politicise the matter. The villagers gathered on the place as the panchayat officials arrived to remove the flag. They held a demonstration against the government and chanted “go back” slogans. Meanwhile. security was stepped up in view of the escalating issue. The flag was taken off by the cops and people have been revolting against Congress MLA Ravi Kumar since then. His banners were broken. The agitators have called for a bandh (shutdown). Stores were voluntarily closed down in opposition. People began preparing food on the main thoroughfare and utilised the banners of Ravi Kumar to light a fire.

People wanted to hoist the flag while the police wanted to hoist the tricolor on the pole which led to the dispute. Some have accused the politician of being behind the whole affair. Workers of Bajrang Dal, Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular) were also present there and are persistently demonstrating as well as calling for the saffron flag to be hoisted again. Pictures of women confronting the administration and crying devotees also surfaced. People are very angry with the local MLA.

Mandya Superintendent of Police claimed that the chief executive officer (CEO) Sheikh Tanveer Asif of the Gram Panchayat made the decision to pull down the flag and the inhabitants of the village objected to it. According to the CEO of Mandya District Panchayat, the trust had asked for authorisation to put up a pole to fly the flag of the country. Permission to fly the national flag on government property was granted in accordance with protocol, but thereafter a saffron flag was raised in its place which has been taken down legally and everything is under control.

Maldives: Ruckus breaks out in Parliament, ruling MPs irritate Speaker with trumpets, engage in physical fight

OpIndia Staff
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Maldives: Ruckus breaks out in Parliament, ruling MPs irritate Speaker with trumpets, engage in physical fight

On Sunday (28th January), a ruckus broke out inside the premises of the Maldivian Parliament ahead of a crucial vote to determine the cabinet of incumbent pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu.

The chaos began after Opposition MPs were barred from entering the Parliamentary chamber by the ruling party MPs belonging to the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC).

It must be mentioned that the Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) wields significant power in the Parliament has refused to approve 4 members of the ruling party from joining the cabinet of President Muizzu.

The Opposition has raised questions about the suitability of the ‘designated cabinet ministers. The MPs belonging to the ruling PPM and PPC thus disrupted the Parliamentary proceedings and the functioning of the Speaker of the House.

In videos that have emerged on social media, some ruling MPs were seen blowing trumpet next to the chair of the Speaker. Others were seen manhandling, pushing and shoving Opposition MPs.

The videos of the scuffle have gone viral on social media, with netizens questioning the political turmoil in the archipelago.

Amid strain in India ties over President Mohammad Muizzu asking New Delhi to withdraw its troops from the Maldivian waters and the disparaging remarks by junior ministers and government officials of Maldives against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two opposition parties in the Maldives have come out against the current regime over its ‘stark’ anti-India pivot.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats jointly issued a joint press statement, labelling the shift in foreign policy as ‘extremely detrimental’ to the country’s long-term development. The statement served to reassert and affirm the Opposition’s belief that “alienating any development partner, and especially the country’s most long-standing ally will be extremely detrimental to the long-term development of the country”.

Mortar mixed with blood of Hindu warriors used in making the first wall of Babri Masjid: Story of Raja Mahtab Singh, who sacrificed his life fighting Babur’s army

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Mortar mixed with blood of Hindu warriors used in making the first wall of Babri Masjid: Story of Raja Mahtab Singh, who sacrificed his life fighting Babur’s army

The consecration ritual of Bhagwan Ram Lalla in his rightful abode took place on January 22nd at Ayodhya Ram Mandir. On this occasion, Hindus all across the country and around the world celebrated Diwali to mark the “return of the King” after nearly five centuries. OpIndia in its series of ground reports brought up the stories of several unsung heroes of the Ram Janmbhoomi Liberation Movement who sacrificed their lives in the firing ordered by the Mulayam Singh Yadav regime in 1990.

In the course of our on-the-ground report, we learned about four crucial wars. The battles occurred at a period when the merciless army of Islamic invader Babar was demolishing the temple and Kshatriya warriors were sacrificing their lives while fighting invaders. Of these warriors, the then-Bhiti King Mahtab Singh was the first to sacrifice his life. We went to Raja Mahtab Singh’s palace in pursuit of information regarding the present-day situation there.

The OpIndia team reached Raja Mahtab Singh’s palace. The palace is presently located near the tehsil office in the Bhiti police station area of Ambedkarnagar district. The palace has become exceedingly dilapidated. The plaster has come off, and the ceiling has collapsed in several places. However, the saffron flag is still fluttering over the palace. The walls still bear engraved images of Lord Ganesh and Mahadev.  

By looking at the palace, it appears that the exterior as well as the interior have not been dusted or repainted for many years. The doors had also been damaged. Some domestic animals were found tied in an area of the palace. Some locals, speaking on the condition of anonymity, also informed us that the majority of the palace has been sold.

Raja Mahtab Singh Mahal Bhiti, Ambedkarnagar

There is an Inter College named after Raja Ajay Pratap Singh near the palace. It is run by Raja Mahtab Singh’s descendants. Locals wandering through the site mentioned that Raja Saheb’s court used to be located where Inter College now stands. He used to resolve the people’s issues in a very impartial fashion. The majority of Raja Mahtab Singh’s family members live in Lucknow and Kashi. Only a few distant relatives were present to look after the palace, one of whom was Vinay Pratap Singh.

A wall painting of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati inside Raja Mahtab Singh’s palace

“Our ancestors fought Babur, but people have forgotten us”

Vinay Pratap Singh, who was present in the palace, told us that his ancestors fought the first battle against Babar to safeguard their birthplace, but that they have since been forgotten. He told us that a book about Raja Mahtab Singh’s sacrifice had earlier been published, however, it was somehow removed from the market for unknown reasons.

Vinay Pratap Singh claims that this book was previously sold in all of Ayodhya’s book centres. Overjoyed with the consecration of Ram Lalla in the Ram Mandir, wants people to remember Raja Mahtab Singh on this historic occasion. Along with this, he hopes that the government of India protect this palace.

Vinay Pratap Singh in Raja Mahtab Singh’s palace

An army of 80,000 had fought twice as many Mughals

Speaking to OpIndia, Pranab Pratap Singh, another descendant of Raja Mahtab told us that during 1527-28, on Babar’s orders, his commander Mir Baqi and a Mughal army of lakhs invaded the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. At that time, Bhiti King Raja Mahtab Singh had embarked on a pilgrimage to Badrinath.

When Raja Saheb, who had grown old, learned of the attack on Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, he cancelled his journey and marched to Ayodhya. He issued a message to his state and started assembling as many people as possible. On this side, an army of approximately 80,000 Hindus set out for Ayodhya to defend Ram Janmabhoomi.

The battle to defend Ram Janmbhoomi lasted 17 days, during which Hindu warriors and Raja Mahtab Singh gave the supreme sacrifice

Pranab Pratap Singh informed us that Mir Baqi had infiltrated the entire city of Ayodhya and arrived close to Ram Janmabhoomi. All the soldiers had surrounded the birthplace. Mir Baqi and his army were unable to enter the temple for around 17 days. Meanwhile, Hindu soldiers were attaining martyrdom while fighting Baqi’s troops. Ultimately, after the 17th day, Raja Mahtab Singh, the last warrior, gave his life while defending the birthplace of Bhagwan Ram from Mir Baqi’s army.

Pranab Pratap Singh said that veteran Kehri Singh, an ally of Raja Mahtab Singh, was also killed in this battle. Only after Raja Mahtab Singh’s sacrifice was the Mughal army able to approach the temple premises.

Several singers at the time composed folk songs about Raja Mahtab Singh’s heroism. Some of these folk songs are still performed by the elders of the Bhiti area. One of the main reasons for Raja Saheb’s defeat was a lack of sophisticated armaments.

According to Pranab Pratap Singh, Raja Saheb’s warriors had spears and swords, whilst the Mughals used cannons. Mir Baqi is supposed to have slaughtered Raja Mahtab Singh and his 80,000 troops, made mortar out of their blood and used it to build the first wall of Babri. These walls were built with Lakhauri bricks to absorb as much blood as it could.

Two Mughal fakirs who were given at Ayodhya Ram Mandir informed Babur about Ram Janmabhoomi

Balram Mishra, a historian in Ambedkar Nagar, turned the pages of history during a conversation with OpIndia. Balram Mishra told us that Shyamanand, the then-priest of the Ram temple, provided shelter for two Mughal fakirs Kazal Abbas Musa and Jalal Shah. These fakirs pretended to be influenced by Hinduism and began living in temple premises.

The duo not only obtained information on the temple’s wealth but also uncovered all of the security secrets. They also learned that Hindus in North India had immense faith in Bhagwan Ram. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple served as the centre of that faith. Later, these two fakirs provided all of the information to Babur, and the fanatical Babur deployed his troops to pillage the vast wealth and demolish the Ram Mandir on the scale of Somnath.

We also spoke with people who were present around Raja Mahtab Singh’s palace. There is a settlement of  people belonging to “Scheduled Caste” near the palace. They told us that Raja Saheb had personally settled them there and that they had never faced discrimination based on caste or other factors inside the palace. Ramayagya Tiwari, a veteran of Bhiti Bazaar, stated that it is unfortunate for the area that even an image of such a historical figure does not exist.

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