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Mohammed Shami reaches his hometown in Amroha, thanks Modi for raising spirits after World Cup loss, thanks Yogi for new stadium in his hometown

Gopal Tiwari
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Mohammed Shami reaches his hometown in Amroha, thanks Modi for raising spirits after World Cup loss, thanks Yogi for new stadium in his hometown

On Thursday (23rd November), Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami visited his native place Sahaspur Alinagar in the Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh. While interacting with the media at his farmhouse, he expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting the Indian cricket team in their dressing room boosting their confidence after the tragic loss in the final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup against Australia. Mohammed Shami also thanked the Yogi Adityanath government for announcing a new mini stadium at Mohammed Shami’s native place. The Indian pacer hoped that more players would emerge from his area as they would benefit from the new sporting facilities.

Prime Minister coming to boost you is not a small thing

About Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Indian dressing room after the match, Mohammed Shami said, “It was very important. Because, at that time, we had lost the match. When your Prime Minister comes to you and boosts you, it is a different confidence booster. We felt like the most responsible person in the country had come to us and sympathised with us at that difficult hour.”

He added, “This gesture was much needed indeed. Because, in such instances, the morale of the players is usually at a low. And if at such a moment, someone like the Prime Minister is standing by you and boosting your confidence, it takes your confidence to a different level altogether. I think this played a very significant part in rebuilding our confidence. Prime Minister coming to boost you is not a small thing.”

‘More players should emerge from the area I come from’, said Mohammed Shami

After an outstanding display by fast bowler Mohammad Shami, who became the leading wicket-taker in the ICC World Cup 2023, the government of Uttar Pradesh declared its intention to build a cricket stadium in the pacer’s hometown, Sahaspur Alinagar, located in the Amroha district.

Reacting to this, Mohammed Shami said, “I will visit the site where the stadium has been announced. I will definitely give some time to it. I will even offer any services which are required by me in this regard. My only message is – to work hard to identify the talent within you. When I left Amroha, everyone knew that the situation back home was not very good and fewer facilities were available here. I struggled hard to achieve this. Now, if you get the facilities here, then you have to work hard and focus on your skills.”

He added, “I think everyone should contribute to the country in a way he can. I never expected such a gift and honour. Nor did I play with the intention of getting it. But, yes, they (Yogi Adityanath government) have given a stadium to our district and I think more players should emerge from our area.”

What was going on in the team’s mind before the final match?

Answering this, the cricketer said, “There was nothing negative with us the night before the final match. We were confident. We were playing really well. Everything was going very well just like what we had planned. But, whenever we play a big game, like this one, certainly there is a pressure somewhere – even if we do not pay attention to it. And then the mind starts working like that only. Even if you want us to remain calm and cool, it does not happen until the game is over.”

Mohammed Shami called out Pakistanis for their mindset

When asked about the conspiracy theories peddled by former Pakistani cricketers about the impeccable performance of team India in the World Cup, Shami said that it is usual with the Pakistani mindset. Notably, former cricketer Hasan Raza, while appearing on a Pakistani news channel, had said that ICC or BCCI is providing some special kind of balls only to Indian bowlers due to which Indian bowlers like Shami and Siraj are getting swings even on batting pitches. Hasan Raza also asserted that there should be an ‘inspection’ of balls provided by the ICC. He also alleged that decisions are being made in favour of India in the matter of DRS.

Reacting to this, Mohammed Shami said, “What can I say about this? This is known to all. This is known to every one of us. Legendary players from Pakistan who have a good reputation in the world have also explained this to them. But, still, they do not understand things. So, I cannot comment anything on that. Their mindset is just like that only.”

We should have put more runs on the board

In this media interaction, the local boy of Amroha detailed various aspects of the game played by the Indian cricket team in the final match. He said, “The only thing was that we had less runs on the board. Had there been 300-odd runs, it would have been easier for us to defend. We cannot identify one instance in the match as the turning point. We cannot blame a single thing. Overall team performance is considered to check where we stand. It is very important to work as a unit and as a group. All I can say is that – probably we fell short of the score.”

About the importance of toss and other technical aspects involved, he said, “Technically speaking, in day-night matches, batting is always easier in the evening. You need to take all those things into account. If the opponent is winning the toss and inviting us to bat first, we have to bat first. It is not in our hands. Maybe that was one factor that benefitted them (Australia). Secondly, we really fell short of runs. 240 is not a score against a team like Australia in the finals. Maybe 30 to 40 runs more and we might have won the World Cup.”

Mohammed Shami added, “We do not overthink about any match. We followed the same process as we did in the last ten matches. Attitude and skills were all the same. Planning was also the same as we did in the past matches. I want to repeat that there can be a bad day. And maybe with us, the final match was that bad day.”

Making the team victorious is our main goal

Mohammed Shami was not in the playing eleven of the Indian cricket team in this World Cup in the first four matches. He came to the field in the fifth match as Hardik Pandya was injured. When asked about this, he said, “My approach was that this is the World Cup. We were a squad of 15. Ashwin was sitting on the bench with me. He has 600 to 700 international wickets. From this, you can imagine the quality and strength this team had. Therefore, I never thought about who was in the playing eleven and who was not. I always think that whosoever is in the playing eleven of the match, should perform well and make the team victorious. That is our main goal.”

One should not touch the trophy with his feet

Following the final match, Australian star batsman Mitchell Marsh was seen striking a pose with his feet placed on top of the World Cup trophy. When asked about this, Mohammed Shami clearly said that he did not like this gesture. He said, “I did not like that gesture. World Cup is a trophy for which 10 teams were fighting to hold it up over their heads with pride. Keeping one’s feet on that trophy – I did not like that gesture indeed. No one should do this.”

Mitchell Marsh posing with his feet atop the World Cup Trophy. Image Source: Deccan Herald

Let’s focus on education, culture, and sports for future generations

Detailing his vision for the upcoming generations, especially from the rural areas like the one he hails from, Mohammed Shami said, “In the changing times, we can create a good culture for upcoming generations by focusing on education, culture, and sports. If our young talent or any department needs any help from me, I will be more than happy to contribute. Yes, there are less facilities in villages. But, now, I think, the government is also very helpful in all those things. Now, it is for youths to step up and show their maturity and talent. It is for them to show their skills and shine the name of the country in the world.”

Enforcement Directorate issues summons to actor Prakash Raj in Rs 100 crore Ponzi scheme linked to Pranav Jewellers

ANI
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Enforcement Directorate issues summons to actor Prakash Raj in Rs 100 crore Ponzi scheme linked to Pranav Jewellers

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to actor Prakash Raj in the Rs 100 crore Ponzi scheme linked to the Pranav Jewellers money laundering case.

Prakash Raj was the ‘Brand Ambassador’ of Pranav Jewellers, a partnership firm based out of Trichy in Tamil Nadu. He has been summoned to depose before its Chennai office in connection with the case.

It has been learned that the federal agency issued summons to Prakash Raj to get information about the payments he received from Pranav Jewellers.

The move comes after the ED conducted searches on November 20 under the provision of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in the case of a Ponzi scheme run by certain accused persons in the name of Pranav Jewellers.

During the searches, various incriminating documents, unexplained cash of Rs 23.70 lakh, bullion, or gold jewellery weighing 11.60 kg were seized.

ED initiated investigation on the First Information Report registered by Trichy’s Economic Offences Wing against Pranav Jewellers and others, alleging that Rs 100 crore was collected from public by the firm under the guise of a gold investment scheme with the promise of high returns. Pranav Jewellers failed to return the amount to such investors.

ED investigation revealed that Pranav Jewellers and other connected persons cheated the public by diverting public funds to shell entities and entry providers under the garb of purchasing bullion or gold ornaments.

ED’s November 20 searches revealed that the supplier parties in the books of Pranav Jewellers were entry providers, who during the investigation confessed to have provided adjustment and accommodation entries to the firm for amounts over Rs 100 crores and also confessed to having given cash to the accused persons in lieu of bank payments.

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

UP: Grocery shop owner Dilip Jaiswal found dead hanging at girlfriend Nazia Bano’s house in Pratapgarh, allegedly killed by her family

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Grocery shop owner Dilip Jaiswal found dead hanging at girlfriend Nazia Bano’s house in Pratapgarh, allegedly killed by her family

In the Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, a Hindu grocery shopowner was allegedly killed by his Muslim girlfriend’s family members after she called him over to her home on Monday, November 20. The Hindu youth named Dilip Jaiswal alias Mintu was strangulated to death by his Muslim lover Nazia’s family on Monday night and then informed the deceased victim’s family about the same.

The matter pertains to Gopalapur village in Jethwara police station precinct. The 28-year-old victim and his father Parasnath Jaiswal ran a grocery business here in Ramganj Bazaar. Mintu was in love with Nazia Bano, a resident of the village Parvatpur Pure Nagia. Nazia called Mintu to her home on Monday night. Following this, Nazia’s family members strangled Dilip alias Mintu to death, and his body was found hanging from a ceiling fan. Subsequently, Nazia’s brother Asif called Mintu’s family and asked them to take Mintu away from there or they would kill him, however, when Mintu’s family arrived at Nazia’s house, the 28-year-old youth’s body was found hanging.

Tension swept through the area following Dilip’s murder. Because the incident involved a Hindu-Muslim angle, policemen from three police stations, Baghrai, Maheshganj, and Jethwara, were deployed to the scene to avert any unsettling incidents.

On the complaint of the deceased victim’s brother Pradeep, Jethwara police have filed a case against Asif, Shaukat Ali, Moin, Nazia Bano, Naeem, Mohammad Saeed, Saeed’s wife, Shaukat’s wife, and two unidentified persons for Dilip’s murder.

Meanwhile, police have detained and are questioning six persons, including Nazia Bano. On Tuesday, November 21, SP Satpal Antil and ASP West Rohit Mishra arrived at the crime scene for inspection. SP Antil stated that further action would be taken based on technical and forensic investigation.

According to reports, the viscera was preserved after the deceased victim’s post-mortem due to the fear of toxic substances being found in his food. Dilip alias Mintu was the youngest among three brothers and one sister.

As soon as his body returned home following the post-mortem. His other brother, Pradeep Jaiswal, sister-in-law Aarti, and father, Parasnath, all embraced his lifeless body and began sobbing hysterically. According to the villagers, both families were aware of Dilip’s relationship with his girlfriend Nazia.

According to the deceased’s elder brother Pradeep, Dilip closed his shop on Monday night and returned home at about 7:30 p.m. Pradeep went on to say that someone called him on his phone just after Dilip had dinner. He left the house while on the phone and did not return.

Pradeep claims that at about 11.45 p.m., Asif, a Ramganj market resident, called him on his mobile. Asif told Pradeep that his brother Dilip had been caught in a room with a girl and that he needed to come fast or else people would kill Dilip.

Scared Pradeep Jaiswal arrived at the location and saw Dilip’s body hanging from the fan with the use of a dupatta in Asif’s house. Subsequently, he informed the police. In his complaint, Pradeep has alleged that Asif’s cousin Nazia Bano had called his brother to her house and murdered him.

Same-sex marriage: SC to consider review petitions against its judgement on 28th November, petitioners seek open court hearing

OpIndia Staff
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Same-sex marriage: SC to consider review petitions against its judgement on 28th November, petitioners seek open court hearing

The Supreme Court on 28th November will consider a bunch of petitions seeking to reconsider the same-sex marriage judgment which was delivered on 17th October. The five-judge bench had refused same-sex marriage for LGBTQ+ couples by a 3-2 verdict, saying that it is a domain of legislature and courts can’t dictate such matters. On 23rd November, the court agreed to consider the petitions asking for a review.

Representing queer couples, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared before a bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud and submitted that even as same-sex marriage was rejected, the bench had agreed that there was discrimination against the members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Seeking an open court hearing, Rohatgi said, “It is tentatively listed on November 28. Let it not be deleted. Apart from this, majority or minority, both views have held that there is a discrimination. If there is discrimination, there also has to be a remedy. This is why we have pressed for an open court hearing.”

The CJI responded saying that he is yet to go through the review petitions and the plea for an open court hearing will be considered. He also asked the petitioners to complete all administrative formalities of the case.

Rohatgi was accompanied by other lawyers. Some other petitions were also filed. A review petition was reportedly previously filed by Udit Sood, Saatvic, Lakshmi Manoharan and Gagandeep Paul against the 17th October verdict.

The petitioners described the verdict as “self-contradictory and manifestly unjust”. It read, “The discrimination faced by the queer community is acknowledged in the verdict but the cause of the discrimination is not removed. The legislative choices see same-sex couples as less than human by denying them equal rights.”

On 17th October, a 5-judge Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court refused to recognise same-sex marriage in India in a split 3-2 verdict.

The matter was heard by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, Justices S Ravindra Bhat, Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Hima Kohli and PS Narasimha for a total of 10 days, following which they reserved their verdict on 11th May this year.

The majority verdict against the recognition of ‘same-sex marriage, under the Special Marriage Act (SMA), came from Justice Ravindra Bhat and Justice PS Narasimha. Justice Hima Kohli supported the judgement of Justice Bhat.

Justice Ravindra Bhat upheld that marriage in itself is not a fundamental right and that the institution has been historically based on customs such as Muslim personal law, the Shariat Act, and the Karaj Act.

Justice Bhatt added that queer people have the right to choose a partner, enjoy privacy and live with dignity but their marriage cannot be recognised in the absence of codification.

Uttar Pradesh: Statewide raids and confiscation continue after ban on Halal certification, search operations in 12 districts including Lucknow

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Statewide raids and confiscation continue after ban on Halal certification, search operations in 12 districts including Lucknow

The Food Safety and Drugs Authority (FSDA) units continued conducting inspections and confiscating products following the Uttar Pradesh government’s prohibition on companies issuing halal certification on food products in the state. Despite a comprehensive statewide review set for Thursday (23rd November), district administrations are actively engaging in raids and search operations across various locations.

The government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has imposed a ban on the production, purchase, sale, and storage of halal-certified products. FIRs have also been registered against such companies at the Hazratganj police station, and raids have been conducted at various locations. The FSDA will soon release a phone number where the general public can call and provide information related to halal practices. Action will be taken based on this information.

Raids in Lucknow and Prayagraj

In Lucknow, Assistant Food Commissioner S.P. Singh, leading the FSDA team, confiscated items valued at more than Rs 26,000 from four locations. Similarly, in Prayagraj, the FSDA team conducted inspections at several outlets.

Over the last two days, teams led by Mamta, the Assistant Commissioner of Food, conducted thorough inspections at 95 locations in Lucknow. In these raids, samples totalling Rs 6,500 in value were confiscated and subsequently sent to the laboratory. The seized products encompassed items such as baking soda, cocoa powder, ready-to-eat foods like vegetable burger patties and vegetable momos, in addition to various confectionery items.

At the Blinkit store in Bantara Karauli, packets of salted almonds, party snacks, and mixed vegetables were confiscated. Raids have been conducted at various other locations, including Spencors Retail Fun Mall in Gomti Nagar, Grocers Store in Ruchi Khand Ashiyana, Reliance Store, Ashraf General Store, Shyam Provision Store, Raju Kirana Store, Narayan Provision Store, Subhash Oil and Nishatganj’s Botanical Store, All About Dessert in Indiranagar, Brijwasi Bakery, Sri General Store in Bapu Tameau, Mukesh Departmental Store in Alam Bagh, Golden Bakery, Smart Point in Krishna Nagar, Shakooja Mart in Chandar Nagar, and Keshav Store in Hazratganj.

Anti-Halal Raids on McDonald’s and other outlets in Lucknow

A raid was conducted at a McDonald’s outlet in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. The reason behind this action was the utilization of products certified as halal at McDonald’s. On Wednesday (22nd November 22) a team from the Food Safety Department carried out an inspection at the outlet, during which rapper bases were seized. These rapper bases were being used in the preparation of pizzas. 68 packets of tortilla wraps have been seized from McDonald’s.

The FSDA (Food Safety and Drugs Administration) department’s team confiscated all the items. During the seizure, the Assistant Commissioner provided information that teams are now being sent to all McDonald’s outlets to investigate where products certified as halal are being used.

Raids in Gorakhpur and Ayodhya

In Gorakhpur‘s city market, a total of Rs 40,000 worth of food items were confiscated from various locations. Under the leadership of Hitendra Mohan Tripathi, the teams gathered samples, including noodles, toffees, coffee, brown sugar, and edible curry mixes. Simultaneously, in Ayodhya, a team headed by Manik Chandra Singh procured samples of packaged spices from the central market in the city.

Raids of a similar nature were carried out in more than two dozen districts, spanning locations such as Kanpur, Ayodhya, Gautam Budh Nagar, Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Gorakhpur, Etawah, Auraiyya, and Rae Bareli.

As US media claims RAW threat to terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, here is what NSA Ajit Doval said about him and the CIA to US NSA Jake Sullivan

Anurag
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As US media claims RAW threat to terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, here is what NSA Ajit Doval said about him and the CIA to US NSA Jake Sullivan

On 21st November (local time), Financial Times reported that US authorities thwarted a plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. Pannun is the founder of banned Khalistani organisation Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). He projects himself as a “general counsel” and pushes for an independent Sikh state called “Khalistan”. The FT report suggested that the US officials have issued a “warning” to the Indian government against the plot to attack Khalistani separatist leaders and terrorists on the American soil.

The report echoed the allegations made by the Canadian government that India is targeting Khalistani leaders on foreign lands. In September 2023, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Interestingly, FT’s report came around the same time when The Intercept published a report based on “leaked Pakistani intelligence” that Sikh separatist leaders or pro-Khalistani elements are on RAW’s target in Pakistan and other countries.

Coming back to Pannun, SFJ was declared a terrorist organisation by the Indian Home Ministry under UAPA due to its involvement in armed secessionist movements and anti-India activities. Pannun holds American and Canadian citizenship and is known for issuing threats against India. Recently, he threatened to blow up an Air India flight and disrupt India’s Cricket World Cup final match.

After his threatening video went viral on social media, Canadian security agencies finally woke up and increased security at the airports. Some of the suspected pro-Khalistani elements were detained from Toronto Airport a few days before the date mentioned by Pannun in the video, but further details about those arrests remained unknown.

In its report, FT indicated that the US officials did not specify if their protest to India prompted the alleged plotters to abandon the assassination plan or if it happened after the intervention of the FBI. Interestingly, the US reportedly shared intelligence with Canada about the plot of Nijjar’s murder, leading to the accusations against India.

Despite the claims, the US Justice Department, FBI, and National Security Council presented no valid information and declined to comment, which is, in fact, on the same lines that Canada has taken in terms of accusations against India over Nijjar’s murder.

‘Pannun is a CIA agent’

It is essential to look into why the US is not taking any action against Pannun when he is openly threatening India. Being US citizen, it is the US’s responsibility to put a leash on him. However, Pannun managed to escape all legal pathways and continue to threaten the sovereignty of India. Its answer may come to the fore with a two-month-old report.

As per media reports, Indian NSA Ajit Doval had informed his US counterpart, Jake Sullivan, that India was not taking any action against Pannun just because Indian agencies were aware that he was a CIA agent. If the reports are to be believed, Canada and the US may exploit the movement against India.

The US, Canada, Australia and the UK failed to address India’s concerns

India has been actively speaking against the increasing threats to its diplomats on foreign land. Furthermore, there has been a spike in the attacks on Hindus and Hindu establishments in the West. Temples are being damaged, Hindus and pro-Indian individuals are being attacked, calls for the assassination of Indian diplomats are being made. Indian government’s establishments, including counsel offices, were attacked, and Indian flags were desecrated in these countries multiple times without much legal consequences. Furthermore, Pannun flew freely across these countries and ran a so-called referendum provoking Sikhs to demand an independent state of Khalistan.

Countries like the US and Canada have ignored Interpol notices and India’s requests for the extradition of wanted criminals. In January this year, India requested extradition of several criminals. Some of them include Mandeep Singh Nijjar, Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar, Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, Gurjit Singh Cheema, Gurjinder Singh Pannu, Tehal Singh and Malkeet Singh alias Fauji. All of these have Interpol’s Red Corner Notices issued against them.

Furthermore, lookout notices were issued against Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, Ramandeep Singh alias Raman Judge, and Snover Dhillon. The Red Corner Notices against them are pending.

Deteriorating law and order situation in Canada and Pakistan

There have been several reports that Pakistan is funding Khalistani movement. Now, when Khalistani terrorists are being killed in Canada and Pakistan in gang wars, these countries are hell-bent on blaming India for the same. Interestingly, such killings on their lands only expose the worsening law and order situation.

Pakistan is known for harbouring criminals, including wanted terrorists. India has exposed the neighbouring country countless times on international platforms. How can one forget that Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind 9/11, was found and killed in Pakistan by the US forces? A detailed account of the day from a local’s perspective when he was killed can be seen here.

Interestingly, Canada is no different. It is known for sheltering criminals, gangsters and terrorists. Not only those, but Canada is also famous for housing Nazi soldiers. They “accidentally” honoured one of them in the Canadian Parliament in September this year. Nazi soldier Yaroslav Hunka was deemed a “war hero” by the Canadian Parliament. However, after the worldwide backlash, Canada claimed it made a mistake and was “unaware” of Hunka’s past.

Dr S Jaishankar urged Canada to present proof.

Not to forget, Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar has openly said that he is against any state-sponsored assassinations. Furthermore, he urged Canada on an open forum to present proof of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s murder and promised to look into it. However, Canada has so far decided to avoid coming forward with any substantial evidence.

Those who know about international politics and diplomacy understand that India is extensively careful about its image on international platforms. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge at the centre, India has projected itself as the voice of the Global South and has become the voice of the developing countries. India is more concerned about the development and maintaining law and order on its land rather than going on a hunt for criminals living on foreign lands.

India is a democratic country and believes in fighting its battles lawfully. However, the Indian public would not mind if a few wanted criminals and terrorists were dropped by “unknown assailants” on foreign land, of course, without the Indian government’s intervention.

Sonia Gandhi’s alleged brother received special treatment from Gehlot govt: New revelation from Lal Diary by former Congress minister Rajendra Gudha

OpIndia Staff
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Sonia Gandhi’s alleged brother received special treatment from Gehlot govt: New revelation from Lal Diary by former Congress minister Rajendra Gudha

Rajasthan’s former minister Rajendra Gudha, who caused a stir in the months leading up to the state elections in Rajasthan by disclosing information about Lal Diary (Red Diary), has now revealed more details about corruption cases recorded in the diary. Having previously served as a minister in the Congress government, Gudha has once again put the Congress party in an uncomfortable position with these recent disclosures. He disclosed that Lal Diary had mentioned Sonia Gandhi’s brother, adding another layer to the controversy.

Rajendra Gudha said, “The diary notes that Sonia Gandhi’s brother also attended the celebration of the son of the owner of Hotel Shiv Vilas. An appointment had been sought through the Chief Minister’s OSD (Officer on Special Duty) for a meeting with him (Sonia Gandhi’s alleged brother). Sonia Gandhi has two sisters. So, who came as this so-called brother?”

Rajendra Gudha further said, “For sure, he was some power trader who is mentioned in this diary. According to the diary, bureaucrats were discussing among themselves that the government was not stable. After I got the diary, 7 serious cases were opened against me. All the officers deployed in these cases are specially picked. All of them hate me.”

After Gudha’s claim, questions started to arise about who exactly came as Sonia Gandhi’s brother to the wedding event in Jaipur for whom an appointment had been requested from the Chief Minister’s OSD, Shashikant Sharma. Notably, Ashok Gehlot’s close aide Dharmendra Rathore used to write this diary and no one from the political arena of Rajasthan has come ahead to deny this.

On Thursday morning, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also held a press conference. During this, while addressing questions about Lal Diary, he attacked the BJP and the central government. He said, “The BJP formed Government in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh after toppling the Government, but it could not do so in Rajasthan, hence it is annoyed. “The Prime Minister and his entire team are campaigning here in Rajasthan but they will be staying here only till November 25 elections, after that the party won’t show its face.”

He added, “The way these people do conspiracies, recently the matter of Mahadev App came forward, and they had conspired to arrest Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel…I feel sad…they are making the PM talk about Mahadev App and Lal diary, after planning about it…There is no proper investigation, nothing solid and PM is speaking about it.”

Ashok Gehlot further said, “These agencies (ED, IT) are important, their actual work is for the economic offender…their attention should be directed there so that the country’s economy remains strong and economic offences don’t take place…Their work (in that direction) has ceased for nine years, just making the government topple and rise and for that, they threaten MLAs to make them change their party. They are trying to make the government topple in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra…with ED’s pressure and IT raid.”

On the other hand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also held a press conference in Jaipur on Thursday. He said, “Lal Diary has become the symbol of Congress’s corruption. People often gift diaries to each other on the occasion of Deepawali. This year the demand for the red diaries has hit the bottom because the red diary has become a symbol of corruption. People fear that if they gift a red diary wishing each other, it may be looked at as a symbol of corruption.”

He added, “There have been so many corruption scandals here. It never happened in Indian history that Rs 2.35 crore cash and 1 kg of gold got caught in the ministry’s cupboard. It took place in Rajasthan but there was no reaction from CM Ashok Gehlot. I have never seen anybody reacting too casually to corruption.”

He added, “The BJP workers are just voicing the issue of Lal Diary. The actual question is posed by the people of Rajasthan. They want to know what is this Lal Diary. What is written in it? It was your MLa who exposed this. Don’t you (Ashok Gehlot) consider yourself answerable to the people? You are questioning back instead of answering.

What is the Lal Diary?

The term “Lal Diary” or “Red Diary” has become synonymous with political corruption in Rajasthan, India. It refers to a mysterious diary that is said to contain sensitive information about financial irregularities, corruption, and other alleged wrongdoings by Congress politicians. The existence of the diary has never been officially confirmed, but its spectre has haunted Rajasthan’s political landscape in 2023.

In 2023, the Lal Diary made headlines when Rajendra Gudha, a former minister in the Rajasthan government, claimed to have the diary. He alleged that the diary contains details of financial transactions between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and other influential figures. Gudha’s claims created a political storm, with the opposition BJP demanding an investigation. However, the Gehlot government dismissed the allegations as baseless and refused to order an inquiry.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the Lal Diary continues to be a source of political speculation and debate in Rajasthan. Its existence remains shrouded in mystery, but its influence on the state’s political landscape is undeniable. The diary has become a symbol of the dark side of politics, fueling allegations of corruption and fueling political rivalries. PM Modi has also mentioned it multiple times in the election campaign rallies in the state. Now it is revealed by Rajendra Gudha that Sonia Gandhi’s alleged brother is also mentioned in this diary.

Rajasthan Assembly Elections

Rajasthan is gearing up for the upcoming assembly elections, scheduled for a single phase on 25th November 2023. The fate of the state’s 200 assembly seats will be decided on this crucial date, with over 5.2 crore eligible voters casting their votes. The counting of votes will take place on 3rd December 2023, and the results will be declared on the same day.

Mathura: Narendra Modi to become the first Prime Minister to visit Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi

OpIndia Staff
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Mathura: Narendra Modi to become the first Prime Minister to visit Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to become the first Prime Minister to visit Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The visit is scheduled for Thursday (23rd November). Preparations are in full swing for the PM’s welcome who will be in the Holy city for about three hours. UP CM Yogi Adityanath will receive the Prime Minister.

Ahead of the PM’s visit, the SPG reviewed the security arrangements in Mathura on Wednesday (22nd November). 4,000 police and PAC personnel have been deployed in the city.

The Prime Minister’s visit comes two days after the Allahabad High Court, in a significant development, granted approval to the construction plan for the Banke Bihari Temple corridor on Tuesday (21st November).

The court’s green signal to the initiative, which is the brainchild of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has paved the way for the removal of encroachments obstructing the corridor’s path.

According to UP Minister Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan, PM Modi will first visit the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Krishna, he will then participate in the Braj Raj Festival. PM Modi is expected to arrive in Mathura by around 4 PM and leave by around 6 PM.

According to Shailendra Kumar Singh, the District Magistrate of Mathura, the Prime Minister is expected to visit the Banke Bihari temple to pay obeisance. The PM is likely to visit the temple directly after his chopper lands at the Army helipad.

During the short visit, the Prime Minister will also address the Braj Raj Utsav from a stage set up at the railway ground. The address will likely last about 40 minutes. Additionally, there is a program scheduled for the PM to watch a 5-minute-long documentary prepared by the administration on the occasion of the 525th birth anniversary of Meera Bai at the same venue.

Following this, the Prime Minister will also attend a theatrical performance presented by the Member of Parliament Hema Malini, as part of the celebrations of Meera Bai’s birth anniversary. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stay at the Braj Raj Mela festival on the railway ground, sniper deployments have been arranged on the rooftops of surrounding houses for security measures.

Before the Prime Minister’s visit to Mathura, ADG Agra Zone Anupama Kulshrestha and Agra District Commissioner Ritu Maheshwari also briefed the security personnel. The squares and road intersections of Mathura have been adorned with lighting and flowers to welcome the Prime Minister.

Election Commission issues show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi over his ‘Panauti’ and ‘Jaibkatra’ remarks on PM Modi, says he violated mode code of conduct

OpIndia Staff
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Election Commission issues show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi over his ‘Panauti’ and ‘Jaibkatra’ remarks on PM Modi, says he violated mode code of conduct

The Election Commission has issued a show cause notice to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his derogatory words against PM Narendra Modi, including his ‘Panauti’ comment blaming Modi for India’s defeat to Australia in the Cricket World Cup final. The poll panel has asked the Kerala MP to submit his response by 6 PM on 25th November explaining why no action should be taken against him for using derogatory words against the BJP leader during an election speech in Rajasthan ahead of the assembly polls.

EC said that it has received a complaint from BJP alleging that Rahul Gandhi made wild allegations and spoke in a derisive and obnoxious manner about the Prime Minster. BJP in its complaint said that comparing a Prime Minister to a “Jaibkatra” (pickpocket) and using the word “Pannauti” is unbecoming of a very senior leader of the National Political Party.

BJP cited three incidents of Rahul Gandhi using abusive language for PM Modi. The first complaint is about Rahul Gandhi comparing PM Modi to a “Jaibkatra” (pickpocket) in a speech. Rahul Gandhi had said that pickpockets work in pairs, one diverts the attention of the target and the other picks pockets. The Congress leader had used this as an analogy to claim that PM Modi was also diverting the attention of people by talking about Hindu-Muslim issues, while others were stealing from them.

In the second point, BJP complained about Rahul Gandhi calling PM Modi a ‘Panauti’ (bad omen) for the Indian cricket team, blaming his presence for the defeat of India in the World Cup final.

It is notable that on 21st November (Tuesday), Rahul Gandhi, in a bizarre argument, blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s defeat in the ODI Cricket World Cup Final in Ahmedabad. He argued that the unbeaten Indian Cricket team would have gone on to win the World Cup but Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he referred to as ‘Panauti’ (bad omen/unlucky charm), made them lose the match. He implies that the presence of PM Modi in the stadium brought bad luck to the Indian team, causing them to lost the World Cup.

Rahul Gandhi had said, “Achhe bhale hamare ladke waha pe World Cup jeet jaate, par panauti harwa diya (our boys were almost winning the World Cup, but the ‘bad omen’ made them lose).”

In the third point, the BJP complained about Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that PM Modi has granted waivers of Rs. 14,00,000 crores to the richest persons in the country in the last 9 years.

BJP in its complaint that the comments violated Section 123 (4) of the R. P. Act, Section 171G, 504, 505 (2), and 499 of IPC and provisions of Model Code of Conduct.

The Election Commission concurred with BJP, saying that the word ‘Panauti’ ex facie falls in the equity of the prohibition of Section 123 Sub Clause 2 proviso (a)(ii) of the Model Code of Conduct. The EC noted that it had issued a general advisory on 2nd May 2023 where it had “expressed concerns at the plummeting level of political discourse in the campaigning period and advised all to operate within the confines of MCC and as expected decency in public discourse.”

The poll panel further cited Supreme Court orders asking politicians not to use derogatory and abusive language against opponents.

“Accordingly, you are requested to provide your explanation, on the allegation made and to show causes as to why action as deemed fit for alleged violation of MCC and relevant penal provisions is not initiated by the Commission,” the notice issued by EC said, asking Rahul Gandi to submit the response by 6 PM on 25 November.

Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Rescue operations likely to be completed today, says NDRF, CM Dhami speaks to trapped workers

OpIndia Staff
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Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Rescue operations likely to be completed today, says NDRF, CM Dhami speaks to trapped workers

The forty-one workers trapped inside the collapsed under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand are reportedly closer to rescue. The multi-agency rescue operations to create a safe path for the stuck individuals may be finished by the end of the day, based on National Disaster Response Force Director General Atul Karwal, who made the announcement on 23 November.

He stated, “Auger machine has started operating again. We are estimating to send 2-3 pipes of 6 metres inside. Hopefully, by the end of the day, if we do not get any obstacles, the rescue operation will be completed.”

Union minister General VK Singh (Retd) along with other officials reached the tunnel on 23 November to monitor the progress of the rescue operations.

On 22 November night, rescuers resumed the boring operation to build a passageway for the trapped workers to escape. They were able to successfully place broad pipes through the debris down to a depth of 45 meters. Iron bars that were placed in the way during drilling presented a challenge for the rescue efforts during the night of 22 November. This occurred after 6:00 p.m. when a 44-meter escape pipe was horizontally drilled into the rubble. The workers who are imprisoned and stranded on the other side of the rubble require rescuers to drill a total of around 57 meters to reach them.

Pictures of the rescue pipe being installed in the Uttarkashi tunnel. (Source: India Today)

Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the prime minister’s office and Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the Uttrakhand government stated that an iron mesh that had blocked the drilling machine’s course was removed in the morning. It caused a 12 to 14-hour delay in the rescue effort. According to him, removing the mesh in the cramped inside of the pipe was challenging and the oxygen shortage made matters worse.

To provide medical aid to the workers after their rescue from the Uttarkashi tunnel, a 41-bed hospital has been established at the Community Health Centre in Chinyalisaur, Uttarakhand for the purpose of treating and examining the trapped workers. More than 200 hours have passed while the workmen remain isolated within the tunnel. The project leader of Jozila Tunnel which is assisting with the rescue mission in Silkyara remarked that two additional pipes, each measuring six meters needed to be placed through the wreckage for the completion of the escape route.

According to a statement released by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister’s Office, oxygen canisters have also been brought to help the trapped workers. NDRF personnel brought oxygen canisters to the location to aid in the continuing rescue attempts.

Abhishek Ruhela, the district magistrate for Uttarkashi, announced on 23 November morning that rescuers had penetrated and dug through the debris of the Sikyara tunnel’s collapsed section in order to get closer to the trapped workers. “We have covered a majority of the distance and there now only a little more work left. Our teams are continuously trying to overcome the technical problems that we are facing. We are taking advice from experts and skilled persons, some of whom are also called to the spot. It is not possible to say when will the rescue end but the work is continuously going on and it is being monitored by the state and the central government.” 

The augur drilling machine stopped operating for a while when a team of seven professionals from Delhi were called in to fix the problem.

“We have made all the arrangements for ambulances. We’ll take them (trapped workers) from the site to the hospital through a green corridor. As per the doctor’s advice, we can also airlift people if those who are trapped are in serious condition. If they need better medical assistance, they’ll be taken to AIIMS, Rishikesh. The entire state is on its toes,” informed Inspector General of Police (IG) Garhwal Range, KS Nagnyal.

The individuals who are trapped will be extracted using 900 mm pipes in accordance with the rescue plan. There is at present a rescue operation to push these pipes inside the debris up to about 60 meters away. Workers are going to be able to safely crawl inside the pipes once they are installed, as per the arrangement.

Dr Narinder Kumar, Hospital Administration, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh, observed, “If needed, there is a plan to bring the rescued people to AIIMS Rishikesh. The government has made arrangements at the district hospital in Uttarkashi. They will be taken there first. We have also made arrangements here. Trauma and ICU beds have been reserved for them.”

International Tunneling Expert Arnold Dix also arrived at the Silkyara tunnel site to oversee operations. He stated, “At the moment, it’s like we are there at the front door and we are knocking on it. We know that the guys are there on the other side. I am going to have a look and see what is happening.”

CM Dhami and PM Modi take stock of the situation

Pushkar Singh Dhami, the chief minister of Uttarakhand, posted a video of himself addressing the workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel. “All sorts of arrangements are made once you’re out.” The trapped workers are reportedly safe and in good health, according to his additional questions regarding their well-being.

Furthermore, the chief minister told them that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was keeping a close eye on the rescue efforts and was regularly gathering details regarding the situation.

CM Dhami added, “45 metres of pipeline has been laid through auger machine. The rescue is at its final stages. There are some obstacles. but I hope that the workers are rescued as early as possible. Post-rescue preparations have been done. Ambulances and Hospitals are ready for their check-up and treatment. PM Modi is taking updates on the rescue every single day. He took the update today as well. Our experts are working day and night to rescue the workers.”

Silkyara Tunnel Collapse

At approximately 5:30 AM on 12 November, a terrible incident transpired in the Himalayan region. A large amount of debris collapsed as a part of a tunnel that was being built on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand succumbed to the powerful forces of nature. Forty-one workers were trapped within the tunnel as the ceiling of the still-under-construction structure caved in and put their lives in danger.

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