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Economy in best condition since 2013, 7.1% GDP growth: How India’s opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, fear mongered about India and how they have been proven wrong

Gopal Tiwari
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Economy in best condition since 2013, 7.1% GDP growth: How India’s opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, fear mongered about India and how they have been proven wrong

India’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the fiscal year 2022-2023 (FY23) exceeded expectations, growing by 7.2 per cent, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) projected estimate of 7 per cent. According to the latest data from the National Statistical Office, the GDP growth gained significant momentum in the January-March quarter, expanding by an impressive 6.1 per cent.

This represents a notable improvement compared to the previous quarter, which had a growth rate of 4.4 per cent. It is worth mentioning that the growth rate during this period also exceeded earlier estimates, as the RBI initially projected a growth rate of 5.1 per cent. Furthermore, on an annual basis, the economy experienced growth rates of 13.1 per cent in FY23, with Q1 and Q2 growing at 6.2 per cent each.

As India surpasses its set targets and expectations in the GDP growth under the Modi government, it becomes necessary to recall how the opposition had fear mongered about the so-called economic crisis in the country and cast aspersions on the government for the alleged failure on the economic front.

Opposition questioning GDP before and during the COVID-19 pandemic period

Within one and a half months after Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India for the second time, Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted on 4th July 2019, “Economic Survey presented in the Parliament today signals towards worrying signs for our economy. The GDP growth rate is virtually stagnant and all indicators point that we are in a slowdown.”

On 31st August 2019, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted, “It is clear from the GDP growth rate that the BJP government, which boasts of good days, has punctured the condition of the economy. There is neither GDP growth nor the strengthening of the rupee. Jobs are missing. Now make it clear whose handiwork is this to destroy the economy?”

On 30th November 2019, Akhilesh Yadav tweeted, “The BJP government will set a record of many ‘historic declines’ in the history of independent India… decline of GDP in the economic sector; Decline of harmony in the social sphere; The decline of morality of those in power in politics and the decline of expectations in the mental sphere.”

On 7th September 2020, TMC MP Mahua Moitra tweeted, “Biggest Ever Fiscal Stimulus Package (Not) of ₹20 lakh crore led to Worst Ever GDP contraction of -23.9% Impossible is nothing for Hon’ble FM!”

On 10th September 2020, Rahul Gandhi said, “The policies of the Modi government have caused the loss of crores of jobs and a historic fall in GDP. It (the Modi government) has crushed the future of India’s youth.”

On 25th February 2021, Shashi Tharoor tweeted, “The only GDP growth we have seen in Modi-ruled India is of Gas, Diesel & Petrol! The gas started early, as this 2014 video confirms.” Tharoor also shared a video in which Modi was talking about the promises of reducing petrol prices.

On 1st September 2021, Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted, “GDP Q1: 2019-20: 5.4%, 2020-21: -24.4%, and 2021-22: 20.1%. GDP in Absolute Numbers: 2019-20: 35.7 lakh crores, 2020-21: 27 lakh crores, and 2021-22: 32.4 lakh crores. Recovery yes but a long way away from celebrating growth. Stop the chest-thumping already.”

In 2022, Raghuram Rajan said in a conversation with Rahul Gandhi that India would be lucky if it achieves 5 per cent GDP growth in 2022-23.

However, all these ‘predictions’ have been proved wrong with the latest numbers on the Indian economy.

Morgan Stanley’s recent report analyses India’s growth story

On 29th May 2023, Morgan Stanley published a report titled ‘India Equity Strategy and Economics : How India Has Transformed in Less than a Decade’. In that report, Morgan Stanley said, “This India is different from what it was in 2013. In a short span of 10 years, India has gained positions in the world order with significant positive consequences for the macro and market outlook.”

While noting top big changes in the last decade in India, the Morgan Stanley report mentioned how the corporate tax in India is about to stabilize at 15 per cent and how the infrastructure in India is growing at a pace like never before. Highways construction, broadband internet subscription, renewable electricty production, and railway electrification are the key areas focussed by the Modi government in the last 9 years of its rule and the results of this effort is now reflected in the economic growth.

After underlining the supply-side policy reforms, Morgan Stanley also took cognizance of the formalisation of the Indian economy. The growth story of India on this parameter is characterised by the record GST collection India is adding every month and the digital transactions constituting a higher percentage of the GDP thanks to the UPI revolution.

The report also forecasted India’s growth for the next decade and concluded that India will emerge as a key driver for Asia and global growth. Morgan and Stanley’s report observed that India’s growth in the next decade will be similar to China’s growth trajectory between 2007 and 2011. It also predicted that the GDP and the productivity growth differentials will swing in India’s favour as compared to China. furthermore, Morgan and Stanley’s report looked so optimistic about India’s economic growth that it confidently put forth that the new India will drive one-fifth of the global growth by the end of this decade.

Conclusion with key numerical data

Despite the ill-wishes of the opposition, India’s economy has performed well under Narendra Modi, especially in the second tenure. The GST collections were at an all-time high of Rs 1.87 lakh crore in April before dipping slightly to 1.57 lakh crore in May. GST collection remained above 1.4 lakh crore for the last consecutive 14 months.

India’s export has surged by 14% and the manufacturing PMI (purchasing manager’s index) is at 58.7 which is the highest in the last 31 months. In fact, the manufacturing PMI has now spent 22 consecutive months above the key level of 50.

In the week that ended on April 28, India’s forex reserves stood at a 10-month high of $588.78 billion. India’s retail inflation rate is marked 4.7%. This is the lowest figure in the last 18 months and falls well within the target range set by the central bank.

Dispatches of passenger vehicles are also an important indicator of economic growth. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, India’s domestic passenger vehicle dispatches saw a 13 per cent year-on-year (YoY) jump in April 2023, as demand remained robust across segments. Coal production figures are an indicator of industrial growth in the country. The coal production went up by 12% in the last year, while it increased by 23% overall in the four years of the second tenure of the Modi government.

It is because of the Modi government’s meticulous execution of good economic policies in the national interests – especially in its second tenure – that the country is seeing economic growth translating into these numbers. No wonder India has performed better on the economic front when the opposition was willfully expecting it to doom during and after the pandemic.

Sports Minister asks not to politicise wrestlers’ protest, lists several demands fulfilled, says action will be taken when chargesheet is filed against Brij Bhushan

OpIndia Staff
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Sports Minister asks not to politicise wrestlers’ protest, lists several demands fulfilled, says action will be taken when chargesheet is filed against Brij Bhushan

On June 1, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said the government of India has fulfilled wrestlers’ demands as required. He added that the government is handling the issue very sensitively.

He said, “We are handling this issue (wrestlers’ protest) very sensitively. Whatever the players demanded, we are doing all those things. The demanded enquiry, we got done. They asked for FIR, and Delhi Police filed it. They approached Supreme Court which asked them to approach District Magistrate. They demanded not to let Wrestling Federation of India officials be barred from performing any duties. That demand was also fulfilled. They demanded a subcommittee, and IOA made the subcommittee. Trials are being done by the subcommittee. Delhi Police is investigating the matter. Whatever they demanded has been fulfilled.”

He added, “I want to say that if a similar complaint is filed by any citizen of the country, the police investigate the matter. The action is taken after the investigation. In this case, as well, a fast-track investigation is underway. Several statements have been taken. Police will submit their report. Necessary action will be also taken once Delhi police file the chargesheet. They [wrestlers] should wait for the investigation to get over.

“To all those politicising this issue, I would like to say that the law is equal for everyone and all the players are important to us. Modi government has improved the facilities to encourage sportspersons. The government has given respect to the players and everyone knows it. However, when it comes to the police investigation, it is being done. The discussion on the chargesheet will be done once it is filed,” he said.

‘Will hang myself if proven guilty even in one case’

Former WFI Chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh also interacted with the media and asked them not to put up unnecessary questions. He said, “You [reporters] know that Delhi Police is investigating the matter. You are also aware that on January 18, they started their protests for the first time. They made a few demands and later demanded other things. I can only say that they are repeatedly changing their demands and language.”

“Earlier, I said if I am proven guilty even in one case, I will hang myself and I am sticking to the promise. No one will have to ask for it. Coming to what others are saying and what kind of ‘Panchayats’ they are organising, I have nothing to do with it. I have nothing to do with what anyone is saying. I am requesting you with folded hands, please wait for the police to finish their investigation. Whatever comes in the investigation, whatever path the judiciary shows me, I am walking on it.”Singh said. Earlier, he said in a Facebook Live session that if he is proven guilty even in one case, he would hang himself.

He added, “I am not going to get anything by reacting to what others are saying. I will face whatever court and Delhi Police decide for me. If I am found guilty in the investigation, the judiciary will take action. I am requesting you not to ask unnecessary questions.”

Wrestlers protest

Wrestlers’ protests first started in January 2023. The wrestlers claimed there was mismanagement in the federation and they were not being treated well. Later, they claimed Singh molested female wrestlers including minors. A committee was formed with PT Usha at the head. Wrestlers demanded the addition of Babita Phogat which was obliged by the government. They submitted the report in April 2023 which is yet to be made public.

In April 2023, wrestlers sat in protest again. This time they concentrated on claims of molestation. FIR was registered by the police under relevant sections of IPC and POCSO. While the protests should have ended following the FIR, they have turned into political protests. Opposition parties and farmer unions have extended support to the protesting wrestlers who are now demanding Singh to be jailed with immediate effect. They also tried to protest outside New Parliament Building as part of wrestlers’ protest but failed.

Bareilly: Salim and Shakeel thrashed by locals after they tried to take away two minor sisters, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Bareilly: Salim and Shakeel thrashed by locals after they tried to take away two minor sisters, arrested

In the Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh, locals thrashed two Muslim youths outside Dabhora Plywood Factory who were trying to take two minor sisters away. After beating up the accused youths identified as Salim and Shakeel, locals called the police, following this, a PCR arrived at the spot. The locals handed them over to the police along with the two girls. Both the accused have been arrested.

The matter pertains to Pipalsana Chaudhari village of Bhojipura police station precinct wherein accused Salim and Shakeel lured minor Hindu sisters to go along with them somewhere. However, a relative of the girls and some villagers noticed them as they were going and informed the family members of the girls. In no time, a crowd gathered at the spot and assaulted the accused youths. Later, upon informing Dial 112, a Police Response Vehicle and Bhojipura police reached the spot and took the accused Salim and Shakeel, and the two minor girls to the police station. 

An agitated crowd of locals alleged a love jihad attempt and demanded stringent action against the accused persons. Taking note of the situation, Inspector in-charge Ajay Pal Singh assured the locals that strict action will be taken against the accused. A case has been registered against Baheri’s Unai Makrooka village resident Salim and Shahi village’s Firozpur resident Shakeel. Both the accused persons have been arrested and sent to jail.

SP Rural Rajkumar Aggarwal said that two girls belonging to a different faith were being taken by the accused person. Police arrested both of the accused youths in this case. A case was registered at Bhojipura police station under sections 363/366/354 (a) and 7/8 of the POCSO Act. Salim from Unai village, Baheri police station area, and Shakeel from Firozpur village, Shahi police station area, were both jailed. 

On Wednesday, OpIndia reported a case of love jihad in Bareilly wherein one Mohammad Alim posed as Anand and raped a girl multiple times, and forced her to undergo an abortion. He also tried to convert her to Islam. Bareilly police today informed in a tweet that the accused person has been arrested.

The allegations are very serious: Punjab and Haryana HC rejects bail plea of Shrif who illegally transported cows for slaughtering

OpIndia Staff
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The allegations are very serious: Punjab and Haryana HC rejects bail plea of Shrif who illegally transported cows for slaughtering

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has denied bail to an accused named Shrif who was arrested for taking cows for slaughter. He was booked under the provisions of the Haryana Gauvans Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

The court noted that the accused was carrying cows in “pitiable” conditions and that the charges against him are “very serious.” Last year, a Bajrang Dal member complained that they had followed the automobile transporting the animals after receiving information.

Additionally, it was reported that when the complainant sought to stop him, he smashed his four-wheeler into the former’s vehicle and tossed cows at it in an effort to halt it. The complaint also mentioned that the cows were being taken to Rajasthan to be butchered.

Taking notice of the aforementioned allegations, Justice Gurbir Singh denied bail to the accused who has been imprisoned since November 2022.

The court stated, “The complainant and others chased the vehicle. Even stones were thrown at the complainant party and cows, which were being carried allegedly for slaughtering, were also thrown in their way to stop the complainant party to chase them. The trial of the case is yet to start.”

The charge that the registration of an earlier infraction under the same Act was concealed was also pointed out by the court. Justice Gurbir Singh observed, “There is apparent concealment of registration of an earlier case against the petitioner and there is no explanation of the same. So, the petitioner is not entitled for grant of relief in this petition only on the ground that he has concealed an important fact from this Court.”

The petitioner’s attorney alleged that although a challan had been filed in this matter, nothing has been recovered from his client. “Keeping in view the fact that the petitioner has tried to mislead the Court and the gravity of offence, I am of the view that the petitioner does not deserve the concession of regular bail, at this stage,” Justice Singh responded to his claim.

Vivek Gulati says he had to stop Hanuman Chalisa recital at his Gurugram cafe because of continuous anon complaints and police intervention: Ground Report

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Vivek Gulati says he had to stop Hanuman Chalisa recital at his Gurugram cafe because of continuous anon complaints and police intervention: Ground Report

In March this year, a video of the Hanuman Chalisa recital at a cafe in Gurugram grabbed a lot of attention. In the video, a group of youngsters could be heard reciting Hanuman Chalisa in a musical manner at a cafe with drums, guitars, and other musical instruments. This cafe named ‘Cake Desire’ is in the Sector 22 market of Gurugram and is owned by Vivek Gulati. Spiritual jamming was his brainchild, and he was leading the youth associated with it.

Vivek Gulati had then spoken to OpIndia, thanking those who had appreciated his initiative and expressing his willingness to carry his idea to places across the country, from Ayodhya to Rameshwar, in the future alongside his fellow artists.

Presently, the same cafe owner and his associated artists are surrounded by a slew of issues. On Thursday (May 25, 2023), Vivek Gulati shared his predicaments with the OpIndia team. He said that the police are under pressure to stop his programme due to the anonymous complaints they have been receiving against his initiative.

The Gurugram police began receiving complaints soon after the Hanuman Chalisa recital programme began in March of this year, according to Vivek Gulati, who added with a heavy heart that everything was great in the first few days but that the situation is no longer conducive to them.

He alleged that the police started visiting his cafe almost immediately after he and his fellow artists began the programme. Vivek explained that the cops arrived at the venue during the programme due to calls they received from several unknown numbers. He stated that some individuals complain to the police about noise and other issues, and every time they received such complaints, they responded by visiting his cafe and insisting on stopping the program. Vivek further said he had no idea who was doing this.

Shopkeepers in the area are also being summoned to the police station, the 40-year-old Vivek Gulati said.

The cafe owner further told us that approximately a week after his Hanuman Chalisa video went viral, cops began receiving complaints from unknown numbers. He lamented how the cops subsequently started either visiting his cafe at least once a month or summoning him to the police station.

Vivek told us that he has also acquired a no-objection letter from surrounding shopkeepers; despite this, the police continue to stop him every day. In fact, OpIndia accessed an audio in which the police could be heard instructing Vivek to appear before them along with people from the nearby area, within one hour.

Vivek Gulati, the owner of the cafe in Gurugram, says artists reluctant to perform due to police pressure

Further talking about the problems he has been facing, Vivek said that he has been working with artists belonging to humble backgrounds and they are now feeling afraid of recurrent police visits. As a result, many artists are reluctant to come to jam in his cafe.

The cafe owner described the situation as harassment and stated that it is damaging the future of young and enthusiastic artists because the popularity earned from jamming not only bolstered their confidence but also brought them many opportunities.

Packed and kept away all musical instruments: Gulat

Vivek led us to the location where all their musical instruments were stored. All of this was stacked in a corner of his own cafe’s basement. A lot of dust had accumulated on most of the instruments. When we questioned him why the instruments had been lying neglected in one corner of the cafe, Vivek stated that the police had strictly ordered them not to create any noise which is why he was not being able to conduct the programs.

Notably, the cops could be heard telling Vivek and other artists not to perform at the cafe in the audio OpIndia obtained. The police stated they could only do it after obtaining a formal licence from the relevant authority. Vivek was heard on the tape pleading with the police officers to allow them to continue their performance, claiming that his spiritual jamming programmes brought solace to the audience. In response, the cops were heard reprimanding Vivek, claiming that it was not his responsibility.

Chairs kept for audiences lying unused

A few chairs were piled up in one corner of Cake Desire Cafe. When we asked Vivek about it, he said it was the chairs which they laid for the audience. However, due to the frequent intervention of the police, not only the number of performers but also the number of spectators has decreased significantly, said Vivek, adding that no one wants to mess with the cops.

Vivek further alleged that a man claiming to be a customer entered the market and told him in a rather derogatory way, to turn off the music, among other things. However, Vivek was unable to ascertain the person’s name or identity.

Drunkards had started gathering around the cafe, says Vivek Gulati

Vivek, the owner of Cafe Cake Desire, claimed that before he began hosting spiritual jamming events, the location where he and his fellow artists used to recite the Hanuman Chalisa was a hangout for drunkards. According to Vivek Gulati, no one objected when the area became overflowing with notorious alcoholics, but after they cleaned it up and began holding the spiritual programme, objections began to pour in. However, Vivek Gulati dismissed police intervention as a mere responsibility.

Despite the pressure and stress, Vivek Gulati continues organising Hanuman Chalisa recitations alongside fellow artists. Vivek, on the other hand, stated that they are no longer doing these programmes with music and other paraphernalia, but rather in a simple way. Despite this, Vivek Gulati claimed that cops still come by from time to time to stop them from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa.

Significantly, when he had last spoken to Vivek Gulati in the month of March, we learnt about his religious beliefs. This time, when we visited his cafe named ‘Cake Desire’ in the Sector 22 market of Gurugram, we noticed that the small temple placed near the cash counter had many photos of Hindu deities and Sikh gurus.

When we spoke with some people near Cake Desire Cafe, they expressed disappointment that the cafe’s unique spiritual jamming sessions had to be terminated owing to anonymous complaints. However, because of the fear of the police, these people declined to talk on camera.

Gujarat: Rikshaw driver Arif Mohammed abuses woman, unzips himself and claims police can’t do anything, wets himself after Vapi police arrest him: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Rikshaw driver Arif Mohammed abuses woman, unzips himself and claims police can’t do anything, wets himself after Vapi police arrest him: Details

On May 31, a video went viral on social media in which a rikshaw driver was seen molesting a woman during an altercation. He also used abusive language for the police. Another video of the same man went viral on June 1 in which police arrested him.

As per reports, Arif operates a rikshaw near Gitanagar Railway Station in Vapi, Gujarat. He got into an altercation with a female rickshaw driver over getting passengers. During the altercation, Arif molested her. He could be seen trying to open his pants in front of the woman Rikshaw driver. He claimed the police could not do anything to him and used derogatory language for the police.

On May 31, the female driver had parked her Rikshaw near Railway Station. Arif Mohammed Abushaad Sayyed got into an altercation with her over getting passengers and started abusing and molesting her. His actions irked the female rickshaw driver who started recording video of the incident after which Arif opened his pants. He said, “Take the video of this too. Show it to the police. They cannot do anything to me”.

Soon a crowd gathered around the rickshaw and took Arif to the police station. Based on the woman’s complaint, an FIR was registered against him based which he was arrested.

After arresting Arif, police took him to the place where the incident took place and asked him to apologise in public. The video of him seeking forgiveness has gone viral on social media. In the video, a female journalist came close to Arif and asked, “What are your comments on police action? You had said police cannot touch you. However, it is now being said you wet your pants four times?” Arif was unable to answer and just nodded.

She further asked, “What are your comments on Valsad police? Will you molest a woman again? Are you going to underestimate police again?” Arif just said “no” in the reply.

IAMC, with links to Islamic terror orgs, extends support to wrestlers, along with Kashmiri terrorist Yasin Malik and anti-CAA Islamists: Details

Jhankar Mohta
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IAMC, with links to Islamic terror orgs, extends support to wrestlers, along with Kashmiri terrorist Yasin Malik and anti-CAA Islamists: Details

On May 31, Wednesday, Jamaat-e-Islami linked Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) posted a video on Twitter to empathise with the protesting wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia whom Delhi police detained from the Jantar Mantra protest site on Sunday. Notably, the Delhi police cleared the protest site on Sunday, May 28, after the protestors and their supporters breached the security cordon while trying to march towards the new parliament building for a ‘Mahila Samman Mahapanchayat.’

Further, in their desperation to demonise the Modi govt and portray them as ‘fascists,’ the Islamist outfit, which has a long history of lobbying against India, brazenly went on to extend their unwavering support to Islamists who had tried their hardest to push their anti-India agenda and create anarchy in India during the anti-CAA protests that engulfed that country’s capital in years 2019-2020.

The first caption added to the 2.41-second video IAMC posted read, “From assaulting protesting students at Jamia Millia Islamia University to detaining and harassing top wrestlers of the country, here’s how Modi suppressed dissent in India.”

In the above 2.41-second movie, IAMC carefully cherry-picked video snippets of PM Modi’s inauguration of the new parliament building, as well as scenes from the wrestlers’ detention by Delhi police in Jantar Mantar, the anti-CAA protest, and the farmer’s protest. It used meticulously phrased captions to weave together a story portraying the Modi govt as anti-Muslim.

The video began with the glorification of anti-CAA Islamists like Burkha Dutt’a ‘shero’ Aysha Renna and Kashmiri separatist terrorist Yasin Malik. It began showing how during the anti-CAA protest, the Delhi police, working at the behest of the Modi govt, used brute force to suppress dissenting voices like that of Yasin Malik and anti-CAA Islamist Aysha Renna. This part of the clip carried a caption, “From Jamia Milia to Wrestlers Protest: How Modi suppressed dissent.”

Aysha Renna is one of the two ‘sheroes’ of controversial journalist Barkha Dutt, who had called India ‘fascist’ because the terrorist Yakub Memon was hanged to death after he was convicted for his involvement in the Mumbai Blasts that killed hundreds of people. It may be recalled that at the time when controversial journalist Barkha Dutt was trying to elevate female students of Jamia Milia Islamia University, Ladeeda Farzana and Aysha Renna as national ‘heroes’ after a video had gone viral showing them protecting a male student from police lathi charge during the anti-CAA protests, OpIndia had exposed the Jihadi ideologies of these Barkha Dutt’s ‘sheroes’.

The radical Islamist group, which has links with banned terror organizations such as the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Jamaat-e-Islami, further went on to add cherrypicked video clips from the farmer’s protest and anti-CAA protests that happened in Delhi in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and drew parallels between them and the Sunday scuffle between the Delhi police and the protesting wrestlers to show Modi as ‘fascist.’

It inserted clips of PM Modi inaugurating the new parliament building on Sunday, May 28 to insinuate that the Modi govt was indulging in a vanity project while wrestlers were being ‘mistreated’. It is important to note here that the wrestlers were detained not because they are not allowed to protest but because there was a security detail in place and protestors of any hue are not allowed to break the law.

Following that, the video showed Delhi police actions against Jamia Millia University students and farmers protesting during the anti-CAA and farmers’ agitations, respectively. The Islamist outfit conveniently used clips that portrayed these ‘students’ and farmers as victims, ignoring the numerous videos and pictures that had emerged showing how these protests, which eventually turned aggressive and violent, were a concerted effort to push India into anarchy by Islamists and Khalistanis respectively.

The video concluded with images of PM Modi receiving the Sceptre (Sengol) during the inauguration of the new parliament building and him with HM Amit Shah. It added prejudiced and hateful captions like, “BJP’s message is clear- dissent of all kinds will be suppressed” and “A regime that places its own interests over the interests of the people” to demonise Modi as someone who takes exception to ‘dissent,’ an over-used rhetoric hackneyed by the country’s elite cabal of liberals and Islamists ever since Modi assumed power in 2014.

The Islamist organisation IAMC essentially decided to invoke empathy for the Islamists who carried out a sinister plan to instigate a civil war in India over the NRC and CAA and paint Modi as a tyrant by using Sunday’s episode in Jantar Mantar. We have, however, witnessed, how protests like the one launched against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the Farmer’s Laws had evolved into a tool for anti-India elements to create an opening through opposition parties and use it to make inroads into the country with the hope of destroying it from within.

The sordid legacy of the anti-CAA and farmers’ protests

The anti-CAA protests allowed the Islamists to raise their ugly agenda in India, designed to divide the country and target Hindus who are considered Kafir in Islam. These protests were heavily funded by Islamists, Jihadi organisations and even elements from outside India. The protests allowed the ‘tukde tukde’ gang to propagate their agenda under the spotlight. The intentions were clear, these Islamists with tactical support from anti-India elements and members of the opposition parties wanted to burn the country to pull down a democratically elected government.

It was evident that no incident of violence during the anti-CAA protest was a stand-alone incident. It was evident that every cluster of violence had been planned carefully and executed. This well thought and carefully devised anti-government propaganda ultimately culminated in the anti-Hindu Delhi riots that claimed the lives of over 50 people. These protests basically paved a smooth path for the Islamists and Leftists to not only claim the lives of Hindus and subvert an entire nation, and then, play the victim.

Similarly, the farmers’ protests which started in November 2020, left in their wake losses, incidents of rapes, riots, murders and a brazen undermining of democracy. From business losses to the tune of Rs 60,000 crores to the egregious subversion of the elected government, to the insidious resurgence and manifestation of Khalistani sentiments and to a host of criminal activities such as rapes, murders, riots etc., the farmers’ agitation has been a grave assault on the national security, public exchequer and our fundamental values that are enshrined in the Indian Constitution. 

By painting heroes of the Islamsits like Kashmiri separatist terrorist Yasin Malik and Burkha Dutt’a ‘shero’ Aysha Renna, who played active roles in pushing the country into anarchy and complete chaos during the anti-CAA protest, IAMC is playing an active role in justifying not only the violence but also shifting blame from the Islamists to the government at large.

Burkha Dutt’a ‘sheroes’ Ladeeda Farzana and Aysha Renna and their jihadi ideologies

The female students of Jamia Milia Islamia University, Ladeeda Farzana and Aysha Renna, had become ‘sheroes’ of Barkha Dutt after a video had gone viral showing them protecting a male student from a police lathi charge. The incident happened during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest that had turned violent, prompting police to use force to control the situation.

Despite the Jihadi ideologies of Barkha Dutt’s ‘sheroes’ from Jamia already exposed by OpIndia and social media users, the controversial journalist continued to refuse to accept their reality.

After Barkha Dutt made the students heroes, whom she calls ‘sheroes’, and interviewed them, social media users were quick to find that these students harboured jihadi ideologies.

People discovered that Aysha Renna had called India ‘fascist’ because the terrorist Yakub Memon was hanged till death after he was convicted for his involvement in the Mumbai Blasts that killed hundreds of people.

Ladeeda Farzana, who used the name Ladeeda Shakhaloon for her social media accounts, had openly given calls for jihad. She had said that people should “learn about our ‘Jihad’”. She also glorified the early Muslims who had scored victories against ‘Kaafirs’. Aysha Renna had shared these jihadi and anti-India posts of Ladeeda.

Who is Yasin Malik whom IAMC is eulogizing

On May 25, terrorist and Kashmiri separatist Yasin Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special NIA court for terror funding activities in Jammu and Kashmir. On May 10, he pleaded guilty to all charges, including those under the stringent Unlawful Activities and Prevention Act (UAPA), before a Delhi Court in a case related to terrorism and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir that convulsed the Valley in 2017. He had admitted that he was involved in terrorist activities, had also hatched criminal conspiracies, and that the sedition clauses against him were also correct.

He has been active in Kashmir politics and is one of the key instigators and secessionist leaders in the Kashmir valley. He is the chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), an outfit that was banned shortly after the Pulwama attack. He was accused of kidnapping former Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Saeed’s daughter Rubiya Saeed in 1989 and of killing 5 IAF personnel in early 1990. He also was involved in the killing of Justice Neelkanth Ganju, the judge who had ordered the death sentence for JKLF terrorist Maqbool Bhatt, and the murder of the former director of Doordarshan Kendra in Srinagar, Lassa Kaul.

Terrorist Yasin Malik has been one of the primary figures who led the Kashmiri Hindu genocide in the 1990s.

Despite his terror links and his involvement in the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits in the valley, the erstwhile governments, and the left-liberal media establishment have often tried to portray Yasin Malik as a peace icon and ‘messiah’ of the Kashmiris.

IAMC and its dubious history

For the uninitiated, Rasheed Ahmed is the executive director of the Indian American Muslim Council, Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), a radical Islamist group that has alleged links with banned terror organizations such as the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and has a long history of lobbying against India.

The IAMC is a Jamat-e-Islami-backed lobbyist organisation claiming to be a rights advocacy group. In the past, it had reportedly collaborated with and even paid money to various groups in the USA to get India blacklisted by the USCIRF (United States Commission on International Religious Freedom). A detailed report by Disinfo Lab has exposed its links with the terror outfit Jamat-e-Islami.

IAMC founder Shaik Ubaid and member Abdul Malik Mujahid have headed the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), the US front for Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan. According to DisInfo Lab, ICNA has established links with Pakistan-based terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba. Rasheed Ahmed, who heads the IAMC currently, was the former executive director of the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA). IMANA’s Director of Operations is Zahid Mahmood, an ex-Pak Navy official.

IAMC had been caught spreading fake news and misinformation to further the Islamist cause in India. It had also been slapped with the UAPA in 2021.

Madhya Pradesh: Hindu and Jain girls found wearing hijab in posters and photos of a private school in Damoh, government orders probe

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: Hindu and Jain girls found wearing hijab in posters and photos of a private school in Damoh, government orders probe

A major controversy erupted in Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh after it was claimed that a private school is forcing students to wear a “hijab.” The accusations were made following the publication of an advertisement for Ganga Jamuna Higher Secondary School in Damoh on 31 May that featured meritorious students including Hindu and Jain girls wearing headscarves that looked like hijab.

Ganga Jamuna Higher Secondary School is a private, English-medium established in ward number 4 of the Futera neighbourhood in the Damoh region. The names of outstanding students from the school, both boys and girls, were listed on the posters that were doing the rounds on social media. Three of the eighteen were boys, while the remainder were girls. Four of the fifteen girls were from the Jain and Hindu communities and all of them were sporting hijabs, or head scarves, on their heads.

The District Magistrate (DM) Mayank Agarwal, however, dismissed the charges, alleging that they were simple misinformation and that there was nothing untoward discovered during the initial inquiries. In response to the tweet, the Superintended on Police (SP) Damoh commented that “the allegations were not proved on the investigation.”

The official then posted that an inquiry committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Tehsildar Damoh in the case and it has been directed to submit its report.

Priyank Kanoongo, the head of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) tweeted, “A complaint has been received about a school in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district forcing Hindu and other non-Muslim girls to wear burqas and hijabs in the name of school uniforms. Cognizance of this is being taken and instructions are being sent to Collector Damoh and Superintendent of Police, Damoh for necessary action.”

The NCPCR chief took note of the situation and yesterday sent a notice (number DD6270) to the DM seeking an action report within a week.

According to the notice, the principal areas that are to be looked into are whether the school had the authorisation to permit hijabs as a dress code, the videos of students reciting religious prayers found by the commission, the violation of Article 28(3) of the Indian Constitution by the school administration and the monetary support obtained by the institution.

Copy of the notice issued by the NCPCR to the DM Damoh. (Source: Organiser)

Article 28(3) mentions that no person who is attending an institution recognised by the State, or that is receiving aid from state funds shall be requested to indulge in any religious instruction that may be imparted in any such institution.

“In the matter of Hindu girls being shown in hijab in Ganga Jamuna School in Damoh, the District Education Officer and the local police officer investigated the matter but found nothing. However, in view of the seriousness of the matter, the Superintendent of Police has been instructed to thoroughly investigate the entire matter,” informed state Home Minister, Dr Narottam Mishra.

The school management immediately removed the banner from the building once its photograph went viral on social media.

Images show the poster was removed from the school building later. (Source: Organiser)

Notably, Hindu organisations have been protesting against the school administration since 2021. They claimed that the pupils were taught as if the school was a Madrasa. Hindu girls were made to wear hijab and boys were instructed how to recite namaz. The school administration has not yet been subject to any legal action.

School photos of students uploaded by teachers on Facebook and Instagram reveal that the females are donning the hijab on sports day and not all of them belong to the Muslim community. Their heads are covered in the annual class pictures that are shared on Facebook. Those who didn’t put on hijabs kept a dupatta on their heads.

Picture of the school sports event. (Source: Organiser)

The yearly photograph. (Source: Organiser)

The students can be seen singing Muhammad Iqbal also known as Allama Iqbal’s poems like Sare Jahan Se Accha and Lab Pe Aai Hai Dua in footages. The girls are wearing hijabs and they start their recitation with an Islamic greeting.

Girls are decked out in green, white, and saffron hijabs at 2022 Independence Day celebrations. Dupattas are worn on the heads by those who are not covered with the hijab.

A girl can be heard welcoming the function’s chief guest, MP Tiwari, as well as the school’s director, Haji Mohammad Idri, the vice president of the Ganga Jamna Welfare Society, Haji Abdul Razzaq, and the cashier of the Ganga Jamna Society, Haji Mohammad Mushtaq.

Sixty per cent of the students enrolled at the school are Hindus, and their parents have no objections to the arrangement, per Station House Officer Damoh Kotwali, Vijay Singh Rajput, who visited the school on May 31 along with District Education Officer (DEO), Santosh Mishra. He stated that the poster had been taken down when they arrived at the school.

Onkar Singh and Dr Nivedita Sharma, two Madhya Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MPSCPCR) members, also voiced doubts on the aforementioned issue. The latter said, “SCPCR is receiving such complaints from across the state. I myself have gone to many places, and the government has also taken action at its level. An investigation of some is going on, and in some cases, the commission has also written to the government, and notices have also been issued to such institutions. In this case, we will also find out the real truth.”

“I have such evidence that proves that Hindu girl students have been presented in the flex imposed by the school management. Posters were pasted on the walls of this school. In this case, the members of the commission will also go to the school and meet the girls,” added the former.

Hindu groups protested outside the district collector’s office, proclaiming that the school compels Hindu female pupils to wear the hijab. They submitted a memorandum demanding the cancellation of the school’s registration.

“Your officers have probably been bought. The police removed this board in the night. Under whose pressure are you,” Vishva Hindu Parishad’s Central India Prant Prachar Pramukh Jitendra Singh Chauhan wrote to Collector Damoh. Sharing the poster he asked, “Respected sir, what do you have to say about this poster? This is on the wall of the school, even after all of this, if the administration closes its eyes, then it is love for a particular religion,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, the allegations have been refuted by the school’s owner, Mustaq Khan, who insisted that the headscarf was part of the dress code and that no one was forced to wear it.

It is important to note that Hindu activists have already expressed their displeasure with the school and its imposed religious practices. The DM received a memorandum from VHP members back in September 2021.

They reported that students at Ganga Jamna School are coerced into receiving an education along Madarsa lines. The school mandated the girls to cover up with the hijab and ordered the boys to offer namaz. Verses from the Quran were written in Arabic within the classroom. The document highlighted numerous similar problems, but as of now, nothing has been done against the school administration.

Madhya Pradesh: CM Shivraj Chouhan lays the foundation stone of Grand Devi Lok in Salkanpur, See the mesmerising images

Shraddha Pandey
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Madhya Pradesh: CM Shivraj Chouhan lays the foundation stone of Grand Devi Lok in Salkanpur, See the mesmerising images

On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid the foundation stone of the Grand Devi Lok in Salkanpur at Vijayasan Devi Temple. This comes after the development of Mahakal Lok in Ujjain in the state. The state government has allocated over Rs 200 crore for the construction of a spectacular Devi Lok. Following the foundation stone laying ceremony, CM Chouhan also addressed the crowd of over one lakh devotees that gathered from near and far to witness the historic moment. 

“It is our responsibility to take our Dharma and culture forward, and for this, the MP government, and I as humble servant, along with my team would leave no stone unturned to accomplish this goal,” CM Chouhan said. 

The Madhya Pradesh CM also reiterated the story of how Goddess Durga slayed demon Raktbeej and earned the name Vijayasan.

“We are nobody to do anything, it is Maa Vijayasan who does it all. It is at this place only where the Devtas prayed to the Goddess to slay Raktbeej and then she appeared in her deadliest manifestation and killed the demon here, and then the devtas offered a victorious Ma Durga the aasan (seat) on this mountain and that’s how the name Vijayasan came about,” CM Chouhan said as he prayed for the destruction of the evil and protection of the good.

CM Chouhan also paid a visit to the replica of Mata Vijayasan Temple. The Chief Minister also took part in Maa Vijayasan’s musical Rath Yatra.

Interestingly, to mark the participation of every devotee of Maa Viijayasan, in the construction of the Devi Lok, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan started a Rath Yatra to collect Shilas (stones) and bricks which would be used in the construction of the holy abode of the divine. 

Moreover, the sacred soil of the 52 Shaktipeeths has been brought to Salkanpur. In addition to the picturesque temple structure, replicas of 64 Yoginis, nine forms of Nava Durga, Devi Mahatma, Durga Saptashati, and different Shaktipeeths and verses will be carved in the main temple premises, at an estimated cost of Rs 166 crore. The BJP government has also decided to build shops along Manidvipa, parking, and modern ropeways in addition to the Nav Durga corridor that will be developed along the temple premises road. 

Architectural model of the Devi Lok project

The Devi Lok in Salkanpur will perfectly encapsulate India’s cultural richness and become a major spiritual centre for Hindus. As seen in the project’s breathtaking pictures, the Devi Lok’s magnanimity and modern design without jeopardising the sanctity of the temple’s spiritual essence are remarkable.

“Under the Manidvipa in Devi Lok, 64 Yogini Plaza, Fountain Plaza, and tourist assistance centres will be built. The 64 Yogini replicas will be exhibited in the form of murals,” CM Chouhan said. 

Notably, on May 23, 2022, the Chief Minister performed bhoomi-pujan of several development projects worth Rs 43 crore 69 lakh 72 thousand in Salkanpur. This includes the construction of parking near the Shiva temple at Devidham Salkanpur at a cost of Rs 6 crore 41 lakh and various Shiva temple development and beautification of the temple complex at a cost of Rs 16 crore 99 lakhs including the renovation of Bhojshala and Surya Dwar.

Furthermore, the project includes the development of a fairground for Rs 11 crore 55 lakhs, an extension of Singh Dwar and lake beautification, and the construction of 125 new shops for Rs 8 crores 74 lakhs. In addition to this, six majestic entrance gates are also being built. The road will also be constructed to cut short the walking distance to just ten minutes.

Following the completion of Devi Lok, worshippers will have access to additional food and lodging facilities. The original temple in Siddha Kshetra Salkanpur would remain intact.

It is interesting to note that Madhya Pradesh celebrated Devi Lok Mahotsav from 29 May to 31st May. This included Shila and Chunri Yatra on May 28 and several competitions as well.

Mahakaleshwar Corridor 

The Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government in Madhya Pradesh is committed to promoting and preserving the promote cultural and religious sites in the state. In October last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple corridor in Ujjain. 

Besides Varanasi’s Vishwanath temple and Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath shrine, Mahakal temple is the third ‘jyotirlinga’ temple to undergo extensive renovations under the Modi government. The Rs 800-crore Mahakal corridor is four times the size of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor.

Congress faces criticism as US citizens linked to anti-India Islamic organisations organise registration to meet Rahul Gandhi

OpIndia Staff
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Congress faces criticism as US citizens linked to anti-India Islamic organisations organise registration to meet Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader and disqualified MP Rahul Gandhi is currently in the United States ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The Indian Overseas Congress has organised multiple meet and greet sessions of Rahul Gandhi across the country for his week-long trip.

On June 4, Gandhi is scheduled to speak at Javits Centre in New York and the US-based IOC is working extensively to make it a successful meeting. However, a certain registration form that is being circulated on social media has raised eyebrows.

Now-closed registration form calling Muslims to attend event of Rahul Gandhi in the US. Source: Google Forms

A registration form urging Muslims living in different areas around New York to attend the event was being circulated on social media. The said form is different from what is being shared by the Indian Overseas Congress on the official website of Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the US.

Indian Overseas Congress’s official form inviting registration for Rahul Gandhi’s event. Source: IOC

In the said form, which has now been closed for registration, the list of persons whom people can contact for more information has raised concerns as it contains the names of people who have alleged links to anti-India activities. List of people and mosques that have called for the registration are Tazeem Ansari and Niaz Khan of Masjid Al-WALI/MCNJ North Edison Woodbridge TWP NJ, Jaweed Syed, Habeeb Siddiqui and Mir Quadri of Masjid MCMC South Edison/Piscataway / East Brunswick NJ, Mohammed Aslam and Minhaj Khan of ISCJ/MCGP South Brunswick/ Kendall Park/Princeton NJ, Aquil Mohammed and Nazeer Syed of Masjid Sadar Sayreville/Old Bridge NJ and Shaheen Khateeb and Hashir Qazi of  (Darul Islah) Teaneck NJ.

As of now, the registration from the controversial form has been closed.

Source: Google Forms

According to a detailed thread by the Twitter user and OSINT account Disinfo Lab, MCNJ is led by Imaam Jawad Ahmed, Project Director of Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) who is of Pakistani origin. Notably, ICNA is a radical Islamist organisation that has connections to Jamaat-e-Islami of Pakistan. They have glorified Islamic terrorists including Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin for his views on separating Kashmir from India. Not to forget, his sons were removed from government offices in 2021. Furthermore, his son Syed Shakeel Yousuf was arrested by the security agencies in India in a terror funding case in 2018. Salahuddin also had links with Mehraj-ud-Din, a suspect in the Kandahar plane hijack in 1999.

The second name highlighted by Disinfo Lab was Mohammed Aslam, who is a member of the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton (MCGP), a close partner of ICNA. The Twitter user highlighted that fronts like Justice For All operate under ICNA. Recently, OpIndia reported how ICNA was propagating Islam in prisons in the US and converting prisoners. Furthermore, they were found running fundraisers for distributing Islamic literature, hijab, and other Islamic items in the prison. ICNA is consistently indulged in anti-India activities and often posts anti-Hindu and anti-India statements on social media.

The third name that raised eyebrows was Minhaj Khan who is linked to the anti-India lobbying group Indian American Muslim Council or IAMC. OpIndia has covered IAMC and its anti-India activities in detail.

Disinfo Lab pointed out how IAMC’s Exec Dir Rasheed Ahmed is also the Executive Director of another Jamaat-affiliated organisation named Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA). During Covid, IMANA organised a fundraising campaign in the name of helping India and allegedly siphoned off the money. OpIndia did a detailed report on its dubious activities during the Covid pandemic in 2021.

IMANA has links to retired officers of the Pakistani Army and Naval officers. It also has connections to terrorist organisations including Juzbul Mujahideen and LeT.

Furthermore, in 2017, IMANA’s members, according to Disinfo Lab, have been members of the Muslim Brotherhood’s front Islamic Society of North America or ISNA. Notably, Canada Revenue Agency implicated ISNA Canada in 2017 for funding the charity wing of the terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

IAMC and Rahul Gandhi

Interestingly, this is not the first time IAMC has been linked to Rahul Gandhi. In March 2023, when Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from Lok Sabha following his conviction and sentencing of two years, IAMC came out in his support and called it proof of India being a ‘fascist’ nation.

IAMC issued a statement condemning the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha. In the statement, IAMC claimed that the defamation case against Gandhi was designed to harass and intimidate him. The organisation called his disqualification a “grave injustice and clear manifestation of the ruling party’s desperation to maintain its hold on power, decimate the opposition, and silence dissenting voices.”

IAMC and its dubious history

For the uninitiated, Rasheed Ahmed is the executive director of the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), a radical Islamist group that has alleged links with banned terror organisations such as the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and has a long history of lobbying against India.

The IAMC is a Jamat-e-Islami-backed lobbyist organisation claiming to be a rights advocacy group. In the past, it had reportedly collaborated with and even paid money to various groups in the USA to get India blacklisted by the USCIRF (United States Commission on International Religious Freedom). A detailed report by Disinfo Lab has exposed its links with the terror outfit Jamat-e-Islami.

IAMC founder Shaik Ubaid and member Abdul Malik Mujahid have headed the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), the US front for Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan. According to DisInfo Lab, ICNA has established links with Pakistan-based terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba. Rasheed Ahmed, who heads the IAMC currently, was the former executive director of the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA). IMANA’s Director of Operations is Zahid Mahmood, an ex-Pak Navy official.

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