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WATCH: Rahul Gandhi remains mute when Christian priest teaching him about Jesus, insults Hindu deities, had earlier said ‘Bharat Mata can give scabies’

OpIndia Staff
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WATCH: Rahul Gandhi remains mute when Christian priest teaching him about Jesus, insults Hindu deities, had earlier said ‘Bharat Mata can give scabies’

On Friday (September 9), Congress scion Rahul Gandhi met a rabid anti-Hindu pastor, George Ponnaiah, as part of his ambitious mass mobilisation programme ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra.’

In a video that has now gone viral on social media, Rahul Gandhi was seen learning about Jesus Christ from the pastor. “But, He is not God? Or is he God? Jesus is also God?”

A man in the background was heard explaining how the connection between Jesus Christ and God using the different states of water. “It is Like water, which is in 3 states – solid, liquid and gaseous form.”

He then proceeded to explain that Jesus Christ is God and also the son of God. “So, Jesus Christ is a form of God?” inquired Rahul Gandhi.

At that point, Father George Ponnaiah intervened and claimed that Jesus is the ‘real God’, unlike ‘Sakthi & other Hindu gods. The rabid Hindu hater said, “He (Jesus Christ) is a real God, revealed as a human person. Not like Sakthi and all.”

Rahul Gandhi, who otherwise claims to be a janeu dhari Brahmin, remained a mute spectator to the direct insinuation by the Christian pastor that the Hindu deities are unreal and imaginary.

While the Congress party is making a last-ditch effort to turn its political fortunes through the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, it appeared ironic that the Gandhi dynast chose to meet a man who made despicable remarks about Bharat Mata and the Hindu civilisation.

Father George Ponnaiah and his anti-Hindu tirade

On July 18 last year, the controversial pastor insulted Bharat Mata by claiming that She is dirty and can cause scabies. During his public address in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, he mocked BJP candidate MR Gandhi for not wearing footwear out of respect for Mother Earth (Bhumadevi/Bharat Mata).

“But we wear shoes. Why? Because the impurities of Bharat Mata should not contaminate us. The Tamil Nadu government has given us free footwear. This bhuma devi is dangerous, you could catch scabies from it,” he brazened it out.

Father George Ponnaiah also issued veiled threats to the Hindu community about the changing demographics of the State. “We are now the majority (in the Kanyakumari district) from 42 per cent we have crossed 62 per cent. Soon we would be 70 per cent. You cannot stop us. I am saying this as a warning to my Hindu brothers.”

Following his vitriolic speech, about 330 representatives from various Hindu organisations filed complaints with the police in various districts of the state.

On July 21, 2021, Fr George Ponnaiah was booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different religious groups), 295A (outraging feelings by insulting religious beliefs), 505-2 (statements promoting enmity between classes), 506-1 (criminal intimidation).

He was eventually arrested on July 24 of that year by the Kanyakumari police for his hate speech. The Madras High Court also refused to quash the FIR against the Catholic priest for his offensive language against Bharat Mata and Hindus.

“The petitioner poked fun at those who walk barefoot out of reverence for Mother Earth. He stated that Christians wear shoes so that they won’t catch sources of infection and filth. Nothing can be more outrageous to the feelings of the believing Hindus”, the court observed.

In August last year, Christian priest Arumanai Stephen, the secretary of Arumanai Christian Association(ACA), was booked by the Tamil Nadu police for gang-raping a married woman and recording a video of the heinous crime.

Interestingly, Stephen had organised the hate speech event of Father George Ponnaiah in Kanyakumari.

Former RJD MLC Anwar Ahmed’s son Asfar manhandles DSP, was protesting to free one Sarfaraz who had attacked the police: Here is what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Former RJD MLC Anwar Ahmed’s son Asfar manhandles DSP, was protesting to free one Sarfaraz who had attacked the police: Here is what happened

Asfar Ahmed, son of former RJD MLC Anwar Ahmed and Ward 40 councillor, caused a commotion when he arrived at Pirbahor police station on Friday evening to free shopkeeper Sarfaraz in connection with an attack on police in Bihar’s capital Patna. In front of a half-dozen police officers, Asfar Ahmed also misbehaved with Town DSP Ashok Prasad Singh. Threatened him to take off his uniform.

On Thursday, locals attacked the police squad that went on a raid in front of Sabzibagh Dental College. By running on the road, the people on the scene beat up the cops. In this case, the DSP and Thanedar of the area went to the scene and arrested a local shopkeeper on suspicion, and took him to the police station. Following this, local ward councillor Asfar Ahmed went to the police station and began pressuring the officers to free the imprisoned merchant.

The matter escalated so much that late in the night, the road in front of the police station, Ashok Rajpath, was blocked by miscreants. The commotion lasted a long time. The police used force to disperse the mob during this time. The police continued to camp on the scene until late at night. Five police stations remained on the scene.

On Friday, the police apprehended another recognized suspect, including the ward councillor, as part of the attack on the police on Thursday, and have been preparing to send them to jail since late at night.

As soon as Asfar Ahmed was arrested, at about 9.30 p.m., several anti-social elements gathered outside the police station and violently closed the adjacent stores. The commotion then began by blocking the road. However, according to reports, Vajravahan and an additional police force arrived at the Pirbahor police station and used light force on the people who were causing a commotion by blocking the road and driving them away. Tension persisted inside and outside the police station until late at night.

Former RJD MLC threatened DSP

According to DSP, as soon as he learned of his son’s detention, former RJD MLC Anwar Ahmed arrived at the Pirbahor police station and began threatening the officers and constables present in a loud manner. During this time, the former MLC vowed to go to the ‘top’ if his son was not released. However, one of the former MLCs did not cooperate with the police, while another suspect caught with his son was taken to jail late at night by the police.

The former MLC was also held in the police station till late at night. He was eventually released. Although, while leaving the police station, the former RJD MLC stated that he had been sitting in the police station for hours gossiping. He denied all claims levelled against himself and his son. According to DSP Town Ashok Prasad, the police’s work has been hampered. Further action will be taken in this matter by registering the charges against the councillor.

At the same time, the DSP stated that the ward councillor who caused a commotion in the police station tore his own shirt and tried to blame it on the cops. This, however, his actions were recorded on the CCTV camera.

Former RJD MLC has manhandled policemen earlier also

In 2008, Anwar Ahmed was arrested by the Pirbahore police on the charge of manhandling a sub-inspector. Anwar Ahmed’s son had hit a motorcyclist and had a fight with the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist went to Pirbahore police station and informed the police about the incident. When the officer-on-duty and sub-inspector reached the spot, they were manhandled and beaten up by Anwar Ahmed.

After CBI, ED raids multiple properties of Punjab AAP MLA Jaswant Singh in connection with a Rs 40 crore bank scam, seize incriminating evidence

OpIndia Staff
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After CBI, ED raids multiple properties of Punjab AAP MLA Jaswant Singh in connection with a Rs 40 crore bank scam, seize incriminating evidence

The Enforcement Directorate Thursday, September 8, carried out simultaneous raids at multiple properties belonging to Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra and his associates. The raid was carried out in connection with the Rs 40 crore bank scam.

According to reports, the ED officials, accompanied by paramilitary forces, simultaneously started searches at different locations, including a hotel at Dhuri, a school and the residence of the Amargarh MLA in Gajjan Majra and Lasoi villages.

In the raid, the central agency seized Rs 32 lakh in cash, some mobile phones, hard drives and evidence related to shell companies that were used for siphoning off funds.

“Incriminating pieces of evidence were seized related to bogus firms through which turnover of Tara Corporation Limited (of which Jaswant Singh is one of the directors) was inflated and loan funds were diverted/siphoned off by the accused. Further, mobile phones, hard drives and Indian currency worth Rs 32 lakh were also seized from the searched premises,” the ED said in a statement.

CBI raids Aam Aadmi Party MLA Jaswant Singh, recovers 94 signed blank cheques

Prior to this, a CBI team on May 7, 2022, carried out raids at the properties linked to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA. During the searches, the CBI team recovered 94 blank cheques signed by different signatories and several Aadhar cards.

The searches were conducted in connection with the case against the Amargarh MLA over a complaint lodged by Bank of India, Ludhiana branch. 

The case was registered against Jaswant Singh, Tara Corporation Ltd (renamed as Malaudh Agro Ltd.) based at Gaunspura, Tehsil- Malerkotla, and others. The AAP MLA was a director and guarantor in the accused company. Jaswant Singh’s brothers Balwant Singh and Kulwant Singh, and nephew Tejinder Singh are also accused in the case.

Explaining the nature of the fraud, CBI spokesperson RC Joshi said, “The borrower firm was sanctioned loans at 4 intervals from 2011-2014 by the Bank. It was further alleged that the firm through its Directors had concealed hypothecated stock and diverted book debts with malafide and dishonest intention so that the same was not made available to the creditor Bank for inspection and for effecting recovery as a secured creditor. An alleged loss of Rs. 40.92 Crore(approx) was caused to the Bank.”

West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee gives a stern message to TMC MP Mahua Moitra, tells her not to get involved in party affairs beyond her constituency

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee gives a stern message to TMC MP Mahua Moitra, tells her not to get involved in party affairs beyond her constituency

Mahua Moitra, Lok Sabha MP of Trinamool Congress, is said to have received a serious warning from the party chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. According to reports, Mamata Banerjee asked her to exercise restraint when it comes to party organization matters outside of her own constituency.

The event took place on Thursday during a booth-level party workers’ gathering in Kolkata. The two appeared to be reviewing the party’s position in Moitra’s home region of Nadia. Nadia district houses assembly constituency Karimpur where Mahua Moitra had earlier won as an MLA in 2016. Currently, she is MP from the Lok Sabha constituency Krishnanagar where she secured a victory in the 2019 general elections.

In the booth-level workers’ meeting, Mamata Banerjee was heard saying, “Karimpur is no longer Mahua’s jurisdiction. It is under Abu Taher. He will look after it.” After saying this, Mamata Banerjee told Mahua Moitra, “You look after your Lok Sabha seat and (stick to) that area.”

Banerjee’s criticism of Moitra’s remarks is not new. Earlier she was seen reprimanding Mahua Moitra while she sat in the conference and silently nodded in a video that surfaced in December of last year of an internal administrative meeting. Mamata Banerjee had told Mahua Moitra, “Mahua, let me give you a clear message here. I do not believe in the politics of putting up a show on YouTube, paper, digital, etc.”

Mahua Moitra, who is known for being outspoken and unafraid to speak her thoughts, has frequently become embroiled in disputes with her own party leader. She also received harsh criticism from TMC for saying that the goddess shown in the movie Kaali’s poster was a “meat-eating, alcohol-accepting” deity, which put TMC in an unpleasant situation.

Meerut: Nazar Mohammad arrested over derogatory remarks on Hindu Gods, was friends with Pakistani nationals linked to terrorists

OpIndia Staff
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Meerut: Nazar Mohammad arrested over derogatory remarks on Hindu Gods, was friends with Pakistani nationals linked to terrorists

Nazar Mohammad alias Badshah, who lives in Kulimanpur hamlet of Bhavanpur police station region of Meerut district, was arrested and a case was filed against him by the police. The aforementioned action was done on his Facebook photo with a Pakistani man. The authorities have begun questioning him.

Connections found with Pakistani terrorists

Badshah alias Nazar Mohammad, a native of Kulimanpur village, had on Facebook written derogatory remarks about Hindu deities. In this case, once the Hindu organization’s members conveyed their objection, a complaint was filed against the accused, and he was arrested. However, the matter became more complicated when accused Nazar Mohammad’s Facebook page was searched. Some of these people were also discovered in his friend list, with links to Pakistani terrorists.

Nazar Mohammad
Image courtesy: Amar Ujala

ATS, STF, Intelligence, and Military Intelligence interrogated Nazar Mohammad

According to authorities, the man holding an AK-47 with Nazar is Ibrahim, a Peshawar, Pakistan native. Nazar has been living with him in Saudi Arabia for the past seven years. This photo was also shared by Nazar after Ibrahim uploaded it on Facebook. Nazar has been charged with inciting religious feelings by Bhavanpur Police. Following that, an intelligence team from the ATS, STF, and the Military Intelligence team arrived at the Bhavanpur police station and interrogated Nazar.

So far in the interrogation, it has come to light that Nazar Mohammed has worked in Saudi Arabia for seven years. He used to be a dumper driver in Saudi Arabia, and Ibrahim was his roommate.

In November 2021, Nazar Mohammed returned from Saudi Arabia. How many times did Nazar call Ibrahim after returning home, and what happened? Security agencies camped out in Bhavanpur at night to gather information. Nazar was asked who the Pakistani youths with Ibrahim are. According to Nazar, five to six people rent a room in Saudi Arabia. He was only familiar with Ibrahim.

The family claims that their son is innocent

The family claims that their son is not guilty. He has nothing to do with the Pakistani terrorists. Apart from the village, the police or other agencies can learn about the sight from the locals. Many of the village’s youth have left for Saudi Arabia. Pakistani youths also come to work there. During this time, Nazar spoke with Ibrahim.

Music streaming app Gaana becomes a subscription-only service after failing to secure fresh funds or find a buyer

OpIndia Staff
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Music streaming app Gaana becomes a subscription-only service after failing to secure fresh funds or find a buyer

Indian music streaming platform Gaana has said that it is changing to a subscription-only business model to prevent the company’s closure after being unable to obtain new funding or an acquirer. The Tencent-backed company’s decision was revealed by an email sent to some music partners of Gaana.

According to a report by Reuters, Gaana said in that email that it is ending the free music streaming service after talks with a potential acquirer did not succeed. Reportedly, Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel was the potential acquirer. However, Airtel has not given any comment on this.

In the email sent by Gaana’s head of content and partnerships, Sachin Kamble, said that the company could not bring in fresh investments and sought support for a new service model of paid subscriptions. Sachin Kamble wrote in the mail, “Now we are at a crossroads – wind down/find a way to continue … we have decided to give this another try. Hence, we have closed streaming for free users today and are moving to paid only model. We will need your support on this, or else we will have to shut down completely.”

However, Gaana CEO Sandeep Lodha refused the possibility of shutting down the business. In a message sent to the news agency Reuters, he wrote, “We are not shutting down.” Sachin Kamble did not give any remarks on this.

It is notable that in order to prevent opportunistic mergers during the COVID-19 epidemic, India has tightened the inspection of investments from nations with whom it shares a land border, particularly China, since 2020. A border dispute between China and India later that year led to a worsening of the crackdown, which has since prevented billions of dollars worth of investments from flowing into several industries, including the technology and auto sectors.

Gaana had struggled to obtain funds from investors, including China’s Tencent. In 2018, the Chinese technology and entertainment conglomerate Tencent made an investment of $115 million in Gaana. In 2021, Gaana had raised $40 million in debt from Tencent.

In 2020, the company was valued at more than $500 million. The app has more than 100 million users. With monthly rates beginning at Rs. 99 in the paid model, Gaana’s music app does not provide customers with free streaming from Friday 9th September 2022.

With the entry of multinational music streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music etc, the sector has become very competitive. The industry also has other Indian players like Airtel’s Wynk Music, JioSaavn etc which are backed by telecom players, making the scene extremely difficult for players like Gaana to survive.

Delhi University Teacher’s Association slams Kejriwal Govt over salary delays, asks Centre to take control of Institutes

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi University Teacher’s Association slams Kejriwal Govt over salary delays, asks Centre to take control of Institutes

The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) Friday accused the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, of not giving proper remuneration to the teachers due to budget cuts and also blamed it for appointing political activists as heads of the varsity’s governing bodies. The teacher association urged the Central government to take over colleges run by the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

Notably, all colleges that come under the umbrella of Delhi University are funded by the Delhi government.

A K Bhagi, the President of DUTA, alleged that “misgovernance” was pervasive in various Delhi government-run colleges. He also accused the AAP of politicising its governing bodies.

Speaking on the issue, Bhagi said, “Due to fund deficit, pay cut of teachers happening since last 2 years in 12 colleges under Delhi government. We’ve held demonstrations outside CM’s house, gone to the Deputy CM, nobody listened to us. We want the Central government to take these colleges under its wing.”

“There’s misgovernance in 20 more colleges under Delhi government. Governing bodies in those colleges have been politicized, AAP workers appointed as members,” AK Bhagi added.

Bhagi said the 12 colleges funded by the Delhi government faced a deficit of about 85 to 90 crores.

Students are also experiencing difficulties with basic amenities: President of Delhi University Teachers’ Association

DUTA president Bhagi noted that not only professors but even students were experiencing difficulties because basic services were not readily available on campus.

“Even the medical bills of the people are not being reimbursed, there is a problem in allowances. Not only teachers but students are also facing problems as there is no maintenance. Sometimes there is a problem of water, sometimes there is no electricity because the bills are not paid on time,” the DUTA president said.

He claimed that the Delhi government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, had nominated AAP members as heads of governing bodies rather than academicians.

“Deen Dayal Upadhyay College’s notice has come out, so it is being discussed. But the problem is with all the 12 colleges. Apart from this, there is also a governance problem in colleges despite the 95 per cent grant given by the UGC. In these colleges, the Delhi Government has appointed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) members as the head of the governing body, whereas there should have been an academician. There is tremendous misgovernance out there right now,” DUTA president Baghi stated.

Delhi University Teachers’ Association claims AAP Govt lying

Baghi added that they had submitted a memorandum on these issues with Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, who had then forwarded it to the Delhi government for a response. In its answer, the Kejriwal government supplied incorrect information about the money being given to teachers.

He also alleged that the Delhi government has been turning a deaf year to the issues the teacher and students have been facing.

“On July 16, we met the LG and gave him a memorandum. He immediately sent it to the Delhi government. But in response to this, misleading information was given by the Delhi government that the money has been given to the teachers. We took it again and went to the LG and he said that we are taking action on it. Several times we went to the CM’s house, where our memorandum is taken from the track, and no official even comes forward. We are continuously protesting about this issue but no one is ready to listen to our problems. So, we want that the central government should take over these colleges run under the Delhi government,” he added.

‘The true face of Kejriwal surfacing’, says academic council member

According to the DUTA president, the situation is dire, and the DDU college has received a notice for non-payment of power dues.

“Last month the Deen Dayal Upadhyay College received a notice from North Delhi Power Limited (NDPL) that they will cut the electricity if the bill is not paid. And now they are deducting the salary of assistant professors and associate professors. For the last five years, salaries were delayed but now they are deducting salaries. The DUTA delegation met the governor and he is also taking forward the issue. The current notice is only for the teaching staff but thinks if non-teaching staffs whose salaries are Rs 7000-8000 what will they do if they will not get the salary? The true face of Arvind Kejriwal is coming to the fore,” said Sunil Kumar Sharma, Academic Council Member, Delhi University.

Delhi University college under Delhi government forced to work for only 5 days due to lack of funds

Notably, recently it also came to the fore how the prestigious college of Delhi University are being forced to work for only 5 days. As per reports, the Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) college has cut down its operating hours to save electricity and keep costs down.

Delhi government spent ₹19 crores in ads for a loan given to 2 students

While colleges under the Delhi government are struggling for funds, last month, it came to light that the Delhi government spent ₹19 crores on advertisements for a scheme named ‘Delhi Higher Education and Skill Development Guarantee Scheme’ in 2020-2021, which benefitted only 2 students.

The AAP government launched the said scheme in 2015. The objective was to provide a loan facility of up to Rs 10 lakh to students in Delhi, studying in the 10th-12th standard, such that they can continue their education up to college.

In the financial year 2021-22, advertisements worth Rs 46,22,685 were given in print media and Rs 18,81,00,618 in television media. In all, Rs 19.27 crore was spent on advertising the scheme, while only two students benefited from the scheme during the financial year.

Uttar Pradesh: SP leader waiving black cloth blocks CM Yogi Adityanath’s car and chants slogans in support of Akhilesh Yadav, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: SP leader waiving black cloth blocks CM Yogi Adityanath’s car and chants slogans in support of Akhilesh Yadav, arrested

The Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday arrested a person named Ashish Mulayam for blocking the way of CM Yogi Adityanath in Jaunpur. Mulayam who calls himself a Samajwadi Party student leader, pushed himself in front of CM’s car while he was on his way to Purvanchal University and showcased black clothes. He registered his protest against the CM and also raised slogans in favor of SP leader Akhilesh Yadav.

According to the reports, CM Yogi Adityanath had gone to visit Umnath Singh Medical College located in Jaunpur. While he left the college after the survey, Ashish appeared in front of his car and shouted, “Akhilesh Yadav Zindabad”. The Police deployed at the spot took cognizance of the incident and arrested Mulayam.

CM Yogi Adityanath later also visited Purvanchal University and addressed the attendees. “The BJP govt is working sincerely towards the development of the state. Earlier there was huge corruption ongoing in the state. The previous governments had corruption in their genes. Uttar Pradesh today is also a riot-free state”, he said slamming the previous state governments led by Samajwadi Party.

The CM also added that properties of those found engaged in corruption would be attached and would be used for the development of the poor people of the state. “Before 2017, people used to cheat in the name of state development. Today there is no place for criminals in UP. Today, schemes worth Rs 258 crore are being inaugurated and the foundation stone of many projects is being laid. These projects are related to education, health, drinking water”, he added.

CM Yogi Adityanath in Jaunpur on Friday laid the foundation of 90 projects worth Rs 258 crore and inaugurated 26 other crucial projects. The student who protested against the CM and yelled, “Akhilesh Yadav Zindabad” has however been arrested by the Police.

‘We’re not fighting a political party, It’s between Indian state & opposition:’ Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

OpIndia Staff
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‘We’re not fighting a political party, It’s between Indian state & opposition:’ Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

The contemporary revered supreme figure of the Congress party and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi has once again stated that he is fighting against the Indian system rather than any political party. Rahul Gandhi stated during a media conference during his ‘Bharat Jodo yatra’ in Tamilnadu, “we’re not fighting anymore a political party. It’s now between the structure of the Indian state & opposition.”

Talking to the reporters, Rahul Gandhi further said, “As I’ve said, the BJP has taken control of all the institutions of this country. They have inserted most of their people in most of the institutions. They pressurize through these institutions. You know the role of the CBI, of the ED, of the Income Tax Department. You know how they deal with these things. So, we’re not fighting anymore a political party. We used to fight a political party. Now the fight is between the structure of the Indian state and the opposition.

“Everybody understands this. Now, this is not an easy fight. This is a difficult fight. Media is not with the opposition, not because you don’t want to be, but because you are under pressure, your owners have typical relationships,” Rahul Gandhi went on to add.

“Congress is fighting against the entire infrastructure of India”

This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi has made such a remark. Rahul Gandhi launched a direct assault on the centre, criticising it over democracy, unemployment, inflation, and a litany of other issues, after facing ED action in his suspected complicity in a money laundering case involving the National Herald in August of this year.

The Wayanad MP openly confessed that his party is attacking India’s whole infrastructure, alleging that the Centre has taken control of all democratic institutions in the country. Rahul Gandhi also accused the RSS of infiltrating the nation’s democratic institutions in what appeared to be an effort to win over the public’s sympathy for the Gandhi family’s alleged involvement in the National Herald money laundering case.

Kerala govt increases duty hours of transport workers from 8 hours to 12 hours as a condition of paying unpaid salaries

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala govt increases duty hours of transport workers from 8 hours to 12 hours as a condition of paying unpaid salaries

Leftists often raise their voices in the name of the welfare of poor workers, but the Communist government in Kerala has set a new benchmark for exploiting the workers as it extended the duty shift of the state transport workers from 8 hours to 12 hours. The Left government in Kerala forced the employees to accept the increased work hours in exchange of paying their unpaid salaries. It may be noted that the transport workers in Kerala are protesting for months over unpaid salaries.

The Communist government said that if workers don’t accept the 12 hour work day, their unpaid salaries will not be paid. As a result, the worker unions were forced to agree to the condition.

Around 25,000 employees of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) had been agitating for the past few months due to non-payment of salaries. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a meeting of KSRTC management and trade union leaders on Tuesday (September 5, 2022) to resolve the wage crisis caused by this agitation. After this meeting, the government ordered the release of the budget of 100 crores earmarked for the transport authority. Further, it also said that the remaining funds will be managed by KSRTC.

However, the government has put a condition for paying salaries in this order. The order said that the government is releasing this fund on the condition that the employees of state transport will have to do a single duty of 12 hours per day. Labour unions, including CPI(M) affiliated CITU, had been opposing the Kerala government’s move to increase the duty hours of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) employees from 8 hours to 12 hours. But as the communist government made it a condition for paying outstanding salaries to the transport workers, the labour unions were forced to accept the condition, as otherwise the employees would not be paid their salaries.

Reportedly, the Left government of Kerala wants to increase the duty of employees from 8 hours to 12 hours to run 1300 additional buses. It is being said that these buses are lying parked in the depot due to lack of staff. But, now these buses can be operated with the same number of workers if they work for 4 more hours a day. In fact, the Left government believes that increasing the duty hours of the employees, it can increase the revenue of the State Transport Corporation.

It is notable that when the central government introduced the new labor laws, the Left strongly opposed it. The Communist Party was also involved in this protest. On behalf of the Communist Party, it was said that these laws will increase the exploitation of workers. It should be noted that there is no provision in the labour law to make any worker work for more than 8 hours in a day.

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