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Father of woman who accused former Karnataka minister of sexual exploitation points fingers at DK Sivakumar, says Congress leader ‘pressurising her’

OpIndia Staff
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Father of woman who accused former Karnataka minister of sexual exploitation points fingers at DK Sivakumar, says Congress leader ‘pressurising her’

The father of the woman who accused former Karnataka Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi of sexual harassment held a press conference in Belagavi on Monday to give out details about his daughter’s whereabouts. Pinning the blame on Congress leader DK Shivakumar, the woman’s father alleged that she is under the leader’s custody and is being pressurized into giving statements, reported New Indian Express.

Lambasting the Congress leader, he said, “DK Shivakumar has sent our daughter to Goa by giving her some money. She is under his custody and speaking whatever she has been taught by him.”

Informing the reporters that his daughter has been held against her will, he requested the government to get her released and give them her custody.

The woman’s father is also not in favour of her daughter directly appearing before the court to record her statements. While speaking to the media, he said, “My daughter should not be made to appear before a judge now. Bring her home just for four days after she arrives in Bengaluru. Otherwise, the court should give her a four-day break before her statement is recorded. There are possibilities that she may not give the correct statement since she is under huge pressure now. She may talk as instructed by DK Shivakumar in the court.”

Raising suspicion as to why he wants his daughter to be home before appearing in court, he reiterated that he would not try to influence her daughter’s thoughts and it is only for her safety.

He clarified, “She needs to relax for some days. We, as parents, will counsel her to not speak anything under pressure. All the statements she made till now seem spoken under pressure. Therefore, the court should direct the police to go for parental counselling. The court may even instruct the cops to allow her to visit home for some days as she has been away for the past 20 days.”

“I am a retired soldier and I am capable of taking care of her. The political leaders are using my daughter as their puppet”, he added.

The family’s statement came after the reports of their daughter appearing before a judge to record her statement surfaced in media. The woman’s lawyer has moved an application of requisition before a magistrate court.

The woman’s inconsolable mother urged that she just wants her daughter back. She informed the media that her daughter was promised a job. “She told me four months ago that someone related to Shivakumar will get her the job”, she said.

After the woman’s alleged scandal clips started making rounds in media on March 2nd, she informed her mother over the phone that the videos were morphed and edited. Since then, she has not been in touch with the family as her phone has been taken away, the mother alleged.

The woman’s brother also alleged that his sister is acting as per DK Shivakumar’s order and being pressurized to issue statements. He said the video statements that have been released so far were all made under pressure.

The family said they had full faith in the police and judiciary system and that their daughter should be freed from the pressure and torture.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar rubbished all the allegations by the woman’s family and claimed he has nothing to do with the case. He demanded that the family should produce proof of the allegations made and give it to the police officers for investigation.

The woman in question had filed an FIR against former BJP leader Ramesh Jarkiholi at the Cubbon Park police station in Bengaluru in the sex CD scandal. She had filed a two-page complaint at the commissioner’s office through her advocate KM Jagadish alleging that she feared for her safety.

Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was Water Resources Minister in the Yediyurappa cabinet, resigned on March 3, a day after news channels aired videos of the alleged sex scandal. While Jarkiholi has repeatedly claimed his innocence and that the video was “fake”, the woman had accused him of sexually “using” her, cheating and threatening her after promising a government job.

In Nanded, A sword-wielding mob from Gurudwara attacks police after they were denied permission for Hola Mohalla: Here is what happened

OpIndia Staff
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In Nanded, A sword-wielding mob from Gurudwara attacks police after they were denied permission for Hola Mohalla: Here is what happened

On March 29, a mob of sword-wielding men attacked policemen at a Gurudwara in Nanded after they were refused permission for a religious procession on the day of Hola Mohalla amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

It has to be noted that there were restrictions imposed by the Maharashtra government on Holi, Rang Panchmi and other festivals amidst a rising number of Covid-19 cases in the state. In its orders, the state government had said, “The festival should be celebrated in a simple manner, observing social distancing norms and without coming together in any way given the increasing spread of COVID-19. Rang Panchami too should be celebrated in a simple manner.”

While Holi, a festival sacred to Hindus, passed quietly amidst the restrictions, Sikhs of Nanded wreaked havoc with swords.

A video is making rounds on the social media platforms in which mob could be seen at the Gurudwara raising slogans of “Jo Bole Sau Nihal”, breaking barricades and attacking the police officers present at the scene. At least 10 policemen, including the bodyguard of SP, Nanded, were injured.

Gurudwara Committee had promised to abide by directions, says Police

Superintendent of Police, Nanded, said that there was no permission to hold any procession due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He said, “Permission for Hola Mohalla wasn’t granted due to COVID-19. Reportedly, the Gurudwara committee was informed, and they said that they would do it inside the Gurudwara premises itself. But around 4 PM, when Nishan Sahib was brought to the gate, they started arguing, and 300-400 youth broke the gate and marched outside. Police personnel suffered injuries, and vehicles got damaged.”

Nanded Range DIG Nisar Tamboli said in a statement that one of the injured constables was in serious condition.

The violent mob also damaged several vehicles. Police have registered an FIR in the case against at least 200 people under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntary causing hurt with dangerous weapons), 188 (Disobeying the order of public servant), 269 (Negligent act likely to spread infection) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and for rioting. The probe is underway, and DIG said that those who are responsible would be arrested soon.

About Hola Mohalla and Nishan Sahib

Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival that falls around the Hindu festival of Holi. It takes place on the second day of the Lunar Month of Chett. The festival dates back to the 17th century when Guru Gobind Singh Ji added the element of military charge in the festival of Phalgun. The word ‘Hola’ is derived from ‘Halla’, which means military charge. The word ‘Mohalla’ means an army column. On the last day of the three-day festival, Sikh warriors, mainly Nihang Sikhs, showcase their martial capabilities. It is considered to be one of the most sacred festivals of the Sikh community.

Nishan Sahib is a triangular saffron-coloured flag that can be seen on every Gurudwara across the globe. It is hoisted on a steel pole covered with saffron-cloth. There is a Sikh symbol known as Khanda in the middle of the flag that is made out of a sword and a chakra.

The arrest of Khalistani supporter Sarabjeet Singh Kirat in Nanded

On February 9, 2021, a Khalistani supporter identified as Sarabjeet Singh Kirat was arrested by Maharashtra Police in a joint operation with Punjab CIB in Nanded.  An FIR was registered under Section 154 of CrPC against him. Punjab Police also arrested another accused, identified as Gurpinder Singh, with the help of Nanded Police. He was booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Rising number of Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra

Notably, the number of coronavirus cases is rapidly increasing in Maharashtra, and reports suggest that it may lead to a complete lockdown. CM Uddhav Thackeray had recently asked officials to prepare for a possible lockdown. On Monday, Maharashtra reported 31,643 new Covid-19 cases. 102 people lost their lives due to Covid related complications raising the tally of deaths to 54,283 in the state. A total of 27,45,518 cases have been reported so far in Maharashtra, with 3,36,584 active cases.

Liberals oppose Manipur order to control influx of illegals from Myanmar: How they’re itching to watch India go the US way and repeat past mistakes

K Bhattacharjee
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Liberals oppose Manipur order to control influx of illegals from Myanmar: How they’re itching to watch India go the US way and repeat past mistakes

The Manipur Government has issued an order to control the influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar into the state. The order includes directions that district administrations should not set up camps to provide food and shelter.

Simultaneously, the order also directs that civil society organisations should not be permitted to open camps for food and shelter. The order says that should people enter the country to take refuge, they should be politely turned away.

The order, ostensibly directed to prevent illegal immigration into India, has earned the criticism of liberals. Steps taken to ensure that illegal immigration does not become an issue in Manipur as well is being maligned.

There has been an influx of illegal immigrants into Manipur following the coup in Myanmar which has seen the use of force by the Burmese military to curb protests.

Congress supporter Saket Gokhale commented on the matter saying that “Shamelessness is an understatement”.

Liberals appear to have forgotten that illegal immigration has been a grave issue in North East India. In order to ensure stability within the country and fend off demographic instability, the Indian State has to adopt a hardline posture against the same.

While liberals brand it ‘inhumane’, the consequences of illegal immigration should the Indian Government not take effective measure will be even worse. Intriguingly, the same people oppose the CAA in Assam, a humanitarian law that seeks to fulfill India’s obligation towards Hindus in three neighbouring Islamic states.

Such people support the protests in Assam against the CAA citing illegal immigration but at the same time, they are supporting illegal immigration into Manipur from Myanmar. It is quite evident that logical consistency is not their forte.

The consequences of not adopting a hardline stance against illegal immigration is nowhere more evident than it is in the United States of America under the Biden administration. The Biden administration, for all means and purposes, has adopted a stance that amounts to an ‘Open Borders’ policy.

Consequently, the USA is faced with a situation where illegal immigrants are coming in numbers that the US system is not equipped to handle. Migrants, including children, have been kept under inhumane conditions, locked in extremely close proximity in detention centers.

Photographs that have emerged of the detention centers show crowded facilities with children being kept in cramped conditions. The lack of social distancing also raise concerns about the facilities providing convenient circumstances for greater transmission of the novel Coronavirus.

It is accepted that the border crisis has been facilitated by Joe Biden’s political posturing during the campaign. He promised to undo all Trump era policies geared towards curbing illegal immigration. In the White House, Biden has largely followed through on that promise. Now, people, who would have otherwise not ventured into the United States, are entering the country in droves.

Needless to say, no country can survive without borders and border security. Liberals may choose to delude themselves with fantasies but fact remains that a country has a limited amount of resources which it can allot to its citizens. Given India’s past struggles with illegal immigration, a fate much worse than USA awaits us if India does not act tough on the same.

There is a saying that goes ‘A stitch in time saves nine’. The Manipur order ought to be seen in that light. Failure to do the same in Assam has led to vast demographic shift in the state which has fueled great concerns for law and order.

The order by the Manipur government is only geared towards ensuring that illegal immigrants do not see circumstances in India that encourages more to follow suit. Offering food and shelter would be interpreted by most as an incentive for more illegal immigrants to follow suit. And given India’s situation, that is something we cannot afford.

As SC prepares to hear case against ex Kolkata top cop Rajeev Kumar, Saradha scam accused goes on 21 day leave: Details

Jhankar Mohta
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As SC prepares to hear case against ex Kolkata top cop Rajeev Kumar, Saradha scam accused goes on 21 day leave: Details

Apprehensive as the Supreme Court is likely to start hearing CBI’s custodial interrogation plea against ex-Kolkata top cop, Rajeev Kumar, any time soon, Mamata Banerjee’s close aide has gone on a 21 day earned leave, reports Times of India. For those unaware, Rajeev Kumar is the same cop for whom the TMC chief had broken all convention and sat on a dharna to shield him in February 2019.

Paid leave or earned leave is the time allowed away from work for holiday, illness, etc. during which you receive your normal salary.

According to the report by Times Now, Rajeev Kumar’s 21 earned leave began from March 16th, 2021. Kumar was the principal secretary, IT and electronics division of the state government when he proceeded to go on leave.

The CBI wants custodial interrogation of Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam case. In 2019, the CBI had issued a lookout notice against Mamata’s close aide, Rajeev Kumar, for his connection with the Saradha chit fund scam case to prevent him from leaving the country. The Saradha scam broke out into the open in 2013 when a Ponzi scheme run by the Saradha Group, a consortium of over 200 private companies, collapsed after collecting hundreds of crores from over 15 lakh investors.

In January 2019, the CBI had accused the West Bengal government of obstructing investigations into the scam, claiming that the government machinery has damaged all the evidence. The then Police Commissioner and head of the SIT investigating case, Rajeev Kumar was also accused of destroying the evidence of the Saradha scam.

Next month, in February, a CBI team had reached his residence for interrogation following which they were detained by the Kolkata police. Mamata Banerjee had come out in support of Rajeev Kumar alleging that the CBI is acting at the behest of Prime Minister Modi. Defying all decorum, she even held a dharna that had lasted for almost 72 hours in support of the cop who was being probed for destroying evidence.

Following this, the Supreme Court had ordered the investigation of Rajeev Kumar to be carried on outside the state. He was interrogated for days in Meghalaya’s Shillong along with some other accused in the case.

Mamata’s vehement refusal to let the CBI interrogate Rajeev Kumar and her subsequent theatrics only helped fan the speculations that the government machinery and police top brass were indeed hands in gloves in the numerous chit fund scams that have plagued the state in recent years.

After Cardi B was slammed for Grammy performance, rapper Lil Nas X criticised for Satan lap dance in music video, to sell shoes with blood drop

OpIndia Staff
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After Cardi B was slammed for Grammy performance, rapper Lil Nas X criticised for Satan lap dance in music video, to sell shoes with blood drop

Rapper Lil Nas X, famous for his international hit song “Old Town Road”, is being subject to an online firestorm in the wake of his “Montero” music video release on Friday. In the video, Lil Nas X is seen giving a raunchy lap dance to a CGI Satan (Shaitaan). On top of this, Lil Nas X is also selling sneakers titled “Satan Shoes” containing 60ccs of red ink, with a drop of genuine blood. Both of these instances have made the rapper a ripe target for criticism.

The “Montero” music video has gone viral, amassing more than 30 million views on YouTube since Friday. The video has been heavily criticized for its overt depictions of Satanism and sexual undertones. Lil Nas X himself has acknowledged these criticisms, choosing to fire back against them.

Critics of Lil Nas X focus on the fact that the rapper’s fanbase primarily consists of kids, due to the fact Lil Nas X’s viral hit “Old Town Road” was especially popular amongst kids. One particular critic posted a 2019 video of Lil Nas X performing Old Town Road for an audience of children, accusing “the system” of targeting kids. In response, Lil Nas X justified his music video, writing, “I am not gonna spend my entire career trying to cater to your children. that is your job.”

However, the comment by the rapper is at odds with his beliefs just over two months ago where, in a January 2021 interview with NPR, the rapper admitted that children were his core audience at the time and he was okay with that. The rapper is also selling a book targeted at children titled “C is for Country.” Lil Nas X has also made an appearance on The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo, a spinoff of the kid’s television show Sesame Street.

The rapper has also performed a virtual concert of the online game platform Roblox, drawing over 30 million visits to the online concert, According to Roblox itself, over half of its users are under the age of 13. Therefore, the criticism against him is not just limited to the supposed “outrageousness” of the music video he released but also consists of exposing his extremely young audience to mature themes like Satanism and LGBT sexuality. It is to be noted that Lil Nas X is an openly gay music artist.

Lil Nas X is also facing criticism for collaborating with a company named MSCHF in order to sell “Satan Shoes”. Producing exactly 666 pair of sneakers to sell, in line with “The Number of the Beast” according to the Christian Bible, the shoes also consists of a vial containing 60ccs of red ink, including a single drop of genuine blood. The shoe company Nike has already clarified that it is neither involved with designing the shoes nor endorses them.

Republican South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem lashed out against the sneakers in the form of a tweet. In her tweet, Noem wrote, “Our kids are being told that this kind of product is, not only okay, it’s “exclusive.” But do you know what’s more exclusive? Their God-given eternal soul. We are in a fight for the soul of our nation. We need to fight hard. And we need to fight smart. We have to win.”

In response, he wrote, “ur a whole governor and u on here tweeting about some damn shoes. do ur job!”

Recently, rapper Cardi B had come under severe criticism for a sexually explicit Grammy performance of her famous song ‘WAP’. Conservative activist Candace Owens called her a ‘cancel cell to culture’ which led to a huge online spat.

Cardi B subsequently deleted her tweets after she was accused of slander. They were also slapped with FCC complaints following the performance.

As Netizens trend #NoPropagandaHoli, here are 7 examples of when brands made the Hindu festival an excuse to peddle the liberal agenda

Akshita Bhadauria
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As Netizens trend #NoPropagandaHoli, here are 7 examples of when brands made the Hindu festival an excuse to peddle the liberal agenda

Every Hindu festival acts as fodder for brands to get creative and start negative portrayals with their so-called “awareness campaigns”. From wanting to appear as a responsible brand to spreading defamatory propaganda, Hindu festivals are conveniently used to get quick fame for advertising agencies, brands and celebrities.

Of late, these brands seem to suddenly become hyper-aware of their moral and societal responsibilities only around Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali. TV campaigns, social media campaigns, influencer campaigns- the brands fly in from your television screens, social media platforms, and newspapers to remind you to be a ‘good citizen’. How thoughtful!

However, this festive season, social media users have strongly opposed the virtue signaling by brands and ‘influencers’ centered around Holi.

Trending #NoPropagandaHoli

Twitter users started trending #NoPropagandaHoli just before the arrival of the festival.

So let us look at all the selective virtue signalling against Holi by different brands in the past that have people fed up and start trending #NoPropagandaHoli.

01. Surf Excel #RangLaayeSang

A TVC released by Surf Excel showed a young girl taking all the water balloon attacks in the colony till her friends run out of them. She then shields her Muslim friend to reach a mosque safely, without being attacked by the colors. The objective clearly was to paint Hindus as oppressors and Muslims as persecuted.

02. FBB #BuraNaKhelo

In an online video campaign, FBB in collaboration with digital sensation Mithila Palkar preached how one should stand against harassment. What starts as a jovial video, soon turns dark when Mithila says while hinting at eve-teasing on Holi, “par saath hi hogi thodi zor zabardasti, thodi ched chad, thodi manmaani”.

The video talks about standing up against harassment done in the garb of ‘Bura Na Mano, Holi Hai’. A simple message could have been done without portraying Holi as a festival that encourages eve-teasing.

03. Viviana Mall #NoHooliganism

Last Holi, Viviana Mall reminded us to be responsible and say no to hooliganism. The campaign poster shared on Instagram is supported with the caption, “The festival, which brings a wave of zest and zeal, has seen a rise of hooliganism that jeopardizes the safety of others. This year, let us pledge to celebrate Holi joyously, but responsibly.” A thoughtful campaign that should run not just on one single day but all around the year.

04. Reliance General Insurance #HoliNotHooliganism

Reliance General Insurance too through its campaign emphasized on harassment faced by women on Holi. In a social media campaign, the brand uploaded a series of posters about eve-teasing Holi with the caption, “Behind the joyous colors of holi lies an unfortunate reality. Press and hold to find out what it is. And pledge to ensure this year’s celebrations are truly happy and safe for us all. Happy Holi! #HoliNotHooliganism“.

05. Finolex Pipes

The brand in its digital campaign promoted a 10-second video that said, “Every drop you save, adds color to someone else’s life”.

06. Livpure #BinaPaniHoliManani

The fascinating tagline is supported with a video campaign where a few kids are seen stealing balloons from a shop. When confronted by the shopkeeper, they lecture the owner by saying they have done a good deed by stealing these balloons as it will prevent others from wasting water on Holi.

07. Bisleri Save Water

Bisleri in collaboration with Mumbai Dabbawalas crafted a campaign to spread awareness on playing waterless Holi. The dabbawalas were given Bisleri bottles with eco-friendly colors to deliver with the tiffin boxes that the Dabbawalas deliver across Mumbai. Bisleri representatives also gathered at different toll nakas to give away colors promoting waterless Holi.

Bisleri’s campaign with Mumbai dabbawala’s. Image source: Brand Equity

As if these awareness campaigns were not enough, the brands have taken it a step further to sexualize Hindu festivals as per their convenience.

While no untoward act targeted at women should go neglected, or natural resources should be used with utmost care and responsibility, using the agenda to malign a Hindu festival is worthy of condemnation.

Sanjay Raut takes a U-turn on Sachin Vaze after showering praises on him: Here is what he said

OpIndia Staff
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Sanjay Raut takes a U-turn on Sachin Vaze after showering praises on him: Here is what he said

Two weeks after hailing tainted cop Sachin Vaze as ‘honest and capable officer’, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut claimed that he had expressed his apprehensions about Vaze to party leaders during his reinstatement to the Maharashtra police force.

During a TV interview on Monday (March 29), the Shiv Sena leader said, “When there was plan to reinstate Sachin Waze into the Maharashtra police force, I had informed some leaders that he could create problems for us. His behaviour and style of working could lead to some troubles for the government.” He further added that he cannot name the party leaders but they are ‘well aware’ of the conversation.

Sanjay Raut said that he knew Sachin Waze as he had been a journalist for a long time. The Shiv Sena leader emphasised, “This whole incident of Waze’s activities and controversies thereafter taught a lesson to the MVA government. It was good in a way that it happened and taught us some lessons.” On being asked about Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray backing Sachin Vaze, Raut claimed that he was not aware of the tainted cop’s activities.

Sanjay Raut bats for Sachin Vaze

Earlier on March 14, Raut claimed that Sachin Vaze was a very honest and capable officer. “He has been arrested in connection with gelatin sticks that were found. One suspicious death also occurred. It’s Mumbai Police’s responsibility to investigate the matter. No central team was needed,” he claimed.

His statement on March 14 contradicts his current stance that he had informed party leaders of the potential trouble that Sachin Vaze could cause to the Maharashtra government. It must be mentioned that Sachin Vaze was reinstated at 4 a.m on June 6, 2020, after 16 years of suspension in a custodial death case. Sachin Vaze was arrested by the NIA on March 13 for his alleged role in planting the explosives-laden car outside Ambani’s house. He has been accused of planning Hiren Mansukh’s murder as well.

BBC, with history of anti-Hindu bias, attempts to take Hinduism out of Holi and Islamise the festival of colours: Details

OpIndia Staff
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BBC, with history of anti-Hindu bias, attempts to take Hinduism out of Holi and Islamise the festival of colours: Details

The “secular-liberal” media establishment, having attempted to ‘secularise’ every aspect of Hindu culture and traditions, are now trying not only trying to downplay the Hindu roots of ‘Holi’ but also have taken a step ahead to give an Islamic touch to the Hindu festival. At the forefront of it this time around is the BBC.

The British public broadcaster BBC took to social media to Islamise the Hindu festival. BBC Hindi shared an Islamic couplet by Baba Bullehshah to undermine the Hindu roots of the festival of colours.

The British broadcaster, however, did not stop there. BBC Hindu shared the lines of the poem ‘Aaj Rang Hai’ written by Amir Khusrau, a 12th-century Islamic court poet.

BBC Hindi also shared an article that questioned the Hindu roots of the festival. The article written by self-proclaimed historian Rana Safvi, titled, “Who said Holi is just a Hindu festival?” declared that Holi was not just a Hindu festival but also a tradition followed in the Mughal era.

A concerted attempt appears to be underway to Islamise all aspects of Hindu celebrations and appropriate Hindu festivals to downplay their cultural and religious linkage. After Diwali, the secular propagandists have now come for another Hindu festival – Holi.

BBC anti-Hindu bias

BBC has a long history of anti-India and anti-Hindu bias. Their coverage of the Delhi Riots garnered great condemnation from people across the board. Their coverage of Kashmir has also been extremely one sided against India in the past.

Only recently, BBC provided platform to a British writer to fuel the Sikh-Hindu divide. On another instance, a caller on one of its radio shows abused PM Modi and his mother in extremely foul language.

‘Love Jihad is a fact’, says Kerala Catholic Bishops Council’s spokesperson after Congress(M) leader’s statement

OpIndia Staff
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‘Love Jihad is a fact’, says Kerala Catholic Bishops Council’s spokesperson after Congress(M) leader’s statement

CPM and LDF are caught in a conundrum after LDF ally Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K Mani issued a statement on ‘Love Jihad’. In a TV interview, Mani stated, “Love jihad has again come up as an issue. Society has apprehensions about it. As the issue has emerged again, the apprehensions about it should be cleared.”

This statement has sparked controversy in the ruling left alliance just ahead of the Assembly election, reported the Indian Express.

To add to it, Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) has expressed its support to Jose K Mani, an ally for his statement on Love Jihad.

KCBC spokesperson, Fr Jacob, commenting on the issue demanded, “CPM and other major political parties should reveal their stance on the matter.” He added, “Love Jihad is a fact. I am happy about the practical response from Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K Mani”, as per a Mathrubhumi report.

Disgruntled with the Chief Minister’s denial of the existence of Love Jihad, he added, “The Chief Minister claims that Love Jihad does not exist. He is making such a statement over his political agenda. The church and the public are worried about Love Jihad. The government and political parties are bound to solve the issue.”

Clarifying his stance on willful inter-religion marriage, he said, “The church is not against marriage between people who belong to different religions. But the church opposes making someone forcefully follow a religion.”

Fr Jacob alleged that only Muslim League denies the existence of Love Jihad.

Jose Mani is contesting elections from Pala, a constituency that has a sizable chunk of Catholic votes. Jose is up against sitting legislator and NCP (Kerala) leader Mani C Kappan who enjoys mass following. However, the Catholic Church in Kerala has been consistently voicing against “love jihad”. They also have sought BJP’s support for the same.

While the other parties are silent on the issue, BJP in its manifesto released last week has promised to bring legislation to counter ‘Love Jihad’.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor attacked BJP on this issue and said that the BJP can only offer communalism, scare-mongering over ‘Love Jihad’ and hate-filled politics of division which will not succeed in a pluralist state like Kerala.

Kerala goes into voting on April 06 and the counting of votes will take place on May 02 along with Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, West Benagl and Assam.

People will be driven out of State if BJP comes to power: After audio of her pleading with BJP leader went viral, Mamata Banerjee resorts to fear-mongering

OpIndia Staff
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People will be driven out of State if BJP comes to power: After audio of her pleading with BJP leader went viral, Mamata Banerjee resorts to fear-mongering

Amidst the ongoing Assembly elections in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee resorted to fear-mongering during an election rally in Nandigram.

While addressing the public gathering, Mamata Banerjee said, “BJP ke vote dile apna ke desh theka tariya deba (If you vote for the BJP, then, they will drive you out of the State).” She claimed that BJP’s rise to power would result in ‘outsider goons’ taking over Bengal.

“Baira thaka goondara aisa bangla ke dhokhol kora nibe, Banglar sanskriti ke dhokhol kore nabe, banglar asthitya dhokhol kore nabe.(Goons from other States will come here and take over Bengal, destroy its culture and identity),” the incumbent West Bengal Chief Minister alleged. While drawing a contrast with the BJP, she claimed that voting for the TMC will result in in-home delivery of free ration.

Video Courtesy: Youtube/ABP Ananda

Furthermore, Mamata Banerjee lured voters by highlighting the government schemes, which are supposedly implemented by the Trinamool Congress-ruled State government. Her election rally in the Nandigram Vidhan Sabha constituency comes two days after an audio clip of her conversation with BJP district Vice-President Pralay Pal went viral online. She was heard pleading with the BJP leader to help her win elections and rescue the TMC, ahead of polling in Nandigram on April 1.

‘Outsider vs Bengali’ rhetorics of Mamata Banerjee

In a bid to rake up Bengali sentiments, the Trinamool Congress had attacked several BJP leaders by dubbing them as ‘outsiders’ in the land of Bengalis. In November last year, Mamata Banerjee urged people to ‘resist outsiders’. She remarked, “If some goons from outside come to our state and terrorise you, all of you should unite and resist them. I promise we will stand by you. We believe in peace. But few people come to the state only during the elections to terrorise others. We won’t allow them to have a free run here.”

In December last year, she again reignited the debate around ‘Bengali vs Outsider.’ She said, “Remember, BJP is not a party of Bengal but it is a party of Delhi and Gujarat. They should return to those states. Don’t trust the BJP or believe them. If you want to fight elections in Bengal, do it without bringing outsiders.” She continued to take potshots ahead of the election with ‘outsider jibe’ as well.

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