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No, India Today, Katrina Kaif in yellow saree for Navratri is not offensive to Hindus, this is where you got it wrong

Jhankar Mohta
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No, India Today, Katrina Kaif in yellow saree for Navratri is not offensive to Hindus, this is where you got it wrong

Hindu festivals have lately emerged as the favourite punching bags for teaching morality and making fun of traditions. Recently, digital platform Eros Now took to social media to put up rather strange Navratri wishes, full of innuendos and vulgarity. After receiving severe backlash, the posts were taken down Eros Now issued an apology.

As hashtag #BoycottErosNow trended on Twitter, India Today quickly jumped in to give an impression that Eros Now is receiving hate on the internet by a section of ‘trolls’ for particularly using a film still, starring Katrina Kaif in a yellow saree. In an article headlined “BoycottErosNow trends online as Twitter outrages over Navratri post starring Katrina Kaif” dated, October 22, claimed that though Eros Now had also used pictures of other actresses, Twitterati particularly targeted the OTT platform for posting Katrina Kaif’s picture.

The article by India Today

India Today claimed that Eros Now had used the picture of various actresses including, Sonakshi Sinha, Kangana Ranaut, Deepika Padukone and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Katrina Kaif with an intention to suggest colours and fashion advice to their followers on social media for Navratri. Without being explicit and spelling it out, India Today insinuated that Eros Now was facing the heat because they chose to have Katrina Kaif, a Muslim woman, in one of the Navratri posts. It tried to imply that while there were no objections raised against any other picture, it was only Katrina’s image Eros Now tweeted which attracted the ire of the Hindus on social media.

Excerpt from India Today’s article

Very cleverly, India Today shared images of Eros Now’s account of other actresses, trying to show how the images of Hindu actresses wishing for Navratri did not get the ire.

However, India Today’s shallow attempt trying to be holier than thou was far from reality. Here is what really upset the Hindus.

The social media outrage was not because the OTT platform used the picture of a Muslim actress draped in a yellow saree, but because of the sexual innuendos and vulgar text which were attached to the posts. The social media users objected to the use of images of the actress wearing skimpy outfits and to the sexually suggestive texts attached to the pictures.

India Today with its selective amnesia did not see that people had objected to two other social media posts by Eros Now too.

One of the now-deleted posts features Ranveer Singh alongside the quote, “Let’s have some majama in my pajama”.

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Majama in my pajama’ post

The other image was that of Salman Khan alongside the quote, “You need a dandi to play dandiya – I have one”.

Salman Khan talking about his ‘dandi’

So, India Today, how come you did not see these two posts? Why should reducing the festival of praying to divine feminine to that of lust and innuendos not offend Hindus, whom you refer to as trolls? Just because Hindus do not take to streets to behead people for mocking their religion, is everything thrown at them halal?

UP: Police find conversion of over 200 people to Buddhism fake, people were asked to sign conversion papers disguised as govt scheme

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Police find conversion of over 200 people to Buddhism fake, people were asked to sign conversion papers disguised as govt scheme

Yet another conspiracy has been revealed against the Yogi Adityanath led BJP Government in Uttar Pradesh. Recently, there were reports that 236 people belonging to Valmiki community embraced Buddhism as they were facing financial constrain and oppression. It was also alleged that the infamous Hathras case was the turning point that led to their conversion. However, now it has come to light that the whole matter could be a not-so-well-planned conspiracy against Yogi Government. After a local BJP MLA called it fake news, the administration investigated the case and found out that the whole case was a fake. There was no evidence of conversion, and they could not find any certificate or registration number that can prove conversion.

The case of mass conversion

On 14th October, reports alleged that 50 Dalit families comprising 236 people embraced Buddhism as they were fed up with the financial constraints and oppression. The alleged conversion took place in Karehra village of the Sahibabad police station area. It was also alleged that every one of them even got a certificate of conversion.

Complaint filed by Montu Valmiki

A resident of the same area, Montu Valmiki, had registered a case in the police station on the matter. In his complaint, he said that the whole story of conversion is an attempt to create disharmony in society by spreading false rumours. When the police investigated the case, they found that there was a criminal conspiracy. It was found that the people were presented papers on the pretext of government schemes, but later it was said that those were conversion papers.

ADM City Shailendra Singh visited the location with SP City on the instructions of the District Magistrate. He could not find any evidence of conversion. In the investigation report, he mentioned that there were no signs of conversion, and he could not locate any registration number. SP City said that the names and numbers on the certificated did not match, and some people had blank papers. He added that they had received a memorandum from the people of the Valmiki community, and their problems will be solved soon.

Allegations on Aam Aadmi Party

Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party is playing dirty politics in the region. BJP MLA Nandkishore Gurjar has alleged that there was no conversion and the rumors are false. He also alleged that nexus between ISI and Dawood Ibrahim is hatching a conspiracy in the country to instigate instability and communal riots. He also alleged that one Pawan was paid Rs.10 lakh for the conversion.

Lucknow: Jama Mazar caretaker ‘Kale Baba’ caught running sex racket, video goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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Lucknow: Jama Mazar caretaker ‘Kale Baba’ caught running sex racket, video goes viral

In a shocking incident in Lucknow, a Mazar caretaker was arrested yesterday for allegedly running a sex racket. As per a report of News 18, the caretaker of Jama Mazar situated at Hussainabad in Thakurganj area of Lucknow named ‘Kale Baba’ allegedly used to sexually exploit women in the name of treatment.

The local people had reportedly been receiving complaints regarding some suspicious activities taking place in the Mazar. Some of the locals caught a woman and a man in an objectionable condition in a room adjacent to the Mazar. They recorded the incident on cameras. A video of the so-called ‘Kale Baba’ being caught by locals and the illicit activities being run in an adjoining room has gone viral on social media.

(Disclaimer: Explicit video, reader discretion advised)

The locals handed over Kale Baba to the police. He has been arrested and an investigation has been initiated against him by the police as informed by ACP Chowk IP Singh. During interrogation, the Baba allegedly confessed that he used to treat women for issues like infertility and leukorrhea. He said that he used to force women into the sex racket in the name of treatment.

Meghalaya: Khasi student body puts up racist posters saying “All Meghalaya Bengalis are Bangladeshis”

OpIndia Staff
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Meghalaya: Khasi student body puts up racist posters saying “All Meghalaya Bengalis are Bangladeshis”

A tense situation prevailed in parts of Meghalaya after several posters targeting Bengalis appeared in Shillong and various other parts of the state on Wednesday. According to the reports, Khasi Students’ Union, which is an influential students’ body in Meghalaya, put up banners referring to all Bengalis in the state as ‘Bangladeshis’.

The banners put up by KSU in various parts of Shillong, read, “All Meghalaya Bengalis are Bangladeshis” and “Khasiland for Khasis; Foreigners Go Away”.

However, the Meghalaya Police brought down the banners on Wednesday and warned people against putting such racist posters targeting Bengali population in the state. The Police said legal action would be initiated against those trying to “incite communal disharmony”.

“It is hereby informed that banners that were displayed today in public places, have been removed. We request all concerned to kindly co-operate with us in promoting peace and harmony in the State,” Meghalaya Police tweeted.

Assistant IGP, GK Iangrai, said that the KSU should refrain from activities that negate the social fabric and legal action shall be taken against anyone trying to incite communal disharmony in any form.

Meanwhile, defending his organisation’s action, KSU chief Lambok Marngar said, “The display of banners in Shillong and other parts of the state was intended to send a message to trouble-mongers who were trying to mislead the country and create hate especially on the Ichamati issue.”

“Those claiming to be residents of Shillong but living in Kolkata and other places are giving false statements that Khasis are targeting non-tribals and they have organised protests in Kolkata and Silchar,” Marngar added.

Posters were put up to mourn the death of KSU member during Ichamati clashes

Putting up posters, the students’ body also mourned the death of one of its members during the clashes that erupted during the anti-CAA protests in the Bengali-dominated Ichamati village along the India-Bangladesh border in February. The Ichamati clash which occurred on February led to the death of Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) member Lurshai Hynniewta.

Following the death of Hynniewta, several non-tribals were allegedly stabbed to death in different parts of the state. The Ichamati incident was raked up after allegations of institutionalised harassment of non-tribal women and children were made against the tribals in reaction to the death of KSU member.

The Bengali population had written a letter to the NCPCR and Governor Satya Pal Malik alleging harassment of by locals in Ichamati, which increased KSU’s resentment against Bengali population.

Later, the state government, in its response to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), had claimed that no cases of harassment of Ichamati residents, particularly women and children, were found.

Ban KSU, it is an anti-national terrorist organisation, says former governor

The racist banners put up by Khasi Students’ Union has now stoked a massive controversy, prompting various leaders from Bengal to demand that the organisation be designated as a “terrorist outfit”.

Former Governor of Meghalaya Tathagata Roy said, “I say this taking full responsibility as ex-Governor of Meghalaya: KSU needs to be banned just like HNLC. It is an anti-national terrorist organisation, threatening Indian citizens, some of whom are residents of Meghalaya since British times. Like my family on both sides.”

Non-tribals in tribal dominant states in North-East such as Meghalaya have been suffering immense discrimination and are often the victims of hate crimes. In July this year, six non-tribal youths were injured grievously in Meghalaya on Friday after they were attacked by unidentified goons.

The incident had occurred after the boys, all between the age of 20 and 24, went to play basketball in Shillong. They were attacked by a group of around 20 individuals, allegedly tribals, who were armed with iron rods and sticks.

CM Yogi distributes relief amount of Rs 113.21 crore among the flood-affected farmers in Uttar Pradesh

OpIndia Staff
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CM Yogi distributes relief amount of Rs 113.21 crore among the flood-affected farmers in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath distributed a relief amount of Rs 113.21 crore to the flood-affected farmers in 19 districts in the state through online transaction yesterday. He assured that the state government is working on trying to find more permanent solutions to the problem.

A plan is being chalked out to address the problem. Until that happens, timely action will be taken in the flood-prone areas as per the existing norms as is currently being done, he assured. Around 3,48,511 have received the relief amount. The money was transferred online directly to the farmers.

CM Yogi stated that the state government is working on a mission mode to prevent serious flood situations and the needed infrastructure development work is progressing well. He also emphasized that the officials deployed in flood-affected regions have been instructed to ensure that effective distribution of relief material, medicines and conveyance facilities like boats are in place to help the common people.

CM Yogi addressed the farmers

Addressing farmers from his residence, the Chief Minister said that District Magistrates had been given directions to ensure that the farmers should not be exploited and that they receive appropriate prices for their crops. He said that the relief amount is minuscule as compared the hard work of farmers but this shows the government’s commitment towards the interests of farmers. He also interacted with several farmers and listened to their issues regarding flood. The farmers expressed pleasure on receiving the relief amount.

Earlier this month, CM Yogi has laid down the foundation of 177 development projects in Gorakhpur which include a fertiliser plant which is expected to be completed next year. The plant is expected to create around four thousand jobs and will also ensure an adequate supply of fertiliser to the farmers.

UP Police Sub-Inspector Intesar Ali suspended for keeping beard without permission

OpIndia Staff
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UP Police Sub-Inspector Intesar Ali suspended for keeping beard without permission

An Uttar Pradesh police sub-inspector (SI) named Intesar Ali was reportedly suspended after he grew a beard without seeking permission from the department. Ali was warned many times to either shave the beard or seek the requisite permission. Ali did not take permission and continued to keep the beard.

According to SP Baghpat Abhishek Singh, police personnel are allowed to keep a beard but, except Sikhs, they need to take the required permission. He told that Ali was asked to take permission twice but he did not comply. Ali was consequently suspended for violating the rules of the department.

“If any police personnel want to keep a beard, he has to seek permission for the same. Intesar Ali was repeatedly asked to seek permission but he did not comply and kept the beard without permission,” the SP said.

Read- Why Muslims are not allowed to keep long beard in the armed forces

Although beards are not allowed without permission for cops in UP police, there is an incentive for growing moustaches. Personnel of the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) are paid Rs 250 per month for maintaining moustaches, which was raised from Rs 50 per month earlier in 2019.

Ali says he sought the permission

SI Ali is a resident of Saharanpur. He had joined the Uttar Pradesh police as Sub Inspector and was posted in the Baghpat district for three years. He was posted in Ramala police station before the lockdown. Ali has claimed that he had been seeking the permission to keep beard since 2019 but the department did not grant him permission till date.

‘Mughal Prince Tucy’ lashes out on AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, calls him ‘Bewakoof, and Gadha’

OpIndia Staff
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‘Mughal Prince Tucy’ lashes out on AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, calls him ‘Bewakoof, and Gadha’

Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy alias Prince Tucy, who claims to be the descendant of Bahadur Shah Zafar, seems to be extremely miffed with Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao and AIMIM’s chief Asaduddin Owaisi for the miseries Hyderabad has been left to grapple with, in the aftermath of the incessant rains in the last few days.

Raising concerns over the damages the recent Hyderabad floods have caused, especially in the old city, ripping it worth thousands of crores and leaving several people dead, Tucy lambasted at the political stalwarts for turning a blind eye towards the state which has voted them to power.

Prince Tucy lambastes at “Joker” Asaduddin Owaisi, referring to him as “bewakoof and gadha” (foolish) and slams him for showing more interest in the politics of Bihar instead of concentrating on Hyderabad. “Bewakoof…gadhe, aise waqt jab awaam ke paas pani nahi hain peene ku tu apni siyasat chala raha hain.. Bihar mein logo ko ja kar samjha raha hain…mein awaam se kahun ga yeh jab dikhe ise chappal se mare” (You fool, at the time when your people in Hyderabad do not even have water to drink, you are busy doing politics in Bihar… I urge the people of Hyderabad that whenever they encounter him they should hit him with a chappal), lashed out Prince Tucy.

He said that the main purpose behind him releasing a statement is to draw the government’s attention towards the adversities the one and a half hours of rain has thrown the city into. He said that several colonies in the older parts of the city were inundated following the heavy rains. He said that it been 8 days, but the government has done little to help the affected. It is appalling that in these 8 days, CM KCR has not bothered to release even one statement, he has only sent his son KT Rama Rao (Minister for Municipal Administration in Telangana government) to inspect few areas, opined Tucy.

In a no-holds-barred attack, Prince Tucy asked: “Is it for this day that the people of Hyderabad picked up KCR from the footpath and placed him on the CM’s seat”? Are you here just to get snaps clicked at the “joker’s” daughter’s wedding? Was it for this day that you were made the CM, lambasted Prince Tucy.

Hyderabad floods

For the last few days, Hyderabad has been bettering heavy rains which left several parts of the city flooded. Frightening visuals showed vehicles being swept away as streets got submerged in water, and massive downpour caused huge damage in the state capital and nearby areas. Disturbing visuals emerged showing people on their rooftops after floodwater entered their houses.

On Thursday, the state government said that 50 people had lost their lives due to heavy rain and flash floods and early estimates showed losses at around Rs 6,000 crore. While Telangana is the hardest-hit by floods, neighbouring states – Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka – have also been affected.

Karnataka HC grants bail to Congress MLA’s relative Naveen who was accused of ‘blasphemy’ by Islamic mobs for Facebook comment

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka HC grants bail to Congress MLA’s relative Naveen who was accused of ‘blasphemy’ by Islamic mobs for Facebook comment

P Naveen, the relative of sitting Congress MLA from Pulikeshinagar Akhanda Srinivas Murthy, has been granted bail by the Karnataka High Court as reported by Live Law. Naveen was booked under sections 153A and 295A of the Indian Penal Code and section 67 of the Information Technology Act over his alleged derogatory comment regarding Prophet Mohammed on Facebook. His bail plea was rejected earlier this month by Additional City Civil and Sessions court.

While accepting his bail application, the court observed that the petitioner could not be refused bail merely on the ground that there was threat to his life, as was contended by the Special Public Prosecutor, as this would indirectly affect his fundamental right.

Justice BA Patil, before whom Naveen’s bail application has come up, noted in the bail order, “I am of the considered opinion that the apprehension of the Special Public Prosecutor that if he is released on bail there is a threat to the life of petitioner himself and it may create unrest in the society can be taken care off by imposing some stringent conditions. Merely on the ground that there is a threat to the life of petitioner if the bail application of the petitioner is rejected, it would indirectly affect the fundamental right of the petitioner, when the only allegation against the petitioner is that he has posted some derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammed in his Facebook account and subsequently the same has been withdrawn”.

Public prosecutor blames Naveen for Islamist mob violence in Bengaluru

Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar had contended before the court that Naveen had posted the remarks on Facebook to create unrest in the society. Holding Naveen responsible for the violence unleashed on the streets of Bengaluru following his alleged post, the SPP said that petitioner has created a disturbance in the locality and that there was a “commotion” in which two police stations and 57 vehicles were set on fire and many more properties and vehicles were damaged. Declaring Naveen a habitual offender, the SPP urged the court not to grant him bail as there was enough prima facie material available against him.

Background of the Case

Bengaluru had witnessed horrific riots in the month of August where thousands of violent Islamists had attacked the MLA’s residence and the police stations in DJ Halli and KG Halli. Around 60 police personnel were injured in the violence unleashed by Islamist mobs on the streets of Bengaluru and many vehicles were torched. During the investigation, Naveen had reportedly said that he often responds to anti-Hindu posts on social media and that he was being targeted for protecting the interests of Hindus on social media. Naveen had received death threats on social media after his alleged post.

Is Modi govt giving Coronavirus vaccines for ‘free’ only to Bihar? No, that’s not how it works

OpIndia Staff
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Is Modi govt giving Coronavirus vaccines for ‘free’ only to Bihar? No, that’s not how it works

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday while releasing the BJP manifesto in Bihar for upcoming elections said that the BJP promises free coronavirus vaccines in Bihar, whenever the vaccine is made available.

The remarks by the senior BJP leader did not go down too well with some and called the move of not promising ‘free vaccine to all’ as ‘cruel’.

Furthering her rant, Singh wondered what is the use of PMCARES fund.

Well, since the ‘journalist’ does not really like to keep herself updated, the vaccine development in India is actually backed by PMCARES fund.

Pro-Congress trolls then got the wheels of their fertile imagination rolling and started wondering when will the vaccine be made available to them depending on election schedule of states.

That this conversation was had in full seriousness baffles one.

Similarly, other trolls immediately put out a message to chief ministers of non-BJP states to figure out a way to make vaccines free for citizens.

However, that is not the case. Here is how vaccination works in India:

Vaccination is state subject

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya took to Twitter to clarify that vaccination is a state subject.

He explained that like all other immunisation programmes, the Centre will provide vaccines to states at nominal rate. This will include BJP-ruled and non-BJP ruled states. Then it is up to the states to charge for vaccines or not. Health is a state subject and should BJP come to power in Bihar, they have promised to make the vaccine free. Similarly, non-BJP ruled states like Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal can choose to either make vaccines free for all or charge its citizens for the same.

This could be compared to the Shramik Special trains ferried amid the lockdown for stranded migrant workers and others who wanted to go to their home state. The Indian Railways had charged nominally from the respective state governments for running the trains. It was then up to the state governments whether to recover the fare from migrant workers for journey on Shramik Special trains.

In essence, no, Bihar is not getting special treatment from Centre ahead of elections. Centre will give vaccine, whenever it is developed, to all states at nominal price and the state governments will decide whether to make it free or charge people for the same.

West Bengal: TMC workers attack BJP workers with lathis in Bardhaman for taking out a rally in support of farm bills

OpIndia Staff
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West Bengal: TMC workers attack BJP workers with lathis in Bardhaman for taking out a rally in support of farm bills

On Wednesday, workers of Trinamool Congress brutally thrashed BJP workers at Purbasthali in Bardhaman district of West Bengal for organising a rally in support of newly enacted farm laws.

According to the reports, the BJP workers had organised a rally in support of agriculture sector laws passed by the Modi government in the last parliament session. As BJP workers took out a rally, the TMC workers attacked them with lathis, leaving many BJP workers and leaders injured.

The video of the incident has gone viral on social media platforms. In the video, it can be seen how TMC workers unleashed attacks on BJP workers with sticks. Several people with injuries were seen lying on the roads.

Senior BJP leader Bipul Das and other senior party workers have been injured. The West Bengal police reached the spot after getting the information about the incident. The injured have been admitted to the hospital for treatment. 

The attack on BJP workers at Bardhaman district comes weeks after Trinamool party workers, after joining hands with West Bengal police had unleashed violence on BJP workers for protesting against Mamata Banerjee-led government.

WB police mercilessly beat up BJYM and BJP workers, TMC goons join in 

On October 8, the West Bengal Police had carried out lathi-charge against BJYM and BJP workers on the streets of Kolkata for protesting against the political murders in Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal. The social media platforms were flooded with disturbing visuals of the violence that erupted during the ‘Nabanno Chalo’ rally organised by the BJYM at Kolkata as BJP karyakartas.

Acting on the behest of the state government, the West Bengal Police came down heavily on the BJP karyakartas by raining lathis and using tear gas at them. Shockingly, the Trinamool party workers too joined the violence against the BJP workers.

The goons allegedly associated with the TMC attempted to disrupt the peaceful rally and attacked the BJP workers. Crude bombs were hurled and the protesting karyakartas were subjected to ‘chemical liquid attacks’ as well.

We had reported pictures of the WB government’s excesses on the BJP and BJYM karyakartas. As per sources OpIndia spoke to, 450 karyakartas of the BJP had been arrested and over a thousand were injured during the crackdown on the ‘Nabanno Chalo’ protest by the BJYM.

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